JP4530128B2 - Endoscope and endoscope system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope and an endoscope system including the endoscope.

  2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope system is used to image a state in a narrow space such as a body cavity such as an esophagus or trachea of a human body (hereinafter referred to as cranke) or a mechanical device such as an engine. Such an endoscope system has an endoscope as a portion that enters the narrow space as described above. This endoscope is composed of a lens barrel that holds a lens, an imaging device, and the like, and these are all housed in a diameter size about the thickness of a finger.

  In many cases, external light does not reach the body cavity and the inside of the mechanical device. For this reason, when imaging, it is necessary to illuminate the imaging region. As a configuration of an endoscope for illuminating the imaging region, there is a configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, an illumination unit is provided so that light can be emitted from the distal end of the endoscope, and an imaging unit for imaging an imaging region illuminated by the illumination unit is also provided. It has been. Here, in this configuration, the illumination unit and the imaging unit are provided in a separate and independent state, and the illumination unit is provided so as to be adjacent to the imaging unit.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-311744 (see FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6)

  The above-described endoscope needs to facilitate entry into a narrow space, and it is necessary not to give damage and discomfort to the organs of cranke such as the esophagus and trachea. Also in a mechanical device, it is necessary to prevent entry into a narrow space and damage to the inside of the mechanical device. Therefore, there is a strong demand for downsizing the endoscope.

  However, in the configuration of the endoscope described in Patent Document 1 described above, since the imaging unit and the illumination unit are provided in a separate and independent state, there is a problem that the outer diameter size is necessarily increased. is doing.

  The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope and an endoscope system capable of reducing the outer diameter.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides:
A light emitter that emits illumination light to the outside, a reflected light that is reflected from an imaging region irradiated with the illumination light, a lens group that forms an image of the reflected light, and an image formed by the lens group And an imaging device that converts the reflected light into an electrical signal, a cylindrical member is provided so as to cover the lens group, and all or a part of the cylindrical member emits light from the light emitter. A light guide for guiding the illumination light emitted to the outside is provided, and the lens group is provided in a first lens that condenses the reflected light and a condensing portion that is condensed by the first lens. At least a second lens is provided, and the second lens is provided with a smaller diameter than the first lens so as to correspond to the condensing portion, and the first lens and the second lens are cylindrical in appearance. Made of material that does not transmit illumination light Is housed inside the tubular member in a state of being accommodated inside the inner holding cylinder has, on the outer peripheral surface side corresponding to the inner condensing portion of the inner holding cylinder, the other of the outer peripheral surface of the inner holding cylinder The hollow part which is depressed rather than the site | part is provided, a light-emitting body is arrange | positioned at this hollow part, and the image pick-up element is arrange | positioned at the opening part of the one end side of the said inner side holding | maintenance cylinder .

In such a configuration, the illumination light emitted from the light emitter is introduced into the light guide unit and irradiated onto the irradiation site. Thereby, the reflected light reflected from the irradiated part is incident on the lens group and imaged on the surface of the image sensor. This image is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor and transmitted through the cable member. Based on this electrical signal, the image data can be displayed by an external display means.
In addition, the light emitter is disposed in a recessed portion on the outer peripheral surface side corresponding to the light condensing portion of the inner holding cylinder where the second lens is disposed. Thus, since the light emitter is disposed in the recessed portion of the inner holding cylinder, it is possible to prevent the light emitter from protruding to the outer diameter side. Therefore, the outer diameter of the inner holding cylinder and the outer holding cylinder arranged outside the light emitter can be reduced, and the outer diameter of the endoscope can be reduced. Thereby, the damage and discomfort given to each organ of the human body can be reduced.

  In such a configuration, all or part of the cylindrical member covering the lens group is used as a light guide for guiding the illumination light to the outside. For this reason, as compared with the conventional case where the illumination unit and the imaging unit are arranged in a separate and independent state, only the space for the imaging unit is required, and space can be saved. Become. Therefore, the damage and uncomfortable feeling given to each organ of the human body can be reduced.

  According to another invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the outer peripheral surface of the light guide section is covered with a light shielding member that prevents the illumination light from leaking to the outside.

  In such a configuration, the illumination light generated by the light emitter passes through the light guide unit, but the illumination light is prevented from leaking to the outside by the light shielding member during the passage. Thereby, while preventing the illumination light from being weakened, the illumination light can travel inside the light guide portion and can be reliably guided to the irradiation site.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described inventions, in another invention, the cylindrical member is further provided with an incident portion having an incident angle suitable for incident illumination light emitted from the light emitter, The illumination light incident from the incident part travels straight inside the light guide part or repeats reflection, and is emitted outward from the emission end face of the light guide part.

  In such a configuration, the illumination light generated by the light emitter is incident from the incident portion and travels inside the light guide portion. Inside the light guide portion, the illumination light travels while being reflected between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface, and is emitted from the emission end surface to the irradiation site. Therefore, the illumination light generated by the light emitter is reliably incident on the light guide unit and is reliably guided to the emission part.

  In another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the incident portion is provided in a protruding portion that protrudes toward the inner diameter side of the cylindrical member. In the case of such a configuration, it becomes easy to enter illumination light generated by the light emitter. Thereby, it is possible to further prevent the illumination light from being weakened, and it is possible to more reliably guide the irradiation site through the light guide portion.

  Furthermore, in addition to each of the above-described inventions, the other invention further includes a second cylindrical member connected to the cylindrical member in a row on the same central axis as the inner holding cylinder. A circuit unit is disposed, and the circuit unit is electrically connected to the light emitter and the image sensor, and the circuit unit analyzes an electrical signal output from the image sensor and converts it into an electrical signal corresponding to the image data. And a light emission control circuit for controlling light emission from the light emitter.

  When configured in this way, the circuit unit is not arranged on the outer diameter side of the inner holding cylinder inside the endoscope, and the second cylinder is in a state of being the same central axis as the inner holding cylinder. It arrange | positions inside a shaped member. Therefore, even when the circuit unit is arranged inside the endoscope, it is possible to prevent the outer diameter of the endoscope from being increased. Further, in the image analysis circuit provided in the circuit unit, the light imaged on the surface of the image sensor can be converted into an electrical signal corresponding to the image data. Further, in the light emission control circuit included in the circuit unit, the light emission of the light emitter is controlled based on the operation of an external operation button or the like.

In another aspect of the invention, a light emitter that emits illumination light toward the outside, a reflected light reflected from an imaging region irradiated with the illumination light, and a lens group that forms an image of the reflected light; In an endoscope comprising an imaging device that converts light imaged by the lens group into an electrical signal, a cylindrical member is provided so as to cover the lens group, and all or part of the cylindrical member Is provided with a light guide for guiding the illumination light emitted from the light emitter to the outside, and the imaging element is formed of a non-transparent material and shields the illumination light emitted from the light emitter. The lens group is held by the element holder, and the lens group is formed of a material that does not transmit illumination light, and the external appearance is housed in a cylindrical inner holding cylinder. The imaging element holder and the imaging element are provided on the inner holding cylinder. Located inside Both the imaging element holder, in the state of closing the inner holding cylinder, is disposed between the imaging element and the light emitting element, in which it was decided.

