JP4713922B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus used for medical use, industrial use, and the like, and particularly relates to an endoscope apparatus provided with illumination for irradiating an inspection object.

In recent years, various endoscope apparatuses have been used in various fields such as the medical field and the industrial field (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Among these endoscope apparatuses, an endoscope operation section that performs various operations of the endoscope, an endoscope insertion section that is connected to the endoscope operation section and extends in a tubular shape, and a connection cable An apparatus including a main body unit connected to an endoscope operation unit is known. Further, an illumination lens is provided on the distal end surface of the endoscope insertion portion, and a light source lamp such as a xenon lamp is provided on the main body portion. Under such a configuration, light from a xenon lamp is guided by a light guide (LG) or the like, passes through an illumination lens, and is irradiated as illumination light from the distal end surface of the endoscope insertion portion to an object to be examined. It has come to be.
JP 2005-013359 A

  However, in the endoscope apparatus as described above, the illumination light is irradiated from a part of the distal end surface of the endoscope insertion portion, and the irradiation angle of the light from the xenon lamp is limited. There is a problem that unevenness occurs in illumination due to. In order to reduce this unevenness, it is conceivable to irradiate light from a xenon lamp through an LG bundle or the like and irradiate it from a plurality of locations on the front end surface. Since it is necessary to provide a plurality of lenses for use, not only the diameter of the endoscope insertion portion becomes large, but also the wiring of the LG bundle or the like becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and with a simple configuration, it is possible not only to uniformly illuminate the periphery of the observation target, but also to facilitate downsizing. An object is to provide a mirror device.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means.
The invention according to claim 1 is an endoscope insertion portion to be inserted into a subject, a phosphor provided in the endoscope insertion portion, and a laser light source for irradiating the phosphor with laser light through a light guide path In an endoscope apparatus for observing the test object by irradiating the test object with light of another wavelength emitted from the phosphor as excitation light using laser light emitted from the laser light source, The phosphor is characterized in that it extends at least approximately half a circumference of the endoscope insertion portion at least at the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion.

In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, when the laser light source is driven, the phosphor emits light of another wavelength in all directions of 360 ° using the laser light emitted from the laser light source and passed through the light guide path as excitation light. Radiate. Illumination light is applied to the test object by irradiating the test object with a part of the light having the different wavelength. At this time, since the phosphor extends over at least approximately half the circumference of the endoscope insertion portion and emits light in all directions as described above, the light is observed evenly from at least approximately half the circumference of the endoscope insertion portion. The object is irradiated and reaches the periphery of the observation object uniformly without unevenness.
Thereby, an observation object can be illuminated uniformly with a simple configuration without providing a conventional LG bundle or illumination lens.

The invention according to claim 2 is the endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light guide path includes a loop portion wound in a loop over substantially the entire circumference of the endoscope insertion portion. The phosphor is provided in the part.
In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the laser light is guided by the light guide path, and the laser light passes through the loop portion. At this time, since the phosphor is provided in the loop portion, light of another wavelength is irradiated from the entire loop portion.
Thereby, uniform illumination light can be easily and reliably irradiated while simplifying the configuration.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope insertion portion is provided at a distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion, and is at least approximately the endoscope insertion portion. A light introduction member that extends over a half circumference and that is connected to the light guide path and introduces laser light that has passed through the light guide path into the interior is provided, and the phosphor is provided in the light introduction member It is characterized by.

In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the laser light guided in the light guide path is introduced into the light introducing member. At this time, since the light introducing member extends over at least approximately half of the endoscope insertion portion, illumination light is irradiated from at least approximately half of the distal end portion.
Thereby, uniform illumination light can be irradiated easily and reliably.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light introducing member is formed in a cylindrical shape.

  In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, an observation means such as a CCD can be disposed in the cylindrical hole of the light introducing member formed in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the space at the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion is provided. The utilization efficiency can be improved, and the endoscope insertion portion can be easily downsized.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the endoscope apparatus according to the third aspect, the light introduction member includes a hemispherical protrusion that protrudes in a substantially hemispherical shape, and the phosphor is provided on the hemispherical protrusion. It is characterized by being.

