JP5143332B2 - Imaging device, fixing member for imaging device, and method of repairing imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device that images a subject image formed by an objective optical system.

  In the case of a medical endoscope, it is indispensable to surely sterilize the used endoscope in order to prevent infection. In the case of disinfecting or sterilizing with a cleaning liquid, there is a drawback that the disinfection work is complicated and the waste liquid treatment of the cleaning liquid requires a large amount of cost.

  Therefore, recently, high-pressure and high-temperature steam sterilization (autoclave or the like) without complicated work is becoming mainstream in endoscope devices, particularly rigid endoscopes.

  Especially in electronic endoscopes, if a slight amount of moisture such as moisture enters the tip, the objective optical system may be fogged from the inside, or an electronic component that processes a signal from a solid-state image sensor or solid-state image sensor. There is a risk that the mounted substrate or the like may be corroded or short-circuited, and an endoscopic image obtained in such a state will have a significantly deteriorated image quality.

Therefore, various means have been proposed for preventing moisture from entering the imaging unit including the objective optical system, the solid-state imaging device, and the substrate, and preventing deterioration of the constituent members.
JP 2000-201884 A

  However, there have been few proposals that take into account the repair and replacement of the imaging unit. For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-201884), a lens frame to which an objective optical system is fixedly attached is fitted into an inner peripheral surface of a CCD frame to which a CCD is fixedly attached, so that high accuracy is achieved. After optical axis alignment, a structure that is hermetically connected and fixed with an adhesive or the like is employed.

  In this structure, for example, in order to exchange the objective lens in the lens frame, the lens frame and the CCD frame are to be removed from each other. Then, when the adhesive is removed, damage is caused to the mounting surface on the inner periphery of the CCD frame. When a CCD frame having such damage and a new lens frame are bonded and fixed, high-precision optical alignment becomes impossible due to damage to the mounting surface. That is, the optical performance, focus out, etc. deteriorate.

  That is, conventionally, once disassembled objective lens or CCD cannot be reused, even if only one of the objective lens or CCD is defective, there is a problem that the whole must be replaced.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of reusing parts before replacement even when the imaging unit is repaired or replaced.

An imaging device of one embodiment of the present invention includes a lens frame to which one or more lenses are fixed, an imaging frame to which the imaging element is fixed and fitted to the lens frame in a fitting portion, and a metal, a resin, or the like It is a cylindrical member made of a hard material, and is bonded to a part of the lens frame other than the fitting portion so as to arrange an imaging surface of the imaging element at a focal position by the one or more lenses. A fixing member having a first portion to be fixed and a second portion to be fixed to a part of the imaging frame other than the fitting portion by bonding , and the fixing member is in the fixing member It has a destruction part destroyed when separating the lens frame and the image pick-up frame between the 1st part and the 2nd part.

  According to the present invention, even when the imaging unit is repaired or replaced, there is an effect that the parts before replacement can be reused.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure of the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of an electronic endoscope in which the image pickup apparatus of FIG.

  First, an electronic endoscope to which the present embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  The electronic endoscope 1 includes an elongated insertion portion 2, an operation portion 3 that is connected to the proximal side of the insertion portion 2 and is gripped by an operator to perform various operations, and a universal extending from the operation portion 3. 4. A connector part 5 is provided at the other end of the universal cord 4 so that the connector part 5 can be connected to a light source device (CCU) (camera control unit) (not shown).

  The operation unit 3 is provided with a bending operation lever 11 and a treatment instrument insertion port 12 for inserting a treatment instrument such as forceps. The insertion portion 2 is provided continuously with the flexible flexible tube 10 provided continuously with the operation portion 3, the bending portion 9 provided continuously with the distal end of the flexible tube, and the distal end of the bending portion 9. And the distal end portion 8. The imaging device shown in FIG. 1 is arranged at the distal end portion 8. In addition to the image pickup apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a light guide fiber (not shown) that transmits illumination light is also provided at the distal end portion 8.

  The imaging apparatus of FIG. 1 includes an objective lens unit 21 that is an observation optical system and an imaging unit 30 that is imaging means. The objective lens unit 21 disposed at the tip of the imaging apparatus is provided with an optical window member 24 on the front surface. The optical window member 24 is configured to be exposed on the outer surface of the distal end of the distal end portion 8 of the electronic endoscope 1, and is configured by, for example, a concave lens made of sapphire. The concave lens has a flat tip surface (bottom surface) and a concave base surface.

  The optical window member 24 is attached to the lens frame 22. The lens frame 22 has a cylindrical shape with an opening on the distal end side and the proximal end side. The optical window member 24 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface on the front end side of the metal lens frame 22, and the outer periphery of the optical window member 24 and the inner periphery on the front end side of the lens frame 22 are airtightly fixed. For example, it is fixed with an epoxy adhesive or soldering.

