JP2003190080A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope which is light and which can be used as a fiberscope having good operability as well as the endoscope which has an imaging unit and which can maintain good operability. <P>SOLUTION: An image guide fiber 19 inserted into an inserting part 2 is bent at a disc-like fiber guide 31 in an operating unit 3, fixed removably by a screw 63 to a cutout part 62 of a grasping part frame 60 in a grasping part 11, removably fixed to one end of the imaging unit 33 assembled with a CCD 35, and allowed to be used as an electronic endoscope. A video switch unit 13 mounted removably at a rear end of the operating unit 3 is removed, the unit 33 is removed, a rear end side of the fiber 19 fixed to one end of the unit 33 is extended to a rear end side of the operating unit, fixed, an eyepiece unit is mounted, and hence can be used as the fiberscope for enlarging and observing an optical image transmitted via an eyepiece to a rear end face of the fiber 19. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope in which an operation unit is provided with an image pickup unit having a solid-state image pickup device for picking up an image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional technique in which a solid-state image pickup device is incorporated in an operating portion, there are, for example, JP-A-11-23983 and JP-A-61-15117. Generally, in the conventional configuration,
The image guide is linearly arranged in the insertion portion, and is also linearly arranged in the operation portion.

A similar structure is adopted in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-23983, and as a result of arranging the image guides linearly, the image pickup unit is arranged above the operation section (on the rear end side of the operation section).

[0004]

As described above, in the structure in which the rear end side of the image guide is extended as it is along the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion even within the operating portion, the position where the operator grips the operating portion. Since the operating portion is extended to the rear side and the center of gravity is also on the rear end side, there is a drawback that handling when the endoscope is gripped and operated is deteriorated.

Further, there is Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-15117 as a conventional example in which an image pickup unit is provided in the operation section. Here, since the eyepiece lens and the image pickup unit can be exchanged above the operation unit, it is necessary to arrange the image guide in a straight line. Therefore, there is a similar problem with this configuration.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-15117, a TV
Although the imaging unit and the eyepiece unit are configured to be interchangeable at the rear end of the operation unit, the rear end side of the operation unit tends to be heavy because the imaging lens is always provided in the operation unit.

In particular, when the eyepiece unit is mounted and used as a fiberscope, the eyepiece optical system
It is better to directly magnify the image of the rear end surface of the image guide.
Although the weight can be reduced as compared with the case where the eyepiece lens is interposed, the weight cannot be reduced in this conventional example because the imaging lens is built in near the rear end of the operation portion. Therefore, operability is reduced.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is provided as an endoscope having an image pickup unit and capable of maintaining good operability, and as a fiberscope having a light weight and good operability. It aims at providing the endoscope which can also be used.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an endoscope capable of performing a favorable handling operation without causing the center of gravity of the operation portion to move to the rear.

[0010]

With the structure of claim 1, the image guide is not damaged, the image pickup unit is inside the operating portion, and the rear end side of the operating portion is not long, that is, the operating portion. The center of gravity can be stored without moving to the rear end side, and good operability can be maintained. Further, by fixing the image guide to the second image guide fixing portion, the optical information of the emitting end portion ( Can also be used as a lightweight fiberscope for direct observation with an eyepiece optical system in a magnified manner. Therefore, a user can select an endoscope equipped with an imaging unit and a fiberscope without the imaging unit. Those who do so will be able to perform endoscopy.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 6 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an appearance of an endoscope of the first embodiment, and FIG. Shows the internal structure of the tip side,
FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the operation unit, FIG. 4 shows the internal configuration of the imaging unit, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show the structure of the fiber guide. An object of the present embodiment is to provide an endoscope that can prevent damage to the image guide, and can perform good handling operation without causing the center of gravity of the operation unit to move toward the rear.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention has a long insertion portion 2 which is inserted into a body cavity or the like.
An operating portion 3 provided at the rear end of the insertion portion 2, a universal cord 4 having a base end (proximal end) extending from a side portion of the operating portion 3, and an end of the universal cord 4. The light guide base 6 projects from the end of the connector 5, and the light guide base 6 is attached to a light source device (not shown) to illuminate from the light source device. Light is supplied, and the illumination light is transmitted by the light guide fiber inserted into the endoscope 1 and is emitted from the illumination window at the end (tip) of the insertion section 2 to illuminate the examination target site such as the affected area.