  In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the laser light guided in the light guide path is introduced into the light introducing member and reaches the hemispherical protrusion. At this time, since the phosphor is provided in the hemispherical protrusion, the light of the different wavelength can be irradiated from a hemispherical protrusion over a wider range.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the endoscope apparatus according to the third aspect, the light introduction member includes a hemispherical immersing portion that immerses in a substantially hemispherical shape, and the phosphor is provided in the hemispherical immersing portion. It is characterized by being.

  In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the laser light guided in the light guide path is introduced into the light introducing member and reaches the hemispherical immersion portion. At this time, since the phosphor is provided in the hemispherical immersion part, the light of the different wavelength can be irradiated uniformly and intensively in a narrow region from the hemispherical immersion part.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light introducing member is formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.

In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the front end surface of the light introducing member is disposed in the empty space on the front end surface of the endoscope insertion portion. At this time, since the light introducing member is formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, the light introducing member is efficiently arranged in the empty space on the distal end surface of the endoscope insertion portion.
As described above, it is possible to effectively utilize the empty space on the distal end surface of the endoscope insertion portion.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the endoscope apparatus according to any one of the third to seventh aspects, a rear end of the light introducing member is arranged with respect to a direction in which the introduced laser light is introduced. Inclined slopes are provided.

In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the laser light introduced into the light introducing member reaches the phosphor. Then, the irradiated laser light spreads over the entire phosphor while being scattered by the phosphor particles. At this time, since the phosphor located in the inclined portion has a large surface area due to the inclination, more of the scattered laser light reaches the phosphor. Therefore, more light is uniformly emitted from the phosphor.
From the above, it is possible not only to reliably irradiate laser light over the entire phosphor provided on the light introducing member, but also to improve the utilization efficiency of the laser light.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the endoscope apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the light introduction member is connected to the light guide path at the rear end, and the laser light passed through the light guide path is contained in the interior. An introduction connecting portion to be introduced into the first connecting portion, a first route changing means for changing the route so that the laser light introduced through the introduction connecting portion is directed toward the inclined portion, and a route by the first route changing means. And a second course changing means for changing the course of the laser beam that has reached the inclined portion so as to reach the front end of the light introducing member. A plurality of the second course changing means are provided over the reach area.

In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the route is changed by the first route changing means so that the laser beam introduced through the introduction connecting portion is directed to the inclined portion. The path of the laser beam whose path has been changed is changed by the second path changing means so as to reach the front end of the light introducing member. At this time, since a plurality of second course changing means are provided over the reaching region, the light whose course has been changed by the first course changing means reaches the front end of the light introducing member evenly.
As described above, it is possible to irradiate laser light efficiently and reliably over the entire phosphor provided on the light introducing member.

  According to the present invention, since the observation target can be illuminated uniformly with a simple configuration, it is possible not only to uniformly illuminate the periphery of the observation target, but also because there is no need to provide a plurality of illumination lenses. The size of the endoscope insertion portion can be easily reduced.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an endoscope apparatus 1 as a first embodiment of the present invention.
The endoscope apparatus 1 includes an insertion portion (endoscope insertion portion) 2 extending in a tubular shape, a display device 3 for displaying an observation image of a subject to be examined, and a light source device for illuminating the subject to be examined. 4 is provided.

A base end portion of the insertion portion 2 is detachably attached to the light source device 4. One end of the cable portion 14 for image signal transmission is attached to the middle position in the length direction of the insertion portion 2, and the other end is attached to the display device 3.
In addition, a CCD 12 as an imaging unit is provided at the distal end of the insertion unit 2. An objective lens 11 is provided in front of the CCD 12 and on the distal end surface 2 a of the insertion portion 2 to capture the reflected light from the object to be examined and form an image on the CCD 12.
Note that the above imaging means is not limited to the CCD 12 and may be, for example, a C-MOS or an image guide fiber.

  The display device 3 includes a CCU (camera control unit) 16, and the CCU 16 is electrically connected to the CCD 12 via a cable 17. The CCU 16 is electrically connected to a monitor 19 that displays an observation image via a cable 17. The CCU 16 converts the imaging signal input from the CCD 12 into a video signal such as an NTSC signal and supplies the image signal to the monitor 19 via an image processing circuit (not shown).