  Further, lenses 23a and 23b are arranged on the lens frame 22 from the front end side. Each lens 23a, 23b is fixedly bonded to the inner periphery of the lens frame 22 with an adhesive. Since the lens frame 22 has a protrusion on the inner peripheral surface, the optical window member 24 is inserted from the distal end side of the lens frame 22, and the lenses 23a and 23b are inserted from the proximal end side of the lens frame 22 and assembled. It is supposed to be.

  An imaging unit 30 is disposed on the base end side of the objective lens unit 21. The imaging unit 30 includes a CCD 31 that is a solid-state imaging device, a glass lid 32, and a cover glass 33. The CCD 31 converts an optical image of a subject incident through the objective lens unit 21 into an electric signal. A TAB (Tape Automated Bonding) member (not shown) is provided on the base end side of the CCD 31 and is electrically connected to a cable (not shown) inserted to the base end side of the electronic endoscope 1. With this cable, a drive signal is supplied to the CCD 31 and an image signal from the CCD 31 is transmitted.

  A glass lid 32 is attached to the CCD 31 with a UV adhesive or the like so as to cover an imaging surface (not shown) that constitutes the pixel portion. Further, a circular flat cover glass 33 is bonded and fixed to the glass lid 32 while being centered with respect to the center of the pixel portion. That is, the CCD 31, the glass lid 32, and the cover glass 33 are integrally bonded and fixed.

  A cover glass 33 fixed to the CCD 31 is attached to a CCD holding frame 34 as an imaging frame. The CCD holding frame 34 has a cylindrical shape with an opening on the front end side and the base end side, and a cover glass 33 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface on the base end side, and the outer peripheral surface of the cover glass 33 and the inner peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 34. Are fixedly bonded with an adhesive (not shown).

  The lens frame 22 and the CCD holding frame 34 are fitted to each other. Fitting means a clearance of 0.005 to 0.03 mm. That is, the outer diameter of the lens frame 22 and the inner diameter of the CCD holding frame 34 are substantially the same, and the proximal end side of the lens frame 22 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the distal end side of the CCD holding frame 34. Thereby, the optical axes of the objective lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 30 can be matched.

  In the present embodiment, when the lens frame 22 and the CCD holding frame 34 are connected, the attachment surface (fitting) between the outer peripheral surface on the proximal end side of the lens frame 22 and the inner peripheral surface on the distal end side of the CCD holding frame 34 is connected. Part) 39 does not use an adhesive or the like. In the present embodiment, a fixing member 28 that functions as an attaching portion is used for fixing between the lens frame 22 and the CCD holding frame 34.

  The fixing member 28 is a cylindrical member having a proximal end opened on the front surface and a distal end opened with a predetermined diameter, and the proximal end inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the CCD holding frame 34. It is set larger than the fitting clearance. For example, it is set to 0.03 mm or more. As the fixing member 28, a material softer than at least the material of the CCD holding frame 34, for example, a material such as plastic or acetal resin is used. Moreover, it is better to use a softer material than the lens frame 22 as the fixing member 28. If the CCD holding frame 34 or the lens frame 22 is made of stainless steel, the fixing member 28 may be made of brass.

  The opening on the front end side of the fixing member 28 is formed in a size that can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 22. A protrusion 29 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 22 at a predetermined position from the front end, and the front end surface of the fixing member 28 is brought into contact with the protrusion 29 so that the front end surface and the proximal end of the protrusion 29 are formed. The adhesive portion 38 with the side surface is bonded and fixed with an adhesive (not shown) such as an epoxy adhesive. By doing so, the protrusion 29 also serves as a means for positioning a scope and an imaging device (not shown) and positioning the fixing member 28 and the lens frame 29.

  Note that the bonding surface between the inner peripheral surface at the tip of the fixing member 28 and the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 29 may be bonded and fixed with an adhesive. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, it can be bonded and fixed by the adhesive 28a, so that the bonding area is widened and can be fixed firmly. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the peripheral surface of the protrusion 29 and the distal end surface of the fixing member 28 may be bonded and fixed with an adhesive 28b. In this case, the objective lens can be reused by removing the adhesive.

  In the present embodiment, the fixing member 28 is bonded and fixed to the objective lens unit 21, and then the CCD holding frame 34 is inserted into the proximal end side inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 28. Then, while performing optical axis alignment and focusing, the adhesive 35 is filled in the gap (adhesive portion 37) between the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 28 and the outer peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 34, and both are positioned. It is designed to be bonded and fixed.

  In the assembly of the embodiment configured as described above, first, the optical window member 24 and the lenses 23a and 23b are fixedly attached to the lens frame 22, and the CCD 31 integrally formed on the CCD holding frame 34, The glass lid 32 and the cover glass 33 are fixedly attached. Then, the fixing member 28 is bonded and fixed to the outer peripheral side of the lens frame 22 at the bonding portion 38 of the protrusion 29.