In such a configuration, the illumination light emitted from the light emitter is introduced into the light guide unit and irradiated onto the irradiation site. Thereby, the reflected light reflected from the irradiated part is incident on the lens group and imaged on the surface of the image sensor. This image is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor and transmitted through the cable member. Based on this electrical signal, the image data can be displayed by an external display means.
Further, an image sensor holder made of a non-transparent material is disposed between the light emitter and the image sensor. The image sensor holder is attached in a state in which one end side of the inner holding cylinder formed from a non-transparent material is closed. As a result, the image sensor is reliably shielded from light from the light emitter, and illumination light can be prevented from entering the image sensor.

  Moreover, it becomes possible to arrange | position a light-emitting body on the same straight line as an image pick-up element and an image pick-up element holder. Thereby, it can prevent that a light-emitting body protrudes to the outer diameter side, and can reduce the outer diameter of an endoscope. Furthermore, there is no need to avoid illumination light generated by the light emitter, and the degree of freedom in adopting the arrangement and size of the light emitter can be improved.

Furthermore, another invention includes a light emitter that emits illumination light toward the outside, and a lens group that receives reflected light reflected from an imaging region irradiated with the illumination light and forms an image of the reflected light, and In an endoscope comprising an imaging device that converts light imaged by the lens group into an electrical signal, a cylindrical member is provided so as to cover the lens group, and all or part of the cylindrical member Is provided with a light guide for guiding the illumination light emitted from the light emitter to the outside, and the imaging element is formed of a non-transparent material and shields the illumination light emitted from the light emitter. The image pickup element holder and the image pickup element are held in the element holder, and are arranged inside the cylindrical member. Illumination light enters the inside of the cylindrical member from the light guide portion into the cylindrical member. The second shading member to prevent Together are kicked, the image pickup element holder, in the state of closing the interior of the tubular member, are disposed between the imaging element and the light emitting element, in which it was decided.

In such a configuration , the illumination light emitted from the light emitter is introduced into the light guide unit and irradiated onto the irradiation site. Thereby, the reflected light reflected from the irradiated part is incident on the lens group and imaged on the surface of the image sensor. This image is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor and transmitted through the cable member. Based on this electrical signal, the image data can be displayed by an external display means.
Further, an image sensor holder made of a non-transparent material is disposed between the light emitter and the image sensor. The image sensor holder is attached in a state where one end side of the cylindrical member having the second light shielding member attached therein is closed. Thereby, the image sensor is reliably shielded from light from the light emitter. That is, it is possible to prevent the illumination light from entering from the opening close to the light emitter in the cylindrical member, and to prevent the illumination light from entering the imaging element. it can.

  Moreover, it becomes possible to arrange | position a light-emitting body on the same straight line as an image pick-up element and an image pick-up element holder. Thereby, it can prevent that a light-emitting body protrudes to the outer diameter side, and can reduce the outer diameter of an endoscope. Furthermore, there is no need to avoid illumination light generated by the light emitter, and the degree of freedom in adopting the arrangement and size of the light emitter can be improved.

  According to another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the cylindrical member is connected to a holding portion, and the holding portion is connected to at least one of the external display means and the operating means via a cable member. Connected. In such a configuration, the tubular member and the holding portion are directly connected. For this reason, the total length of the endoscope can be shortened, and the damage and uncomfortable feeling given to each organ of the crank can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in another invention, in addition to the above-described invention, a throttle part having an outer diameter smaller than that of the other part of the cylindrical member is provided in a part of the cylindrical member on the holding part side. In addition, the holding portion has one end side pressing portion that presses the light emitter from one end side, the aperture portion has the other end side pressing portion that presses the light emitter from the other end side, It is supposed to be sandwiched between the one end side pressing portion and the other end side pressing portion.

  When comprised in this way, a light-emitting body is clamped between the one end side pressing part and the other end side pressing part. For this reason, a light-emitting body can be hold | maintained reliably. In addition, since the light emitter is pressed by the other end side pressing portion of the diaphragm portion whose outer diameter is smaller than that of the other portion of the cylindrical member, a configuration in which one light emitter is arranged at the center in the radial direction of the endoscope It becomes. For this reason, the number of light emitters can be reduced.

  In another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the central axis of the light guide unit and the central axis of the lens group coincide with each other. When configured in this way, the outer diameter of the endoscope does not take up extra space in the radial direction as compared with the case where the central axis of the light guide section and the central axis of the lens group do not match. Can be reduced.

  Furthermore, another invention includes an endoscope according to each of the above-described inventions, a cable member connected to the endoscope at one end side, and the other end side connected to the cable member. Operation means for giving an instruction for operating the cable member, and display means for displaying image data formed by analyzing an electric signal converted by the image pickup device by an image analysis circuit are provided.

  When configured in this manner, the image data captured by the above-described endoscope can be displayed on the display means. In addition, as compared with the conventional case where the illumination unit and the imaging unit are arranged in a separate and independent state, only the space for the imaging unit is required, and space saving can be achieved. . Therefore, the damage and uncomfortable feeling given to each organ of the human body can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, the outer diameter of the endoscope can be reduced.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an endoscope and an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of the endoscope system 10, and FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the endoscope 40 in the endoscope system 10. FIG. 3 is a front view of the endoscope 40.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 10 includes an external unit 20, a flexible cable portion 30, and an endoscope 40. Among these, the external unit 20 includes a monitor unit 21 as a display unit, and an image captured by the endoscope 40 is displayed on the monitor unit 21. The external unit 20 is provided with a grip portion 22. The grip part 22 is a part that the operator holds. The operator can view the monitor unit 21 and perform various operations while holding the grip unit 22.

  The grip portion 22 is provided with operation means (not shown) such as operation buttons for the operator to perform various operations. When the operator operates this operation means, for example, illumination light can be emitted from a light emitter 90 described later, or the flexible cable portion 30 described later can be deformed.

  The grip unit 22 has a battery 23 built therein. The battery 23 is a power source for operating the monitor unit 21 and the endoscope 40 described above.

  The external unit 20 is provided with a cable connection portion 24. The cable connecting portion 24 is a portion to which a flexible cable portion 30 described later is connected. The cable connection portion 24 includes, for example, a connection interface, and can connect a connection terminal (not shown) existing on one end side of the flexible cable portion 30. However, a fixed configuration in which the flexible cable portion 30 cannot be attached to and detached from the cable connection portion 24 may be adopted.

  The external unit 20 is provided with an operation button (not shown) corresponding to the operation of the operator. The external unit 20 is provided with a connector portion (not shown), and an external connection device can be connected to the connector portion. Examples of externally connected devices include a data storage device for recording image data captured by the endoscope 40 and a printing device for printing an image displayed on the monitor unit 21.

  Moreover, the flexible cable part 30 is a part corresponding to a cable member, and can be flexibly deformed. The flexible cable portion 30 has a large number of bending pieces (not shown). The bending pieces are provided so as to be continuous with each other, and are attached to the adjacent bending pieces so as to be rotatable. In addition, after the bending piece is rotated, the inclined angle in the rotated state is maintained by friction generated between adjacent bending pieces. In FIG. 2, the bending piece is omitted and the flexible cable portion 30 is shown in a substantially tube shape.