The light source device 4 includes a laser light source 20 that emits laser light. For example, a laser diode is used as the light source of the laser light source 20. Further, a condensing optical system 22 for condensing the laser light is installed on the optical path of the laser light emitted from the laser light source 20. A light guide (light guide path) 24 for guiding the laser light transmitted through the condensing optical system 22 is provided in front of the condensing optical system 22 (the traveling direction of the laser light).
Under such a configuration, when the laser light source 20 is driven to emit laser light, the laser light is condensed by passing through the condensing optical system 22 and guided in the light guide 24. The phosphor 9 to be described later is irradiated.

  The laser light source 20 is provided with a Peltier element 25 as a cooling means, and the Peltier element 25 radiates heat by the Peltier effect under energization control by the temperature control unit 27. Further, the laser light source 20 is connected to the light source control unit 29. When a drive switch (not shown) is turned on, the laser light source 20 is energized by the light source control unit 29 and the laser light source 20 is driven. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion portion 2 in this embodiment includes a light introduction chip (light introduction member) 32 made of a plastic member. The light introduction chip 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the light introduction chip 32 is set to be the same as the outer diameter of the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and the light introduction chip 32 is provided concentrically with the insertion portion 2 at the distal end of the insertion portion 2. The front end surface 32 a and the side surface 32 b of the light introduction chip 32 are coated with a fluorescent material over the entire surface, and this fluorescent material becomes the phosphor 9. Therefore, the phosphor 9 is configured to extend over the entire circumference of the insertion portion 2 at the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and the front end surface 32 a of the light introduction chip 32 is configured as the distal end surface 2 a of the insertion portion 2. The The phosphor 9 is excited by being irradiated with laser light, and emits white light having a different wavelength in all 360 ° directions.

The rear end surface 32c of the light introduction chip 32 is provided with an introduction connection portion 34 for introducing (taking in) laser light into the inside, and the front end of the light guide 24 is inserted through the introduction connection portion 34. The light introduction chip 32 is attached to the rear end surface 32c. Under such a configuration, the laser light guided by the light guide 24 is introduced into the light introduction chip 32 via the introduction connecting portion 34, and the introduced laser light is irradiated to the phosphor 9. It has become so.
Further, a coating layer is provided on the entire outer surface of the light introduction chip 32, and this coating layer functions as a protective layer of the phosphor 9.
Further, the above-described CCD 12 is provided in the cylindrical hole 37 of the light introducing chip 32, and the above-described objective lens 11 is provided in the opening 37 a on the front end surface 32 a side of the cylindrical hole 37.

Next, the operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 in the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
First, power is turned on to the display device 3 and the light source device 4 shown in FIG. Then, the light source control unit 29 energizes the laser light source 20 and drives the laser light source 20. Thereby, laser light is emitted from the laser light source 20, and the laser light passes through the condensing optical system 22. Then, the transmitted laser light is collected and travels through the light guide 24. The laser light is guided by the light guide 24 and irradiated on the phosphor 9 as described later. As a result, the phosphor 9 is excited and white light is emitted from the entire phosphor 9.

  This white light is irradiated from the front end surface 2a to the test object and reaches the test object. Thereby, illumination light is applied to the test object. Further, under the illumination with the white light, the reflected light from the test object passes through the objective lens 11 and forms an image on the CCD 12. At this time, the imaged light is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD 12, and this electrical signal is input to the CCU 16 as an imaging signal. This imaging signal is converted into a video signal by the CCU 46 and supplied to the monitor 19 through the image processing circuit. As a result, the observation image is displayed on the monitor 19. Then, the inside of the subject is observed by an observation image of a desired part displayed on the monitor 19. As a result, the inspection is completed, and a predetermined treatment is performed according to the inspection result.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the illumination light is applied to the observation target as follows. That is, the laser light traveling through the light guide 24 from the laser light source 20 is introduced into the light introduction chip 32 via the introduction connecting portion 34. The introduced laser light reaches the phosphor 9 located on the front end face 32a and is scattered by the particles of the phosphor 9. Therefore, the introduced laser light spreads over the phosphor 9 located on the front end surface 32a and the phosphor 9 located on the side surface 32b. In this way, the introduced laser light is irradiated on the entire phosphor 9, and white light is radiated uniformly from the entire circumference of the insertion portion 2 in all directions of approximately 360 °. For this reason, the white light is evenly applied to the observation target, and uniformly reaches the periphery of the observation target.

