JPS58184922A - Cover glass attaching device of endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To fix cover glass easily and surely without damaging it, by fixing a fixing frame mechanically so that a small gap part is formed and packing a seal material in the gap part to fix the cover glass. CONSTITUTION:After a fixing frame 23 is press-fitted until its tip is brought into contact with the end face of a projecting edge part 22A of a cover glass attaching frame 22, a sealing material 24 is packed in the formed gap around a tapered corner part 21A and the outside circumference of the side part of a cover glass 21 to fix the cover glass 21 sufficiently. Since the part to be detained is not brought into contact with the fixing frame 23 directly, the breakdown of the cover glass 21 is prevented when it is fixed indirectly. Since the seal material 24 or the like is packed in the gap, the watertight (liquidtight) function is held.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is capable of mechanically easily and reliably attaching the cover glass that forms the transmission window of the objective and eyepiece system in the observation optical system of an endoscope. This invention relates to a cover glass attachment device for an endoscope.

In recent years, it has been used for medical purposes such as observation of objects such as affected areas in body cavities, diagnosis, and collection and treatment of in-vivo tissue using forceps.
Endoscopes are widely used for industrial purposes such as maintenance inside the lumens of machinery and chemical plants.

The above-mentioned endoscope has an insertion section inserted into a body cavity, etc., and an object illuminated by an illumination optical system disposed at the distal end of the insertion section. The line is formed in the objective optical system, transmitted to the eyepiece by an image transmitting means, and the inner eye can be observed from behind the eyepiece optical system using a photographing device or the like.

A cover glass made of a transparent material that transmits light is attached to the end face of the objective optical system and eyepiece optical system in the above observation optical system, and is used to clean and disinfect the endoscope after use. It has a liquid-tight structure that protects the inside of the mirror.

Figure @1 shows a conventional cover glass mounting structure proposed by the applicant.

In the figure, an observation optical system (not shown) is housed in a cylindrical inner tube 1 that is inserted through the elongated insertion section, and its front end (and rear end (not shown)) is enlarged in diameter in a step-like manner. A cover glass 3 is housed in an opening recess 2 whose diameter is enlarged with its peripheral edge abutting, and a fixing frame 4 for fixing the cover glass 3 is press-fitted into and fixed in this opening recess 2. There is. The fixing frame 4 is approximately ring-shaped, has a fitting surface SK on its outer circumferential surface, and has a pressing flange 6 protruding from its inner circumferential edge on the distal end side. 1 This fixed frame 4#i is press-fitted into the opening recess 2 from the tip side, and the fitting surface 5 of this fixed frame 4 is press-fitted into the fitting surface 5 of the opening recess 2 and fixed. A cover crow 30 is installed between the suppressing flange portion 6 of the fixed frame 4 and the abutting end surface 7 of the opening recess 2.
This cover glass 3 is fixed by pinching the peripheral edge.

Also, a void formed within this opening recess 2, that is, an inner tube 1. A sealing material 8 is filled in the gap surrounded by the cover glass 3 and the fixed frame 4, and the cover glass 3 and the inner tube 1
Maintains liquid tightness between the

The cover glass 3Fi fixed in this way is difficult to process and install due to its small dimensions.When press-fitting and fixing with the hard fixing frame 4, if the processing accuracy is not within the optical range, the pressure on the cover glass 3 will be reduced. In some cases, the entire area that should be in contact with each other does not come into contact with each other completely, resulting in localized pressure being applied with a large force, resulting in damage.

On the other hand, fixing Coverga and 7ax'3 only with adhesive has disadvantages such as being eroded by chemicals during disinfection or sterilization, and the heat resistance is generally low, so it is not desirable. .

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an endoscope in which a cover glass formed of a transparent member is fixed to an opening in an objective optical system or an eyepiece optical system. By mechanically fixing the fixing frame so that a small gap is formed across the outer circumference of the rear end corner and the side part, and filling the front gap joint with a sealing material to fix the cover glass. An object of the present invention is to provide a cover glass dispersion device for an endoscope that can easily and reliably fix the cover glass without damaging the cover glass.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically explained with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows a rigid endoscope to which a fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 3 shows a first rigid endoscope attached to the objective optical system of FIG.
The main part around the 7-force bar glass in the example is shown in an enlarged manner.

