JP2004305770A - Endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive endoscope apparatus whose front end part has a small diameter, whose tip rigid part is short, and which has a visual-field direction in a side view. <P>SOLUTION: This endoscope apparatus has an observation means 59 which is provided at the front end part of an insertion part 52 of an endoscope 51 and wherein a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the insertion part 52 serves as the visual-field direction; a lighting means, which is composed of a lamp-type LED (semiconductor light-emitting device) 60 for the side view, is provided in the endoscope apparatus; and the LED 60 and the observation means 59 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the insertion part 52. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus provided with an observing means at a distal end portion of an insertion portion, the observation direction of which is a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion.

  In general, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope apparatus having a configuration in which a distal end portion of an insertion section inserted into a lumen is provided with observation means in two directions having different directions of view. Here, a first observation means for direct observation in the axial direction of the insertion portion is provided on the distal end surface of the distal end component portion of the insertion portion. Further, a second observation means for observing the side view direction in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the insertion portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion.

In addition, a direct-viewing direction illumination unit for direct-viewing direction illumination is provided at a position near the first observation unit on the distal end surface of the distal end component of the insertion unit. Similarly, a side view direction illumination unit for side view direction illumination is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end component at a position near the second observation unit.
JP-A-4-12726

  In the above-described conventional configuration, a light guide formed by an optical fiber is disposed in each of the direct-view direction lighting unit and the side-view direction lighting unit. For this reason, two series of light guides for direct-view illumination and side-view illumination are provided in the insertion section of the endoscope, so that the outer diameter of the insertion section and the distal end of the endoscope becomes large. There is. As a result, when inserting the insertion portion and the distal end portion of the endoscope into the body cavity of the patient, it is difficult to perform the operation, and there is a problem that the burden on the patient increases.

  Further, in an apparatus in which a side-viewing direction illumination unit for side-viewing direction illumination is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end component at a position near the side-viewing direction observation means, a bent light guide is used. For this reason, the diameter of the distal end portion becomes large, the hard distal end portion becomes long, and the light guide is expensive.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus having a thin distal end portion, a short distal end hard portion, and an inexpensive side view direction. .

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endoscope apparatus having an observation means provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and having a viewing direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, the illumination comprising a semiconductor light emitting element. Means, and the semiconductor light emitting element and the observation means are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endoscope apparatus including an observation means provided at a distal end portion of the insertion section of the endoscope and having a viewing direction in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the insertion section, the illumination comprising a semiconductor light emitting element. Means, and the semiconductor light emitting element is arranged in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion with respect to the observation means.
In the present invention, since a bent light guide is not used, the tip can be made thinner and the lighting means can be made inexpensive.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the diameter of a front-end | tip part is thin, a front-end | tip hard part is short, and the endoscope apparatus which has an inexpensive side view field of view can be provided.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an entire system of an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  An electronic endoscope 2 is provided in the endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. The electronic endoscope 2 is provided with an elongated insertion portion 3 inserted into a lumen. Further, a proximal operation portion 4 is connected to a proximal end portion of the insertion portion 3.

  One end of a universal cord 5 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the operation unit 4. The other end of the universal cord 5 is provided with a first connector 6. The first connector 6 is detachably connected to an endoscope control device 7. Note that a fluid control device is incorporated in the endoscope control device 7.

  Further, a second connector 8 for image signals is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connector 6. One end of a connection cable 9 is connected to the second connector 8. The other end of the connection cable 9 is connected to a video processor 10. A monitor 11 is connected to the video processor 10.

  A distal end component 12 is provided at the distal end of the insertion section 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the distal end component 12 is provided with a distal end component main body 13 formed of, for example, a metal material, and an insulating cover 14 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the distal end component main body 13.

  Further, a flat direct-viewing direction observing section 12a for observing the flat-viewing direction is formed on the distal end surface of the distal end forming section 12 with the viewing direction directed substantially in the axial direction of the insertion section 3. Further, a side-viewing direction observing section 12b for side-viewing direction observing is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end forming section 12 with the viewing direction directed to the side surface of the insertion section 3. Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the side-viewing direction observation unit 12b is formed by a flat cutout in which a part of an arc on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end component 12 is cut out.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a direct-view illumination lens 15, a direct-view objective lens 16, a direct-view nozzle 17, and a distal-end opening 18 a of a channel 18 are provided in the direct-view direction observation unit 12 a of the tip configuration unit 12, respectively. I have. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the direct-view objective lens 16 is disposed to face an imaging surface at the tip of a direct-view imaging means 19 such as a CCD (solid-state imaging device). The signal line 19 a of the direct-view imaging means 19 is connected to the second connector 8. The direct-viewing objective lens 16 and the direct-viewing imaging unit 19 constitute a first observation unit 20 for observation in a direct-view direction, which is directed substantially in the axial direction of the insertion unit 3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a direct-view chip-type LED (first semiconductor light-emitting element) 21 that generates illumination light for field illumination of the first observation unit 20 faces the inner surface side of the direct-view illumination lens 15. Are located. The direct-view chip LED 21 is formed of, for example, a white LED. This white LED realizes white with a single chip without using three RGB chips, for example, by combining an InGaN blue LED and a phosphor. Further, as the LED 21, a chip-type LED whose outer shape is shorter in the length in the emission direction of the illumination light than in the direction orthogonal to the emission direction is used.