  In addition, the flexible cable part 30 is not restricted to the structure which uses a bending piece as mentioned above. Examples of the configuration other than using the bending piece include a configuration using a polymer resin that has flexibility and can maintain the shape. Further, there is a configuration using a spiral tubular member formed by spirally winding a thin strip-shaped metal elastic thin plate.

  An insertion hole 31 is provided in the flexible cable portion 30 in which a plurality of the above-mentioned bending pieces are continuous so as to penetrate the center. That is, a hole (not shown) is also provided at the center of the radial direction in the bending piece constituting the flexible cable portion 30. Various wirings 32 for supplying power to the endoscope 40 and transmitting image data captured by the endoscope 40 to the external unit 20 are inserted into the insertion hole 31. . A flexible tube 33 (see FIG. 1) is provided on the outer peripheral side of the flexible cable portion 30 so as to cover the wiring 32 and a bending piece (not shown).

  The endoscope 40 has a holding part 41 as shown in FIG. The holding portion 41 has a small diameter at one end 41a (a portion on the right side of the holding portion 41 in FIG. 2) and a large diameter on the other end 41b (a portion on the left side of the holding portion 41 in FIG. 2). It is formed as follows. Among these, the small diameter one end portion 41 a is connected to the above-described flexible cable portion 30. The large-diameter other end portion 41b is connected to a joint ring 50 described later.

  In the following description, the one end side means the right side in FIG. The other end side refers to the left side in FIG. In the present embodiment, a thread groove is formed in the other end portion 41b.

  An insertion hole 42 that communicates with the above-described insertion hole 31 is formed inside the holding portion 41. The insertion hole 42 communicates with a cup hole 43 that is also provided inside the holding portion 41. The cup hole 43 is larger in diameter than the insertion hole 42. Note that a bottom surface portion 44 is provided in a boundary portion between the cup hole 43 and the insertion hole 42.

  The cup hole 43 is provided with a large-diameter hole 45. The large-diameter hole 45 is provided with a larger diameter than the other part of the cup hole 43. The large-diameter hole 45 is in contact with a fitting portion 51a described later. A receiving portion 46 is provided at a boundary portion between the large-diameter hole portion 45 and the cup hole 43.

  Further, a joint ring 50 as a second cylindrical member is connected to the other end portion of the holding portion 41. The joint ring 50 is cylindrical in appearance, and has a fitting portion 51a on one end side thereof. The outer diameter of the fitting part 51 a is provided to be smaller than the outer diameter of the other part of the joint ring 50. A screw groove is formed on the outer wall surface of the fitting portion 51a. Therefore, the holding portion 41 and the joint ring 50 are connected to mesh with the thread groove formed in the other end portion 41b. Further, the other end portion of the joint ring 50 is also provided with a fitting portion 51b similar to the fitting portion 51a described above. The fitting portion 51b is connected to a screw groove formed on one end side of an insertion hole 62 of the outer holding cylinder 60 described later.

  An insertion hole 52 is also provided inside the joint ring 50. In the present embodiment, since the outer surface of the fitting portion 51 a contacts the inner surface of the large-diameter hole portion 45, the insertion hole 52 is provided with a smaller diameter than the large-diameter hole portion 45 described above. However, in the present embodiment, the insertion hole 52 is provided to have a larger diameter than the cup holes 43 other than the large diameter hole portion 45. A circuit portion 53 is provided inside the insertion hole 52. In FIG. 2, a pair of circuit portions 53 are arranged inside the insertion hole 52.

  The circuit unit 53 is provided with a light emission control circuit (not shown) connected to a light emitter 90 described later via a wiring 32. The circuit unit 53 is also provided with an image analysis circuit (not shown) for analyzing an electrical signal output from the image sensor 80 described later and converting it into a color image. The circuit portion 53 is connected to the other end side of the wiring 32 that has passed through the insertion hole 52 described above. Further, one end side of the wiring 32 is connected to the circuit unit 53.

  An outer holding cylinder 60 as a cylindrical member is connected to the other end side of the joint ring 50. The outer holding cylinder 60 is also provided with an insertion hole 62 that communicates with the insertion hole 52 described above. In addition, since the outer surface of the fitting part 51 b contacts the inner surface of the insertion hole 62, the diameter of the insertion hole 62 is provided to be larger than that of the insertion hole 52 described above. A thread groove (not shown) that meshes with the thread groove formed in the fitting portion 51b is formed on one end side of the insertion hole 62. The joint ring 50 and the outer holding cylinder 60 are connected by engaging both of these thread grooves.

  In addition, a throttle hole 63 is provided inside the outer holding cylinder 60. As shown in FIG. 2, the throttle hole 63 is a portion provided to have a smaller diameter than the insertion hole 62. In order to form the throttle hole 63, the outer holding cylinder 60 is provided with a protruding portion 64 that protrudes toward the inner diameter side of the outer holding cylinder 60. The protruding portion 64 is provided at a predetermined position closer to the other end portion 60 b than the intermediate point along the central axis L of the endoscope 40.

  Further, in the protrusion 64, the boundary portion between the insertion hole 62 and the throttle hole 63 is a surface portion whose surface is directed rearward from the surface parallel to the center line L, that is, in the right direction (one end side). Part 65 is formed. A light emitter 90 to be described later is disposed in the incident portion 65. In other words, the incident portion 65 is a portion where illumination light is incident. In the present embodiment, the end surface of the incident portion 65 is substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the illumination light. Therefore, the incident part 65 has an angle suitable for incidence of illumination light. However, the end face of the incident portion 65 is not limited to a configuration that is substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the illumination light. If the incident surface has an incident angle suitable for the incidence of the illumination light, the inclination angle is any. Such an angle may be used. For example, it is good also as the incident part 65A shown with a dashed line in the drawing.

  Further, the other end hole 66 is provided on the other end side of the inside of the outer holding cylinder 60 with respect to the throttle hole 63. The other end hole 66 is formed to have a larger diameter than the throttle hole 63 but has a smaller diameter than the insertion hole 62 described above.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the entire material of the outer holding cylinder 60 is one acrylic resin as a transparent member. In other words, in the present embodiment, the outer holding cylinder 60 functions as a light guide part (hereinafter referred to as a light guide part 60a as shown in FIG. 3) as a whole. Therefore, the illumination light generated by the light emitter 90 described later is guided to the emission site by the outer holding cylinder 60. The emission part is an end face located on the other end side of the outer holding cylinder 60.

  The material of the outer holding cylinder 60 is not limited to acrylic resin as long as the illumination light generated by the light emitter 90 can be guided well. Examples of the material other than the acrylic resin include ABS resin and polycarbonate.