In these figures, a rigid endoscope 11 to which the first example is applied to the objective optical system, an acidic and elongated insertion section 12 to be inserted into a body cavity, and a rear end of the insertion section 12 are shown. An operating section 14 is provided with a light guide metal part 13 having an enlarged diameter to which a connection end of a light guide cable from a light source device (not shown) is attached, and an eyepiece optical system is housed on the rear end side of the operating section 14. It is composed of an eyepiece section 15.・Above insertion part 12
KFi inside the outer tube 16, light guide 1 that transmits all illumination light
7, and an inner pipe 18 is inserted eccentrically toward the soil part side.

For example, a relay lens system is disposed as the KFi image transmission means in the inner tube 18, and an optical image of the object is formed by an objective optical system formed by an objective lens or the like disposed at the tip of the inner tube 18. is transmitted to the rear eyepiece optical system, and li! eye lens 19
Sealed in the rear light transmission window (opening window) (Iia
ll) By bringing the eye close to the cover glass 20,
It is configured so that the object in front of the objective lens can be observed.

An open window K into which the observation light enters the objective optical system
k:t% As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 3, the cover glass 21 in the first embodiment is cast.

The cover glass 21 has a disc shape with a corner of the front end curved surface cut out to form a tapered corner 21, and the inner tube 18
Of the cover glass mounting frame 22 attached to the tip, 1ll
1Vc projecting edge portion 22A [is accommodated in an opening recess 22B whose adjacent tip side is enlarged in diameter in a step-like manner. This cover glass 21 has a substantially ring-shaped fixing frame 23 formed with a protrusion 23A that is tapered so that the inner surface of the end portion has a smaller diameter on the end portion side.
By press-fitting the cover glass 21, a small gap is left at the outer circumference of the cover glass 21 so that the cover glass 21 can be indirectly fixed.

The fixed frame 23Fi, whose ring-shaped outer diameter is the opening recess 2
The inner diameter of the 1-opening recess 22B is made larger, for example, by about 10 to 20, so that the 2BK can be press-fitted and fixed. When the cover glass 21 comes into contact with the end surface, the inner peripheral surface thereof forms a small gap C over the tapered corner 21A of the end surface (on the side facing the outside) of the cover glass 21 and the outer periphery of the side surface. has been done.

The gap between the outer periphery of the cover glass 21 and the inner periphery of the fixed frame 23 is filled (solidified) with a (fluid) sealant 24 or an adhesive that also functions as a sealant, thereby making the cover glass 21 liquid-tight. It is K so that it is sufficiently fixed in the structure. Note that this sealing material 24Fi has heat resistance and chemical resistance.

For example, a silicone resin material is used. The end surfaces of the cover glass 21 and the fixed frame 23 facing the outside are made to have the same thickness so that they are flush with each other after being press-fitted (of course, they may be made equal by polishing).

As shown in FIG. 3, in the attached cover glass 21 according to the embodiment configured as described above, the fixing frame 23 is pressed into the cover glass mounting frame 2.
Press-fit until the protruding edge 22 of the cover glass 21 comes into contact with the surface M, and cover the tapered corner 21A of the cover glass 21 and the outer periphery of the side.
If the sealing material 24 is filled in the gap between the cover glass and the
can be sufficiently fixed. Therefore, since the portion of the cover glass 21 that is to be locked does not come into direct contact with the fixing frame 23f and is not locked, breakage when indirectly fixing to the cover glass 21 is prevented. Also, the above gap KF!
, the sealing material 24 etc. are filled, so it is watertight (liquid tight) I!
Ability; retained. Note that the rear end corner #'i of the cover glass 21 is chamfered.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the cover glass 21 can be fixed easily and reliably. In addition, the degree of the above-mentioned gap depends on the accuracy of machining pi! ! You can do that.

Even if there are variations in wholesale and processing accuracy, if the gap tube is made larger than the variations, local pressure can be avoided when the cover glass 21 is indirectly fixed by the fixing frame 23 into which it is press-fitted. Therefore, damage can be prevented.

