JP2005027851A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope in which the problem due to heat generated by an LED illumination arranged at a front end of an insertion portion is overcome and good long time observation can be carried out. <P>SOLUTION: A lens cover 21 for photographing and a lens cover 22 for illuminating provided to an adapter 20 for observation are arranged in an adapter body 23 being a radiating means formed of a radiating member having high thermal conductivity. A center protruding portion 23c protruding into an inner space side is disposed in the adapter body 23. Whereas, a front end rigid section 2a includes a front end body 11, a CCD protecting tube 12 being an overheat preventing means formed of a substantially tubular heat insulating member, a CCD 13 arranged in the through hole of the CCD protecting tube 12, a CCD protecting plate 14 being an overheat preventing means arranged in the front end surface of the front end body 11 and formed of a thin plate link-like heat insulation member, the LED illumination 15, and an LED illumination fixing member 16 for fixing and arranging the LED illumination 15 and the CCD protecting plate 14 onto the front end body 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope applied for industrial use and medical use, which includes a bending portion formed of a fluid pressure actuator on the distal end side of a long insertion portion.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, endoscopes applicable for industrial use and medical use are provided with a flexible and long insertion portion that is inserted into a lumen. In this type of endoscope, a bending portion is disposed on the distal end side of the insertion portion. The bending portion is bent by a bending operation so that the observation direction is directed to an arbitrary direction.
[0003]
In an endoscope apparatus for industrial use, it may be required to insert the insertion portion 30 meters or more. In that case, when the bending mechanism that bends the bending portion of the endoscope is configured to pull the bending wire, the bending portion is used due to the sliding resistance generated between the bending wire and other members. There is a risk that it may be difficult to bend in a state desired by a person. For this reason, an endoscope has been proposed in which a fluid pressure actuator for bending the bending portion by supplying a fluid such as air is provided in the bending portion.
[0004]
Further, in a general endoscope apparatus, a light source device is prepared as an external device of the endoscope, and illumination light emitted from the light source device is supplied to a light guide disposed in an insertion portion of the endoscope. Illumination light transmitted by the guide is emitted from an illumination window arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope to illuminate the observation site. In this case, the amount of illumination transmitted as the insertion portion becomes longer is attenuated, and the amount of light emitted from the illumination window decreases, resulting in a problem that sufficient observation cannot be performed.
[0005]
In recent years, instead of arranging a light guide fiber for illuminating the observation site in the insertion section, a light emitting element, for example, LED illumination is arranged on the distal end side of the insertion section, and the observation site is illuminated with illumination light emitted from this LED illumination. Endoscopes have also been proposed.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, it is difficult to secure brightness according to the observation situation with an endoscope in which LED illumination is arranged. For this reason, the adapter for observation according to the observation situation is attached to the distal end portion of the endoscope so as to ensure a desired brightness. There was a risk of problems such as difficulty in use.
[0007]
In addition, when the heat generated from the LED illumination is conducted to the image sensor, the temperature of the image sensor rises, and there is a risk of malfunctioning in the endoscopic image, such as generating noise in the endoscopic image. is there.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an endoscope capable of preventing a malfunction due to heat generated from LED illumination disposed at a distal end portion of an insertion portion and performing good observation for a long time. It is aimed at that.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The endoscope of the present invention includes a bending portion by a fluid pressure actuator on the distal end side of the elongated insertion portion, and a detachable observation adapter is disposed on the distal end portion continuously provided on the distal end side of the bending portion, An endoscope that acquires an endoscopic image by imaging an observation site illuminated by LED illumination with an imaging device,
A heat dissipating means for dissipating heat generated by the LED lighting or an overheating preventing means for preventing the image pickup device from being overheated by the heat generated by the LED lighting is provided.
[0010]
The overheat preventing means is a heat insulating member that constitutes a part of the tip portion disposed between the imaging element and the LED illumination.
[0011]
Further, a part of the observation adapter is constituted by a heat radiating member as a heat radiating means.
[0012]
In addition, a heat conducting member that serves as the heat radiating means and the overheat preventing means and conducts heat generated by the LED illumination to a part of the fluid pressure actuator is provided at the tip portion.
[0013]
Further, the heat dissipation means or the overheat prevention means is a fluid path including a pipe line through which an electric cable extending from the LED illumination is inserted.
[0014]
Further, the fluid pressure actuator is provided with a pipe line that serves as the heat radiating unit and the overheat prevention unit and through which an electric cable extending from the LED illumination is inserted, and a cooling fluid is circulated in the pipe line.
[0015]
According to these configurations, part of the heat generated from the LED illumination is radiated, and the imaging element is prevented from being heated by the heat generated from the LED illumination.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 to 6 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the endoscope apparatus, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the observation adapter and the distal end rigid portion, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a process for forming the fluid pressure actuator, FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the process of forming the fluid pressure actuator, and FIG. 5 is a distal end side of the endoscope in a state where the observation adapter is attached to the distal rigid portion. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the observation adapter and the distal end hard portion.