  The outer peripheral surface of the outer holding cylinder 60 is covered with a light shielding film 61 as a light shielding member. That is, the entire outer peripheral surface of the outer holding cylinder 60 as the light guide 60 a is covered with the light shielding film 61. The light shielding film 61 is provided to prevent the illumination light from escaping to the outside of the outer holding cylinder 60 and to allow the illumination light to travel inside the outer holding cylinder 60 by reflection. In order to appropriately cause such reflection, the material of the light shielding film 61 is, for example, a thin metal foil member.

  In addition, the material of the light shielding film 61 is not limited to a metal foil-like member as long as the illumination light is appropriately reflected on the outer peripheral surface of the outer holding cylinder 60 that is a boundary surface, and various materials can be applied. . For example, the outer peripheral surface of the outer holding cylinder 60 may be painted black.

  Further, an inner holding cylinder 70 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is arranged inside the outer holding cylinder 60. The inner holding cylinder 70 is disposed so as to straddle the insertion hole 62, the throttle hole 63, and the other end hole 66 described above. The inner holding cylinder 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose both ends are open. The inner holding cylinder 70 is formed of a material that does not transmit illumination light (for example, non-transparent resin). Thereby, stray light is prevented from stray in the inner holding cylinder 71 having lenses 74 and 75 described later. In the following description, the hollow portion inside the inner holding cylinder 70 is referred to as an inner cylinder portion 71.

  In the inner holding cylinder 70, a recessed portion 72 that is recessed from other portions is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction. Due to the presence of the hollow portion 72, the inner cylinder portion 71 side of the portion where the hollow portion 72 exists is provided to have a smaller diameter than the other portions of the inner cylinder portion 71. In the following description, an inner portion corresponding to the recessed portion 72 in the inner cylinder portion 71 is referred to as a lens attachment portion 73.

  The lens attachment portion 73 is provided with a second lens 75 described later. Further, in the present embodiment, the inner holding cylinder 70 is provided such that the outer diameter is smaller on one end side than on the other end side. Further, when the inner holding cylinder 70 is attached in a state where the first lens 74 described later is held, the other end hole 66 is closed by the inner holding cylinder 70 and the first lens 74.

  In the present embodiment, two lenses constituting the lens group (hereinafter referred to as a first lens 74 and a second lens 75 as necessary) are arranged inside the inner holding cylinder 70. ing. Among these, the 1st lens 74 is arrange | positioned in the opening part of the other end side among the inner side holding | maintenance cylinders 70. FIG. Further, the second lens 75 is disposed in the lens mounting portion 73 described above. The second lens 75 corresponds to the second lens provided in the condensing part, and is provided in the condensing part of the first lens 74 that condenses the reflected light.

  In addition, an imaging element 80 is disposed in an opening portion on one end side of the inner holding cylinder 70. Note that a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is used as the image sensor 80. The light that has passed through the second lens 75 is imaged on the surface of the image sensor 80. The image sensor 80 converts the image (light) into an electrical signal. The image sensor 80 is held by the image sensor holder 81. The image sensor holder 81 is held on the inner wall of the outer holding cylinder 60 by support legs (not shown).

  In addition, wiring (not shown) is connected to the image sensor 80. This wiring is connected to the circuit unit 53 described above. In the present embodiment, the electrical signal transmitted through the wiring is subjected to predetermined processing by the image analysis circuit of the circuit unit 53. However, it is also possible to simply connect and relay to the above-described wiring 32 without providing such an image analysis circuit.

  In addition, a light emitter 90 is disposed in a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner holding cylinder 70 where the above-described hollow portion 72 exists. The light emitter 90 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and is connected to the light emission control circuit of the circuit unit 53 via the wiring 91. That is, when a controlled current flows through the LED through the wiring 91, the LED included in the light emitter 90 emits light. As shown in FIG. 2, the shape of the light emitter 90 is substantially elliptical. In addition, the light emitter 90 is disposed in contact with the incident portion 65 described above.

  In the present embodiment, two light emitters 90 are arranged along the radial direction of the inner cylindrical portion 71. However, the number of the light emitters 90 is not limited to two, and any number may be provided as long as the number is two or more. Further, only one light emitter 90 may be provided.

  The dimensions of the endoscope 40 described above will be described below. In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the endoscope 40 is approximately 6 mm, the inner diameter of the insertion hole 62 of the outer holding cylinder 60 is approximately 5 mm, and the inner diameter of the other end hole 66 of the outer holding cylinder 60 is approximately 4 mm. . Further, the dimension from the top of the convex portion of the lens of the first lens 74 to the bottom 44 is approximately 25 mm.

  When the endoscope system 10 having the above-described configuration is used, the endoscope 40 is inserted from a body cavity such as the mouth of the subject to be examined, and passed through the esophagus of the subject to be examined, to the examination target portion such as the stomach. Can be reached. In this case, the light emitting body 90 is caused to emit light, and the endoscope 40 is advanced deep inside the body while illuminating the traveling direction of the endoscope 40. When the light emitter 90 is caused to emit light, the operator can irradiate illumination light from the light emitter 90 by operating the operating means.

  When illumination light is irradiated from the light emitter 90, it is possible to image the front portion of the endoscope 40. That is, the light emitted from the light emitter 90 is reflected at a predetermined site in the body. The reflected light generated by the reflection sequentially passes through the first lens 74 and the second lens 75. Then, the reflected light that has passed through the second lens 75 enters the image sensor 80. The reflected light incident on the image sensor 80 is almost focused by the second lens 75.

  The reflected light incident on the image sensor 80 is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor 80. Then, this electric signal is converted into an electric signal related to predetermined video data (for example, color video) by the image analysis circuit. The electrical signal related to the video data converted by the image analysis circuit is transmitted again to the monitor unit 21 via the wiring 32 and the like, and an image corresponding to the electrical signal is displayed on the display screen of the monitor unit 21. Then, the operator can check the inside of the stomach or the like while looking at the display screen.

  Further, the operator can deform the flexible cable portion 30 by operating the operation means. And the deformation | transformation of this flexible cable part 30 can change the direction of the endoscope 40, and can examine the circumference | surroundings where the said endoscope 40 is provided.

  The same operation as described above is performed not only in the body of the crank but also when the endoscope 40 is inserted into a mechanical device such as an engine cylinder.

  In the endoscope 40 having such a configuration and the endoscope system 10 using the endoscope 40, the entire outer holding cylinder 60 is utilized as a light guide section 60a for guiding illumination light. For this reason, as compared with the conventional case where the illumination unit and the imaging unit are arranged in a separate and independent state, it is possible to reduce the space for the illumination unit. Space saving can be achieved. Therefore, the damage and uncomfortable feeling given to each organ in the body of the crunch can be reduced.

  The outer holding cylinder 60 as the light guide 60 a is formed of a transparent member, and the outer peripheral surface of the outer holding cylinder 60 is covered with a light shielding film 61. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the illumination light generated by the light emitter 90 from leaking outside by the light shielding film 61 when passing through the outer holding cylinder 60. As a result, the illumination light can be reliably guided to the irradiation site without weakening the illumination light when passing through the outer holding cylinder 60.