  One end of a power supply line 22 is connected to the LED 21. The other end of the power supply line 22 is connected to the power supply section 6a of the first connector 6. Here, a concave portion 23 for mounting the LED 21 is formed on the distal end surface of the distal end component main body 13. Further, a horizontal hole portion 24 and a vertical hole portion 25 for inserting the power supply line 22 are formed inside the distal end component main body 13. The power supply line 22 of the LED 21 is inserted into the horizontal hole 24 and the vertical hole 25 of the distal end component main body 13.

  The direct-viewing nozzle 17 has a connecting portion 17 a extending substantially in the axial direction of the insertion portion 3, and an injection hole portion formed by bending the distal end of the connecting portion 17 a toward the direct-viewing objective lens 16. 17b. The connecting portion 17a of the direct-view nozzle 17 is connected to the front-end portion of a direct-view air / water supply pipe 26 formed inside the front-end component main body 13. Further, a distal end of a direct-view air / water supply tube 27 is connected to a base end of the direct-view air / water supply conduit 26. The proximal end of the direct-view air / water supply tube 27 is connected to the fluid control device inside the endoscope control device 7 via the first connector 6. Then, the cleaning fluid supplied from the fluid control device through the direct-view air-feed / water supply tube 27 and the direct-view air-feed / water supply conduit 26 is sprayed onto the direct-view objective lens 16 from the injection hole portion 17b of the direct-view nozzle 17. It has become.

  The base end of the channel 18 is connected to a treatment instrument insertion port 28 protruding from the operation unit 4 on the hand side as shown in FIG. The treatment tool inserted through the treatment tool insertion port 28 extends through the channel 18 to the outside through the distal end opening 18a of the channel 18.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a side-viewing objective lens 29 and a side-viewing illumination lens 30 are provided in the side-viewing direction observing section 12b of the distal end configuration section 12, respectively. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, a side-view imaging unit 31 such as a CCD (solid-state imaging device) is provided inside the distal end component main body 13 so as to extend substantially in the axial direction of the insertion unit 3. . The signal line 31 a of the side-view imaging unit 31 is connected to the second connector 8. The imaging surface at the distal end of the side-view imaging unit 31 is arranged so as to be directed substantially in the axial direction of the insertion unit 3. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the side-view imaging unit 31 is provided in parallel with the direct-view imaging unit 19.

  Further, a prism 32 is interposed between the imaging surface at the distal end of the imaging unit 31 for side view and the objective lens 29 for side view. Then, the side-viewing objective lens 29, the prism 32, and the side-viewing imaging unit 31 direct the first observation unit 20 in a direction (side-viewing direction) different from the viewing direction (direct-viewing direction) of the first observation unit 20. Two observation means 33 are configured.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a side-viewing chip-type LED (second semiconductor light-emitting element) 34 for generating illumination light for field-of-view illumination of the second observation means 33 is provided on the inner side of the side-viewing illumination lens 30. Are arranged facing each other. The chip LED 34 for side view is formed of, for example, a white LED. Further, as the LED 34, a chip-type LED whose outer shape is shorter in the length of the illumination light emission direction than in the direction orthogonal to the emission direction is used.

  One end of a power supply line 35 is connected to the LED 34. The other end of the power supply line 35 is connected to the power supply 6a of the first connector 6. Here, a concave portion 36 for mounting the LED 34 is formed in the side-viewing direction observing portion 12 b of the distal end component main body 13. Further, a vertical hole portion 37 for inserting the power supply line 35 is formed in the distal end component main body 13 so as to communicate with the concave portion 36. The power supply line 35 of the LED 34 is inserted into the vertical hole 37 of the main body 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 38 is formed at a position corresponding to the side-view objective lens 29 on a wall surface 12 c of an edge portion facing the notch of the side-viewing direction observation unit 12 b in the distal end component 12. I have. As shown in FIG. 4, a side-viewing nozzle 40 formed at the distal end of the side-view air / water supply channel 39 is connected to the opening 38. Further, the proximal end of the side-view air / water supply conduit 39 is connected to the fluid control device inside the endoscope control device 7 via the first connector 6. The cleaning fluid supplied from the fluid control device through the side-view air / water supply channel 39 is blown from the side-view nozzle 40 to the side-view objective lens 29 through the opening 38.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the direct-view chip-type LED 21 is located on the distal end side of the side-view imaging unit 31 of the second observation unit 33 along the axial direction of the insertion unit 3 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the second observation unit 33 is disposed at a position overlapping the side-view imaging unit 31 in the front-back direction. Thereby, the side-view imaging of the second observation means 33 is located on the distal end side of the side-view imaging means 31 of the second observation means 33 along the axial direction of the insertion portion 3 and as shown in FIG. An overlapping portion 41 in which the direct-view chip-type LED 21 is arranged at a position overlapping the means 31 in the front-back direction is provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the side-viewing chip-type LED 34 is arranged at a position near the insertion portion 3 in the radial direction of the direct-viewing imaging means 19 of the first observation means 20, as shown in FIG.