  As mentioned above, according to the endoscope apparatus 1 in this embodiment, since white light can be uniformly radiated from the entire circumference of the insertion portion 2, it is possible to uniformly illuminate the observation target, and thus high quality. A simple observation image can be obtained easily. Moreover, since the uniform illumination light with good light distribution can be obtained simply by providing the phosphor 9 at the distal end of the insertion portion 2, the LG bundle or the like can be dispensed with. Can be facilitated.

Further, since the phosphor 9 is provided not only on the front end surface 32a of the light introduction chip 32 but also on the side surface 32b, white light can be emitted from the entire outer periphery of the light introduction chip 32, and the uniformity is further increased. Illumination light can be obtained.
Furthermore, since the CCD 12 and the objective lens 11 are provided in the cylindrical hole 37 of the light introduction chip 32, not only can the space utilization efficiency at the tip of the insertion portion 2 be improved, but also the light introduction chip 32, the CCD 12, and the objective. Assembling work of the lens 11 and the like can be facilitated.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
3, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
This embodiment and the first embodiment have the same basic configuration, and only the differences will be described here.

  In the present embodiment, a hemispherical protrusion 38 protruding outward in a hemispherical shape (dome shape) is provided at the front portion of the light introduction chip 32, and the hemispherical protrusion 38 protrudes from the insertion portion 2. . A fluorescent material is applied to the entire hemispherical protrusion 38 so that the phosphor 9 is provided in front of the light introduction chip 32, and this phosphor 9 extends over the entire circumference of the insertion portion 2. ing. The phosphor 9 is also provided on the side surface 32 b of the light introducing chip 32. A through hole 39 extending in the front-rear direction is provided at the center of the light introducing chip 32, and the CCD 12, the objective lens 11, and various lens systems are provided in the through hole 39.

  Under such a configuration, laser light is introduced into the light introduction chip 32 via the introduction connecting portion 34. The introduced laser light reaches the phosphor 9 located at the hemispherical protrusion 38 and scatters. Then, the scattered laser light spreads over the entire hemispherical protrusion 38 and the side surface 32b, and the phosphor 9 emits light. At this time, since the phosphor 9 located in the hemispherical protrusion 38 protrudes in a hemispherical shape, white light emitted from the phosphor 9 is radiated as a whole. Therefore, the white light is uniformly irradiated over a wider range.

  As described above, according to the endoscope apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, it is possible to irradiate white light uniformly over a wider range, and therefore uniform and uniform illumination light can be applied over a wide range of an observation target. Therefore, particularly when performing wide-range observation using a wide-angle observation system, a high-quality observation image without unevenness can be easily obtained.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 4, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
This embodiment and the second embodiment have the same basic configuration, and only the differences will be described here.

In the present embodiment, a hemispherical immersion portion 42 that is inwardly hemispherically provided is provided at the front portion of the light introduction chip 32. A fluorescent material is applied to the entire hemispherical immersion portion 42, whereby the phosphor 9 is provided at the front portion of the light introduction chip 32, and this phosphor 9 extends over the entire circumference of the insertion portion 2. ing. The phosphor 9 is also provided on the side surface 32 b of the light introducing chip 32.
Under such a configuration, when laser light is introduced into the light introduction chip 32, the laser light reaches the phosphor 9 located at the hemispherical immersion portion 42 and is scattered. The scattered laser light spreads over the entire hemispherical immersion portion 42 and the side surface 32b, and the phosphor 9 emits light. At this time, since the phosphor 9 located in the hemispherical immersion portion 42 is immersed in a hemispherical shape, white light emitted from the phosphor 9 is intensively irradiated from all directions in a narrow region.