  Further, the outer holding tube 60 is provided with an incident portion 65, and the incident portion 65 has an incident angle suitable for incident illumination light. Therefore, the illumination light generated by the light emitter 90 is incident from the incident portion 65, travels while being reflected between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the outer holding cylinder 60, and is emitted from the emission end surface to the irradiation site. The Therefore, the illumination light generated by the light emitter 90 can be reliably guided to the emission site.

  Further, the incident portion 65 is provided on the protruding portion 64 of the outer holding cylinder 60. For this reason, compared with the case where the protrusion part 64 does not exist, it becomes easy to inject the illumination light produced with the light-emitting body 90. FIG. Thereby, it is possible to make the illumination light enter the inside of the outer holding cylinder 60 while reducing the reflection of the illumination light, and it is possible to guide the irradiation site more reliably through the outer holding cylinder 60.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the inner holding cylinder 70 is disposed inside the outer holding cylinder 60, and the inner holding cylinder 70 is provided with a recess portion 72, and the light emitter 90 is provided with the recess portion 72. Are arranged. For this reason, it can prevent that the light-emitting body 90 is accommodated in the hollow part 72, and protrudes to an outer diameter side. Accordingly, the outer diameter of the inner holding cylinder 70 and the outer holding cylinder 60 disposed outside the light emitter 90 can be reduced, and the outer diameter of the endoscope 40 can be reduced. Thereby, the damage and uncomfortable feeling given to each organ of the cranke can be reduced.

  The recessed portion 72 is provided at a portion where the second lens 75 is smaller than the diameter of the first lens 74, that is, at a location where a diameter difference from the first lens 74 of the second lens 75 occurs. It has been. In the present embodiment, the first lens 74 and the second lens 75 are held in the inner holding cylinder 70, but the first lens 74 and the second lens 75 are directly held in the outer holding cylinder 60. May be. In this case, the light emitting unit 90 is disposed at a location where a diameter difference between the first lens 74 and the second lens 75 is generated. Then, in order to prevent the light from the light emitting unit 90 from entering the image sensor 80, a treatment such as attaching a light shielding film to the inner peripheral surface of the outer holding cylinder 60 is performed except for a portion serving as an incident portion. Further, the light emitting unit 90 is also shielded so that light other than that incident on the incident unit 65 does not enter the image sensor 80.

  In addition, a circuit unit 53 is provided inside the endoscope 40, and the circuit unit 53 is arranged in a line along the same central axis L as the inner holding cylinder 70. Thereby, even when the circuit unit 53 is disposed inside the endoscope 40, it is possible to prevent the outer diameter of the endoscope 40 from being increased. Further, in the image analysis circuit provided in the circuit unit 53, the light imaged on the surface of the image sensor 80 can be converted into an electrical signal corresponding to the image data. Further, in the light emission control circuit provided in the circuit unit 53, the light emission of the light emitter 90 can be controlled based on the operation of an external operation button or the like.

  The lenses 74 and 75 are held by an inner holding cylinder 70 made of a material that does not transmit illumination light. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the illumination light from straying into the inner cylinder portion 71 and to prevent the illumination light from entering the image sensor 80. For this reason, the image displayed on the monitor unit 21 can be made clearer.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the outer diameter of the endoscope 40 can be reduced, and the endoscope 40 can be configured to have less unevenness. Thereby, the endoscope 40 can be easily cleaned, and the hygiene aspect to be cared for as a medical device can be improved.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, members and configurations similar to those described in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment described above.

  In the endoscope 100 in the present embodiment, the outer holding cylinder 60 and the inner holding cylinder 70 are different from the shapes in the first embodiment described above. Further, the joint ring 50 and the circuit portion 53 are omitted, and a configuration in which the light emitting body 90 is sandwiched between the outer holding cylinder 60 and the holding portion 41 is employed. The details will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom end portion 44 of the holding portion 41 is provided with one end side pressing portion 110. The one end side pressing portion 110 is a portion for pressing a hemispherical light emitter holder 120 described later. In order to improve the pressing of the light emitter holder 120, the one-end-side pressing portion 110 is provided using the protruding end portion of the protruding portion 111 protruding from the bottom surface portion 44. The protruding portion 111 protrudes from the bottom surface portion 44 along the radial direction of the bottom surface portion 44 by a predetermined number of three or more (for example, four). Moreover, the protrusions 111 are provided so as to have an equal angular arrangement along the radial direction of the bottom surface 44.

  In addition, the holding portion 41 is provided with a tapered hole 112 that communicates with the insertion hole 42. The taper hole 112 also penetrates the central portion in the radial direction of the plurality of protrusions 111 arranged in the radial direction, and is open at the open end of the protrusion 111. Further, the tapered hole 112 is provided so that its inner diameter increases as it goes from one end side to the other end side of the holding portion 41. The light emitter holder 120 is fitted into the open end portion of the tapered hole 112 among the projecting end portions of the projecting portion 111. At this time, the light emitter holder 120 is in contact with the edge portion of the opening end portion of the taper hole 112, and this portion serves as the one end side pressing portion 110.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the receiving portion 112a is provided at the opening end portion of the tapered hole 112, following the hemispherical shape of the light emitter holder 120. However, the receiving portion 112a may be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the light emitter 90 is provided so as to have a substantially spherical shape. Moreover, the substantially spherical light emitter 90 is fitted into a light emitter holder 120 having a substantially hemispherical shape and a hollow shape. On the outer peripheral surfaces of the illuminant holder 120 and the illuminant 90, the wiring 32 is provided so as to follow. In addition, when the heat generation of the light emitter 90 does not become a problem, a configuration in which the light emitter holder 120 is omitted without providing the light emitter holder 120 may be employed.

  In the present embodiment, the light emitter 90, the image sensor holder 81, and the image sensor 80 are arranged along the central axis L. In addition, an imaging element holder 81 made of a non-transparent material is disposed between the light emitter 90 and the imaging element 80. The image sensor holder 81 is attached in a state in which one end side of the inner holding cylinder 70 formed of a non-transparent material is closed. Therefore, the image sensor 80 is reliably shielded from light from the light emitter 90.

  In addition, a tapered portion 113 is connected to the cup hole 43 of the holding portion 41 at a portion located on the other end side of the protruding portion 111. The taper portion 113 has an inner diameter that is increased in a tapered shape so that the taper portion 113 is directed toward the outer diameter side of the cup hole 43 toward the other end side. Further, the tapered portion 113 is provided so as to continue to the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 41. The outer holding cylinder 60 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is received by the tapered portion 113.

  Note that, for example, an adhesive is applied between the taper portion 113 and the outer holding cylinder 60, and both are firmly bonded via the adhesive. However, for example, a ring-shaped connecting means may be provided across both the outer holding cylinder 60 and the holding portion 41 so as to connect the outer holding cylinder 60 and the holding portion 41 without using an adhesive. good.

  Moreover, the outer holding cylinder 60 is made of a transparent acrylic resin as a whole material. That is, also in the present embodiment, the outer holding cylinder 60 functions as the light guide section 60a as a whole. Therefore, the illumination light generated by the light emitter 90 is guided to the emission part by the outer holding cylinder 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the outer holding cylinder 60 is provided with a throttle portion 130 on one end side thereof. The diaphragm 130 is formed in a diaphragm shape whose outer diameter becomes narrower toward the one end side than the other part of the outer holding cylinder 60. That is, the insertion hole 62 that penetrates the outer holding cylinder 60 is also provided so as to have a narrowed shape whose one end is narrowed. In the following description, a portion of the insertion hole 62 that exists inside the throttle portion 130 is referred to as a throttle hole 131.