  In this state, the lens frame 22 is inserted into the inner peripheral surface on the front end side of the CCD holding frame 34. No adhesive is applied to the fitting portions 39 of both. Due to the dimensional accuracy of the inner diameter of the CCD holding frame 34 and the outer diameter of the lens frame 22, the two are fitted to each other, so that the optical axis can be aligned with high accuracy.

  In this fitting operation, the CCD holding frame 34 is inserted into the fixing member 28. Next, an adhesive 35 is filled in the gap (adhesive portion 37) between the outer peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 34 and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 28, and after focusing, the adhesive is fixed. In this way, an imaging device constituted by the objective lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 30 is obtained.

  Here, it is assumed that the objective lens unit 21 and the CCD holding frame 34 are disassembled for repair or replacement. In this case, the adhesive 35 of the adhesive portion 37 where the outer peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 34 and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 28 face each other is peeled off.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of the disassembling method in this case. FIG. 5A shows the fixing member 28 attached to the lens frame 22, and FIG. 5B shows the separation of the fixing member 28 and the CCD holding frame 34. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the disassembling method.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the peripheral surface of the fixing member 28 is processed to form a groove-shaped fracture portion 28-1 parallel to the optical axis (step S1 in FIG. 8). The breaking portion 28-1 may be formed before assembly. One or more destruction portions 28-1 are formed on the peripheral surface. Thereby, the crack resistance in the destruction part 28-1 of the attachment part 28 deteriorates. FIG. 5 shows an example in which four breaking portions 28-1 are provided in the attachment portion 28, and by applying a force in the radial direction to one block partitioned by the breaking portion 28-1, This block is destroyed at the destruction part 28-1 (step S2). As a result, the adhesion between the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 28 and the outer peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 34 can be easily peeled off (step S3), and the fixing member 28 and the CCD holding frame 34 can be separated. The CCD holding frame 34 and the lens frame 22 are fitted together without being bonded at the fitting portion 39, and the CCD holding frame 34 and the lens frame 22 can be removed from each other without damaging the fitting portion 39. It is possible (step S4). That is, the objective lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 30 can be separated.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing another example of the disassembling method. FIG. 6A shows the fixing member 28 attached to the lens frame 22, and FIG. 6B shows the separation of the fixing member 28 and the CCD holding frame 34.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the peripheral surface of the fixing member 28 is processed to form a groove-shaped fracture portion 28-2 perpendicular to the optical axis. The breaking portion 28-2 is formed in a circular shape on the peripheral surface of the fixing member 28. Thereby, as for the attachment part 28, the crack tolerance in the destruction part 28-2 deteriorates. In this case, the fixing member 28 is broken at the breaking portion 28-2 by twisting the protrusion 29 and the CCD holding frame 34 in opposite directions. Thereby, the adhesion between the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 28 and the outer peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 34 can be easily peeled off, and the fixing member 28 and the CCD holding frame 34 can be separated. That is, the objective lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 30 can be separated. For example, the breaking portion 28-2 is disposed at a portion having the maximum clearance in the radial direction between the lens frame 22 and the fixing member 28. At this time, the breaking portion 28-2 is disposed at an appropriate position by the fixing member 28 coming into contact with the protrusion 29.

  In such a disassembling operation, since the fixing member 28 is made of a material softer than the CCD holding frame 34, the fixing member 28 may be damaged or broken during the peeling operation. The CCD holding frame 34 is hardly damaged. Even if the CCD holding frame 34 is damaged along with the peeling operation, the damage occurs only on the outer peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 34 and does not occur in the fitting portion 39.

  In this case, the CCD holding frame 34 and the lens frame 22 may be removed while the lens frame 22 and the fixing member 28 are bonded, and the adhesive on the bonding portion 38 is also peeled off when being removed. Then, the fixing member 28 may come off from the lens frame 22, and the joining of the lens frame 22 and the fixing member 28 may come off due to the bending of the fixing member 28 made of a soft material. In any case, the CCD holding frame 34 and the fitting part 39 of the lens frame 22 are not damaged at all.

  Thus, the imaging unit 30 held by the CCD holding frame 34 and the objective lens unit 21 held by the lens frame 22 are disassembled. In this disassembling operation, at least the fitting portion 39 of the CCD holding frame 34 is not damaged at all, so that, for example, even when only the objective lens unit 21 is replaced and the imaging unit 30 is reused, high accuracy is obtained. The optical axis and focusing can be performed.