  Further, in the endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, each output signal from the direct-view imaging means 19 of the first observation means 20 and the output signal from the side-view imaging means 31 of the second observation means 33 is transmitted to the second connector 8. Is input to a video processor 10 via a connection cable 9, is converted into a video signal by the video processor 10, is supplied to a monitor 11, and is supplied to the monitor 11 by the first observation means 20. The observation image in the side viewing direction by the second observation means 33 is displayed. In this case, the monitor 11 may simultaneously display the observation image in the direct viewing direction and the observation image in the side viewing direction, for example, in a state where the screen is divided into left and right or up and down, or Any one of the observation images in the viewing direction may be selectively switched and displayed on the entire screen of the monitor 11 as appropriate.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. When the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is used, driving power is supplied from the endoscope control device 7 to the LED 21 via the power supply line 22 to turn on the LED 21, and similarly, via the power supply line 35. As a result, driving power is supplied to the LED 34 so that the LED 34 is turned on. Therefore, the illumination light from the LED 21 is radiated to the front of the distal end component 12 via the direct-view illumination lens 15, and the illumination light from the LED 34 is radiated to the side of the distal end component 12 via the side-view illumination lens 30. Is done.

  Further, the insertion section 3 is inserted into the body cavity of the patient with the LED 21 and the LED 34 turned on. At this time, an image in the direct viewing direction in front of the distal end component 12 is formed from the direct viewing objective lens 16 on the direct viewing imaging unit 19, and is converted into an electric signal by the direct viewing imaging unit 19, and the direct viewing imaging unit The signal is output to the second connector 8 via the 19 signal line 19a. Further, an image on the side of the distal end component 12 is formed from the side-viewing objective lens 29 via the prism 32 on the side-viewing imaging unit 31, and then converted into an electric signal by the side-viewing imaging unit 31. The signal is output to the second connector 8 via the signal line 31a of the side-view imaging unit 31.

  Thereafter, each output signal from the direct-view imaging unit 19 and the side-view imaging unit 31 is input from the second connector 8 to the video processor 10 via the connection cable 9 and converted into a video signal by the video processor 10. Thereafter, the image is supplied to the monitor 11, and the observation image in the direct viewing direction by the first observation unit 20 and the observation image in the side viewing direction by the second observation unit 33 are displayed on the monitor 11.

  When the side-view objective lens 29 is washed, the fluid control device is driven. At this time, the cleaning fluid is supplied from the fluid control device to the side of the direct-viewing nozzle 17 through the direct-viewing air-feed / water supply tube 27 and the direct-view air-feed / water supply conduit 26, and from the injection hole portion 17 b of the direct-viewing nozzle 17. It is sprayed on the objective lens 16.

  Further, when the side-view objective lens 29 is washed, the fluid control device is similarly driven. At this time, the cleaning fluid is supplied from the fluid control device to the side-viewing nozzle 40 through the side-viewing air / water supply line 39, and is sprayed from the side-viewing nozzle 40 to the side-viewing objective lens 29 through the opening 38. .

  Therefore, the present embodiment has the following effects. That is, in the electronic endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, the direct-view LED 21 for illuminating the field of view of the first observation unit 20 and the side for illuminating the field of view of the second observation unit 33 are provided on the distal end component 12 of the insertion unit 3. Since the viewing LED 34 is provided, the power supply line 22 for the direct-view LED 21 and the power supply line 35 for the side-view LED 34, which are thinner than the conventional light guide, are provided in the distal end component main body 13 and the insertion section 3. Can be arranged. For this reason, the diameter of the insertion portion 3 and the entire distal end configuration portion 12 can be reduced as compared with a case where a light guide formed of an optical fiber is provided in each of the direct-view direction illumination portion and the side-view direction illumination portion as in the conventional configuration. Can be.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the side-view imaging unit 31 of the second observation unit 33 is located on the distal end side of the side-view imaging unit 31 of the second observation unit 33 along the axial direction of the insertion unit 3. Since the overlapping portion 41 in which the direct-view LED 21 is disposed at the position overlapping the front and rear is provided, the overlapping portion 41 is formed on the distal end side of the side-viewing imaging unit 31 of the second observation unit 33 along the axial direction of the insertion unit 3. By effectively utilizing the dead space, the distal end of the insertion section 3 can be more effectively reduced in diameter. Therefore, the workability of the operation of inserting the insertion section 3 of the electronic endoscope 2 into the body cavity of the patient can be enhanced, and the burden on the patient can be reduced.

  FIGS. 6 and 7A and 7B show a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the distal end component 53 of the insertion portion 52 in the side-viewing type endoscope 51.

  Here, a side-viewing direction observation unit 53b for side-viewing direction observation is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end configuration unit 53 with the viewing direction directed to the side surface direction of the insertion unit 52. As shown in FIG. 7, the side-viewing direction observation section 53b is formed by a flat notch in which a part of a circular arc on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end component 53 is cut.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a side-viewing objective lens 54 and a side-viewing illumination lens 55 are provided in the side-viewing direction observation unit 53b of the distal end component 53, respectively. Here, the side-view illumination lens 55 and the side-view objective lens 54 are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the insertion section 52.

  As shown in FIG. 6, for example, a side-view imaging unit 57 such as a CCD (solid-state imaging device) extends substantially in the axial direction of the insertion unit 52 inside the distal end component main body 56. The imaging surface at the distal end of the side-view imaging means 57 is arranged so as to be oriented substantially in the axial direction of the insertion section 52. In addition, an insulating cover 56 </ b> A is attached to an outer peripheral portion of the tip component main body 56.