  The other end side pressing part 132 is provided in the opening end part of the one end side among the aperture holes 131. The other end side pressing portion 132 is a portion for supporting the light emitter 90. In order to favorably support the light emitter 90, the other end side pressing portion 132 has a curved surface portion 132 </ b> A shaped to follow the outer peripheral surface of the hemispherical light emitter 90. The curved surface portion 132A functions as an incident portion, and light from the light emitting portion 90 is incident on the light guide portion 60a from the curved surface portion 132A. Note that the curved surface portion 132A on which the light from the light emitting portion 90 is incident is a surface portion that faces backward from a surface parallel to the central axis L. Further, a notch 133 (see FIG. 5) for passing the wiring 32 in a state of being close to the other end side pressing portion 132 is also provided. The notch 133 is provided so as to be continuous with the opening end (the other end side pressing portion 132) of the throttle hole 131. The wiring 32 passing through the notch 133 is connected to the image sensor 80.

  Further, the inner holding cylinder 70 is accommodated in the insertion hole 62 of the outer holding cylinder 60. Unlike the inner holding cylinder 70 shown in FIG. 2, the inner holding cylinder 70 does not have a recessed portion 72. For this reason, the outer appearance of the inner holding cylinder 70 has a substantially cylindrical shape. A plurality of lenses 141 to 145 constituting the lens group 140 are housed in the inner cylinder portion 71 of the inner holding cylinder 70. In the present embodiment, five lenses 141 to 145 are accommodated in the inner cylinder portion 71. In the following description, the first lens 141, the second lens 142, the third lens 143, and the fourth lens 144 from the open end side of the other end side (left side in FIG. 4) of the inner cylinder portion 71. And the fifth lens 145. Further, when these first lens 141 to fifth lens 145 are generically referred to, they are simply referred to as lenses 141 to 145.

  Of these four lenses 141 to 145, the light that has passed through the fifth lens 145 is stored on the surface of the image sensor 80 as described in the first embodiment. As described above, the image sensor 80 is also housed inside the inner holding cylinder 70. In the present embodiment, the image sensor holder 81 is also housed in the inner holding cylinder 70.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the wiring 32 is connected to the imaging element 80 through the notch 133 in the present embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, the wiring 32 passes through the notch 133 while following the outer peripheral surfaces of the light emitter holder 120 and the light emitter 80. In the present embodiment, the wiring 32 is also connected to the light emitter 90. Further, in the present embodiment, the circuit unit 53 in the first embodiment described above is omitted inside the endoscope 100, and a circuit is connected to the outside of the endoscope 100 via the wiring 32. (Not shown) are connected.

  Even when the endoscope 100 having such a configuration is used, the outer holding cylinder 60 is used as a light guide unit 60a for guiding illumination light, similarly to the endoscope 40 in the first embodiment described above. is doing. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the space for the illumination unit as compared with a conventional configuration in which the illumination unit and the imaging unit are arranged separately and independently. Thereby, space saving of the endoscope 100 can be achieved. Therefore, the damage and uncomfortable feeling given to each organ of the human body can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the outer holding cylinder 60 is provided with the throttle portion 130, the throttle portion 130 is provided with the other end side pressing portion 132, and the holding portion 41 has the one end side pressing portion. A section 110 is provided. For this reason, the light emitter 90 is sandwiched between the one end side pressing portion 110 and the other end side pressing portion 132. Thereby, even when the endoscope 100 moves greatly, the wobbling of the light emitter 90 can be suppressed and reliably held.

  Further, the light emitter 90 is sandwiched by the one end side pressing portion 110 and the other end side pressing portion 132 in a state along the central axis L of the endoscope 100. That is, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which the light emitter 90 is arranged at the center in the radial direction of the endoscope 100 can be employed. Thereby, the number of the light emitters 90 can be made only one. Therefore, compared with the case of the first embodiment described above, the number of light emitters 90 can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the circuit portion 53 is not provided, the joint ring 50 described in the first embodiment is omitted, and the outer holding cylinder 60 is directly attached to the holding portion 41. Is possible. Therefore, the total length of the endoscope 100 can be shortened. Thereby, the entire length of the endoscope 100 having a larger diameter than that of the flexible cable portion 30 can be shortened, and damage and uncomfortable feeling given to each organ of the crank can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, an imaging element holder 81 made of a non-transparent material is disposed between the light emitter 90 and the imaging element 80. The image sensor holder 81 is attached in a state in which one end side of the inner holding cylinder 70 formed of a non-transparent material is closed. Accordingly, the image sensor 80 is reliably shielded from light from the light emitter 90. Therefore, it is possible to prevent illumination light from entering the image sensor 80.

  Moreover, since the light emitter 90 can be disposed on the central axis L, the outer diameter of the endoscope 40 can be reduced. Furthermore, since it is shielded by the image sensor holder 81, it is not necessary to avoid the illumination light generated by the light emitter 90, and the degree of freedom in the arrangement and size of the light emitter 90 can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment described above, and the description of the same configuration as that described in the second embodiment is omitted. The same reference numerals as those in the second embodiment described above are used to describe the same reference numerals.

  The endoscope 150 according to the present embodiment employs a configuration in which the inner holding cylinder 70 is omitted. That is, it is configured to use only the holding cylinder 160 as a cylindrical member in which the outer holding cylinder 60 and the inner holding cylinder 70 are integrated in appearance. The entire material of the holding cylinder 160 is a transparent acrylic resin. That is, also in the present embodiment, the holding cylinder 160 functions as the light guide section 60a as a whole. Therefore, the illumination light generated by the light emitter 90 is guided to the emission part by the holding cylinder 160.

  In the present embodiment, the thickness of the cylinder portion 160a existing between the outer peripheral surface of the holding cylinder 160 and the inner hole of the holding cylinder 160 (hereinafter referred to as the inner cylinder portion 161) is the above-described thickness. It is provided to be thicker than the outer holding cylinder 60 described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  Moreover, the holding cylinder 160 is extended toward one end side (the right side in FIG. 6) rather than the outer holding cylinder 60 described in the second embodiment. This holding cylinder 160 is extended to a portion corresponding to the bottom surface portion 44 of the holding portion 41 in the second embodiment described above. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cylinder portion of the holding portion 41 is omitted. Further, since the holding cylinder 160 is extended, the light emitter 90 is also accommodated in the inner cylinder portion 161.

  Furthermore, a light emitter 90 is housed in a portion of the inner cylinder portion 161 on the one end side of the imaging element holder 81. Further, the protruding portion 162 is provided in a state of being close to or in contact with the light emitter 90 (close in FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, the protruding portion 162 protrudes toward the inner diameter side of the holding cylinder 160. Further, the inner wall surface of the projecting portion 162 is provided so that the inclination angle becomes larger with respect to the central axis L of the endoscope 150 as it goes from the base portion on one end side of the projecting portion 162 to the top of the projecting portion 162. In addition, a portion extending from the base portion to the top portion is an incident portion 163 that serves as a surface portion on which illumination light emitted from the light emitter 90 is incident. In addition, the incident part 163 is a surface part facing backward from a surface parallel to the central axis L.