An electric connector portion 7 is provided on the side surface of the connector 5, and the electric connector portion 7 is attached to the video processor through a connection cable (not shown) attached to the electric connector portion 7 so that the video processor The processor is electrically connected to a solid-state image pickup element (described later) built in the endoscope 1, applies a drive signal to the solid-state image pickup element, performs signal processing on the image pickup signal picked up by the solid-state image pickup element, and outputs a video signal. Is generated and output to a monitor (not shown) so that the image captured by the solid-state image sensor can be displayed on the display surface of the monitor.

The insertion portion 2 is provided with a hard tip portion 8, a bendable bending portion 9 and a flexible portion 10 in this order from the tip side thereof, and the rear end of the flexible portion 10 is an operating portion. Up to 3. Further, the operation section 3 is provided with a grip section 11 on the front end side that the operator holds. A connection member for connecting to the insertion section 2 is built in the grip section 11.

Behind this grip 11 (upper end or top)
A bending lever 12 is provided on the side so that it can be operated by the hand holding the grip portion 11. By operating the bending lever 12, the bending portion 9 is bent, and the tip portion 8 is moved in a desired direction. It is possible to point it.
Further, at the rear end of the operation section 3, a video switch section 13 for performing remote control of freeze and release is provided on the video processor side.

An insertion port 14 for a treatment tool such as forceps is provided near the front end of the grip portion 11, and the treatment tool inserted through the insertion port 14 is provided inside the insertion portion 2 in the longitudinal direction. It can be inserted through the channel.

Further, a light guide fiber (not shown) and a signal cable connected to the solid-state image pickup device and the like are inserted into the inside of the universal cord 4 extending from the operation portion 3 in the direction orthogonal to the side surface thereof. There is.

Next, the structure of the distal end side of the insertion portion 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the tip 8 is formed of a tip body 16 that is made of a hard material such as metal and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The tip body 16 is provided with a large number of holes in its axial direction. The internal components are fixed.

For example, an objective lens system (objective optical system) 18 is fixed to the hole of the observation window via a lens frame 17 and the like, and an optical image (optical information) is formed at the image forming position of the objective lens system 18.
The front end surface of the image guide fiber 19 having the function of the transmission means is fixed. The image guide fiber 19 transmits the optical image formed on the front end surface thereof to the rear end surface (emission end surface) arranged near the inside of the operation unit 3.

Further, the tip of the flexible tube 21 forming the channel 20 inserted in the insertion portion 2 is fixed to the rear end of a hole provided adjacent to the observation window via a cap member 22. The rear end side of the channel 21 is branched in the middle, one of which is communicated with the insertion port 14, and the other is extended to the rear end side of the operation portion 3. The tip of the channel 21 is opened through the hole of the tip body 16.

In addition, a light guide fiber (not shown) is inserted into the insertion portion 2, and the tip thereof is the tip portion main body 16
Is fixed to the hole for the illumination window, and the illumination light is emitted from the fixed tip surface. Then, the subject in the observation range of the objective lens system 18 is illuminated.

Further, a substantially annular leading edge bending piece (node ring) 23 is fixed to the rear end of the tip portion main body 16, and the tip of the bending piece 23 of the next stage is attached to the rear end of the bending piece 23. For example, a large number of bending pieces 23 rotate in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 2 so as to be rotatably connected via a rotation connecting member such as a rivet 24 at a position corresponding to a predetermined direction such as a left-right direction. A curved portion 9 is formed by freely connecting.