  Further, a prism 58 is interposed between the imaging surface at the distal end of the side-view imaging unit 57 and the side-view objective lens 54. The side-viewing objective lens 54, the prism 58, and the side-view imaging unit 57 constitute a side-view direction observation unit 59.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a side-view lamp-type LED (semiconductor light-emitting element) 60 is disposed on the inner side of the side-view illumination lens 55. The side-view lamp type LED 60 is formed of, for example, a white LED. Further, the LED 60 uses a lamp-type LED whose outer shape has a shorter length in a direction orthogonal to the emission direction of the illumination light than the emission direction.

  A recess 61 for mounting the LED 60 is formed in the side-viewing direction observation section 53b of the distal end component main body 56. Further, a vertical hole 63 through which the power supply line 62 of the LED 60 is inserted is formed in the distal end component main body 56 so as to communicate with the recess 61. The power supply line 62 of the LED 60 is inserted into the vertical hole 63 of the distal end component main body 56.

  As shown in FIG. 6, an opening 64 is formed at a position corresponding to the side-viewing objective lens 54 on a wall surface 53c of an edge portion facing the notch of the side-viewing direction observing section 53b in the distal end component 53. I have. A side-viewing nozzle 66 formed at the end of the side-view air / water supply conduit 65 is connected to the opening 64.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, a forceps channel opening 67 is formed on the side of the side-view imaging means 57. The distal end of the forceps channel 68 shown in FIG. 7B is connected to the forceps channel opening 67.

  Further, a forceps raising base 69 is disposed in the forceps channel opening 67. The forceps raising table 69 is rotatably supported about a rotation shaft 70 shown in FIG. The distal end of a forceps raising wire 71 is connected to the forceps raising base 69 via a wire shaft 72.

  In the present embodiment, a treatment tool such as a forceps is guided through the forceps channel 68 toward the forceps channel opening 67, and protrudes from the forceps channel opening 67 to the side of the distal end component 53. Has become. At this time, by pushing and pulling the forceps raising base wire 71, the forceps raising base 69 is rotated about the rotation shaft 70, raised and inverted, and the forceps or the like protruding to the side of the distal end forming portion 53 are removed. The protruding direction of the treatment tool can be adjusted.

  Therefore, the present embodiment has the following effects. That is, since the side-view lamp-type LED 60 is provided at the distal end component 53 of the insertion portion 52 of the side-viewing endoscope 51, the inside of the distal end component main body 56 and the insertion portion 52 are thinner than a conventional light guide. A power supply line 62 for the LED 60 can be provided. Therefore, the entire diameter of the insertion portion 52 and the distal end configuration portion 53 can be reduced as compared with the case where a light guide formed of an optical fiber is provided in the side-view direction illumination portion as in the conventional configuration.

  Further, since the light guide is directed sideways as in the conventional configuration, it is not necessary to bend the tip of the light guide in the side-viewing direction illumination unit, so that the cost can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the LEDs 60 are arranged in the axial direction of the side-view imaging unit 57, the dead space formed on the distal end side of the side-view imaging unit 57 is effectively used, and the distal end of the insertion section 52 is used. The diameter of the portion can be reduced more effectively. Therefore, the workability of inserting the insertion portion 52 of the side-viewing type endoscope 51 into the body cavity of the patient can be improved, and the burden on the patient can be reduced.

  8 to 10 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the configuration of the side-viewing endoscope 51 of the second embodiment (see FIGS. 6 and 7A and 7B) is changed as follows.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the forceps channel opening 67 and the side-viewing objective lens 54 are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the insertion portion 52 as shown in FIG. A side-view illumination lens 55 is arranged along the rear side of the forceps channel opening 67 along the side, and a chip-type LED 81 is arranged on the inner side of the side-view illumination lens 55 as shown in FIG.

  A concave portion 82 for mounting the LED 81 is formed in the side-viewing direction observing portion 53b of the distal end component main body 56. Further, a vertical hole portion 84 through which the power supply line 83 of the LED 81 is inserted is formed in the distal end component main body 56 so as to communicate with the concave portion 82. The power supply line 83 of the LED 81 is inserted into the vertical hole 84 of the distal end component main body 56.

  Therefore, the present embodiment has the following effects. That is, the forceps channel opening 67 and the side-viewing objective lens 54 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the insertion portion 52, and are located at a position behind the forceps channel opening 67 along the axis direction of the insertion portion 52. Since the side-view illumination lens 55 is arranged, the length of the distal end component 53 along the axial direction of the insertion portion 52, that is, the rigid distal end length can be shortened.

  FIGS. 11A and 11B show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the mounting structure of the direct-viewing chip type LED 21 to be mounted on the distal end component 12 of the direct-viewing type endoscope having a visual field in the direct-viewing direction is changed as follows.

  That is, in the present embodiment, a resin insert molded product 92 in which the tip component main body 13 of the tip component 12 and the LED element 91 are integrally insert-molded is provided.

  FIG. 11B shows a mold 93 of the insert molded product 92. The molding die 93 is provided with a fixed die 94 and a movable die 95 which can be moved toward and away from the fixed die 94. A cavity 96 for molding the insert molding 92 is formed at a joint between the fixed mold 94 and the movable mold 95.