[0017]
2A is a view for explaining the observation adapter, FIG. 2B is a view for explaining the hard tip portion, FIG. 3A is a view for explaining the multi-lumen tube, and FIG. FIG. 3C is a view for explaining the inner tube, FIG. 3D is a view for explaining the exhaust tube, and FIG. 3E is a view for explaining the insertion portion side fluid supply tube. 3 (f) is a diagram for explaining the outer tube, FIG. 3 (g) is a diagram for explaining the front cap, FIG. 3 (h) is a diagram for explaining the rear cap, and FIG. 3 (i) is a diagram for explaining the outer coil. Fig. 4 (a) is a diagram showing an arrangement state of an inner coil covering an inner tube in a central through hole of a multi-lumen tube, and Fig. 4 (b) is a diagram showing a state in which an arrangement tube and an insertion portion side tube are arranged. FIG. 4 (c) is a view showing a state in which the outer tube is disposed so as to cover the outer tube, and FIG. Shows, FIGS. 6 (a) is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the observation adapter, FIG. 6 (b) is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the distal end rigid portion.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes an electronic endoscope 3 in which a later-described CCD is built in a distal end portion of an elongated insertion portion 2, and an insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 3. And a drum unit 4 that winds the drum. Reference numeral 10 denotes, for example, an LCD monitor disposed on the upper flange 4a constituting the drum portion 4, and an endoscope image captured by the endoscope 3 is displayed on the LCD monitor 10. Yes.
[0019]
The insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 3 includes a distal end hard portion 2a constituting the distal end portion in order from the distal end side, a bending portion 2b provided continuously with the distal end hard portion 2a, and a flexible portion provided continuously with the bending portion 2b. It is comprised with the pipe part 2c. An observation adapter 20 is detachably disposed on the distal end hard portion 2a. The bending portion 2b includes a fluid pressure actuator described later. The flexible tube portion 2c is composed of a flexible and long flexible member connected to the bending portion 2b.
[0020]
For example, an imaging lens cover 21 constituting an imaging optical system is disposed at the center of the observation adapter 20, and an illumination lens cover 22 constituting a plurality of illumination optical systems is disposed around the imaging lens cover 21. Has been placed.
[0021]
The drum portion 4 has, for example, a bobbin shape, a disc-shaped upper flange 4a, a tubular insertion portion winding portion 4b around which the insertion portion 2 is wound, a disc-shaped lower flange 4c, and one surface side of the lower flange 4c. It is comprised with the rubber foot 4d arrange | positioned. Reference numeral 4e denotes a support rod.
[0022]
The LCD monitor 10 is arranged on the upper flange 4a via a monitor fixing member 10A. Further, on the upper flange 4a, a battery cover 7a provided in the battery storage part and a cylinder cover 7b provided in the cylinder storage part are disposed so as to be openable and closable. Further, the upper flange 4a receives, for example, a communication beam emitted from a remote controller (hereinafter abbreviated as a remote controller) 8 provided with a joystick 8a for instructing the bending operation of the bending portion 2b of the endoscope 3. A light receiving unit 9 is provided.
[0023]
A partition plate (not shown) is disposed in the insertion portion winding portion 4b, and the partition plate controls the fluid supplied from the gas cylinder to the fluid pressure actuator in accordance with the bending operation instructions of the battery, the gas cylinder, and the remote controller 8. A fluid supply amount control unit that performs the above-described operation, a drive signal that drives the CCD, and a CCU that converts an image signal transmitted from the CCD into a video signal are disposed.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 2A, the imaging lens cover 21 and the illumination lens cover 22 provided on the observation adapter 20 are formed of a metal cylindrical member that is a heat radiating member having high thermal conductivity. It is arranged at a predetermined position of the adapter main body 23 which is a heat radiating means. The adapter main body 23 is provided with a central convex portion 23c protruding toward the internal space.
[0025]
Specifically, the adapter body 23 has an imaging through hole 23a in which the imaging lens cover 21 and a plurality of optical lenses 24 that constitute the imaging optical system are disposed, and the illumination that constitutes the illumination optical system. An illumination through-hole 23b in which the lens cover 22 and the plurality of optical lenses 25 are arranged is formed. The lens covers 21 and 22 and the optical lenses 24 and 25 are disposed in the respective through holes 23a and 23b.
[0026]
The adapter main body 23 is screwed into the inner peripheral surface of the base end portion with a male screw portion (reference numeral 11a in the drawing) described later formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end main body 11 constituting the distal end hard portion 2a of the insertion portion 2. An internal thread portion 26 is formed.
[0027]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the distal end hard portion 2 a is an overheat formed by the substantially tubular distal end portion body 11 and a substantially tubular heat insulating member disposed in the through hole of the distal end portion body 11. A CCD protective tube 12 serving as prevention means, a CCD 13 serving as an imaging optical system that is disposed at a predetermined position in the through hole of the CCD protective tube 12, and a distal end surface of the distal end body 11. A CCD protective plate 14 which is an overheat preventing means formed of a thin plate-like heat insulating member, a plurality of LED illuminations 15 arranged on one side of the CCD protective plate 14, and the LED illumination 15 and the CCD protective plate 14 It is mainly composed of a substantially tubular LED illumination fixing member 16 fixedly disposed on the distal end main body 11.
