JPH11253401A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make narrow an insertion part and a tip so as to enhance the insertion maneuverability into the body cavity of a patient so as to relieve the burden of the patient by disposing one of first and second semiconductor light emitting elements at an overlapping portion where it is overlapped forward and rearward partially with a second observation means and which is nearer to a tip than the second observation means. SOLUTION: The electronic endoscope is provided with an LED for direct view 21 to be used for visual field illumination of a first observation means, at an insertion part 3 tip construction portion 12, and a LED for side view to be used for visual field of a second observation means 33, and thereby the whole insertion part 3 as well as the whole tip constrution portion 12 can be made narrow in diameter. An overlapping portion where the LED 21 is disposed is provided at a part where it is overlapped foward and rearward with an image picking-up means for side view 31 of the second observation means 33 and which is nearer to a tip side than the means 31, and thereby a dead space formed nearer to the tip side than the means 31 along the axial direction of the insertion part 3 is effectively used and the tip of the insertion part 3 can be made narrow more effectively.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus provided with two-direction observation means having different directions of a visual field at a distal end of an insertion portion.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, as an endoscope apparatus, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-12726 discloses a structure in which a distal end portion of an insertion portion inserted into a lumen is provided with two-directional observation means having different directions of view. Are known. 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 side-viewing observation in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the insertion portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end component.

[0003] Further, a direct-viewing direction illumination unit for direct-viewing direction illumination is provided at a position near the first observation means on the distal end surface of the distal end component of the insertion unit. Similarly, 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 second observation unit.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned conventional structure, a light guide formed by an optical fiber is disposed in each of the direct-view direction lighting section and the side-view direction lighting section. For this reason, two series of light guides, one for direct-view illumination and the other for side-view illumination, are provided in the insertion section of the endoscope, and 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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the diameter of an insertion portion and a distal end portion, to enhance the workability of an operation of inserting into a body cavity of a patient,
An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus capable of reducing a burden on a patient.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a first observation means for observing the front end of an insertion portion to be inserted into a lumen, which is directed substantially in the axial direction of the insertion portion, for observing in a direct viewing direction. In an endoscope apparatus provided with a second observation unit oriented in a direction different from the viewing direction of the first observation unit, a first semiconductor light emitting device for generating illumination light for field illumination of the first observation unit. An element and a second semiconductor light-emitting element for generating illumination light for field illumination of the second observation means, provided along the axial direction of the insertion portion at a tip side of the second observation means. And an overlapping portion in which at least one of the first semiconductor light emitting element and the second semiconductor light emitting element is disposed at a position where at least a part of the second semiconductor light emitting element overlaps with the second observation means. It is an endoscope apparatus which performs. And
A first semiconductor light-emitting element and a second semiconductor in an overlapping portion at a position closer to the distal end than the second observation means along the axial direction of the insertion portion and at least partially overlapping the second observation means back and forth; By arranging at least one of the light emitting elements, a dead space formed more distally than the second observation means along the axial direction of the insertion portion is effectively used, and the distal end of the insertion portion is thinned. The diameter can be increased.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 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. The endoscope device 1 of the present embodiment includes an electronic endoscope 2
Is provided. 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.

Further, one end of a universal cord 5 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the operation unit 4. A first connector 6 is provided at the other end of the universal cord 5. 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 the video processor 1
Connected to 0. A monitor 11 is connected to the video processor 10.

The distal end of the insertion section 3 has a distal end portion 1
2 are provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the tip component 12 is made of, for example, a metal material.
3 and an insulating cover 14 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the tip component body 13.

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

The direct-viewing direction observation unit 1 of the distal end component unit 12
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 18a of a channel 18 are provided in 2a, respectively. 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). This direct-view imaging means 1
Nine signal lines 19 a are 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 direct-viewing observation in a substantially axial direction of the insertion unit 3.