Further, a pair of bending wires 25 are inserted along positions corresponding to, for example, the vertical direction, which are separated from the connecting position by the rivets 24, and the tip ends of the bending wires 2 are the most advanced bending pieces 2.
It is firmly fixed to 3 by brazing.

The pair of bending wires 25 has a rear end as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the drum 27 is fixed to the drum 27 that constitutes the drum unit 26 that serves as the bending mechanism of the operation portion 3.
1 by turning the bending lever 12
One of the pair of bending wires 25 is pulled, and the other is relaxed so that the bending portion 9 can be bent to the side of the pulled bending wire 25.

As shown in FIG. 2, the curved portion 9 is formed by the mesh tube 2
8. Curved rubber tube 29 made of elastic resin covering the outside
Is covered by. Next, the internal structure of the operation unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the image guide fiber 19 linearly inserted through the inside of the insertion portion 2 along the longitudinal direction thereof has a bent portion inside the operation portion 3, the rear end of which is provided inside the image guide fiber 19. Imaging is performed by a disc-shaped fiber guide 31 that is bent in an arc shape by 90 degrees, and the bent rear end (emission end) is held by a fiber receiver 32 inside the base end of the universal cord 4. It is fixed at one end of the unit 33.

As shown in FIG. 4, this image pickup unit 33
Is a fiber receiver 32 that holds the rear end of the image guide fiber 19, and a relay lens system (relay optical system or imaging optical system) that is arranged so as to face the rear end of the image guide fiber 19 and includes an imaging lens. System) 34, a CCD 35 as a solid-state image sensor arranged at the image forming position of the image forming lens, and a signal cable 36 connected to the CCD 35.

A base attached to the rear end of the image guide fiber 19 so as to protect the rear end of the image guide fiber 19 is held by a substantially cylindrical fiber receiver 32. It is positioned and fixed to the unit fixing frame 38 by a screw 37 (having a function of a free positioning and fixing means). As shown in FIG. 3, the unit fixing frame 38 has a flange portion at the base end thereof fixed to an operation portion frame 39 provided inside the operation portion 3 by adhesion or fastening.

As shown in FIG. 4, this unit fixing frame 3
Reference numeral 8 is fitted into one end of a cylindrical image pickup unit mounting frame 41, and is connected and fixed by a removable fixing screw 42. The image guide fiber 19 positioned and fixed to the unit fixing frame 38 is attached to the image pickup unit mounting frame 41.
The lens frame 43, to which the relay lens system 34 is attached, is fixed with a screw so as to face the rear end.

The CCD frame 4 to which the CCD 35 is attached
Reference numeral 4 is fixed to the lens frame 43 with a screw 45 in a state where the image pickup surface of the CCD 35 is adjusted in focus so as to be the focal position of the relay lens system 34.

That is, in the image pickup unit 33, the rear end of the image guide fiber 19, the relay lens system 34, the CCD
35 is positioned and fixed. This CCD35
Is electrically connected to the signal cable 36 on the back side thereof.

As shown in FIG. 3, a cylindrical metal case 46 provided at the base end of the universal cord 4 has its base end inserted into the operation unit frame 39 with a fixing member or the like. It is fixed and the image pickup unit 33 is housed inside. A bend stopper 47 is provided on the terminal side of the case 46 to prevent the universal cord 4 from being broken.

The main body frame 51 of the drum unit 26, which is attached to the side surface of the operation section 3 from which the universal cord 4 extends and the side surface opposite to the end side, is fastened and fixed to the operation section frame 39 via a column 52. . A drum 27 is rotatably attached to the main body frame 51, and as described above, the bending lever 12 is rotated to rotate the drum 27 and pull one of the bending wires 25 fixed to the drum 27. The other portion is relaxed so that the bending portion 9 can be bent.