[0028]
A plurality of types of observation adapters 20 having different focal lengths and viewing angles are prepared. For this reason, the optimal endoscope image is displayed on the screen of the LCD monitor 10 by replacing the optimal observation adapter 20 corresponding to the observation purpose with the endoscope 3.
[0029]
The LED illumination fixing member 16 is integrally fixed to the tip end body 11 by adhesion, for example. Reference numeral 17 denotes a signal line extending from the CCD 13, and reference numeral 18 denotes an electric cable extending from the LED illumination 15, which is inserted through the insertion portion 2 and extends into the insertion portion winding portion 4 b. Furthermore, the code | symbol 11b is a connection convex part by which the fluid pressure actuator 30 which comprises the curved part 2b mentioned later is arrange | positioned.
[0030]
The configuration of the fluid pressure actuator 30 constituting the bending portion 2b will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3I, the fluid pressure actuator 30 has four through holes 31a, 31b, 31c, each of which has a substantially circular cross-section formed of a flexible silicon material and forms a fluid chamber. 31d and a multi-lumen tube 31 having a central through-hole 31e parallel to the axial direction at the center, and an inner tubular member inserted into the central through-hole 31e of the multi-lumen tube 31, for example, made of stainless steel An inner coil 33 which is the first coil and a thin tube made of, for example, fluorine, which is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner coil 33 and prevents the multi-lumen tube 31 from being sandwiched between the inner coil 33 and being damaged. The formed inner thin tube (hereinafter abbreviated as inner tube) 37 and the four through holes 31a and 31b of the multi-lumen tube 31. For example, a Teflon (registered trademark) insertion portion-side fluid supply tube (hereinafter abbreviated as an insertion portion-side tube) in which the distal end portions arranged on the proximal end sides of 31c and 31d are formed in a tapered shape as shown in the figure. 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, a stepped-shaped front cap 34 that covers the distal end portion of the multi-lumen tube 31 that is an outer tubular member, and a stepped shape that covers the proximal end portion of the multi-lumen tube 31 A base 35, an outer coil 36 that is a second coil made of, for example, stainless steel that covers the outer peripheral side of the multi-lumen tube 31, and an outer peripheral side of the multi-lumen tube 31, and the multi-lumen tube 31 serves as an outer coil 36. For example, an outer thin tube (hereinafter referred to as a thin tube made of fluorine) that prevents the wire from being broken between the wires. 38, abbreviated as outer tube), and between the multi-lumen tube 31 and the inner tube 37 formed of, for example, a tubular metal member serving as an exhaust means, and between the multi-lumen tube 31 and the outer tube 38, respectively. The exhaust tube 39 is mainly configured.
[0031]
As described above, the inner tube 37 and the outer tube 38 are provided with the multi-lumen tube 31 sandwiched between the lines of the inner coil 33 or the outer coil 36 as described above. The multi-lumen tube 31 prevents problems such as swelling by touching light oil or the like.
[0032]
An example of the configuration procedure of the fluid pressure actuator 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the inner tube 37 is put on the inner coil 33. Then, the inner coil 33 in this state is inserted and disposed in the central through hole 31e of the multi-lumen tube 31 as shown in FIG.
[0033]
Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, for example, silicon adhesive or the like is poured into the distal end side of the through-holes 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d of the multi-lumen tube 31 so as to close the closing portion 40 that closes the opening on the distal end side. Form. Further, the exhaust tube 39 is disposed between the distal end side of the central through hole 31 e and the inner tube 37, and then the distal-end-side spool fixing portion 41 a is formed on the distal end side of the multi-lumen tube 31. Thus, the inner coil 33 covered with the exhaust tube 39 and the inner tube 37 is integrally disposed on the distal end side of the multi-lumen tube 31.
[0034]
Further, the tapered portions of the insertion portion side tubes 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are arranged in the proximal end side openings of the through holes 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and the through holes 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d and the insertion portion side are arranged. The gaps between the tubes 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d are closed with, for example, a silicon adhesive. Thereafter, a base end side spool fixing portion 41 b is formed on the base end side of the multi-lumen tube 31, and the insertion portion side tubes 32 a, 32 b, 32 c, and 32 d are integrally disposed on the base end side of the multi-lumen tube 31. .
[0035]
Thus, the through holes 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d of the multi-lumen tube 31 are formed as space portions, and the respective space portions and the outside communicate with each other through the insertion portion side tubes 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d. Each state is configured as a fluid chamber (see reference numeral 42 in FIG. 5).
[0036]
Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, the outer tube 38 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the multi-lumen tube 31. Further, an exhaust tube 39 is disposed between the outer tube 38 on the distal end side and the multi-lumen tube 31. Thereafter, a distal-end-side spool fixing portion 41 c is formed on the distal end side of the multi-lumen tube 31, and the outer tube 38 is disposed integrally with the multi-lumen tube 31.