Since the gap Kk-1 is filled with the sealing material 24, etc., the influence of the above-mentioned variations can be eliminated. Further, if the machining accuracy is sufficiently high, the above-mentioned gap can be made (sufficiently) small.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the main part of the second embodiment applied to the eyepiece optical system attached to the rigid endoscope 11 of FIG.

It is fixed by a fixed frame 31 with a sealing material 24 filled in between.

In this embodiment, #i, cover glass mounting frame 32#i
The outer peripheral side of the rear end is made into a step-like diameter Km, and a protruding edge portion 32A that projects inward from the narrow-diameter trapped rear end portion and locks the cover glass 20 is formed.

fffiff- The outer diameter of the glass 20 is slightly smaller than the narrow diameter portion of the cover glass mounting frame 32, and the vicinity of the rear end curve is cut out to form a tapered shape. On the other hand, the identification frame 31tj has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the narrow diameter portion of the cover glass mounting frame 32, and its rear end has a protrusion 31 that projects inward in a tapered shape so that the end side has a narrow diameter.
A is formed.

When the fixing frame 31#i is press-fitted into the cover glass mounting frame 32, it expands slightly and is thinned (in some cases, it can be made thicker) so that it can be fitted and fixed, and the tip of the press-fitted part When the part comes into contact with the step surface of the cover glass mounting frame 32, there is a gap between the outer circumference of the tapered corner 20A of the cover glass 20 and the inner circumference of the protrusion 31A of the fixed frame 31, as in the first embodiment. In addition, a small gap is formed, and a small gap is also formed on the outer periphery of the side part of the single-force bar glass 20.

The gap Kd is filled with a sealing material 24 or an adhesive that also functions as a sealing material.

The operation and effect of the second embodiment configured as described above is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows the main tube of the third embodiment used in the observation window of the objective optical system.

As shown in the figure, this embodiment is omitted.

According to the shape of the cover glass 41, the fixing frame 42 is not a tapered protrusion 23A, but a 7-lunge protrusion 42A is formed through a small gap with the front end surface of the cover glass 41 when it is press-fitted and fixed. It is configured so that you can face it. The inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 42A of the fixed frame 42 is shaped to widen in order to facilitate the removal of deposits such as dust. In addition, the gap along the outer periphery of the side portion of the cover glass 41 and the above-mentioned gap are filled with the sealing material 24 or an adhesive that also functions as a sealing material, as in the first embodiment.

This embodiment has almost the same effect as the practical example, but the cover glass 41 and the fixed frame 42 have shapes that are easier to process than those of the first embodiment, and the dimensional accuracy can be improved. It has the advantage of

FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment in which the pusher glass 21 is fixed by one screw engagement instead of being fixed by press-fitting π in the first embodiment.

In the figure, the protruding edge 22 of the cover glass mounting frame 22'
AKII! A threaded portion 22C is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening recess whose diameter is enlarged into a stepped shape, while a screw 23C into which the threaded portion 22CK is screwed is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fixed frame 23'.

A stepped concave portion 22D with an enlarged diameter is formed on the distal end side adjacent to the threaded portion 22CK, while a convex portion into which the concave portion 22DK fits is formed on the fixed frame 23'. When screwed together, the above-mentioned concavo-convex portions fit together and the fixing frame 23' is positioned, and in this positioned state II, a small gap is formed at the outer periphery of the side part of the cover glass 21 and the outer periphery of the tapered corner 21A. This gap is filled with a sealing material 24 or an adhesive that also functions as a sealing material.

Note that the above-mentioned uneven portion may not be formed, and the tip portion into which the fixing frame 2 is press-fitted may be positioned by abutting against the projecting edge portion 22AK.

The effects of this embodiment are substantially the same as those of the F1@1 embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows the cover glass 2 by screwing instead of the fixing frame 31 which is press-fitted in the 22nd embodiment shown in FIG. 4.
A fifth embodiment is shown in which 0 is fixed.

A threaded portion 32A is formed at the portion where the fixed frame 31
A screw 31m is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the distal end side at ' to be screwed into the threaded portion 32A.