  Further, the fixed mold 94 is provided with a gate 97 for introducing a molten resin into the cavity 96 at the time of insert molding. The fixed die 94 has a projection 98 for holding the LED element 91 in the cavity 96 and for forming a mounting hole for the illumination lens 15 for direct viewing.

  Further, the movable die 95 has a first protrusion 99 for locking the LED element 91 and a second protrusion for forming an assembling hole for assembling the first observation means 20 for observing in the direct viewing direction. A part 100 is provided in a protruding manner.

  Further, at least a part of the outer surface of the LED element 91 is formed with a retaining portion 101 for preventing separation from the distal end component main body 13. Further, at least a part of the outer surface of the LED element 91 is formed of a resin that forms the distal end component main body 13 and a resin that is meltable. After the molding of the insert molding 92, a fusion layer 102 is formed on a boundary surface between at least a part of the outer surface of the LED element 91 and the main body 13. Note that an adhesive layer (primer) may be provided on a boundary surface between at least a part of the outer surface of the LED element 91 and the main body 13.

  Further, an ejector pin 103 for peeling the insert molded product 92 from the inside of the cavity 96 after the molding of the insert molded product 92 is mounted on the movable mold 95 so as to be movable in the left-right direction in FIG. 11B. In addition, 104 is a concave portion in the main body of the LED element 91, and 105 is an electrode of the LED element 91.

  Then, at the time of insert molding of the insert molded product 92, the concave portion 104 in the main body of the LED element 91 is set in advance to the first projecting portion 99 of the movable die 95 as shown in FIG. You. In this state, the fixed mold 94 and the movable mold 95 are joined.

  Subsequently, molten resin is introduced from the gate 97 of the fixed mold 94 into the cavity 96 between the fixed mold 94 and the movable mold 95, and the tip component body 13 of the tip component 12 and the LED element of the chip LED 21 for direct viewing. A resin insert 92 is formed by integrally insert-molding the insert 91 and the insert 91.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a resin insert molded product 92 in which the tip component body 13 of the tip component 12 and the LED element 91 are integrally insert-molded is provided. The component body 13 and the LED element 91 are provided independently of each other, and the cost of assembling the tip component body 13 and the LED element 91 is reduced as compared with the case where the operation of assembling the LED element 91 to the tip component body 13 is performed. At the same time, the accuracy of assembly is improved. Therefore, the assembling cost of the distal end component portion 12 is low, the accuracy of assembling the direct-view illumination lens 15 and the LED element 91 is improved, and there is no deviation of the optical axis, so that the illumination performance is good.

  FIGS. 12A and 12B show a modified example of the fourth embodiment (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). In this modification, the LED element 111 of the direct-view lamp type LED is used instead of the LED element 91 of the fourth embodiment, and the tip component main body 13 of the tip component 12 and the LED element 111 of the lamp LED are used. This is provided with a resin insert molding 112 that is integrally insert molded.

  The LED element 111 of the lamp type LED has an inflow hole 113 into which a molten resin flows into a portion corresponding to the retaining portion 101 in the LED element 91 of the fourth embodiment. The other parts are the same as in the fourth embodiment.

  Therefore, it is needless to say that the same effects as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained even with the above configuration. Furthermore, since the LED element 111 of the present embodiment has the inflow hole 113 through which the molten resin flows into a portion corresponding to the retaining portion 101 in the LED element 91 of the fourth embodiment, the leading end component 12 The joining strength of the resin-made insert molded product 112 in which the tip component main body 13 and the LED element 111 of the lamp-type LED are integrally insert-molded can be further increased.

  FIG. 13 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a lens-integrated insert-molded product 123 made of resin is provided by integrally insert-molding an LED element 121 of a lamp-type LED and an illumination lens 122 disposed in front of the LED element 121. is there.

  Further, at least a part of the outer surface of the LED element 121 is provided with a retaining portion 124 for preventing separation from the illumination lens 122. Further, at least a part of the outer surface of the LED element 121 is formed of a resin forming the illumination lens 122, for example, a resin having a melting property such as polycarbonate, acrylic, and polystyrene. After the molding of the insert molding 123, a fusion layer 125 is formed on a boundary surface between at least a part of the outer surface of the LED element 121 and the illumination lens 122.

  Reference numeral 126 denotes a recess in the main body of the LED element 121 which is engaged with the first protrusion 99 of the movable die 95 as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, in the above-described configuration, the illumination lens 122 is insert-molded with resin using the LED element 121 as an insert, and these are integrally formed. Can be omitted when assembling by hand, and the cost is low. Furthermore, since the insert molding has a high assembling accuracy, there is an effect that there is no deviation of the optical axis and the lighting performance is good.

  FIG. 14 shows a modification of the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 13). In this modification, a chip-type LED element 131 is used instead of the lamp-type LED element 121 of the fifth embodiment, and an illumination lens 132 disposed in front of the LED element 131 is integrally inserted. A molded lens-integrated insert molded product 133 made of resin is provided.

  Further, at least a part of the outer surface of the LED element 131 is provided with a retaining portion 134 for preventing separation from the illumination lens 132. Further, reference numeral 135 denotes a concave portion in the main body of the LED element 131 which is engaged with the first projecting portion 99 of the movable mold 95 in advance as shown in FIG.