On the inner surface side of the direct-view illumination lens 15, as shown in FIG. 4, a direct-view chip-type LED (first semiconductor light emitting element) for generating illumination light for field illumination of the first observation means 20. 21 are opposed to each other. The direct-view chip-type LED 21 is formed of, for example, a white LED. The white LED is, for example, an InGaN blue L
By combining ED and phosphor, RGB 3
A white chip is realized with a single chip without using a chip. Furthermore, the LED 21 has a chip type LE whose outer shape has a shorter length in the emission direction of the illumination light than in a direction orthogonal to the emission direction.
D is used.

The LED 21 is connected to one end of a power supply line 22. 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 17a extending substantially in the axial direction of the insertion portion 3, and a connecting portion 17a.
An injection hole portion 17b is provided in which the distal end portion a is bent toward the direction of the direct-view objective lens 16. The connecting portion 17a of the direct-view nozzle 17 is connected to the distal end component main body 1.
3 is connected to the distal end of a direct-view air / water supply line 26 formed in the inside of the tube 3. 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. And
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. ing.

The base end of the channel 18 has a treatment tool insertion port 2 protruding from the operation unit 4 on the hand side as shown in FIG.
8. The treatment tool inserted from the treatment tool insertion port 28 extends through the channel 18 to the outside from the distal end opening 18a of the channel 18.

The side-viewing direction observing section 1 of the tip constituting section 12 is also shown.
As shown in FIG. 5, a side-viewing objective lens 29 and a side-viewing illumination lens 30 are provided in 2b, 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 means 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 face substantially the axial direction of the insertion unit 3. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the side-view imaging means 31
Are arranged in parallel with the direct-view imaging means 19.

Further, a prism 32 is provided between the imaging surface at the tip of the side-viewing imaging means 31 and the objective lens 29 for side-viewing.
Is interposed. 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). Two observation means 33 are configured.

As shown in FIG. 3, a side-viewing chip type LED (second semiconductor light-emitting device) 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 as shown in FIG. (Element) 34 are opposed to each other. The chip LED 34 for side view is formed of, for example, a white LED. Further, the LED 34 has a chip type LE whose outer shape has a shorter length in the emission direction of the illumination light than in a direction orthogonal to the emission direction.
D is used.

The LED 34 is connected to one end of a power supply line 35. The other end of the power supply line 35 is connected to the power supply section 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, the power supply line 3 is provided inside the tip component body 13.
5 is formed in a state where the vertical hole 37 is inserted into the recess 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 provided at a position corresponding to the side-viewing objective lens 29 on the wall surface 12c of the distal end portion 12 facing the notch of the side-viewing direction observation section 12b. Is formed. 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 base end of the side-view air / water supply line 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 line 39 is supplied to the side-view nozzle 40.
Through the opening 38 to the side-viewing objective lens 29.

In this embodiment, the direct-view chip type L
The ED 21 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 as shown in FIG. 4, and the second observation means 33 as shown in FIG. Is arranged at a position overlapping the front-rear image pickup means 31.
As a result, along the axial direction of the insertion portion 3, the second observation means 33 is located on the distal end side with respect to the side-view imaging means 31 and in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the side-view imaging means 31 of the second observation means 33
And an overlapping portion 41 in which the chip LED 21 for direct viewing is arranged at a position overlapping the front and rear.

Further, in this embodiment, the side-viewing chip type LED 34 is arranged at a position in the radial direction vicinity of the insertion portion 3 in 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 side-view imaging means 31 of the second observation means 33 is the second output signal. Is input to the video processor 10 via the connection cable 9 from the connector 8 and is converted into a video signal by the video processor 10, and then supplied to the monitor 11. The observation image and the observation image in the side viewing direction by the second observation means 33 are displayed. Here, 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 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 of the present embodiment is used, drive 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 emitted 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 emitted to the side of the distal end component 12 via the side-view illumination lens 30. Is done.

The insertion section 3 is inserted into the patient's body cavity 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 then converted into an electric signal by the direct viewing imaging unit 19, and is converted into an electric signal. 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 an objective lens 29 for side viewing through a prism 32 on an imaging unit 31 for side viewing, and then converted into an electric signal by the imaging unit 31 for side viewing. The signal is output to the second connector 8 via the signal line 31a of the side-view imaging unit 31.