In this embodiment as well, when the tip of the fixing frame 31' is screwed into contact with the stepped part of the cover glass mounting frame 32' and is locked, the outer periphery of the cover glass 20@ part and the tapered corner 20A A small gap is formed between the outer periphery and the inner circumferential surface on the rear end side of the fixed frame 31', and the gap is filled with a sealing material 24 or an adhesive that also functions as a sealing material.

The above-mentioned hinged part is formed only in a part adjacent to the stepped part of the cover glass mounting frame 32', but it may of course be formed over the entire area, or in the part adjacent to the screwed part in FIG. The fitting part (indicated by reference numeral 31B) may be a threaded part, and the distal end thereof may be used as a fitting part.

Other than this, the configuration is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment.

The effects and results are also approximately the same.

FIG. 8 shows the fixed frame 23 in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
A sixth embodiment is shown in which the thickness of the cover glass 21 to be press-fitted is made thinner than the thickness of the cover glass 21. In this embodiment, when compressing and positioning the fixed frame 51'ft, the press-fitting jig 52 is used to press the fixed frame 51' (front) end surface and the adjacent cover.
Press fit until the glass mounting frame 22 is flush with the front end surface.

In this state II, the tip of the fixed frame 51 that is press-fitted comes into contact with the front surface of the protruding edge 22A of the cover/insertion frame 22, and a small gap is formed. This embodiment is similar to the other partial digital embodiments, and its effects are also substantially the same except that the press-fitting jig 52 is required.

Also in the third embodiment RC shown in FIG.
= If it is made even smaller, it can be applied in the same way.

, Incidentally, in each of the above embodiments, the cover glass 2
0.21.41/fi It is not limited to glass members, and the material is not fixed as long as it is a transparent member that transmits light. ).

In addition, it goes without saying that each of the above embodiments can be used not only for a rigid endoscope as shown in FIG. 2, but also for a flexible endoscope. As described above, according to the present invention, a fixing frame that can form a small gap over the front or rear corner and the outer periphery of the side of the cover glass is press-fitted or screwed together. Since the cover glass is attached mechanically and the gap is filled with a sealant or the like to fix the cover glass, it has the advantage that it can be attached easily and reliably without damaging the cover glass.

In addition, by adjusting the size of the gap mentioned above, it is possible to eliminate the negative effects caused by variations in accuracy in product processing.
It has the advantage of being able to reduce costs and improve yields.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a sectional view showing the peripheral part of the cover glass in conventional example f, Fig. 2 and the following are related to the present invention, and Fig. WJ2 is a partially cutaway view of the rigid endoscope IIi in which the first embodiment is applied to the objective optical system. Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing the main parts of the first embodiment; Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing the main parts of the second embodiment applied to the ILT eyepiece optical system; Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing the main parts of the second embodiment applied to the ILT eyepiece optical system; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 7 #'i A sectional view showing the main parts of the fifth embodiment, Fig. 8 #'i
It is a sectional view showing the main part of i-6th example. 2”11
...Endoscope, 20,21.41...Cover glass, 22.22', 3m...Cover glass mounting frame,
23, 31.31', 42.51...Fixed 11 Figure 2 Figure 2 - Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] +11 In an endoscope in which a cover glass formed of a transparent member is attached to an opening in an objective optical system for observation disposed on the distal end side of the insertion section or an eyepiece optical system at the rear of the insertion section, a fixing frame that is approximately ring-shaped and has an inward protrusion on its front or rear peripheral surface and is fixed to the opening by mechanical means; a ring-shaped inner circumferential surface of the cough fixing frame and an inner circumference of the protrusion; The cover glass is housed with a gap formed over the entire surface thereof, and the cover glass is fixed via a sealing material or an adhesive filled in the gap 1.
- A device for attaching a cover glass to an endoscope with % mold. (2) The cover glass attaching device for an inner JlA mirror as set forth in claim 1, wherein the protrusion of the fixed frame is a flange-like or tapered-like tube with a narrower diameter on the end side. (3) The endoscope cover glass attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical means for fixing the fixing frame is press-fitting or screwing.