  Also in this modification, as in the fifth embodiment, the illumination lens 132 is insert-molded with a resin using the LED element 131 as an insert, and these are integrally formed. The assembly cost required when assembling with the element 131 by hand can be omitted, and the cost is reduced. Furthermore, since the insert molding has a high assembling accuracy, there is an effect that there is no deviation of the optical axis and the lighting performance is good.

  FIG. 15 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an auxiliary lighting device 141 for an endoscope which can be inserted into a channel of the endoscope is provided. The auxiliary lighting device 141 is provided with an elongated insertion portion 142. In the insertion portion 142, a hard tip unit 144 is provided at the tip of an elongated flexible shaft 143.

  Further, a lamp-type LED 146 is disposed in the substantially cylindrical unit case 145 of the tip unit 144. Further, an illumination lens 147 is provided in front of the lamp-type LED 146. The illumination lens 147 is fixed so as to close the front opening 145a of the unit case 145 and to hermetically and water-tightly seal the inside of the unit case 145.

  A power supply line 148 for the lamp-type LED 146 is provided on the shaft 143 of the insertion portion 142. The outer peripheral surface of the power supply line 148 is covered with an outer tube 149.

  Further, an operation section 150 on the hand side is provided at a base end of the insertion section 142. The operation unit 150 is provided with a switch 151 for turning on and off the lamp-type LED 146 and a key top 152 for operating the switch 151. A connector 154 is connected to a base end of the operation unit 150 via a lead wire 153.

  The auxiliary illuminator 141 for an endoscope having the above-described configuration uses a scope having a dark field of view of the endoscope due to, for example, zoom-in observation with the endoscope or breakage of a light guide provided in the endoscope. Sometimes, it is inserted into the channel of the endoscope as needed.

  Therefore, the endoscope auxiliary lighting device 141 having the above-described configuration can be formed inexpensively and with a small diameter by using the lamp-type LED 146. In addition, desired observation can be performed as needed, and the durability is good.

  Furthermore, when the scope is used, it can be used by inserting it into the channel of the endoscope if necessary, so that the light of the light guide is specially secured in order to secure the amount of observation light that becomes dark during zoom magnification observation with the endoscope. There is no need to increase the number of fibers. For this reason, the diameter of the insertion portion of the endoscope is increased, and there is no risk that the normal examination will be hindered.

  In addition, even if the scope of the endoscope is dark, it can be used without repairing the broken light guide due to the breakage of the light guide provided inside the endoscope. Can be planned.

  FIG. 16 shows the overall configuration of a small intestine sondescope (video scope) 161. The scope 161 is provided with an elongated insertion portion 162. In the insertion portion 162, a hard distal unit 164 is provided at the distal end of an elongated flexible cable 163.

  The tip unit 164 is provided with an LED 166 and an image pickup means 167 in a unit case 165. Further, an illumination lens 168 is provided in front of the LED 166.

  The cable 163 of the insertion section 162 is provided with a power supply line of the LED 166, a signal line of the imaging unit 167, and the like. Further, an operation section 169 on the hand side is disposed at a base end of the insertion section 162. A connector 171 is connected to the operation unit 169 via a lead wire 170. This connector 171 is connected to a video processor 172. Further, the video processor 172 is connected to a monitor 173.

  Therefore, in the small intestine sondescope 161 having the above-described configuration, a small-diameter distal end unit 164 in which the LED 166 and the imaging unit 167 are housed, and a thin cable 163 in which a power supply line of the LED 166 and a signal line of the imaging unit 167 are arranged. The diameter of the insertion portion 162 can be reduced as compared with the case where a light guide is used like a conventional small intestine scope. Therefore, when the insertion portion 162 of the scope 161 is inserted into the body from the patient's nose by peristaltic motion, only the thin cable 163 is left in the body cavity of the patient for a long time, so that the patient's pain can be reduced.

  FIG. 17A shows an illumination unit 182 at the distal end 181 of the endoscope. A substantially hemispherical concave portion 183 is formed in the tip 181. The concave portion 183 is formed with a concave mirror 184 having a mirror-finished reflector shape.

  Further, a chip type LED 185 is provided on the inner bottom of the concave mirror 184. A cover glass 186 is attached to the front opening of the concave mirror 184. In addition, 187 is a power cable of the chip type LED 185. Further, a lamp-type LED may be used instead of the chip-type LED 185.

  Therefore, in the above-described configuration, since the concave mirror 184 in the shape of a reflector is provided in the illumination part 182 of the tip part 181, the viewing angle of the chip type LED 185 is largely adjusted as shown by the arrow in FIG. Can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an LED irradiation method of the illumination unit 182 of the tip 181 having good light distribution.

  FIG. 17B shows a second configuration example of the illumination section 182 of the distal end section 181 of the endoscope. A lamp-type LED 191 is provided at the tip 181 at the inner bottom of the recess 183 for mounting the LED.

  Further, a conical fiber 192, which is a tapered fiber, is mounted on the front opening of the recess 183. The illumination light emitted from the lamp-type LED 191 passes through the conical fiber 192 as shown by an arrow in FIG. 17B, and is radiated to the outside in a diffused state. Reference numeral 193 denotes a power cable for the lamp-type LED 191.