Thereafter, the output signals from the direct-view imaging means 19 and the side-view imaging means 31 are input from the second connector 8 to the video processor 10 via the connection cable 9, and are converted into video signals by the video processor 10. After the conversion, 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 / water supply tube 27 and the direct-viewing air / water supply line 26, and is supplied from the injection hole portion 17 b of the direct-viewing nozzle 17. It is sprayed on the objective lens 16.

Further, at the time of cleaning the side-viewing objective lens 29, 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-viewing 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 which is thinner than the conventional light guide,
A power supply line 35 for the ED 34 can be provided.
Therefore, 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 this embodiment, the side-view imaging means 31 of the second observation means 33 extends along the axial direction of the insertion portion 3.
Since the overlapping portion 41 in which the direct-view LED 21 is arranged is provided at a position on the distal end side and overlapping with the side-viewing imaging device 31 of the second observation device 33 in the front-back direction, along the axial direction of the insertion portion 3 The dead space formed on the distal end side of the second observation unit 33 with respect to the side-view imaging unit 31 can be effectively utilized, and the distal end of the insertion section 3 can be more effectively reduced in diameter. Therefore, the workability 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 section 52 in the side-viewing type endoscope 51.

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

Further, the side-viewing direction observing section 5 of the distal end constituting section 53
As shown in FIG. 6, a side-viewing objective lens 54 and a side-viewing illumination lens 55 are provided in 3b, 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 portion 52.

Also, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, an image pickup means 57 for side view, such as a CCD (solid-state image pickup device), extends substantially in the axial direction of the insertion section 52. The imaging surface at the tip of the side-view imaging means 57 is arranged so as to be oriented substantially in the axial direction of the insertion section 52.
Note that the insulating cover 5 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the tip component main body 56.
6A is mounted.

Further, a prism 58 is interposed between the imaging surface at the tip of the side-viewing imaging means 57 and the side-viewing objective lens 54. Then, these side-view objective lenses 54
, The prism 58, and the side-view imaging unit 57, form a side-viewing direction observation unit 59.

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

Further, a concave portion 61 for mounting the LED 60 is formed in the side-viewing direction observing portion 53b of the distal end component main body 56. Further, L
Vertical hole portion 63 for inserting power supply line 62 of ED 60
Are formed so as to communicate with the recess 61. The power supply line 62 of the LED 60 is connected to the tip component main body 56.
Is inserted through the vertical hole 63.

As shown in FIG. 6, an opening 64 is provided at a position corresponding to the side-viewing objective lens 54 on a wall surface 53c of an end edge portion facing the notch of the side-viewing direction observing portion 53b in the distal end portion 53. Is formed. A side-viewing nozzle 66 formed at the end of the side-view air / water supply channel 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. FIG. 7 shows the forceps channel opening 67.
The distal end of the forceps channel 68 shown in FIG.

Further, a forceps raising base 69 is provided in the forceps channel opening 67. This forceps raising table 69
Are rotatably supported about a rotation shaft 70 shown in FIG. The forceps raising base 69 has a forceps raising base wire 71.
Are connected via a wire shaft 72.

In this embodiment, a treatment tool such as a forceps is guided through the forceps channel 68 toward the forceps channel opening 67, and the forceps channel opening 67 is guided to the forceps channel opening 67.
And protrudes to the side of the distal end constituting portion 53. 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 configuration 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-view endoscope 51, the inside of the distal end component main body 56 and the insertion portion 52 are thinner than a conventional light guide. Power supply line 6 for LED60
2 can be provided. Therefore, the entire diameter of the insertion section 52 and the distal end configuration section 53 can be reduced as compared with the case where a light guide formed of an optical fiber is provided in the side-viewing direction illumination section 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 illuminating portion, 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 portion 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-view type endoscope 51 into the body cavity of the patient can be enhanced, and the burden on the patient can be reduced.

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

That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, 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, and Along with the axial direction, a side-view illumination lens 55 is provided at a position behind the forceps channel opening 67.
And a chip-type LED 81 is disposed on the inner side of the side-view illumination lens 55 as shown in FIG.

