JPH04283715A - Stop device for endscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain the small-sized stop device for the endscope capable of driving a stop blade by a simple mechanism, and easily arranging to the top of the endscope. CONSTITUTION:The stop device for the endscope is provided nearby an objective lens group 22 and between two electromagnets 31 and 32 and has the stop blade 28 having megnetism. The base end part of this stop blade 28 is fitted in a ratory shaft 29 provided in parallel to the optical axis of the objective lens group 22 and rotatable between the electromagnets 31 and 32. Further, a stop hole 30 is formed in the stop blade 28. Then the stop blade 28 is rotated around the rotary shaft 29 by switching the polarities of the electromagnets 31 and 32 to put the stop hole 20 in and off the optical path of the observation optical system composed of the obejctive lens group 22.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a diaphragm device for an endoscope that is incorporated into the distal end of an insertion section of an endoscope.

0002

[Prior Art] In recent years, endoscopy has become possible by inserting an elongated insertion section into a body cavity to observe internal organs, etc., and perform various therapeutic procedures as necessary using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument channel. Mirrors are widely used.

During observation using the endoscope, the amount of illumination light or the amount of light received by the observation means is automatically adjusted so that an object image with appropriate brightness is always obtained. As a means for adjusting the amount of light, a mechanical aperture device that adjusts the amount of illumination light is often provided in the light source device that supplies illumination light to the endoscope. It is also conceivable to provide a mechanical aperture device for adjusting the amount of illumination light or the amount of light received by the observation means.

[0004] To operate this mechanical throttling device,
Conventionally, an electric motor serving as an actuator was driven, and the force from the motor was transmitted through a transmission mechanism such as a gear to move the aperture blades. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-9692 discloses a mechanism for moving aperture blades using an electromagnet as an actuator in which a mover made of a ferromagnetic material moves within a coil. Furthermore, Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 1-88930 discloses an example in which a bimorph is used as an actuator.

[0005]

[Problem to be solved by the invention] However, when an electric motor is used as an actuator of a throttle device,
When an electromagnet in which a movable element made of ferromagnetic material moves inside a coil is used as an actuator, as in Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-9692, the structure of the aperture device becomes complicated, and the aperture device cannot be used in an endoscope. It cannot be made small enough to incorporate the tip of the insertion section.

Furthermore, as shown in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 1-88930, when a bimorph is used as an actuator for an aperture device, since the amount of drive displacement of the bimorph is small, there is no displacement between the bimorph and the aperture blades. A transmission mechanism must be provided to increase the amount, and in this case as well, it is difficult to downsize the aperture device.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and allows the aperture blades to be driven with a simple mechanism.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a small-sized diaphragm device for an endoscope that can be easily installed at the tip of an endoscope.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The diaphragm device for an endoscope of the present invention includes an optical means for forming a subject image, an iris member having a magnetic force and controlling the amount of light incident on the optical means, and a diaphragm member having a magnetic force for controlling the amount of light incident on the optical means. The aperture member is provided with a magnetic drive means for magnetically driving the aperture member in cooperation with the magnetic force of the member.

[0009]

[Operation] By driving the aperture member using the magnetic drive means, the amount of light incident on the optical means is controlled.

0010

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 5 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, with FIG. 1 being a block diagram showing the general structure of an endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 2 being a structure of the distal end of the insertion section of an electronic endoscope. A configuration diagram showing
3 is a sectional view taken along the line AA' in FIG. 2 to explain the position and operation of the aperture hole relative to the observation optical system, FIG. 4 is an external view showing the configuration of the aperture blades, and FIG. 5 is an operation of the aperture blades relative to the observation optical system. It is a BB' line arrow view of FIG. 3 explaining.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope apparatus includes, for example, an electronic endoscope 1 having a solid-state image pickup device, and this endoscope 1.
a light source device 15 and a camera control unit (hereinafter referred to as CCU) 14 connected to the CCU 14;
The monitor 16 is connected to the monitor 16.