  As described above, according to the endoscope apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, illumination light can be radiated intensively in a narrow region, so that illumination light from all directions can be applied to a desired point. Therefore, a high-quality observation image without a shadow can be easily obtained particularly when observation is performed using a magnification observation system.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
5 to 7 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the light guide 24 extends to the front end surface 2a and is wound in a loop shape along the back surface of the front end surface 2a. And the part wound in the loop shape becomes the loop part 43. A fluorescent material is applied to the entire loop portion 43, whereby the phosphor 9 extends over the entire circumference of the insertion portion 2. Furthermore, the outer surface of the phosphor 9 is protected by a coating.

  Under such a configuration, the laser light is guided in the light guide 24 and travels in the loop portion 43. Since the fluorescent substance 9 is provided in the loop part 43, the fluorescent substance 9 emits light and radiates white light from the whole.

  As described above, uniform ring illumination without unevenness can be easily obtained, and the configuration can be simplified by reducing the number of components. Further, the space at the distal end of the insertion portion 2 can be saved.

  The installation position of the light guide 24 can be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, not only the loop portion 43 but also the light guide 24 may be spirally wound around the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 2 toward the proximal end side of the insertion portion 2. The phosphors 9 are also provided on these spiral portions. Under such a configuration, light is radiated from the phosphor 9 in a line shape from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the insertion portion 2, and part of the light passes through the living body into which the insertion portion 2 is inserted. And reach the outside of the living body. Therefore, the position of the insertion portion 2 can be easily grasped from the outside of the living body by observing the light reaching the outside.

Further, the light guide 24 may be provided linearly along the insertion portion 2 as shown in FIG. 9 without being spirally wound as described above.
Further, a reflective member such as a mirror coat may be provided on the back side of the front end surface of the light guide 24. As a result, when the laser light traveling in the light guide 24 reaches the reflecting member, the laser light is reflected by the reflecting member and travels in the opposite direction to the above. Therefore, the phosphor 9 can be excited not only by the laser light traveling toward the front end of the light guide 24 but also by the laser light reflected and proceeding toward the rear end of the light guide 24. Utilization efficiency can be improved.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
10 and 11 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the light introduction chip 32 is formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The front end surface 32a of the light introducing chip 32 has a substantially crescent shape when viewed from the front. The objective lens 11 is eccentrically provided on the distal end surface 2a of the insertion portion 2, and the front end surface 32a is disposed in the empty space of the distal end surface 2a. That is, the phosphor 9 extends over substantially half the circumference of the insertion portion 2.
In addition, an inclined portion 44 is provided at the rear end of the light introducing chip 32 so as to gradually spread forward as viewed from the side. The inclined portion 44 is formed to be inclined with respect to the introduction direction of the laser light introduced into the light introducing chip 32.

  Under such a configuration, when laser light is introduced into the light introduction chip 32 via the introduction connecting portion 34 and irradiated onto the phosphor 9, the laser light is scattered by the particles of the phosphor 9. However, it spreads throughout the phosphor 9. At this time, since the phosphor 9 located in the inclined portion 44 has a large surface area due to the inclination, more of the scattered laser light reaches the phosphor 9. Therefore, the number of particles to which the laser light hits increases, and more light is uniformly emitted from the phosphor 9.

From the above, it is possible not only to uniformly irradiate laser light over the entire phosphor 9, but also to improve the utilization efficiency of the laser light.
Further, since the light introduction chip 32 is formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, the light introduction chip 32 can be efficiently provided in the empty space of the distal end surface 2a of the insertion portion 2.

  In the present embodiment, the light introduction chip 32 has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto, and the shape and the like can be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the light introduction chip 32 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical hole 37 may be eccentric.

(Embodiment 6)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 13 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, a first reflecting surface (first path changing means) 47 is provided inside the light introduction chip 32 and on the optical path of the laser light introduced through the introduction connecting portion 34. ing. A second reflecting surface (second course changing means) 48 is provided on the rear surface side of the inclined portion 44 and in the reach region of the laser light reflected by the first reflecting surface 47. A plurality of second reflecting surfaces 48 are provided in a stepped manner from the introduction connecting portion 34 side of the inclined portion 44 to the front end surface 32a side. The phosphor 9 is provided on one surface of the front end surface 32 a of the light introduction chip 32, and a protective member 50 made of a transparent member is provided on the front surface of the phosphor 9.