Further, a concave portion 82 for mounting an LED 81 is formed in the side-viewing direction observing portion 53b of the distal end component main body 56. Further, L
Vertical hole portion 84 for inserting power supply line 83 of ED 81
Are formed so as to communicate with the concave portion 82. The power supply line 83 of the LED 81 is connected to the tip component main body 56.
Is inserted through the vertical hole portion 84.

Therefore, the present embodiment has the following effects. That is, the forceps channel opening 67 and the side-viewing objective lens 54 extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the insertion portion 52.
Are arranged side by side, and the side-view illumination lens 55 is located at a position behind the forceps channel opening 67 along the axial direction of the insertion portion 52.
Is arranged, the length of the distal end forming portion 53 along the axial direction of the insertion portion 52, that is, the distal end hard 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-view chip-type LED 21 to be mounted on the distal end component 12 of the direct-view endoscope having a visual field in the direct-view direction is changed as follows.

That is, in the present embodiment, the leading end component 1
2 is provided with a resin insert molded product 92 in which the tip component main body 13 and the LED element 91 are integrally insert molded.

FIG. 11B shows an insert molded product 9.
2 illustrates a second mold 93. 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 molded product 92 is formed at the 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 holds the LED element 91 in the cavity 96 and also has a projection 98 for forming a mounting hole for the direct-view illumination lens 15.
Is protruding.

Further, the movable die 95 has a first projecting portion 99 for locking the LED element 91 and a second mounting hole for forming the first observation means 20 for observing the direction of direct view.
And a projecting portion 100 is provided.

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, the LED element 9
At least a part of the outer surface of the first member 1 is formed of a resin forming the distal end component main body 13 and a resin having a melting property. After the molding of the insert molding 92, the LED element 91
A fusion layer 102 is formed on a boundary surface between at least a part of the outer surface of the member and the tip component main body 13. In addition, LED
At least a part of the outer surface of element 91 and tip component main body 1
3 may be provided with an adhesive layer (primer) on the boundary surface.

The movable mold 95 has an insert molding 9
After the molding of 2, the insert molded product 9 from inside the cavity 96 is formed.
FIG. 11 shows an ejector pin 103 for peeling
(B) It is mounted so that it can move in the left-right direction in (B). 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.

At the time of insert molding of the insert molded product 92, as shown in FIG.
The first protruding portion 99 has a concave portion 1 in the main body of the LED element 91.
04 is set to the engaged state. In this state, the fixed mold 94 and the movable mold 95 are joined.

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

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the tip component 12
Is provided with an insert molded product 92 made of resin in which the tip component main body 13 and the LED element 91 are integrally insert-molded.
3 and the LED element 91 are provided independently of each other, and assembling cost of the tip component main body 13 and the LED element 91 is reduced as compared with a case where the LED element 91 is assembled to the tip component main body 13. The accuracy of is improved. Therefore, the assembling cost of the distal end 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 modification of the fourth embodiment (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). This modification is directed to the LED element 9 of the fourth embodiment.
A resin insert molded article 112 obtained by insert-molding the tip component main body 13 of the tip component 12 and the LED element 111 of the lamp-type LED integrally using the LED element 111 of the direct-view lamp type LED instead of 1 is used. It is provided.

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

Therefore, it is needless to say that the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment can be obtained even with the above-mentioned structure.
Further, since the LED element 111 of the present embodiment is formed with 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 insert molded product 112 obtained by integrally insert-molding the tip component main body 13 and the LED element 111 of the lamp type LED can be further increased.

FIG. 13 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, L of the lamp type LED is used.
This is provided with a lens-integrated insert-molded product 123 made of resin, in which an ED element 121 and an illumination lens 122 disposed in front of the LED element 121 are integrally insert-molded.

Also, 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. Furthermore, LED element 1
At least a part of the outer surface of 21 is formed of a resin that forms the illumination lens 122, for example, a resin that is fusible with polycarbonate, acrylic, polystyrene, or the like.
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 an LED element 12 which is previously engaged with the first projection 99 of the movable mold 95 as shown in FIG.
1 is a concave portion in the main body.