[0037]
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4D, the front cap 34 is disposed on the distal end side of the multi-lumen tube 31 in a state where the outer tube 38 is disposed, and the rear cap 35 is disposed on the proximal end side. At this time, the caps 35 and 34 are respectively inserted from the front end side of the multi-lumen tube 31 in the order of the rear cap 35 and the front cap 34.
[0038]
Further, the outer coil 36 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the multi-lumen tube 31 in a state where the outer tube 38 is disposed. At this time, the distal end portion of the outer coil 36 is disposed on the coil placement portion 34a of the front base 34 and the base end portion is disposed on the coil placement portion 35a of the rear base 35 as shown by a one-dot chain line in the figure. To do. Thus, the fluid pressure actuator 30 is configured.
[0039]
And the fluid pressure actuator 30 comprised as mentioned above is arrange | positioned and fixed to the outer peripheral part of the connection convex part 11b of the front-end | tip part main body 11 which comprises the said front-end | tip hard part 2a, as shown in FIG.
[0040]
Reference numeral 43 denotes a curved cover formed of a metal mesh tube constituting the outermost exterior of the curved portion 2b. The distal end portion is disposed on the cover placement portion 34b of the front base 34, and the base end portion is the rear base 35. It arrange | positions on the cover arrangement | positioning part 35b. As a result, the bending portion 2b is connected to the proximal end side of the distal end hard portion 2a.
[0041]
Moreover, in this embodiment, although the four through-holes 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d are regularly arranged around the center through-hole 31e of the multi-lumen tube 31, the number of through-holes is curved. Since it is set according to the direction and shape to be curved, it is not limited to four, and may be more or less.
[0042]
Further, the rear cap 35 is disposed and fixed on the outer peripheral portion of a connection base (not shown) disposed at the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion 2c. As a result, the flexible tube portion 2c is connected to the proximal end side of the bending portion 2b.
[0043]
Here, with reference to the said FIG. 5, attachment / detachment with respect to the front-end | tip hard part 2a of the adapter 20 for observation is demonstrated.
First, the opening of the observation adapter 20 that is optimal for observation is opposed to the distal end hard portion 2 a of the endoscope 3. Next, the inner peripheral surface of the observation adapter 20 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface side of the hard tip portion 2a, and then the female screw portion 26 of the observation adapter 20 with respect to the male screw portion 11a of the hard tip portion 2a. To be fixed.
[0044]
At this time, the imaging lens cover 21 and the plurality of optical lenses 24 constituting the imaging optical system of the observation adapter 20 are arranged at predetermined positions on the front surface of the CCD 13 and the illumination lens constituting the illumination optical system. The cover 22 and the plurality of optical lenses 25 are arranged at predetermined positions on the front surface of the LED illumination 15.
[0045]
When the LED illumination 15 is supplied with electric power from the battery, the LED illumination 15 is turned on. The illumination light emitted from these LED lights 15 passes through the optical lens 25 and the illumination lens cover 22 and illuminates the observation site. At this time, heat is generated from these LED lights 15.
[0046]
The heat generated from these LED lights 15 is actively radiated to the outside from the adapter main body 23 made of, for example, aluminum having a high thermal conductivity. Further, since the CCD 13 is covered with the CCD protective plate 14 and the CCD protective tube 12 formed of a heat insulating member, the heat generated by the LED illumination 15 is prevented from being transmitted to the CCD 13. The As a result, the endoscopic image observed through the adapter 20 is displayed on the screen of the LCD monitor 10 for a long time.
In addition, when removing the said observation adapter 20 from the front-end | tip hard part 2a, it performs by the reverse procedure to the procedure mentioned above.
[0047]
As described above, the LED illumination is disposed at the distal end portion, and is detachable from the distal end portion main body incorporating the CCD, and the adapter cover in which the lens cover and the optical lens constituting the illumination optical system and the observation optical system are disposed has a thermal conductivity. The heat generated by the LED illumination formed by the high-profile member is actively dissipated to the outside through the adapter body, while the CCD is disposed in the CCD protective tube formed of the heat insulating member, and the front end surface of the CCD protective tube The CCD adapter plate formed of a heat insulating member between the LED lighting and the base end face side of the LED lighting causes the observation adapter and the tip hard part to rise in temperature due to the heat generated by the LED lighting, and is generated by the LED lighting. Heat conduction to the CCD is prevented, and a good endoscopic image can be observed for a long time with a sufficient amount of illumination light.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 6B, the first electrode 11c electrically connected to the LED illumination 15 and the electric cable 18 are electrically connected to a predetermined position of the tip end body 11 constituting the tip hard portion 2a. The second electrode 11d connected to the plate is provided, and the first electrode 11c and the second electrode 11d are electrically connected to a predetermined position of the observation adapter 20A as shown in FIG. 6A. The spring 27 may be provided. Here, reference numeral 28 denotes a connecting member that is rotatable with respect to the adapter main body 23A having a female screw portion 28a formed on the inner peripheral surface, and reference numeral 29 denotes an inner peripheral surface of the adapter main body 23A and an outer peripheral surface of the tip end main body 11. It is an O-ring that keeps watertight between the two.