The endoscope 1 includes an elongated and flexible insertion section 2, an operation section 3 connected to the rear end of the insertion section 2 via a bending stop 25, and an operation section 3. A universal cord 4 is provided. An LG connector 5 is provided at the end of the universal cord 4 and is detachably connected to the light source device 15. This LG
A CCU cable 6 extends from the connector 5, and a CCU connector 7 that is detachably connected to the CCU 14 is provided at the end of the CCU cable 6.

The insertion section 2 includes, in order from the distal end side, a hard distal end section 8, a bendable curved section 9, and a soft flexible section 10.
It is made up of. Further, the operating section 3 includes a grip section 11 on the side of the insertion section 2 and a switch section 12 on the side opposite to the insertion section. On the side surface of the gripping part 11, there are two opposing sides.
Two planes are formed, and a bending operation knob 13 for bending the bending portion 9 is provided on one plane. Further, the universal cord 4 extends from the other plane of the grip portion 11 . Further, the switch section 12 is provided with a control switch 17 that controls the drive of aperture blades provided at the end of the endoscope, which will be described later.

The distal end portion 8 is provided with an illumination window and an observation window, and as shown in FIG. 2, an illumination lens 24 is provided inside the illumination window, and the rear end of this illumination lens 24 A light guide 27 is provided in series. This light guide 27 is inserted through the insertion section 2, the operating section 3, and the universal cord 4 shown in FIG.
Connected to connector 5. And the light source device 1
The illumination light emitted from the light guide 27 is incident on the incident end of the light guide 27, passes through the light guide 27 and the illumination lens 24, and is irradiated onto the subject.

Furthermore, an objective lens group 22 is provided inside the observation window, and a solid-state image pickup device, for example, a CCD 18, is disposed at the imaging position of this objective lens group 22. The CCD 18 includes a substrate 20 on which electronic components 19 are mounted.
is connected to the board 20, and an electric signal line 21 is connected to the board 20. This signal line 21 is connected to the insertion section 2, the operation section 3, the universal cord 4, the LG connector 5 and the CCU.
The cable 6 is inserted through the cable 6 and connected to the CCU connector 7 . Further, a diaphragm device 23 is provided within the objective lens group 22 and is connected to the CCU 14 via an electric cable 16.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' of the endoscope tip in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the aperture device 23 includes:
provided near the objective lens group 22 shown in FIG.
It is located between at least two electromagnets 31 and 32, and has an aperture blade 28 made of a magnetized magnet. The base end of the diaphragm blade 28 is inserted into a rotating shaft 29 provided parallel to the optical axis of the objective lens group 22, and is rotatable between the electromagnets 31 and 32.

Further, an aperture hole 30 is formed in the aperture blade 28. By rotating the aperture blades 28 about the rotation axis 29, the aperture hole 30 is inserted into and removed from the optical path of the observation optical system formed by the objective lens group 22.

The aperture blades 28 made of magnets are polarized, for example, with an N pole on the left and an S pole on the right. Said CC
When the amount of light received by D18 is less than a predetermined value, as shown in FIG. Electromagnet 31
The diaphragm blades 28 are arranged at a position where the C portion, which is the S pole, is attracted to each other, and the diaphragm hole 30 is completely retracted without covering the observation optical system.

Furthermore, when the amount of light received by the CCD 18 exceeds a predetermined value, as shown in FIG. 3(B), the electromagnet 31
, 32 are reversed, and the N pole of the aperture blade 28 and the C portion, which is the N pole of the electromagnet 31 arranged on the left side, repel each other.
The S pole of the aperture blade 28 and the N pole of the electromagnet 32 arranged on the right side
The pole C portions are attracted to each other, and the center of the aperture hole 30 moves to coincide with the center of the observation optical system, and the CCD
The amount of light incident on 18 is limited. Incidentally, at this time, the incident light to the observation optical system is transmitted through the aperture hole 3.
The diaphragm blades 28 are formed, for example, in the shape of a teaspoon, so that only the light that passes through the lens completely covers the observation optical system.