In this embodiment, the image pickup unit 33 and the case 46 are both fixed so as to stand upright on the surface of the operation section frame 39, and the operation section 3 (and the insertion section 2).
Its central axis is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axis of.

For this reason, the rear end side of the image guide fiber 19 extending into the operation portion 3 along the axial direction of the insertion portion 2 is bent in an arc shape by the above-mentioned disc-shaped fiber guide 31. ing.

The fiber guide 31 is provided with concentric grooves 54 as shown in FIGS. The diameter of the inner peripheral portion of the groove 54 is such that the image guide fiber 19 is not damaged even if it is bent, and it is necessary that the diameter is equal to or larger than the minimum bending diameter of the bending portion 9, for example.

The image guide fiber 19 is housed in the groove 54 of the fiber guide 31 and is bent in an arc shape along the inner wall surface thereof, and is covered with a relatively thin circular lid 55. The lid 55 has a larger diameter than the groove 54. The fiber guide 31 and the lid 55 are fastened and fixed with a screw 57 to a stay 56 which is an extension portion provided integrally with the operation portion frame 39.

The image guide fiber 19 extends from the insertion section 2 toward the operation section 3 along the axial direction thereof,
Inside, the fiber guide 31 fixed in the operation portion 3 is inserted into the groove 54 communicating with the opening 58a (shown in FIG. 6) and is bent at a right angle along the arc of the groove 54. The image guide fiber 19 bent at a right angle to the axial direction of the operating portion 3 is extended to the outside from an opening 58b in a direction orthogonal to the opening 58a, and its rear end is
The imaging unit 33 is positioned and fixed on one end side in a state parallel to the axis of the imaging unit 33. The lid 55 covers the openings 58 a and 58 b of the groove 54 and regulates the image guide fiber 19 so as not to come off the groove 54.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the size of the accommodating portion in the guide means for accommodating the image guide fiber 19 in the groove 54 and guiding it for bending.
Specifically, the width and the depth of the groove 54 (in the radial direction of the disk of the fiber guide 31) are set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the image guide fiber 19, and the force for vibrating the operating portion 3 is set. Even when the image guide fiber 19 is applied, the image guide fiber 19 is suppressed (regulated) by the vibration of a small amplitude regulated by the movement range of the groove 54 inside the housing portion, and when it is not regulated, the image guide fiber 19 is subjected to a large vibration. It is possible to effectively prevent breakage of the product or damage to other built-in objects.

As described above, in this embodiment, the image guide fiber 19 is moved to the operating portion 3 by using the fiber guide 31.
Even when the image pickup unit 33 is provided on the operation unit 3, the structure is such that the inside end is bent 90 degrees in an arc shape and the rear end is positioned and fixed to the image pickup unit 33 fixed near the base end of the universal cable 4. The operation portion 3 can be provided without increasing the axial length thereof.

That is, it is possible that the center of gravity of the operating portion 3 moves toward the rear (upper end) side due to the lengthening of the rear end side of the operating portion 3 in the conventional example, and the operability in gripping operation is deteriorated. To prevent.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When performing an endoscopic examination with the endoscope 1, the light guide cap 6 of the connector 5 is attached to the light source device, and the electrical connector portion 7 is connected to the video processor via a connection cable (not shown). A monitor is connected to this video processor.

Then, the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the body cavity, and the distal end portion 8 thereof is set at a position facing an object such as an affected area. Then, the illumination light from the light source device is emitted from the tip end surface of the light guide fiber to the subject side, illuminates the subject, and the objective lens system 18 provided at the tip portion 8 forms the subject image. The front end surface of the image guide fiber 19 is arranged at the image forming position, and the image is transmitted to the rear end surface.

In this case, the image guide fiber 19 inserted along the axial direction of the insertion portion 2 as described above is accommodated in the groove 54 of the fiber guide 31 provided inside the operation portion 3 and is arcuately shaped 90. It is bent once, and its rear end is positioned and fixed to one end side of the imaging unit 33 inside the case 46, which is a portion where the base end extends to the universal cable 4.