[0049]
By configuring the distal end hard portion 2a and the observation adapter 20A as described above, the leaf spring 27, the first electrode 11c, and the second electrode 11d are aligned, and the inner peripheral surface of the observation adapter 20A. Are arranged on the outer peripheral surface side of the hard tip portion 2a, and in this state, the female screw portion 28a of the connecting member 28 is screwed into the male screw portion 11a of the hard tip portion 2a to be integrally fixed. As a result, the first electrode 11c and the second electrode 11d are electrically connected via the leaf spring 27.
[0050]
In other words, in this embodiment, the power of the battery is only applied when the observation adapter 20A is disposed and fixed on the distal end hard portion 2a and the first electrode 11c and the second electrode 11d are electrically connected by the leaf spring 27. Can be supplied to the LED illumination, and the LED illumination 15 can be turned on.
[0051]
This ensures that power from the battery is not accidentally supplied to the LED lighting, such as when the observation adapter is being replaced, and the LED lighting is not turned on, thus ensuring that the battery is not wasted. Is done.
[0052]
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining another configuration of the observation adapter and the hard tip portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7A is an internal view of the state in which the observation adapter is mounted on the hard tip portion. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 7A, illustrating the configuration of the front end side of the mirror.
[0053]
As shown in FIG. 7A, in the observation adapter 20B of the present embodiment, the central protrusion 23c protruding toward the internal space shown in the adapter main bodies 23 and 23A is omitted, and the bottom surface of the internal space is formed in a plane. The adapter body 23B is made. An imaging through hole 23a and an illumination through hole 23b are formed in the adapter main body 23B, and the lens covers 21 and 22 and the optical lenses 24 and 25 are arranged in the through holes 23a and 23b, respectively.
[0054]
On the other hand, the distal end hard portion 2a includes the substantially tubular distal end portion body 51, the CCD 13 disposed in the through hole of the distal end portion body 51, and a plurality of LEDs disposed on one surface side of the distal end portion body 51. The illumination 15 is mainly composed of an LED illumination fixing member 52 in which the LED illumination 15 is fixed and arranged on the distal end portion main body 51 and has a substantially tubular shape and an optical lens 24 constituting an observation optical system is arranged in the central portion. .
[0055]
The LED illumination fixing member 52 is integrally fixed to the tip end body 51 by, for example, adhesion. Reference numeral 51 a is a male screw part screwed into the female screw part 26, and reference numeral 51 b is a connecting convex part on which the fluid pressure actuator 30 is arranged. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0056]
In the present embodiment, a plurality of through holes 51c are formed at predetermined positions around the through hole of the tip body 51 as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b). And the 1st heat conduction which serves also as a heat dissipation means and the overheat prevention means comprised, for example with the copper wire and aluminum wire with high heat conductivity which also serve as the heat radiating member which conducts the heat which generate | occur | produced in the said LED illumination 15 in this through-hole 51c The member 53 is inserted and arranged.
[0057]
The distal end side of the first heat conducting member 53 is fixed to the LED illumination 15, and the base end portion is fixed to an inner ring member 54 that is integrally fixed to an inner peripheral protrusion 34c formed on the front cap 34A. Has been. The first heat conducting member 53 fixed to the inner ring member 54 is fixed with one end portion of a second heat conducting member 55 that also serves as a heat dissipating means and an overheat preventing means formed of a copper wire having high heat conductivity. The other end portion of the second heat conducting member 55 is fixed to an inner coil 33a formed of, for example, a copper member or an aluminum member having a high thermal conductivity constituting the fluid pressure actuator 30 that also serves as a heat radiating means. Yes.
[0058]
By configuring as described above, when the power from the battery is supplied to the LED lighting 15 and the LED lighting 15 is turned on, the heat generated from the LED lighting 15 has high thermal conductivity. The heat is conducted by being conducted to the first heat conducting member 53, the second heat conducting member 55, and the inner coil 33a.
[0059]
As a result, the temperature rise due to the heat generated by the LED illumination 15 and the heat generated by the LED illumination 15 are prevented from being transmitted to the CCD 13, and the same operations and effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved. Obtainable.
In addition, you may make it the structure which heightens the heat dissipation effect by setting the length etc. which the said inner coil 33a penetrates the inside of the flexible tube part 2c, and extends to the base end part of the insertion part 2.
[0060]
FIG. 8 is a view for explaining another configuration of the observation adapter and the hard tip portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0061]
As shown in the drawing, in the observation adapter 20C of the present embodiment, the adapter main body 23C is omitted from the central convex portion 23c, and the bottom surface of the internal space is formed in a plane, like the adapter main body 23B. Then, instead of forming the female screw 26 on the inner peripheral surface side of the adapter main body 23C, an O-ring 61 having a predetermined pressing force is disposed, and the observation adapter 20C is hardened at the distal end by the pressing force of the O-ring 61. It is designed to be integrally attached to the portion 2a.