  In the case of FIG. 6, since both the objective lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 30 are not damaged, both of them can be reused.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the lens frame and the CCD holding frame are connected, the fitting portion that affects the optical axis and the focusing is not bonded, and the lens frame and the CCD holding frame are not bonded in other portions. Is designed to be bonded and fixed. Thus, when the lens frame and the CCD holding frame are disassembled, at least the fitting portion of the lens frame and the CCD holding frame is prevented from being damaged, and reuse after disassembly is possible. For example, even when a defect such as dust or scratch occurs in the objective lens unit, the imaging apparatus can be reconfigured by disassembling and replacing only the objective lens unit and reusing the imaging unit.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the outer periphery of the CCD holding frame 34 and the inner periphery of the fixing member 28 are fitted, and the back surface of the projection 29 ′ and the front end surface of the fixing member 28 are bonded and fixed by an adhesive 28-3. A configuration can also be adopted. In this case, a blade (not shown) perpendicular to the optical axis is inserted into the adhesive 28-3 and cut and broken. Alternatively, the adhesive 28-3 is swollen or dissolved using a solvent. Thereby, the objective lens unit 21 can be removed without damaging the fitting portion between the protrusion 29 ′ and the CCD holding frame 34. That is, in this case, the objective lens unit 21 can be reused.

  As described above, the portion to be reused can be changed by changing the fitting relationship between the fixing member, the protrusion, and the CCD holding frame.

  In addition, although the example which comprises the lens frame 22 and the fixing member 28 as a separate body was demonstrated in FIG. 1, you may make it comprise the fixing member 28 and the lens frame 22 integrally. In this case, the fixing member is also made of the same material as the lens frame.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the example in which the lens frame is inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame has been described, but it is apparent that the present embodiment can also be applied to a case in which the CCD holding frame is inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the lens frame. It is. Even in this case, the lens frame and the CCD holding frame may be bonded and fixed at other portions without using an adhesive at the fitting portion between the inner peripheral surface of the lens frame and the outer peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame.

  Various configurations of the objective lens unit and the imaging unit can be adopted as long as each lens is fixed to the lens frame and the CCD and the cover glass are fixed to the CCD holding frame. Obviously, the shape and number of are not limited to FIG.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the lens frame and the imaging frame are fixed at a portion other than the fitting portion, and even when these parts become small, both can be easily fixed to each other. And excellent workability. In addition, the lens frame and the imaging frame are configured to be fixed via a fixing member having a destruction part, and the lens frame and the imaging frame can be easily separated by a simple operation of destroying the destruction part. it can. Further, even when the imaging frame and the lens frame are small, both can be fixed while maintaining workability with a relatively easy structure. In addition, the fixing member is fixed to the outer surface of the lens frame and the outer surface of the imaging frame, and the fixing member can be easily attached compared to the case where the fixing member is attached to the inner surface of the lens frame and / or the imaging frame. is there. Moreover, the destruction part is formed of a material softer than the imaging frame, and it is possible to effectively prevent the imaging frame from being damaged when the destruction part is destroyed.

  Note that a new fixing member may be used when the objective lens unit (lens frame) and the imaging unit (imaging frame) after separation are fixed again, and the fitting portion is directly bonded without using the fixing member. May be. In the former case, it is possible to reuse the parts when repair is performed again, and in the latter case, there is an advantage that the cost is slightly reduced because no fixing member is used.

  FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the same components as those of FIG.

  As described above, the lens frame and the CCD holding frame are fixed to each other by not bonding the lens frame and the CCD holding frame at the fitting portion that affects the optical axis and focusing, but by bonding at other portions. The shape arrangement of the fixing member and the like is not particularly limited. The present embodiment shows an example in which the fixing member is attached to the CCD holding frame side.

  In FIG. 9, the optical window member 24 and the lenses 23a and 23b fixed to the lens frame 22 ′ are the same as those in FIG. 1, and the CCD 31, the glass lid 32, and the cover glass 33 are integrally formed with the CCD holding frame 41. Are the same as those in FIG.

  The lens frame 22 'and the CCD holding frame 41 have the same inner diameter and outer diameter as the lens frame 22 or the CCD holding frame 34 of FIG. In the present embodiment, a fixing member 42 corresponding to the fixing member 28 in FIG. 1 is bonded and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 41 with an adhesive or the like (not shown). The point that the fixing member 42 is made of a material softer than the CCD holding frame 41 is the same as in the first embodiment.

  At the time of assembly, the lens frame 22 ′ is fitted into the inner peripheral surface on the front end side of the CCD holding frame 41. Thereby, highly accurate optical axis alignment is performed. Note that no adhesive is applied to the fitting portions 49 of the both.

  The lens frame 22 ′ is inserted into the fixing member 42. The adhesive 45 is filled between the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 22 ′ and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 42 (adhesive portion), and after focusing, the lens frame 22 ′ and the fixing member 42 are bonded to each other. Fix it.