  And this incident part 163 is also provided with the incident angle suitable for incident illumination light similarly to the above-mentioned incident part. In the present embodiment, for example, two light emitters 90 are provided along the radial direction of the inner cylindrical portion 161. However, the number of the light emitters 90 is not limited to two along the radial direction of the inner cylinder portion 161, and any number of the light emitters 90 may be provided as long as the number is two or more. Further, only one light emitter 90 may be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the image sensor holder 81 is attached so as to close the inner cylinder portion 161, and is disposed between the light emitter 90 and the image sensor 80. Moreover, the image sensor holder 81 is formed of a non-transparent material, as described in the second embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, a second light shielding member 164 is provided on the inner wall surface of the inner cylinder portion 161. Thereby, the image sensor 80 is reliably shielded from light from the light emitter 90. The second light shielding portion 164 also has a function as a so-called intermediate ring, which is a ring body that defines the interval between the lenses 141 to 145. The second light shielding member 164 may be made of a film material similar to that of the light shielding film 61 described above, and other means such as blackening the inner wall surface of the inner cylinder portion 161 may be used. .

  The endoscope 150 having such a configuration and the endoscope system 10 using the endoscope 150 can also reduce the space for the illumination unit as compared with the conventional endoscope. Therefore, it is possible to save the space of the endoscope 150. Therefore, the damage and uncomfortable feeling given to each organ in the body of the crunch can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the endoscope 150 according to the present embodiment, the inner holding cylinder 70 in the first and second embodiments described above is omitted, and only the holding cylinder 160 is arranged in the radial direction of the endoscope 150. Therefore, the diameter of the endoscope 150 can be further reduced.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the projecting portion 162 can function as positioning of the image sensor holder 81 in the inner cylinder portion 161. Therefore, when assembling the endoscope 150, the labor for positioning can be reduced.

  Also in the present embodiment, an imaging element holder 81 made of a non-transparent material is disposed between the light emitter 90 and the imaging element 80 so as to block the inner cylinder portion 161. A light shielding member similar to the light shielding film 61 is attached to the inner wall surface of the inner cylindrical portion 161. Thereby, the image sensor 80 is reliably shielded from light from the light emitter 90. Therefore, it is possible to prevent illumination light from entering the image sensor 80.

  In the present embodiment, since the light emitter 90 can be disposed close to the central axis L, the outer diameter of the endoscope 40 can be reduced. Furthermore, since it is shielded by the image sensor holder 81, it is not necessary to avoid the illumination light generated by the light emitter 90, and the degree of freedom of the arrangement and size of the light emitter 90 can be improved.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can be variously deformed besides this.

  In each of the embodiments described above, as shown in FIG. 3, the entire outer holding cylinder 60 or holding cylinder 160 is used as the light guide section 60a. However, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the entire outer holding cylinder 60 is used as the light guide portion 60a. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the light guide 60 a may be provided only in a predetermined length portion in the radial direction of the outer holding cylinder 60. In FIG. 7, in the endoscope 40 according to the first embodiment, two light guide portions 60a are provided at intervals of 180 degrees in the radial direction so as to correspond to the two light emitters 90. .

  Even if comprised in this way, it is possible to make it irradiate favorably with respect to an irradiation site | part through the light guide part 60a through the illumination light produced with the light-emitting body 90.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, a configuration in which the light guide 60 a is provided in the outer holding cylinder 60 is employed. However, the light guide portion may be provided not only on the outer holding cylinder 60 but also on the inner holding cylinder 70. In addition, when providing a light guide part in the inner side holding cylinder 70, this inner side holding cylinder 70 functions as a cylindrical member. When the inner holding cylinder 70 is provided with a light guide, the inner cylinder side of the inner holding cylinder 70 is shielded by a light shielding member similar to the light shielding film 61 so that illumination light does not enter the lenses 74 and 75 and the like. There is a need to.

  In the above-described embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, in the light guide portion 60 a, the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface near the emission end surface are the endoscopes 40, 100. Are provided so as to be parallel to the central axis L. However, at least one of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface in the vicinity of the emission end surface may be widened.

  In this case, the illumination light can be irradiated in a wide area with respect to the irradiation site. For this reason, it becomes a state more suitable for an operator to observe with the monitor part 21, the necessity for an operator to move the endoscope 40 up and down, right and left is reduced, and the damage given to the body of the cranke and the crunch are felt. A sense of incongruity can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the monitor unit 21 provided in the external unit 20 is used as the display unit. However, the display means is not limited to the monitor unit 21 provided in the external unit 20. For example, a display device such as a monitor and a projector may be provided at a location independent of the external unit 20 and used as display means.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the light emitter 90 uses an LED has been described. However, the light emitter 90 is not limited to such an LED. For example, a fluorescent light emitting element using zinc oxide may be used. Similarly, a high-definition zinc oxide nanopit light emitting array using zinc oxide, an organic EL light emitting element (particularly a white light emitting organic EL element), and a carbon nanotube are used. A solid light emitting element may be used. These are all suitable for downsizing and thinning, and are well suited for the purpose of the present invention. In addition, as the light emitter 90, a member coated with a night paint such as a fluorescent paint and a phosphorescent paint may be used.

  Further, the light emitter 90 is not limited to the elliptical or substantially spherical light emitter 90 as described above, and various shapes of light emitters can be used. Examples of other light emitters include light emitters having a donut shape (ring shape) so as to surround the inner holding cylinder 70.

  By the way, in the endoscopes 40, 100, and 150 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the endoscope 40) in the respective embodiments described above, the flexible cable portion 30 has a property capable of maintaining the shape. . Therefore, as a use other than the uses of the endoscopes 40, 100, and 150 according to the above-described embodiments, when performing so-called endotracheal intubation, the endotracheal tube may be used as a stylet that guides the trachea. it can.

  That is, the endoscope 40 is inserted from one end of the endotracheal tube, the endoscope 40 is exposed to the other end of the endotracheal tube, and the flexible cable portion 30 is inserted into the endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube into which the flexible cable portion 30 is inserted is guided to the trachea while causing the flexible cable portion 30 to function as a stylet. At this time, the advancing direction and insertion position of the endotracheal tube can be visually confirmed via the endoscope 40. Therefore, an endotracheal insertion tube that has conventionally relied on experience and intuition can be performed quickly and safely.

  In a state where the endotracheal tube can be reliably inserted into the trachea, the flexible cable portion 30 is pulled, and the endoscope 40 is removed from the endotracheal tube. Thereafter, a treatment for sending air into the trachea via the endotracheal tube is performed.