[0062]
Further, a concave portion 62 serving as a heat dissipation or cooling fluid path serving as a heat radiating means and an overheating preventing means is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the adapter main body 23C. And this recessed part 62 and the predetermined position of the said through-hole 23b for illumination are in the communication state by the communication path 63. FIG.
[0063]
On the other hand, the distal end hard portion 2a includes the substantially tubular distal end portion main body 65, the CCD 13 disposed in the through hole of the distal end portion main body 65, and a plurality of LEDs disposed on one surface side of the distal end portion main body 65. The illumination 15 is mainly composed of an LED illumination fixing member 52 in which the LED illumination 15 is fixed and arranged on the tip body 65 and is substantially tubular, and an optical lens 24 constituting an observation optical system is arranged in the center. .
[0064]
In the present embodiment, a plurality of through holes 65a that also serve as the fluid passage through which the electric cable 18 is inserted, and the through holes 65a and the recessed portions 62 are communicated with each other at a predetermined position around the through hole of the tip body 65. A communication hole 65b serving as a fluid path is formed. In this embodiment, for example, a tube to which fluid from a cylinder (not shown) is supplied is arranged in the inner coil 33 covered with the inner tube 37.
[0065]
Reference numeral 65b denotes a connecting convex portion on which the fluid pressure actuator 30 is disposed. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0066]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when power from the battery is supplied to the LED illumination 15 and the LED illumination 15 is turned on, heat generated from the LED illumination 15 is externally transmitted from the illumination through hole 23b. The heat is dissipated from the tip body 65 and the base 34.
[0067]
On the other hand, if a fluid for cooling is supplied from a cylinder into the inner coil 33 covered with the inner tube 37 as needed via a tube (not shown), the fluid is supplied from the curved portion inner space 66 to the through hole 65a. In addition, the light is supplied into the illumination through hole 23b through the communication hole 65b communicating with the through hole 65a, the recess 62, and the communication path 63.
[0068]
As a result, the heat generated from the LED illumination 15 is dissipated, or the tip body 65 and the LED illumination 15 that have risen in temperature are cooled by the fluid, and the temperature rises due to the heat generated in the LED illumination 15. It is possible to prevent the CCD 13 from being heated by the heat generated by the LED illumination 15 and to obtain the same operation and effect as the above-described embodiment.
[0069]
9 to 12 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another configuration of the observation adapter and the hard tip portion, and FIG. 10 is a configuration example in which a heat conducting member is provided. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a heat radiating member is disposed, and FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which another heat radiating member is disposed.
10A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the heat conducting member is disposed, FIG. 10B is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the heat conducting member is disposed, and FIG. 10C is a heat conducting member. It is a perspective view explaining the other arrangement | positioning state.
[0070]
As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the LED illumination 71 which comprises an illumination optical system is arrange | positioned at the adapter 70 for observation.
[0071]
Specifically, in the present embodiment, the imaging lens cover 21 and the LED illumination 71 provided in the observation adapter 70 are heat radiating means formed of a metal cylindrical member that is a heat radiating member having high thermal conductivity. It is arranged at a predetermined position of the adapter body 23D. The adapter main body 23D, like the adapter main bodies 23B and 23C, omits the central protrusion 23c and has a flat bottom surface of the internal space.
[0072]
In addition to the imaging through hole 72a, an illumination recess 72b in which the LED illumination 71 constituting the illumination optical system is disposed on the distal end side and an electric wire 71a extending from the LED illumination 71 are inserted into the adapter body 23D. An electric wire through hole 72c and an electrode recess 72d in which the electrode 73 is disposed are formed. The electrode 73 includes a plate electrode 73a to which the electric wire 71a is connected, and a protruding electrode 73b that is in electrical contact with the contact portion 74b of the illumination electrode 74 to which the tip of the electric cable 18 is connected. .
[0073]
On the other hand, the distal end hard portion 2a is formed around the substantially tubular distal end portion main body 75, the CCD 13 disposed in the through hole of the distal end portion main body 75, and the through hole in which the CCD 13 is disposed. A main electrode 74a of the illumination electrode 74 is disposed, and a plurality of through holes 75a through which the electric cable 18 is inserted are formed.
[0074]
In addition, the code | symbol 71a is the filler provided in the front surface of the light emitting element.
[0075]
In this way, by disposing the LED illumination at the tip of the adapter body formed of the heat radiation member away from the CCD, the heat generated by this LED illumination is actively dissipated outside through the adapter body. On the other hand, the heat generated by the LED lighting is prevented from being conducted to the CCD, the temperature is increased by the heat generated by the LED lighting, and the CCD is heated by the heat generated by the LED lighting. Can be prevented, and the same operation and effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
[0076]
As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the tip end main body 75 is inserted, one end abuts against the end face of the adapter main body 23D, and the other end is the tip of the inner coil 33a. By arranging a plurality of heat conducting members 76 serving both as heat dissipation means and overheat prevention means formed of copper wires or the like having high thermal conductivity joined to the parts, the LED illumination 71 generates heat and is conducted to the CCD 13 side. The incoming heat is positively conducted to the inner coil 33a through the heat conducting member 76 to be radiated. By this, the effect | action and effect which are obtained by embodiment mentioned above can be acquired still more efficiently.