Therefore, in the above configuration, the LED
Illumination lens 1 made of resin using element 121 as an insert
22 are insert-molded and formed integrally, so that the illumination lens 122 and the LED element 121 are formed in a conventional manner.
The assembly cost required for manually assembling between the steps can be omitted, and the cost can be reduced. Furthermore, since the insert molding has a good assembling accuracy, there is also an effect that there is no deviation of the optical axis and the lighting performance is good.

FIG. 14 shows a fifth embodiment (FIG. 13).
3) shows a modified example. This modification uses a chip-type LED element 131 instead of the lamp-type LED element 121 of the fifth embodiment.
This is provided with a lens-integrated insert-molded product 133 made of a resin in which an illumination lens 132 disposed in front of the D element 131 is integrally insert-molded.

Further, on at least a part of the outer surface of the LED element 131, a retaining portion 134 for preventing separation from the illumination lens 132 is formed. Further, reference numeral 135 designates in advance FIG. 11 when insert molding the insert molding 133.
As shown in (B), it is a concave portion in the main body of the LED element 131 that is engaged with the first projecting portion 99 of the movable die 95.

Also, in this modification, as in the fifth embodiment, the illumination lens 132 is insert-molded with resin using the LED element 131 as an insert, and these are integrally formed. 132 and LED
The assembly cost required when assembling with the element 131 manually can be omitted, and the cost is reduced. Furthermore, since the insert molding has a good assembling accuracy, there is also 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 endoscope auxiliary lighting device 141 that can be inserted into a channel of an endoscope is provided. The auxiliary lighting device 141 has an elongated insertion portion 142.
Is provided. 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 provided in a 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 a front opening 145 a of the unit case 145.
And the inside of the unit case 145 is hermetically and water-tightly sealed.

A power supply line 148 for a lamp-type LED 146 is provided on the shaft 143 of the insertion section 142. The outer peripheral surface of the power supply line 148 is
9.

Further, at the base end of the insertion section 142, an operation section 150 on the hand side is provided. The operation unit 150 includes a switch 15 for turning on and off the lamp-type LED 146.
1 and a key top 152 for operating the switch 151 are provided. A connector 154 is connected to a base end of the operation unit 150 via a lead wire 153.

Then, the auxiliary lighting device 1 for an endoscope having the above configuration
Reference numeral 41 denotes a channel inside the endoscope as necessary when using a scope having a dark field of view of the endoscope due to zooming observation with the endoscope or breakage of a light guide disposed in the endoscope. To be used.

Therefore, the endoscope auxiliary lighting device 1 having the above configuration
41 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.

Further, when the scope is used, it can be used by being inserted into the channel of the endoscope as needed, so that a special light is provided to secure the amount of observation light that becomes dark at the time of zoom magnification observation by the endoscope. There is no need to increase the number of optical fibers in the guide. For this reason, the diameter of the insertion section of the endoscope is increased, and there is no risk that the normal examination will be hindered.

Further, even if the scope of the endoscope is dark due to the breakage of the light guide provided in the endoscope, the scope can be used without repairing the breakage of the light guide. Can be saved.

FIG. 16 shows the entire configuration of a small intestine sondescope (videoscope) 161. The scope 161 has an elongated insertion portion 162. The insertion section 162 has an elongated flexible cable 16.
A hard tip unit 164 is disposed at the tip of the third.