  Grooves are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 22 ′ on the distal end side of the fitting portion 49 and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 42 on the distal end side of the CCD holding frame 41, and ooze out to the proximal end side. An adhesion pool 43 is configured to prevent the adhesive 45 from reaching the fitting portion 49. An appropriate amount of the adhesive 45 is disposed at the adhesive portion between the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 22 ′ and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 42, and the adhesive 45 reaches the fitting portion 49 by providing the adhesive pool 43. This can be surely prevented. In this way, an imaging apparatus constituted by the objective lens unit 21 'and the imaging unit 30' is obtained.

  Here, the objective lens unit 21 ′ and the CCD holding frame 41 are disassembled for repair or replacement. In this case, the adhesive 45 disposed at a portion where the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 22 ′ and the front end surface and inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 42 face each other is peeled off. Since the fixing member 42 is made of a softer material than the CCD holding frame 41, even if the fixing member 42 is damaged or broken during the peeling operation, the CCD holding frame 41 is damaged. Is rarely reached. Even if the CCD holding frame 41 is damaged along with the peeling operation, the damage occurs only on the outer peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 41 and does not occur in the fitting portion 49.

  As described above, also in this embodiment, when the lens frame and the CCD holding frame are disassembled, at least the fitting portion of the lens frame and the CCD holding frame is prevented from being damaged and reused after the disassembly. Can be made possible.

  Although the example in which the CCD holding frame 41 and the fixing member 42 are configured separately has been described with reference to FIG. 9, the fixing member 42 and the CCD holding frame 41 may be configured integrally. In this case, the fixing member portion is also made of the same material as the CCD holding frame.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the same components as those in FIG.

  10, the lens frame 22, the optical window member 24 fixed to the lens frame 22, and the lenses 23a and 23b are the same as those in FIG. In the present embodiment, the CCD 31, the glass lid 32, and the cover glass 33 that are integrally formed are bonded and fixed to the CCD holding frame 55. The CCD holding frame 55 has the same inner diameter as the CCD holding frame 34, and the lens frame 22 can be fitted in the fitting portion 59 which is the inner peripheral surface on the front end side.

  In the present embodiment, the fixing member 52 is configured in substantially the same shape as the fixing member 28 in FIG. 1, and the inner diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter on the front end side of the CCD holding frame 55. The outer peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 55 and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 52 are formed with the same thread shape on the outer peripheral surface, thereby forming a screw portion 54. That is, the CCD holding frame 55 and the fixing member 52 can be fixed to each other by screwing the CCD holding frame 55 into the fixing member 52 by using the screw portion 54.

  That is, at the time of assembly, the lens frame 22 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface on the front end side of the CCD holding frame 55 with the CCD holding frame 55 screwed into the fixing member 52 and integrated. Simultaneously with this insertion work, optical axis alignment and focusing are performed. Note that no adhesive is applied to the fitting portion 59 formed by the inner peripheral surface on the front end side of the CCD holding frame 55 and the outer peripheral surface on the base end side of the lens frame 22.

  The lens frame 22 is inserted from the front end side of the fixing member 52. In a state where the focusing is performed, an adhesive 53 is filled between the protrusion 29 of the lens frame 22 and the front end surface of the fixing member 52 and between the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 22 and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 52. Then, the lens frame 22 and the fixing member 52 are bonded and fixed to each other. In this way, the objective lens unit 51 and the image pickup unit 50 are optically focused and focused with high accuracy to constitute an image pickup apparatus.

  Here, it is assumed that the objective lens unit 51 and the CCD holding frame 55 are disassembled for repair or replacement. In this case, the adhesive 53 is peeled off, the objective lens unit 51 is rotated in the circumferential direction, and the screwing of the lens frame 22 and the CCD holding frame 55 together with the fixing member 52 is released using the screw portion 54. do it. Thereby, the objective lens unit 51 and the CCD holding frame 55 can be disassembled without damaging the CCD holding frame 55 as well as the fitting portion 59.

  As described above, also in this embodiment, the same effects as those in the above embodiments can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is an advantage that disassembly is easier.

  In the present embodiment, the fixing member 52 may be bonded and fixed to the lens frame 22 in advance, and then the CCD holding frame 55 and the lens frame 22 may be fitted using the screw portion 54. is there.

  FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the same components as those in FIG. The present embodiment is an example applied to an external fitting in which the lens frame side is disposed outside the CCD holding frame.

  In FIG. 11, an optical window member 24 and lenses 73a and 73b are bonded and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of a lens frame 72 constituting the objective lens unit 71. On the other hand, the CCD 31, the glass lid 32, and the cover glass 33 that are integrally formed are bonded and fixed to the CCD holding frame 75 to constitute the imaging unit 70.