[0077]
At this time, instead of joining the heat conducting member 76 to the tip of the inner coil 33a as shown in FIG. 10C, the length of the heat conducting member 76 is set to the position where the other end reaches the sealed portion. The end of the heat conducting member 76 may be brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the inner coil 33a. This eliminates the work of joining the heat conducting member 76 to the inner coil 33a, and the same operation and effect can be obtained.
[0078]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a small-diameter copper wire or the like having a high thermal conductivity, which is a heat conducting member, is gathered in a distal end space portion 77 formed between the distal end hard portion 2a and the curved portion 2b. A three-dimensionally formed heat dissipating means and a heat dissipating means 78 serving as an overheat preventing means are arranged, and the heat generated by the LED illumination 71 and conducted to the adapter main body 23D is actively transmitted through the heat dissipating body 78 to the inner coil 33a. By conducting to the above, the same operation and effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained efficiently. Reference numeral 79 denotes a holding member that holds the arrangement positions of the signal line 17 and the electric cable 18.
[0079]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the heat-dissipating viscous portion serving as the heat-dissipating means and the overheat-preventing means, which are highly viscous heat-conducting members, in the space portion 77 and the space in the inner coil 33 covered with the inner tube 37. Even if 80 is provided, the same operation and effect can be obtained.
[0080]
FIGS. 13 to 15 relate to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining still another configuration of the observation adapter and the hard tip portion, and FIG. 14 is a configuration example in which a cooling mechanism is provided on the adapter body. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fluid path provided in the tip body.
[0081]
13A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the distal end side portion of the endoscope, FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the main portion constituting the fluid pressure actuator, and FIG. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the cooling mechanism provided in the adapter body, FIG. 14B is a view for explaining the relationship of the fluid path that communicates the observation adapter and the hard tip portion, and FIG. FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 15A, illustrating a spiral groove to be provided and a fluid tube disposed in the groove.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 13 (b), the multi-lumen tube 31 constituting the fluid pressure actuator of this embodiment has two through holes in addition to the through holes 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d for constituting the fluid chamber 42. Holes 81a and 81b are formed.
[0083]
A pair of fluid pipes 82 and 83 project from the distal end portions of the through holes 81a and 81b, and a cooling fluid supply tube 84 and a cooling fluid discharge tube 85 communicate with the proximal end portion. It is connected and fixed in the state. Accordingly, one of the fluid pipes 81 is a fluid supply pipe 82 and the other is a fluid discharge pipe 83.
[0084]
As shown in FIG. 13A, in the present embodiment, the imaging lens cover 21 and the LED illumination 71 provided in the observation adapter 70 are located at predetermined positions of an adapter main body 23E formed of a metal cylindrical member. It is arranged. Like the adapter bodies 23B, 23C, and 23D, the adapter body 23E omits the central protrusion 23c and has a flat bottom surface of the internal space.
[0085]
In addition to the imaging through-hole 72a, the adapter body 23E has an illumination recess 72b in which the LED illumination 71 constituting the illumination optical system is disposed, and a fluid path in which an electrode 86 protruding from the LED illumination 71 is disposed. An electrode recess 72e that also serves as an electrode is formed. The electrode 86 has a curved portion 86a at the base end portion, and is in electrical contact with a tubular lighting pipe electrode 87 to which the distal end portion of the electric cable 18 is electrically connected.
[0086]
On the other hand, the distal end hard portion 2a is formed around the substantially tubular distal end portion body 88, the CCD 13 disposed in the through hole of the distal end portion body 88, and the through hole in which the CCD 13 is disposed. The lighting pipe electrode 87 is disposed on one end side, and a pair of electric cable through holes 88a in which the fluid supply pipe 82 or the fluid discharge pipe 83 is disposed in communication are formed on the other end side. Has been. Reference numeral 89 denotes an elastic pipe-type fixing member made of, for example, rubber, and is disposed at the base end portion of the electric cable through-hole 88a.
[0087]
The leading end of the fluid supply pipe 82 is fixed to the pipe fixing member 89, and the leading end of the fluid discharge pipe 83 is fixed to the pipe fixing member 89. Thus, the fluid supply pipe 82 and the fluid discharge pipe 83 are in communication with the electrical cable through-hole 88a.
[0088]
Therefore, the cooling fluid supply tube 84 side is set to, for example, a cooling gas supply state, while the cooling fluid discharge tube 85 side is set to a fluid suction state, thereby being sent from the cooling fluid supply tube 84. As shown by the arrows, the cooling gas is transmitted through the through hole 81a, the fluid supply pipe 82, the electrical cable through hole 88a, the illumination pipe electrode 87, the electrode recess 72e, and the illumination pipe electrode 87. It circulates through a cooling flow path that is a fluid path composed of holes, electrical cable through holes 88a, fluid discharge pipes 83, through holes 81b, and cooling fluid discharge tubes 85.