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

A power supply line of the LED 166 and a signal line of the image pickup means 167 are provided on the cable 163 of the insertion section 162. Further, an operation unit 169 on the hand side is provided at a base end of the insertion unit 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 configuration, a small-diameter distal end unit 164 accommodating the LED 166 and the imaging means 167, a power supply line for the LED 166, a signal line for the imaging means 167, and the like are provided. Since the thin cable 163 is provided, the insertion portion 1 is smaller than when a light guide is used as in a conventional small intestine scope.
The diameter of 62 can be reduced. Therefore, when the insertion portion 162 of the scope 161 is inserted into the body from the nose of the patient by peristaltic movement, 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 the distal end portion 18 of the endoscope.
1 illustrates an illumination unit 182. This tip 181
Is formed with a substantially hemispherical concave portion 183. 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-mentioned configuration, the concave mirror 18 having a reflector shape is provided on the illumination portion 182 of the tip portion 181.
4, the viewing angle of the chip type LED 185 is
As shown by the arrow in FIG. 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 the distal end portion 18 of the endoscope.
9 shows a second configuration example of one illumination unit 182. 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 provided 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
The viewing angle of D191 can be largely and appropriately adjusted. Therefore, the illumination part 182 of the tip part 181 having good light distribution.
LED irradiation method can be obtained.

FIG. 17C shows the distal end portion 18 of the endoscope.
14 shows a third configuration example of one illumination unit 182. Here, a concave illumination lens 195 is provided in front of the lamp-type LED 191 in FIG. 17B. Note that a convex lens may be used instead of the concave lens 195.

Therefore, in the above configuration, the illumination concave lens 195 is disposed in front of the lamp LED 191, so that the illumination light of the lamp LED 191 having a narrow emission angle is diffused by the illumination concave lens 195, and the LED 191 is diffused.
Can be adjusted appropriately and largely. 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. (Additional Item 1) In an endoscope having a direct-viewing observation optical system provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope and an endoscope having a side-viewing observation optical system, a direct view is made to the distal end side of the side-viewing observation optical system. An endoscope device, wherein an LED for use is arranged.

(Additional Item 2) An endoscope characterized in that a direct-view LED is arranged on the distal end side of a side-view observation optical system, and a side-view LED is arranged in a side-view direction of the direct-view observation optical system. apparatus. (Additional Item 3) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 2, wherein a side-viewing chip-type LED (light emitting direction is thin) is arranged in a radial direction of the observation optical system for direct viewing.

(Additional Item 4) First image pickup means provided at the distal end of the insertion section of the endoscope and having a longitudinal direction of the insertion section as a viewing direction, and a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the insertion section as a viewing direction. In the endoscope device having a second imaging means and
First imaging means and second imaging means arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction being the same as the longitudinal direction of the insertion section, and first imaging means arranged near the longitudinal direction of the insertion section of the second imaging means A first illuminating means comprising an LED (semiconductor light emitting element) for illuminating the field of view of the first and an LED comprising an LED for illuminating the field of view of a second imaging means disposed in the vicinity of the insertion portion of the first imaging means in the radial direction. An endoscope apparatus comprising: two illumination means.

(Additional Item 5) The LED according to Additional Item 4, wherein the LED is a chip-type LED whose external shape is shorter in a length of an illumination light emitting direction in a direction perpendicular to the emitting direction. Endoscope device.

(Prior Art of Additional Items 1 to 5)
No. 12726. (Problems to be Solved by Additional Items 1 to 5) The diameter of the distal end portion is large. (Purpose of Supplementary Items 1 to 5) Provided is an endoscope in which the diameter of the distal end portion is small, and which has two viewing directions of direct view and side view.

(Operation 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 having an image pickup means provided at the distal end portion of the insertion part of the endoscope and having a direction of view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the insertion part, an illumination means comprising an LED Wherein the LED is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the imaging 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 means. (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 disposed 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 is shorter in the direction orthogonal to the emission direction of the illumination light than in the emission direction. .

(Additional Item 11) The LED according to any one of Additional Items 8 and 9, wherein the LED is a chip-type LED whose outer shape is shorter in a direction of emission of the illumination light than in a direction orthogonal to the direction of emission. Endoscope device.

(Prior Art in Additional Items 6 to 11)
-243076. (Problems to be Solved by Additional Items 6 to 11) Since 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 Items 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 a 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 direction can be provided. (Supplementary Item 12) In an endoscope apparatus provided with a lighting device 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 lighting device, an illumination device including an LED is used. An endoscope apparatus characterized in that a tip component member is formed of a synthetic resin by an insert molding method as an insert, and these are integrally formed.