  Since the endoscope 40 according to the present invention is devised in the arrangement of the light emitting unit 90 and has a small outer diameter, it can be easily inserted into and removed from the endotracheal tube. Further, since illumination and imaging are performed electrically by the LED and CCD provided in the endoscope 40, the wiring 32 connecting the endoscope 40 and the external unit 20 can be made thin. However, it facilitates the insertion and removal of the endoscope from the endotracheal tube.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to an endoscope, and can also be used for an imaging apparatus that requires downsizing, such as an imaging camera attached to a mobile phone, a disaster relief robot, or the like. For example, when the endoscope according to the present invention is used for a photographing camera of a mobile phone, the light emitted from the light guide unit 60a illuminates the face (appearance) of the subject. Similarly, with respect to the disaster relief robot, the light emitted from the light guide unit 60a illuminates the subject (imaging range).

  The endoscope and endoscope system of the present invention can be used in the fields of optical equipment and medical equipment.

1 is a side view showing an overall configuration of an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a sectional side view showing the composition of the endoscope concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view showing the composition of the endoscope concerning a 1st embodiment of the form of the present invention. It is a sectional side view which shows the structure of the endoscope which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the structure of the outer side holding cylinder which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows the state in which the light-emitting body and wiring were attached. It is a sectional side view which shows the structure of the endoscope which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the modification of the structure of the endoscope in the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment in connection with the modification of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Endoscopy system 20 ... External unit 21 ... Monitor part (display means)
30 ... Flexible cable part (cable member)
31, 42, 62 ... insertion hole 32 ... wiring 40, 100, 150 ... endoscope 41 ... holding part 43 ... cup hole 50 ... joint ring (second cylindrical member)
53 ... Circuit part 60 ... Outside holding cylinder (tubular member)
60a ... light guide 61 ... light shielding film (light shielding member)
63: Diaphragm hole 64, 111, 162 ... Projection part 65 ... Incident part 66 ... Other end hole 70 ... Inner holding cylinder 71, 161 ... Inner cylinder part 74 ... First lens (part of lens group)
75 ... Second lens (a part of the lens group)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 80 ... Image pick-up element 81 ... Image pick-up element holder 90 ... Luminescent body 110 ... One end side pressing part 120 ... Light emitting body holder 130 ... Diaphragm part 131 ... Diaphragm hole 132 ... Other end side pressing part 133 ... Notch part 160 ... Holding cylinder (cylindrical shape) Element)
163: Incident portion 164: Second light shielding member

Claims (11)

A light emitter that emits illumination light to the outside, a reflected light that is reflected from an imaging region irradiated with the illumination light, a lens group that forms an image of the reflected light, and an image formed by the lens group In an endoscope comprising an image sensor that converts the reflected light into an electrical signal,
A cylindrical member is provided so as to cover the lens group, and a light guide unit for guiding the illumination light emitted from the light emitter to the outside is provided on all or a part of the cylindrical member. ,
The lens group includes at least a first lens that collects reflected light and a second lens that is provided in a condensing portion that is condensed by the first lens,
The second lens is provided with a smaller diameter than the first lens in correspondence with the condensing portion,
The first lens and the second lens are housed inside the tubular member in a state of being housed in an inner holding cylinder formed of a material that is cylindrical in appearance and does not transmit illumination light. And
On the outer peripheral surface side corresponding to the condensing portion of the inner holding cylinder, a recessed portion that is recessed from other portions of the outer peripheral surface of the inner holding cylinder is provided,
The light emitter is disposed in the hollow portion ,
The imaging element is disposed in an opening portion on one end side of the inner holding cylinder,
An endoscope characterized by that.   The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the light guide portion of the light guide portion is covered with a light shielding member that prevents the illumination light from leaking to the outside.   The cylindrical member is provided with an incident part having an incident angle at which illumination light emitted from the light emitter is incident, and the illumination light incident from the incident part is inside the light guide part. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope travels straight or repeats reflection and is emitted outward from an emission end face of the light guide portion.   The said incident part is an inner peripheral surface of the said cylindrical member, Comprising: It is provided in the surface part by which the surface was turned back rather than the surface parallel to the central axis of the said lens group. Item 3. The endoscope according to Item 3. Inside the second cylindrical member connected to the cylindrical member, a circuit portion is arranged so as to be in a line on the same central axis as the inner holding cylinder,
The circuit unit is electrically connected to the light emitter and the image sensor,
The circuit unit is provided with an image analysis circuit for analyzing an electrical signal output from the image sensor and converting it into an electrical signal corresponding to image data, and a light emission control circuit for controlling light emission from the light emitter. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the endoscope is provided. A light emitter that emits illumination light to the outside, a reflected light that is reflected from an imaging region irradiated with the illumination light, a lens group that forms an image of the reflected light, and an image formed by the lens group In an endoscope comprising an image sensor that converts the reflected light into an electrical signal,
A cylindrical member is provided so as to cover the lens group, and a light guide unit for guiding the illumination light emitted from the light emitter to the outside is provided on all or a part of the cylindrical member. ,
The image sensor is formed of a non-transparent material and is held by an image sensor holder that shields illumination light emitted from the light emitter .
The lens group is formed of a material that does not transmit illumination light, and the appearance is housed in a cylindrical inner holding tube,
The image sensor holder and the image sensor are disposed inside the inner holding cylinder,
The image sensor holder is disposed between the image sensor and the light emitter in a state of closing the inner holding cylinder.
An endoscope characterized by that. A light emitter that emits illumination light to the outside, a reflected light that is reflected from an imaging region irradiated with the illumination light, a lens group that forms an image of the reflected light, and an image formed by the lens group In an endoscope comprising an image sensor that converts the reflected light into an electrical signal,
A cylindrical member is provided so as to cover the lens group, and a light guide unit for guiding the illumination light emitted from the light emitter to the outside is provided on all or a part of the cylindrical member. ,
The image sensor is formed of a non-transparent material and is held by an image sensor holder that shields illumination light emitted from the light emitter .
The imaging element holder and the imaging element are arranged inside the cylindrical member,
A second light shielding member for preventing illumination light from entering the inside of the cylindrical member from the light guide portion is attached to the inside of the cylindrical member,
The image sensor holder is disposed between the image sensor and the light emitter in a state of closing the inside of the cylindrical member.
An endoscope characterized by that. Said tubular member is being connected to the holding portion, the holding portion according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it is connected via at least one cable member of the external display unit and operation unit Endoscope. A portion of the tubular member on the holding portion side is provided with a narrowed portion whose outer diameter is smaller than other portions of the tubular member,
The holding portion has an end side pressing portion that presses the light emitter from one end side,
The diaphragm portion has a second end side pressing portion that presses the light emitter from the other end side,
The light emitter is sandwiched between the one end side pressing portion and the other end side pressing portion,
The endoscope according to claim 6 or 8, wherein The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein a center axis of the light guide portion and a center axis of the lens group coincide with each other. While comprising the endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ,
A cable member having one end connected to the endoscope;
The other end side is connected to the cable member, and an operating means for giving an instruction when operating the endoscope or the cable member;
Display means for displaying the image data from the electrical signal corresponding to the image data formed by analyzing the electrical signal converted by the image sensor by an image analysis circuit;
An endoscope system comprising:

Images