Then, the image of the rear end face is formed by the relay lens system 34.
Then, an image is formed on the image pickup surface of the CCD 35 which is positioned and fixed at the image forming position and photoelectrically converted by the CCD 35. The signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 35 is the signal cable 3
6 is input to a video processor, processed to convert into a video signal, output to a monitor, and a subject imaged on the tip surface of the image guide fiber 19 by the objective lens system 18 on the display surface of the monitor. The image is displayed as an endoscopic image.

When a force is applied to the operation section 3 when operating the endoscope 1, the image guide fiber 19 inside the operation section 3 is also applied with the force. Groove 54 of guide 31
Since only a small movement is possible inside and the large movement is stored and held while being restricted, it is possible to prevent breakage of the image guide fiber 19 due to breakage or the like that is likely to occur when the apparatus is arranged without restriction.

This embodiment has the following effects. With the configuration of the present embodiment, since the image pickup unit 33 can be arranged on the universal cable 4 side perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation unit 3, the axial direction of the operation unit 3 can be shortened, and the operation unit 3 can be shortened. The center of gravity of 3 does not move to the rear side, the handling of the operation unit 3 does not deteriorate, and good operability can be maintained. Further, even if vibration or the like is applied, the image guide fiber 19 can be effectively prevented from being damaged.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition,
The description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. An object of the present embodiment is to provide an endoscope that includes an imaging unit and that can be used as an endoscope that can maintain good operability and can also be used as a fiberscope that is lightweight and has good operability. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional structure of the operation section of the endoscope in a state where the image pickup unit according to the second embodiment is built in, and FIG. 8 shows the image pickup unit removed and an eyepiece lens unit attached instead of the video switch section. The cross-sectional structure of the operation part of a fiberscope is shown.

As shown in FIG. 7, the grip portion frame 60 provided inside the grip portion 11 on the proximal end side of the operation portion 3 has its base end portion fastened to the operation portion 3 with a screw 61, and the shaft of the grip portion 11 is fixed. It is arranged in parallel with. The insertion portion 2 is fixed to the distal end of the grip portion frame 60.

A cutout portion 62, which is slightly larger than the image pickup unit 33, is provided in the grip frame 60 in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the image pickup unit 33 is set in the cutout portion 62 so that a screw serving as a detachable fixing means is formed. By 63, the image pickup unit 33 (for example, the unit fixing frame 38 portion in which the flange portion of FIG. 4 is not provided) is fixed to the gripping portion frame 6
It is fastened and fixed to 0.

In this state, the image pickup unit 33 is arranged in the internal space of the grip 11 in parallel with the axis of the grip 11. Here, the image pickup unit 33 is arranged with the CCD 35 side facing the insertion portion side and the image guide fiber 19 side facing the operation portion 3.

Signal cable 36 connected to CCD 35
In the vicinity of the imaging unit 33, the base end thereof extends in the axial direction of the insertion portion 2, is bent so as to be folded back toward the operation portion midway, and is then bent 90 degrees at the base end portion of the universal cord 4. It is inserted on the universal 4 side. The image pickup unit 33 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, for example.

Further, the fiber guide 31 and the lid 55 are fastened and fixed to a stay 56 which is an extension portion provided integrally with the operation portion frame 39. Further, in the present embodiment, the fiber guide 31 and the lid 55 are provided with an elongated hole 64 formed so as to be elongated in the axial direction of the operation unit 3, and the fiber guide 31 can be set to any length within the range of the elongated hole 64. It can be fixed in position.

The image guide fiber 19 extends from the insertion portion 2 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the operating portion 3, is loosely inserted into the groove 54 of the fiber guide 31, and is folded back along the groove 54 toward the insertion portion. Can be bent into.