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

(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 cost is expensive. Poor assembling accuracy and poor lighting performance.

(Purpose of Supplementary Items 12 to 17) An endoscope which is inexpensive and has good illumination performance is provided. (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 which is inexpensive and has good illumination performance can be provided. (Additional Item 18) In an endoscope device 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 tip component is formed on at least a part of the 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 constituent 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) An 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 constituent member. (Prior Art in Additional Items 18 to 22) Japanese Patent Application No. 9-2376
No. 8.

(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) The 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 lighting performance can be provided.

(Supplementary Note 23) In an auxiliary lighting device for an endoscope having an elongated flexible insertion portion, a distal end provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, and an illumination means at the distal end, an LED is provided at the distal end. An auxiliary lighting device for an endoscope, comprising: a cable for supplying power to an LED element disposed inside the insertion portion.

(Additional Item 24) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 23, wherein the endoscope apparatus has a watertight and airtight structure. (Prior Art in Additional Items 23 and 24) Japanese Patent Application No. 9-2376
No. 8 (Problems to be Solved by Additional Notes 23 and 24) The endoscope having the 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) If 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.

[0116]

According to the present invention, a first semiconductor light emitting element for illuminating the field of view of the first observation means and a second semiconductor light emitting element for illuminating the field of view of the second observation means are provided. Along the direction of the axis of
At a position where at least a part of the observation means overlaps the front and rear
Since the overlapping portion in which at least one of the semiconductor light emitting device and the second semiconductor light emitting device is disposed is provided, the diameter of the insertion portion and the distal end portion can be reduced, and the work of inserting the device into the body cavity of the patient And the burden on the patient can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 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. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a distal end portion of an insertion section in a side-viewing type endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

7A is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 6, and FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along line EE of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a main part of the side-viewing type endoscope apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the distal end of the insertion section is viewed from the side.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line FF of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line GG of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
(A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a distal end portion of an insertion portion in a direct-viewing type endoscope device, and (B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a molding die of a distal end component.

FIG. 12 shows a modification of the fourth embodiment.
(A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a distal end portion of an insertion portion in a direct-viewing type endoscope device, and (B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a molding die of a distal end component.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lens-integrated LED according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lens-integrated LED showing a modification of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the overall configuration of a channel insertion auxiliary lighting device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the entire configuration of a small intestine videoscope.

17A is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing an illumination part at the distal end of the endoscope, and FIG. 17B is a second sectional view of an illumination part at the distal end of the endoscope.
FIG. 7C is a vertical cross-sectional view of a main part showing a third configuration example of the illumination unit at the distal end of the endoscope.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 Insertion part 19 Direct-view imaging means 20 First observation means 21 Direct-view chip type LED (first semiconductor light emitting element) 31 Side-view imaging means 33 Second observation means 34 Side-view chip type LED (second Semiconductor light emitting element) 41 Overlapping part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hidetoshi Saito 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Seiichi Higuma 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. Olympus Optical Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Katsuyoshi Sasakawa, Inventor 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Takashi Mibori 2-43-2, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. Olympus Optical Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tomohisa Sakurai 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan Olympus Optical Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Kenji Harano 2-43, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 2. Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kenji Yoshino 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Orin Scan Optical Industry Co., Ltd. in the (72) inventor Daming Yoshinao Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Hatagaya 2-chome No. 43 No. 2 Olympus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. in

Claims (1)

[Claims] A first observation means for direct observation in a direction substantially in the axial center of the insertion part at a distal end of the insertion part to be inserted into a lumen; and a visual field direction of the first observation means. An endoscope apparatus provided with a second observation unit oriented in a direction different from that of the first observation unit, wherein a first semiconductor light-emitting element for generating illumination light for field illumination of the first observation unit; A second semiconductor light-emitting element for generating illumination light for field illumination of the observation means, wherein the second observation means is located on the distal end side of the second observation means along the axial direction of the insertion portion, and An endoscope apparatus comprising: an overlapping portion in which at least one of the first semiconductor light emitting element and the second semiconductor light emitting element is arranged at a position where at least a part of the means overlaps the front and rear.