  In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the CCD holding frame 75 and the inner diameter of the lens frame 72 are substantially the same, and the distal end side of the CCD holding frame 75 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the base end side of the lens frame 72. It has become. No adhesive is used for the fitting portion 79 between the outer peripheral surface on the distal end side of the CCD holding frame 75 and the inner peripheral surface on the proximal end side of the lens frame 72. The optical axis can be aligned by fitting the CCD holding frame 75 and the lens frame 72 at the fitting portion 79.

  In the present embodiment, the distal end opening has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lens frame 72 on the outer peripheral side of the CCD holding frame 75 and the lens frame 72, and the proximal end opening is outside the CCD holding frame 75. A fixing member 76 having an inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter is employed.

  At the time of assembly, the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 76 is bonded to the outer peripheral surface of either the CCD holding frame 75 or the lens frame 72. For example, in a state where the CCD holding frame 75 and the fixing member 76 are bonded and fixed with an adhesive 78 a, the distal end side of the CCD holding frame 75 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the lens frame 72 on the proximal end side. Then, after performing optical axis alignment and focusing, the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 72 and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 76 are bonded and fixed with an adhesive 78b. In this way, the objective lens unit 71 and the imaging unit 70 are optically focused and focused with high accuracy to constitute an imaging device.

  Here, it is assumed that the objective lens unit 71 and the CCD holding frame 75 are disassembled for repair or replacement. In this case, for example, the adhesive 78 a is peeled off, and the objective lens unit 71 is removed from the CCD holding frame 75. Since no adhesive is used for the fitting portion 79, the objective lens unit 71 and the CCD holding frame 75 can be disassembled without damaging the CCD holding frame 75 at all.

  As described above, also in this embodiment, the same effects as those in the above embodiments can be obtained.

  By the way, in order to facilitate repair and disassembly, it is conceivable to couple the lens frame and the CCD holding frame with screws. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example in this case. In FIG. 12, the same components as those of FIG.

  In FIG. 12, the optical window member 24 and the lenses 82a and 82b are bonded and fixed to the lens frame 81. On the other hand, the CCD 31, the glass lid 32 and the cover glass 33 that are integrally formed are bonded and fixed to the CCD holding frame 83. In the present embodiment, the inner diameter of the CCD holding frame 83 and the outer diameter of the lens frame 81 are substantially the same. A screw portion 89 having the same screw shape is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 83 and the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 81. Thereby, the proximal end side of the lens frame 81 can be screwed into the inner peripheral surface of the distal end side of the CCD holding frame 83. No adhesive is used for the fitting portion formed by the screw portion 89. Optical axis alignment is possible by this fitting part.

  In the present embodiment, a front end cover 85 is bonded and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the lens frame 81 with an adhesive 85a. For the tip cover 85, for example, a relatively soft material such as plastic or acetal resin is used. A distal end hard portion 86 is adhered and attached to the distal end cover 85. Note that the hard end portion 86 and the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 81 are not bonded. The distal end hard portion 86 is disposed between the CCD holding frame 83 and an elastic adhesive 84.

  In the present embodiment, a screw hole 87 is formed in the distal end rigid portion 86 in the radial direction at a position facing the CCD holding frame 83. The CCD holding frame 83 can be fixed to the hard end portion 86 by screwing a screw 88 into the screw hole 87. That is, the CCD holding frame 83 and the lens frame 81 are fixed to each other via the distal end rigid portion 86 and the distal end cover 85. Thus, the lens frame 81 is prevented from rotating with respect to the CCD holding frame 83 after focusing, and defocusing is prevented.

  Here, the lens frame 81 and the CCD holding frame 83 are disassembled for repair or replacement. In this case, the adhesive 85a is peeled off, and the screw 88 is rotated and removed from the screw hole 87. Then, the lens frame 81 is rotated in the circumferential direction, and the screw engagement between the lens frame 81 and the CCD holding frame 83 is released using the screw portion 89. The lens frame 81 and the CCD holding frame 83 can be disassembled without the fitting portion constituted by the screw portion 89 being damaged.

  As described above, also in this embodiment, the same effects as those in the above embodiments can be obtained.

  In addition, by configuring the fitting portion between the lens frame and the CCD holding frame with a screw member, a configuration is possible in which the imaging unit can be reused even when the fitting portion is bonded. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example in this case. In FIG. 13, the same components as those of FIG.

  In FIG. 13, the optical window member 24 and the lenses 93 a and 93 b are bonded and fixed to the lens frame 92. The integrally constructed CCD 31, glass lid 32 and cover glass 33 are bonded and fixed to a CCD holding frame 95. In the present embodiment, the CCD holding frame 95 has a thread formed on the inner peripheral surface on the front end side, and a screw member 96 having a thread matching the thread is screwed into the inner peripheral surface. Can be done. The screw member 96 has a cylindrical shape, a thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface, and the inner peripheral surface is formed in a curved shape. The inner diameter of the screw member 96 is formed substantially the same as the outer diameter of the lens frame 92.