Then, the rear end (base end) of the image guide fiber 19 bent in the direction of the insertion portion in parallel with the grip portion 11 is parallel to the axis of the image pickup unit 33, and the upper end side of the image pickup unit 33. It is positioned and fixed at the position. Here, the length of the image guide fiber 19 is set to be substantially the same from the upper end of the operation part 3 to the tip of the insertion part 2. The video switch section 13 is watertightly attached to the switch attachment section 65 near the rear end (upper end) of the operation section 3.

In the present embodiment, the image pickup unit 33 is housed and fixed in the grip portion 11 provided at a position near the insertion portion of the operation portion 3, so that the image pickup unit 3 is fixed.
Even if 3 is provided in the operation portion 3, it is not necessary to lengthen the rear end side of the operation portion 3. Further, in the present embodiment, the video switch unit 13 provided at the rear end of the operation unit 3
The eyepiece lens unit 72 is attached to the fiberscope as shown in FIG. 8 to make a fiberscope easily.

FIG. 8 shows the endoscope of FIG. 7 in which the image pickup unit 33 and the video switch unit 13 are detached from the operation unit 3 (in FIG. 8, the detached image pickup unit 33 is shown by a chain double-dashed line), and switches are attached. A state in which an eyepiece unit (eyepiece adapter) 72 having an eyepiece lens 71 is attached to the portion 65, that is, a fiberscope is shown. Further, in FIG. 8, the fiber guide 31 is also removed as shown by the chain double-dashed line.

The image guide fiber 19 is removed from the fiber guide 31 and is extended in a substantially straight line.
It is located near the rear edge of the. That is, the image guide fiber 1 that was positioned and fixed to the image pickup unit 33
The base end of 9 is removed together with the fiber receiver 32 from the image pickup unit 33 (by loosening the screw 37 as the detachable positioning and fixing means of FIG. The fiber receiver 32 is fixed in position, and the fiber receiver 32 is fixed by, for example, a column 52. In this case, the image guide fiber 19 is arranged almost linearly in the operation portion 3 by the fiber regulating member (not shown) in the operation portion 3 so that even if a force such as a vibration is applied, it vibrates only within a small range. It is regulated.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when the fiber guide 31 (as a bending portion) is bent and positioned and fixed to the image pickup unit 33, the fixing position of the fiber guide fiber 31 is set to the longitudinal direction of the long hole 64. By adjusting in the direction, the slack of the image guide fiber 31 is removed, and the image guide fiber 31 can be fixed (held) in a bent state. By doing so, it is possible to cope with vibration and the like (form the bent portion holding means).

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the case of an electronic endoscope including the image pickup unit 33, FIG.
The imaging unit 33 is fixed in the grip portion 11 as shown in FIG. 3, and at that time, the imaging guide fiber 19 is bent by the fiber guide 31 so as to be folded back.

On the other hand, in the case of an optical endoscope for observing with the naked eye, that is, a fiberscope, the image pickup unit 33 is removed, the image guide fiber 19 is fixed at a predetermined position on the rear end side of the operation section 3, and the video switch is used. By mounting an eyepiece lens unit 72 instead of the portion 13, it can be used as a fiberscope for observing with the naked eye by looking through the eyepiece lens 71.

As described above, while the image pickup unit 33 and the video switch unit 13 can be detached, the holding unit 11 can be used without changing the length of the image guide fiber 19.
A fiberscope can be obtained by connecting and fixing it to the image pickup unit 33 inside, or by arranging and fixing it at a predetermined position facing the eyepiece lens 71 without bending.

The present embodiment has the following effects. Even though the imaging unit 33 and the eyepiece lens unit 72 can be exchanged, the center of gravity can be placed on the grip 11, so that the handling of the operation unit 3 is not reduced.

When used as a fiberscope, the image of the rear end face of the image guide fiber 19 is directly
With the configuration in which the eyepiece lens 71 is used for magnifying observation, the weight can be reduced (as compared with the case of the conventional example in which an imaging lens is inserted midway), and good operability can be secured.