Although the aperture blades 28 are made of magnetized magnets, they are not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. The aperture blade itself may be formed by adhering the aperture blades, and by using an aperture blade having such a configuration, the aperture blade itself can be strengthened.

As shown in FIG. 5, the electromagnets 31 and 32
The electrical cable 26 (see FIG. 2) connected to the CCU 14 via the CCU connector 7 (see FIG. 1)
(See FIG. 1) is connected to a polarity changeover switch 35 that changes the polarity of the electromagnets 31 and 32. Further, an aperture control circuit 36 for controlling the aperture device 23 is provided in the CCU 14, and is capable of controlling switching of the polarity changeover switch 35.

It should be noted that a video signal from the CCD 18 is input to the aperture control circuit 36. Further, rotational drive control of the aperture blades 28 can be manually instructed to the aperture control circuit 36 by the control switch 17.

In the aperture device 23 configured in this way,
The illumination light emitted from the light source device 15 is transmitted to the light guide 2
7 and the illumination lens 24 to illuminate the subject. The object image illuminated by this illumination light is captured by the objective lens group 2.
2, the image is formed on the CCD 18 and photoelectrically converted. The output signal of this CCD 18 is processed by the CCU 14 and sent to the monitor 16.

Here, the output signal of the CCD 18 is also input to the aperture control circuit 36. This diaphragm control circuit 36 generates object brightness information from the output signal of the CCD 18, outputs a value for controlling the diaphragm device 23 according to this information, and switches the polarity of the electromagnets 31 and 32. 35 switching is performed.

In the aperture device 23 in the first embodiment,
The aperture blades 28 are magnets, and the electromagnets 31 and 32 are used as actuators to drive the blades.
By switching the polarity of the aperture 25, the aperture hole 25 can be inserted into and removed from the optical path of the observation optical system, so the aperture diameter can be selected between an open aperture and a desired aperture.

Furthermore, since the mechanism for driving the aperture blades 28 is simple and there is no need to use a transmission mechanism between the aperture blades and the actuator, the aperture device 23 can be downsized. Therefore, the diaphragm device 23 can be mounted even in a narrow site, such as the distal end portion 8 of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1, where it has been difficult to incorporate it heretofore.

Furthermore, since the aperture blades 28 have magnetic force, when the polarity of the electromagnets 31 and 32 is switched, the aperture blades 28 repel one of the electromagnets 31, for example, and attract the other electromagnet 32. So you can respond quickly. Further, an impact is applied to the tip 8, and the aperture blade 28
Even if the aperture blades 28 move, since they have magnetic force, they repel and attract the two electromagnets 31 and 32, and can quickly return to their original positions.

Next, the aperture device of the second embodiment will be explained. Since the aperture device of the second embodiment is almost the same as the aperture device of the first embodiment, only the different parts will be explained, and the same components will be omitted. The same reference numerals are given and the explanation is omitted.

FIGS. 6 and 7 relate to the second embodiment, and FIG.
7 is a sectional view taken along the line AA' in FIG. 2 illustrating the position and operation of the aperture hole of the diaphragm with respect to the observation optical system, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line AA' in FIG. FIG.

The aperture device is provided with rectangular aperture blades 42, as shown in FIG. The upper and lower 2 of this aperture blade 42
Guide grooves 43 are provided at these locations for the aperture blades 42 to slide left and right.
Two throttle holes 38 and 39 are provided. Aperture blade 42
A guide groove 43 is inserted into a pin 44 provided near the central axis of the insertion portion 2, and the electromagnet 31, 32 can be moved left and right along the guide groove 43 by switching the polarity of the electromagnets 31 and 32.

With the aperture device constructed in this way, a plurality of desired aperture diameters can be obtained. Furthermore, by making the diameter of one of the aperture holes larger than the aperture of the incident light of the observation optical system, it is possible to obtain an open aperture and a desired aperture as in the first embodiment.