  With the screw member 96 screwed into the inner peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 95, the base end side of the lens frame 92 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the screw member 96. Then, the lens frame 92 and the screw member 96 are bonded and fixed by the adhesive 97 at the fitting portion where the inner peripheral surface of the screw member 96 and the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 92 face each other. At the time of this bonding, optical axis alignment and focusing are performed.

  Here, it is assumed that the lens frame 92 and the CCD holding frame 95 are disassembled for repair or replacement. In this case, the adhesive 97 is peeled off, the inner peripheral surface of the screw member 96 and the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame 92 are peeled off, and the lens frame 92 is pulled out from the screw member 96. Along with this disassembly work, the inner peripheral surface of the screw member 96 is damaged. However, the screw member 96 is screwed into the CCD holding frame 95. When the screw member 96 is rotated and removed, the screw on the inner peripheral surface of the CCD holding frame 95 is not damaged. Thus, by using a new screw member 96, the imaging unit excluding the screw member 96 can be reused.

  As described above, also in this embodiment, the same effects as those in the above embodiments can be obtained.

  By the way, when connecting the lens frame and the CCD holding frame, a rubber-based elastic adhesive having a relatively weak adhesive force should be used as the adhesive so as to sufficiently reduce the damage of the fitting part at the time of peeling. Is also possible.

  FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration in this case.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the CCD 31, the glass lid 32, and the cover glass 33 that are integrally formed are bonded and fixed to the CCD holding frame 62. In FIG. 14, for example, an elastic adhesive 63 having a weak rubber adhesive force is applied to the joint surface (fitting portion) between the CCD holding frame 62 and the lens frame 22, so that the CCD holding frame 62 and the lens frame 22 are applied. Are fixed to each other. By using the elastic adhesive 63, it is possible to ensure watertightness.

  Further, in the example of FIG. 14, the CCD holding frame 62 is provided with a screw hole 64 in the radial direction at a position facing the fitting portion with the lens frame 22, and after assembly, the screw hole 64 is screwed. The CCD holding frame 62 is fastened to the lens frame 22 by screwing in a screw 65 matching the shape. As a result, the mutual fixing strength between the CCD holding frame 62 and the lens frame 22 can be increased.

  When disassembling the lens frame 22 and the CCD holding frame 62 for repair or replacement, the screw 65 is first removed and then the adhesive 63 is peeled off. The adhesive force of the adhesive 63 is weak, and the fitting part of the CCD holding frame 62 can be prevented from being damaged when the adhesive 63 is peeled off.

  Thus, also in the example of FIG. 14, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

  By the way, CCD which comprises an imaging unit is connected to a cable in the electrical equipment part comprised by TAB etc. FIG. In order to ensure the strength, it is necessary to cover the periphery of the electrical component with metal and ensure the clearance between the electrical component and the metal. However, with the miniaturization of the apparatus, TAB is frequently used, and it is difficult to position the electrical component.

  FIG. 15 is intended to eliminate the problem that occurs in such an electrical component. FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the endoscope, and FIG. 15B is a perspective view showing the holding member 110 in FIG. 15A.

  The lens frame 102 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface on the front end side of the CCD holding frame 104, and optical axis alignment is performed. The CCD holding frame 104 and the lens frame 102 are adhered and fixed to each other by a fixing member 105 provided on the outer peripheral side, and focusing is performed. The CCD 31 is fixedly attached to the base end side of the CCD holding frame 104 through a cover glass.

  On the base end side of the CCD 31, an electrical component 111 constituted by a TAB 112 or the like is disposed. The electrical component 111 is provided with a small transistor, a chip capacitor, or the like, or an electronic component 113 such as a chip resistor or an IC chip. A composite cable 114 is connected to the electrical unit 111. The periphery of the CCD 31 and the composite cable 114 is filled with an adhesive 115, and a metal reinforcing frame 116 covers the outer periphery thereof. Further, a heat shrinkable tube 117 covers the outer periphery. The reinforcing frame 116 is bonded and fixed to the CCD holding frame 104.

  In the example of FIG. 15, a holding member 110 made of an insulating member is disposed so as to surround the electrical component 111. As shown in FIG. 15B, the holding member 110 is a U-shaped member having a bottom surface and both side surfaces, and houses the electrical component 111 in a portion surrounded by the bottom surface and both side surfaces. The distance between the inner surfaces of the both side surfaces of the holding member 110 is matched with the dimension of the electrical component 111, and the electrical component 111 is held without moving inside the retention member 110.