[Additional Notes] 1. An objective optical system provided at the distal end of a long insertion portion extending from the proximal end of the operation unit, an image guide for transmitting an image incident from the objective optical system, and an image transmitted by the image guide are projected. In an endoscope provided with a relay optical system and a solid-state image sensor arranged on the image forming plane of the relay optical system, the solid-state image sensor, the relay optical system, and the exit end of the image guide are integrally operated as an imaging unit. Place it in the space of the department,
An endoscope characterized in that a bent portion is held while the image guide is bent.

2. The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the image guide has substantially the same length from the distal end of the insertion portion to the upper end of the operation portion. 3. The endoscope according to appendices 1 and 2, wherein the image guide fixing portion of the image pickup unit is fixed to the operation portion side, and the solid-state image pickup element side of the image pickup unit is fixed to the insertion portion side.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention, the center of gravity does not move to the rear end side even though the image pickup unit and the eyepiece lens unit are exchangeable, so that the operation unit It does not reduce handling.

When used as a fiberscope, the image of the rear end surface of the image guide fiber is directly magnified and observed by the eyepiece lens (the operation is more convenient than the case of the conventional example in which the imaging lens is inserted in the middle). (Part 3) can be made lighter and good operability can be secured.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of a distal end side of an insertion portion.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of an operation unit.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of an image pickup unit.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a fiber guide.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the structure of the fiber guide with the lid removed.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of an operation unit in the endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of an operation unit in an endoscope of a modified example.

[Explanation of symbols] 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... insertion part 3 ... Operation part 4 ... Universal code 5 ... Connector 8 ... Tip 9 ... Curved part 10 ... Flexible part 11 ... Grip 12 ... Bending lever 13 ... Video switch section 18 ... Objective lens system 19 ... Image guide fiber 31 ... Fiber guide 32 ... Fiber receiver 33 ... Imaging unit 34 ... Relay lens system 35 ... CCD 36 ... Signal cable 38 ... Unit fixing frame 39 ... Operation unit frame 41 ... Image pickup unit mounting frame 43 ... Lens frame 44 ... CCD frame 46 ... Case 54 ... Groove 60 ... Grasping part frame 71 ... Eyepiece 72 ... Eyepiece unit

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An insertion part to be inserted into a body cavity, an operation part coupled to the insertion part for operating the insertion part, a grip part provided in the operation part, and a body part in the body cavity. To obtain optical information of the target site,
An objective optical system provided at the distal end of the insertion section, an image guide which is inserted into the insertion section and extends to the inside of the operation section, and which transmits the optical information obtained by the objective optical system. A bending portion for bending the image guide inside the operation portion, and an image forming optical system that forms an optical image based on the optical information of the emission end portion of the image guide bent at the bending portion. A solid-state image sensor for photoelectrically converting an optical image formed by the image-forming optical system; and a solid-state image sensor, the image-forming optical system, and the image guide for forming the optical image on the solid-state image sensor. An image pickup unit formed so that the relative positional relationship of the emitting ends can be fixed, a positioning unit for positioning the image pickup unit inside the operation unit, and an image forming unit formed in the image pickup unit. A first image guide fixing portion capable of detachably fixing the emitting end portion of the image guide; a second image guide fixing portion provided at the operation portion and capable of detachably fixing the image guide; and the image guide. Is fixed to the second image guide fixing portion, an eyepiece optical system for magnifying and observing an optical image of the exit end of the image guide is attached.
An endoscope provided with the adapter provided in the operation part. 2. The image pickup unit includes a first fixing member capable of fixing the relative positional relationship between the solid-state image pickup device and the relay optical system, and the first image guide fixing portion. ,
The endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising a second fixing member that is coupled to the first fixing member. 3. The bending portion holding means fixed to the inside of the operation portion, engaged with the image guide, and movable in a direction for removing the slack of the image guide. Endoscope.