The electromagnets may also be electromagnets 45 and 46 provided along the outer periphery of the tip 8 of the insertion portion 2 on the same plane as the aperture blades 42, as shown in FIG.

Other structures, functions, and effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

FIGS. 8 to 10 relate to the third embodiment,
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the distal end of the insertion section of the fiber endoscope, and FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the aperture device.
A sectional view taken along the line A', FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the electromagnet.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the case of a fiber endoscope, a subject image passing through an objective lens group 22 provided at the distal end 8 is guided by an image guide 49 to an eyepiece (not shown). Depending on the brightness of the image obtained through the eyepiece, the endoscope user changes the aperture aperture of the aperture device 23 using, for example, a switch provided on an operation unit (not shown) to obtain an image of the subject with appropriate brightness. As shown in FIG. 9, the aperture device 23 of the third embodiment is equipped with two approximately semicircular aperture blades 50, 51.
is provided. For example, cutouts 52 and 53 are provided in the two aperture blades 50 and 51, respectively. Furthermore, these two aperture blades 50 and 51 are attached to a rotating shaft 54.
It can be moved around the center, and the size of the aperture hole formed by both notches 52 and 53 can be changed. Here, this aperture hole is opened at the center of the observation optical system of the objective lens group 22.

Further, the aperture blades 50 and 51 are magnets and are magnetized. At this time, the magnetic force of the aperture blades 50 and 51 is
The magnetic force of the aperture blades 50, 51 is made weaker than the magnetic force of the electromagnet 55 in order to make the pulling force of the aperture blades 50, 51 by the electromagnet 55 larger than the force with which the aperture blades 50, 51 attract each other. Note that the electromagnet 55 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
0, it is integrally formed.

With this configuration, the two aperture blades 50, 51 are moderately attracted to each other, and the aperture blades 50, 51 are always in contact with each other.
1 are kept in close contact with each other, and a notch 52 is provided in the observation optical system.
, 53, only the light from the aperture hole formed by the apertures is incident. Therefore, a desired aperture diameter can be obtained by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 55.

Other structures, functions, and effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0041]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention,
The diaphragm device for an endoscope of the present invention includes an optical means for forming an image of a subject, an iris member that controls the amount of light incident on the optical means and has a magnetic force, and a diaphragm member that cooperates with the magnetic force of the iris member to form an object image. Since it is equipped with a magnetic drive means for magnetically driving the aperture member,
A mechanism for driving the diaphragm member and controlling the amount of light incident on the optical means can be easily configured and can be easily disposed at the tip of the endoscope.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion section of the electronic endoscope according to the first embodiment.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' in FIG. 2, illustrating the position and operation of the aperture hole relative to the observation optical system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing the configuration of aperture blades according to the first embodiment.

5 is a view taken along the line BB' in FIG. 3, illustrating the operation of the aperture blades according to the first embodiment with respect to the observation optical system.

6 A-A' in FIG. 2 illustrating the position and operation of the aperture hole of the aperture device according to the second embodiment with respect to the observation optical system.
FIG.

7 is a sectional view taken along the line AA' in FIG. 2, illustrating a modification of the aperture device in FIG. 6 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion section of the fiber endoscope according to the third embodiment.

9 is a sectional view taken along the line AA' in FIG. 8, illustrating the configuration of a diaphragm device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an electromagnet according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

18...CCD 22...Objective lens group 23... Squeezing device 28...Aperture blade 29...Rotation axis 30...Aperture hole 31...Electromagnet 32...Electromagnet

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An optical means for forming a subject image, an aperture member having a magnetic force that controls the amount of light incident on the optical means, and a magnetically driven aperture member working in cooperation with the magnetic force of the aperture member. A diaphragm device for an endoscope, characterized in that it is equipped with a magnetic drive means for