  In addition, the outer surfaces of both side surfaces of the holding member 110 are in contact with the reinforcing frame 116, whereby the holding member 110 has a function as a positioning component of the electrical component 111 together with the reinforcing frame 116. That is, the holding member 110 can minimize the clearance between the reinforcing frame 116 and the electrical component 111 (TAB 112), can maintain a sufficient strength, and can be downsized.

  Note that FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a direct-view imaging device, but the present invention can be similarly applied to a side-view imaging device in which the optical axis is substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the electrical component and the cable. Is clear.

  In each of the above embodiments, an example of a CCD as an imaging device has been described. However, the imaging device is not particularly limited, and all devices that use a lens frame and an imaging frame for optical axis alignment and focusing. Obviously, for example, a CMOS sensor or the like may be used as the image sensor.

  As described above, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an objective lens unit and an imaging unit connected to each other, and is useful for a system that requires repair / replacement, for example, at the distal end of an electronic endoscope. It is provided and is suitable for taking a subject image of the affected part.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic endoscope in which the imaging device of FIG. 1 is integrated. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating adhesion | attachment of a fixing member. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating adhesion | attachment of a fixing member. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating adhesion | attachment of a fixing member. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the decomposition | disassembly method. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the decomposition | disassembly method. The flowchart for demonstrating the decomposition | disassembly method. Sectional drawing which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the 4th Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the modification of an imaging device. Sectional drawing which shows the modification of an imaging device. Sectional drawing which shows the modification of an imaging device. Sectional drawing which shows the modification of an imaging device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Objective lens unit 21, 22 ... Lens frame, 23a, 23b ... Lens, 28 ... Fixing member, 29 ... Projection part, 30 ... Imaging unit, 31 ... CCD, 33 ... Cover glass, 34 ... CCD holding frame, 35 ... Adhesive, 37, 38 ... adhesive part, 39 ... fitting part.
Agent Patent Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (9)

A lens frame to which one or more lenses are fixed;
An imaging frame in which the imaging element is fixed and fitted into the lens frame in the fitting portion;
A cylindrical member made of a hard material such as metal or resin, wherein the lens frame other than the fitting portion is arranged so that an imaging surface of the imaging element is arranged at a focal position by the one or more lenses. a fixed member and a second portion secured by adhesion to a part of the first portion and the imaging frame other than the fitting portion which is fixed by adhesion to a part,
Comprising
The imaging member characterized in that the fixing member has a destruction part that is destroyed when the lens frame and the imaging frame are separated between the first part and the second part of the fixing member. apparatus. The breaking portion is broken when the lens frame and the imaging frame are separated by a groove portion formed on an outer peripheral surface of the fixing member and having a crack resistance lower than that of other portions of the fixing member. The imaging device according to claim 1 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is fixed to an outer surface of the lens frame and an outer surface of the imaging frame . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is made of a material softer than the imaging frame .   A cylindrical member made of a hard material such as metal or resin and having first and second fixing parts,
  Imaging of the imaging device at a focal position by the one or more lenses, a lens frame to which one or more lenses are fixed, and an imaging frame to which the imaging device is fixed and fitted to the lens frame in a fitting portion The first fixing portion is fixed to a part of the lens frame other than the fitting portion by adhesion so that a surface is arranged, and the second fixing portion is one of the imaging frames other than the fitting portion. Fixed to the part by bonding,
  When the lens frame and the imaging frame are separated by a groove formed between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion of the cylindrical member and formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member. A fixing member for an image pickup apparatus, characterized by having a destruction part that is destroyed by the.   The imaging device fixing member according to claim 5, wherein the first and second fixing portions are fixed to an outer surface of the lens frame and an outer surface of the imaging frame.   The imaging device fixing member according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the imaging device fixing member is made of a material softer than the imaging frame.   A fixing member that fixes a lens frame to which one or more lenses are fixed and an imaging frame to which an imaging element is fixed and is fitted to the lens frame in a fitting portion, and is made of a hard material such as metal or resin. A cylindrical member made of a material, which is bonded to a part of the imaging frame other than the first part and a first part fixed by bonding to a part of the lens frame other than the fitting part. Among the fixing members having the second part to be fixed, the crack resistance is lower than the other parts of the fixing member, between the first part and the second part in the fixing member, and Destroying a destructive portion destroyed when the lens frame and the imaging frame are separated by a groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member, and releasing the fixation between the lens frame and the imaging frame;
  Replacing at least one of the lens frame and the imaging frame;
  Fixing the lens frame and the imaging frame to each other;
  A method of repairing an imaging apparatus, comprising:   While exchanging either the lens frame and the imaging frame in the replacing step,
  9. The method of repairing an imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, in the fixing step, one of the exchanged lens frame and imaging frame is fixed to the other of the lens frame and imaging frame.

Images