  Therefore, in the above configuration, since the conical fiber 192 is disposed in front of the lamp-type LED 191, the illumination light of the lamp-type LED 191 having a narrow emission angle is diffused by the conical fiber 192, and the viewing angle of the LED 191 is set to a large value. Can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an LED irradiation method of the illumination unit 182 of the tip 181 having good light distribution.

  FIG. 17C shows a third configuration example of the illumination section 182 of the distal end section 181 of the endoscope. Here, a concave illumination lens 195 is provided on the front surface of the lamp-type LED 191 in FIG. Note that a convex lens may be used instead of the concave lens 195.

  Therefore, in the above-described configuration, since the illumination concave lens 195 is provided in front of the lamp LED 191, the illumination light of the lamp LED 191 having a narrow emission angle is diffused by the illumination concave lens 195, and the viewing angle of the LED 191 is reduced. It can be adjusted to be large and appropriate. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an LED irradiation method of the illumination unit 182 of the tip 181 having good light distribution.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application will be additionally described as follows.
Record
(Additional Item 1) In an endoscope having a direct-viewing observation optical system provided at the distal end portion of the insertion section of the endoscope and an endoscope having a side-viewing observation optical system, a direct-viewing optical system is provided at the distal end side of the side-viewing observation optical system. An endoscope device comprising an LED.

  (Additional Item 2) An endoscope apparatus characterized in that a direct-view LED is arranged on the distal end side of a side-view observation optical system, and the side-view LED is arranged in a side-view direction of the direct-view observation optical system.

  (Additional Item 3) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 2, wherein a side-viewing chip-type LED (illumination light emission direction is thin) is arranged in a radial direction of the observation optical system for direct viewing.

  (Additional Item 4) First imaging means having a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope and having a view direction, and a first imaging means having a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the insert portion having a view direction. In an endoscope apparatus having two imaging units, the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction being the same as the longitudinal direction of the insertion unit, and the insertion unit of the second imaging unit A first illuminating unit composed of an LED (semiconductor light emitting element) that illuminates the field of view of the first imaging unit disposed in the vicinity of the longitudinal direction of the first imaging unit; An endoscope apparatus comprising: a second illuminating unit including an LED for illuminating a field of view of the second imaging unit.

  (Additional Item 5) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 4, wherein the LED uses a chip-type LED whose outer shape is shorter in the emission direction of the illumination light than in the direction orthogonal to the emission direction. .

  (Prior Art of Supplementary Items 1 to 5) JP-A-4-12726.

  (Problems to be Solved by Additional Items 1 to 5) The diameter of the tip is large.

  (Purpose of Supplementary Items 1 to 5) Provided is an endoscope having a thin distal end portion and having two viewing directions of direct viewing and side viewing.

  (Effects of Additional Items 1 to 5) The tip can be made thin.

  (Effects of Additional Items 1 to 5) It is possible to provide an endoscope in which the diameter of the distal end portion is small and has two viewing directions of direct viewing and side viewing.

  (Additional Item 6) In an endoscope apparatus including an imaging unit having a viewing direction in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the insertion unit provided at a distal end portion of the insertion unit of the endoscope, an illumination unit including an LED is provided. An endoscope apparatus wherein LEDs are arranged in a longitudinal direction of an image pickup means.

  (Additional Item 7) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 6, wherein the LED is provided on the distal end side of the imaging unit.

  (Additional Item 8) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 6, wherein the LEDs are arranged in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the imaging unit.

  (Additional Item 9) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 6, wherein the illuminating means is arranged in the vicinity of the insertion portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel in the radial direction.

  (Additional Item 10) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 6 and 7, wherein the LED uses a lamp-type LED whose outer shape has a shorter length in a direction orthogonal to the emission direction of the illumination light than the emission direction. .

  (Additional Item 11) The endoscope device according to additional items 8 and 9, wherein the LED uses a chip-type LED whose outer shape is shorter in a length of an illumination light emission direction than a direction orthogonal to the emission direction. .

  (Prior art of Supplementary items 6 to 11) JP-A-8-243076.

  (Problems to be Solved by Additional Items 6 to 11) Because the bent light guide is used, the diameter of the distal end is large. The tip hard part is long. Light guides are expensive.

  (Purpose of Supplementary Notes 6 to 11) Provided is an endoscope having a small distal end portion, a short distal end hard portion, and an inexpensive side view direction.

  (Operation of Supplementary Items 6 to 11) Since the bent light guide is not used, the tip can be made thin. Lighting means can be inexpensive.

  (Effects of Additional Items 6 to 11) An endoscope having a small distal end portion, a short distal end hard portion, and an inexpensive side-view viewing direction can be provided.

  (Supplementary Item 12) In an endoscope apparatus including an illumination unit including an LED element provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and a distal end component member holding the illumination unit, the illumination unit including an LED may be used. An endoscope apparatus characterized in that a tip constituent member is formed of a synthetic resin by an insert molding method for forming an insert, and these are integrally formed.

  (Additional Item 13) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 12, wherein a retaining portion for preventing separation from the distal end component member is formed on at least a part of an outer surface of the LED element.

  (Additional Item 14) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 12 and 13, wherein a fusion layer is provided on at least a part of an outer surface of the LED element and a boundary surface between the tip component member.

  (Additional Item 15) The endoscope apparatus according to additional item 14, wherein at least a part of the outer surface of the LED element is formed of a resin having a melting property with a resin forming the tip constituent member.