[0089]
Therefore, the heat generated from the LED illumination 15 is discharged to the outside together with the cooling gas flowing through the cooling channel. In addition, the CCD 13 is prevented from being heated by the cooling gas supplied to the cooling channel.
[0090]
The electric cable 18 is inserted through the electric cable through hole 88a, the fluid supply pipe 82 (or the fluid discharge pipe 83), and the through holes 81a and 81b.
[0091]
Thus, by forming a cooling flow path in the endoscope and circulating a cooling gas in the cooling flow path, the heat generated by the LED illumination is actively discharged to the outside, Preventing the CCD from being heated by the heat generated by the LED lighting, increasing the temperature by the heat generated by the LED lighting, and preventing the CCD from being heated by the heat generated by the LED lighting. Good observation can be performed for a long time.
[0092]
14 (a) and 14 (b), a micro valve 91 having an on / off valve that controls the inflow of cooling gas by an opening / closing operation, and the micro valve 91 for driving operation. A Peltier element 92 that supplies electric power may be provided in a circumferential recess 72f formed in the adapter main body 23F partitioned by the fixing plate 93 to constitute a cooling mechanism that serves as an overheat prevention means.
[0093]
The fixing plate 93 is provided with a connection pipe 94a communicating with the microvalve 91 and a connection pipe 94b constituting a fluid path communicating with the circumferential recess 72f. These connection pipes 94a and 94b are connected to fluid passage openings 96a and 96b (not shown) provided in a tip body 96 communicated with the through hole 81a via a fluid supply pipe (not shown). ing.
[0094]
The Peltier element 92 is disposed in the vicinity of the base end face side of the LED illumination 15, and when the heat generated from the LED illumination 15 is conducted to the Peltier element 92 and reaches a predetermined temperature, the electromotive force is converted into the micro-electromotive force. Supplying the valve 91 to the open / close valve from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time, supplying a cooling gas into the circumferential recess 72f, and increasing the temperature by the heat generated in the LED illumination 71; It is possible to prevent the CCD (not shown) from being heated by the heat generated by the LED illumination 71 and to perform good observation over a long period of time.
[0095]
In the case of the configuration in which the LED illumination 15 is disposed on the tip end body 11 as shown in FIG. 2, the inner periphery of the tip end body 100 is shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b). A spiral groove 100a is formed in the plane, and a fluid tube 101 having flexibility for forming a cooling channel is disposed in the spiral groove 100a. Then, by connecting each end portion of the fluid tube 101 to the fluid supply pipe 82 and the fluid discharge pipe 83 to constitute an endoscope, the same operation and effect as in the fifth embodiment are obtained. be able to.
[0096]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0097]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope capable of preventing a problem caused by heat generated from the LED illumination arranged at the distal end portion of the insertion portion and performing good observation for a long time. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an endoscope apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an observation adapter and a hard tip portion
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a fluid pressure actuator constituting a bending portion.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process of forming a fluid pressure actuator
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a configuration on the distal end side of an endoscope in a state where an observation adapter is mounted on a distal rigid portion.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the observation adapter and the hard tip portion.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the observation adapter and the hard tip portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another configuration of the observation adapter and the hard tip portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
9 to 12 are related to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another configuration of the observation adapter and the hard tip portion.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which a heat conducting member is disposed.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration in which heat dissipating members are arranged.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example in which other heat radiating members are arranged;
13 to 15 are related to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining still another configuration of the observation adapter and the hard tip portion.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which a cooling mechanism is provided in the adapter body.
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a fluid path provided in the adapter main body.
[Explanation of symbols]
2a ... Hard end
2b ... curved portion
3. Endoscope
12 ... CCD protective tube
13 ... CCD
14 ... CCD protective plate
15 ... LED lighting
23 ... Adapter body
30 ... Fluid pressure actuator
42 ... Fluid chamber

Claims (6)

An elongate insertion portion is provided with a bending portion by a fluid pressure actuator on the distal end side, and a detachable observation adapter is disposed on the distal end portion connected to the distal end side of the bending portion so that an observation site illuminated by LED illumination is provided. In an endoscope that captures an image by an image sensor and acquires an endoscopic image,
An endoscope comprising a heat dissipating means for dissipating heat generated by the LED illumination or an overheat preventing means for preventing the image sensor from being overheated by heat generated by the LED illumination. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the overheat preventing means is a heat insulating member that constitutes a part of the tip portion disposed between the imaging element and the LED illumination. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a part of the observation adapter is configured by a heat dissipation member that is a heat dissipation unit. The heat conduction member which serves as the heat radiation means and the overheat prevention means, and conducts heat generated by the LED illumination to a part of the fluid pressure actuator, is provided at the tip portion. Endoscope. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation unit or the overheat prevention unit is a fluid path including a conduit through which an electric cable extending from the LED illumination is inserted. The fluid pressure actuator is provided with a conduit that serves as the heat dissipation means and overheat prevention means, and through which an electric cable extending from the LED illumination is inserted, and a cooling fluid is circulated in the conduit. The endoscope according to claim 1.

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