  Under such a configuration, the path of the laser light introduced through the introduction connecting portion 34 is changed by the first reflecting surface 47 so as to go to the inclined portion 44. Then, the laser beam whose course has been changed reaches the second reflecting surface 48 provided in the inclined portion 44. Then, the path of the laser beam is changed again by the second reflecting surface 48. Further, since a plurality of second reflecting surfaces 48 are provided over the reaching region, the laser light reflected by the second reflecting surfaces 48 reaches the back surface of the front end surface 32a of the light introduction chip 32 evenly.

  From the above, it is possible to irradiate laser light efficiently and reliably over the entire phosphor 9 provided on the light introduction chip 32.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the fluorescent material is applied to form the phosphor 9. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fluorescent material is mixed in advance and the fluorescent material is used. A member mixed with may be formed.
Moreover, although the fluorescent substance 9 and the laser light source 20 are installed one, it is not restricted to this, The installation number can be changed suitably.
Further, although the phosphor 9 emits white light, the present invention is not limited to this, and the color can be changed as appropriate. Further, an observation image may be obtained by RGB illumination by emitting red light, green light, and blue light.
Moreover, although the endoscope apparatus 1 is configured for direct viewing, the present invention is not limited to this, and the objective lens 11 and each phosphor 9 may be provided on the side surface of the insertion portion 2 and configured for side viewing.
The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a laser beam is introduce | transduced into the light introduction chip | tip of FIG. 1, and a light is radiated | emitted from the whole fluorescent substance. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of 2nd Embodiment of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of 3rd Embodiment of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of 4th Embodiment of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a front view which shows the mode of the front end surface of the insertion part of FIG. It is a sectional side view which shows the mode of the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the light guide of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other modification of the light guide of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of 5th Embodiment of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a laser beam is introduce | transduced into the light introduction chip | tip of FIG. 10, and a light is radiated | emitted from the whole fluorescent substance. It is a front view which shows the modification of the light introduction chip | tip of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of 6th Embodiment of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope apparatus 2 Insertion part (endoscope insertion part)
9 Phosphor 20 Laser light source 24 Light guide (light guide path)
32 Light introduction chip (light introduction member)
34 Introducing and connecting part 38 Hemispherical protrusion 42 Hemispherical immersion part 43 Loop part 44 Inclining part 47 First reflecting surface (first course changing means)
48 2nd reflective surface (2nd course change means)

Claims (9)

An endoscope insertion portion that is inserted into a subject, a phosphor provided in the endoscope insertion portion, and a laser light source that irradiates the phosphor with laser light through a light guide path. In the endoscope apparatus for observing the test object by irradiating the test object with light of another wavelength emitted by the phosphor as the excitation light emitted from the laser,
An endoscope apparatus , wherein the phosphor extends over at least approximately a half circumference of the endoscope insertion portion at least at a distal end of the endoscope insertion portion.   The said light guide path is provided with the loop part wound in the loop shape over the perimeter of the said endoscope insertion part, The said fluorescent substance is provided in this loop part. The endoscope apparatus described.   The endoscope insertion portion is provided at a distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion and extends over at least approximately half of the endoscope insertion portion, and is connected to the light guide path and passes through the light guide path. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a light introducing member that introduces the laser beam into the inside, wherein the phosphor is provided on the light introducing member.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light introducing member is formed in a cylindrical shape.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light introducing member includes a hemispherical protrusion that protrudes in a substantially hemispherical shape, and the phosphor is provided on the hemispherical protrusion.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light introducing member includes a hemispherical immersion portion that is substantially hemispherically immersed, and the phosphor is provided in the hemispherical immersion portion.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light introducing member is formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.   The inclined portion inclined with respect to the introduction direction of the introduced laser beam is provided at a rear end of the light introduction member. Endoscopic device. The light introducing member is
An introduction connecting portion that is connected to the light guide path at the rear end and introduces laser light that has passed through the light guide path;
First course changing means for changing the course of the laser beam introduced through the introduction connecting section so as to go to the inclined section;
A second path that changes the path so that the laser beam that has reached the inclined portion of the laser beam whose path has been changed by the first path changing means reaches the front end of the light introducing member; A course changing means, and
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of the second course changing means are provided over the reaching area.

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