  (Additional Item 16) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 12, wherein an adhesive layer is provided on at least a part of an outer surface of the LED element and a boundary surface between the tip component member.

  (Additional Item 17) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 12, wherein at least one illumination lens is provided on an emission end side of the LED element.

  (Prior Art in Additional Items 12 to 17) Japanese Patent Application No. 9-23768.

  (Problems to be Solved by Additional Items 12 to 17) Assembly costs are high. Poor assembling accuracy and poor lighting performance.

  (Purpose of Supplementary Items 12 to 17) To provide an endoscope which is inexpensive and has good lighting performance.

  (Operation of Additional Items 12 to 17) Assembly cost is reduced. The accuracy of assembly is improved.

  (Effects of Additional Items 12 to 17) An endoscope that is inexpensive and has good illumination performance can be provided.

  (Additional Item 18) In an endoscope apparatus including an LED element provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and at least one illumination lens, an illumination lens is formed by an insert molding method using the LED element as an insert. Characterized in that they are formed from a synthetic resin, and these are integrally formed.

  (Additional Item 19) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 18, wherein a retaining portion for preventing separation from the distal end component member is formed on at least a part of an outer surface of the LED element.

  (Additional Item 20) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 18 and 19, wherein a fusion layer is provided on at least a part of an outer surface of the LED element and a boundary surface between the tip component member.

  (Additional Item 21) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 20, wherein at least a part of an outer surface of the LED element is formed of a resin having a melting property with a resin forming the tip constituent member.

  (Additional Item 22) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 18, wherein an adhesive layer is provided on at least a part of an outer surface of the LED element and a boundary surface between the tip component member.

  (Prior Art of Additional Notes 18 to 22) Japanese Patent Application No. 9-23768.

  (Problems to be Solved by Additional Items 18 to 22) Assembly costs are high. Poor assembling accuracy and poor lighting performance.

  (Purpose of Supplementary Items 18 to 22) Provide an endoscope which is inexpensive and has good lighting performance.

  (Operation of Additional Items 18 to 22) Assembly cost is reduced. The accuracy of assembly is improved.

  (Effects of Additional Items 18 to 22) An endoscope that is inexpensive and has good illumination performance can be provided.

  (Additional Item 23) In an auxiliary lighting device for an endoscope having an elongated flexible insertion portion, a distal end portion provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, and an illuminating means at the distal end portion, an LED is inserted at the distal end portion, and A cable for supplying power to an LED element disposed inside the unit.

  (Additional Item 24) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 23, wherein the endoscope apparatus has a watertight and airtight structure.

(Prior Art of Supplementary Notes 23 and 24) Japanese Patent Application No. 9-23768 (Problems to be solved by Supplementary Notes 23 and 24) An endoscope having a magnifying observation function was dark when zoomed. When the light guide deteriorated, it was dark.

  (Purpose of Supplementary Items 23 and 24) An inexpensive auxiliary lighting device for an endoscope is provided.

  (Operation of Supplementary Items 23 and 24) When the light amount becomes insufficient during the zoom observation or the like during the observation, the light is passed through the channel of the endoscope and illumination is performed from the LED element at the tip.

  (Effects of Additional Items 23 and 24) An inexpensive auxiliary lighting device for an endoscope can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state where the distal end portion of the endoscope device according to the first embodiment is viewed from the distal end side. The sectional view on the AA line of FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 4. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a distal end portion of an insertion section in a side-view type endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 6, and (B) is a sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a main part showing a state where the distal end portion of an insertion portion in a side-view type endoscope apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the side. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line FF of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line GG of FIG. 8. FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a longitudinal sectional view of a distal end portion of an insertion portion in a direct-viewing type endoscope device, and (B) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a molding die of a distal end component portion. . FIG. 13 shows a modification of the fourth embodiment, in which (A) is a longitudinal sectional view of a distal end portion of an insertion portion in a direct-viewing type endoscope apparatus, and (B) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a molding die of a distal end component portion. . FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lens-integrated LED according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lens-integrated LED showing a modification of the fifth embodiment. The longitudinal section showing the whole channel insertion auxiliary lighting fixture composition showing a 6th embodiment of the present invention. The schematic block diagram which shows the whole structure of the videoscope for small intestines. (A) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a main part showing an illumination part at the distal end of the endoscope, (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a main part showing a second configuration example of the illumination part at the distal end of the endoscope, (C) is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a third configuration example of the illumination unit at the distal end of the endoscope.

Explanation of reference numerals

    Reference numeral 51 denotes an endoscope, 52 denotes an insertion portion, 53 denotes a distal end component, 59 denotes observation means, and 60 denotes a lamp-type LED (semiconductor light emitting element) for side viewing.

Claims (2)

An endoscope apparatus having an observation unit that sets a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of an insertion portion provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope as a viewing direction,
An endoscope apparatus comprising: an illumination unit including a semiconductor light emitting element; and the semiconductor light emitting element and the observation unit are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the insertion section. An endoscope apparatus having an observation unit that sets a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of an insertion portion provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope as a viewing direction,
An endoscope apparatus comprising: an illumination unit including a semiconductor light emitting element; and the semiconductor light emitting element is arranged in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the insertion section with respect to the observation unit.

Images