JP2001053989A - Imaging device for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device for endoscope provided with a unit which is sealed by satisfactory connection without thermally deteriorating an internal structure body constituting an imaging optical system. SOLUTION: This imaging device is provided with a pressurizing ring screw 150 of a small thermal conductivity between a first sealing part 153, which seals a first metallic frame 42 and a second metallic frame 131 airtight, and a first housing 48 for housing a CCD (solid-state imaging element) 61, etc., to prevent heat applied in sealing the part 153 airtight by brazing, soldering and laser welding, etc., from being transmitted to the inside of the housing 48 to prevent thermal trouble to an internal structure and to locally raise temperature only in vicinity of the part 153, thereby surely executing the sealing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope image pickup apparatus for picking up a subject image emitted from an endoscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the case of using an optical endoscope that optically transmits a subject image to a hand side by a relay lens or the like, the subject image obtained by the endoscope is displayed on a TV monitor or an image storage device. For example, an endoscope imaging device that captures the subject image and converts the captured image into an electric signal is widely used in order to accumulate the image in a subject.

In general, an endoscope image pickup apparatus includes a focus lens for converging a subject image emitted from the endoscope, and a CC for picking up the subject image converged by the focus lens.
An imaging device such as D is provided, and in order to capture a good subject image, it is necessary to align the focus lens with the imaging device. The alignment between the focus lens and the image sensor includes alignment of the distance between the image sensor and the focus lens in the optical axis direction, alignment of the image sensor and the focus lens in the eccentric direction, that is, the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and imaging. It is necessary to align the angle of the optical axis between the element and the focusing lens.

To cope with this, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-28233 filed by the present applicant discloses a solid-state imaging device (CC).
An imaging device for an endoscope provided with an imaging device position adjusting means for adjusting the arrangement position by moving D) in a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a rotating direction with respect to the optical axis of the observation optical system is disclosed.

In recent years, in order to sterilize an imaging device for an endoscope, a method called autoclave sterilization in which an object to be sterilized is left in high-pressure steam for a certain period of time is used as an inexpensive sterilization method. In order to make the imaging device resistant to autoclave sterilization, it is necessary to hermetically seal the focus lens and the imaging device.

However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-2823 discloses
In the prior art disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3 (1993) -313, the position adjusting means of the CCD is constituted by an adjusting screw provided in the housing member, and an adjusting tool is inserted through a hole provided in the tubular member so that the CCD is adjusted in the radial direction. In this case, the airtightness is not taken into consideration. Even if the cap-shaped frame having one end opened and the other end closed at the rear part of the tubular member is hermetically sealed, there is a possibility that moisture or the like may enter from a tool insertion hole provided in the tubular member. In addition, even if the holes for inserting the tool are sealed, it is necessary to seal the holes by the number of adjusting screws, so that it takes time to assemble, and the possibility of sealing failure increases as the number of sealing portions increases. There was a problem.

To cope with this, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 10-23597 filed by the present applicant discloses that an image pickup element and a focusing lens are hermetically sealed in at least one hermetic unit, and that the hermetic unit is sealed. 2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope imaging apparatus has been proposed in which at least one airtight unit is fixed so as to be adjustable in an eccentric direction, that is, in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, with respect to a frame of the endoscope imaging apparatus. In this endoscope imaging apparatus, the joining between the cover frame, the glass frame hermetically sealed and the airtight unit main body is performed by brazing, welding, welding, or screw fastening using a metal seal.

[0008]

However, when the crow frame and the hermetic unit are joined by utilizing heat such as brazing or welding, the heat applied to the joint between the glass frame and the hermetic unit is reduced. It may be transmitted to a frame or the like that accommodates a CCD or an optical filter located therein and may cause thermal degradation of precision parts such as the CCD. In addition, there is a problem that the heat applied to the bonding portion is transmitted over a wide range and the temperature near the sealing portion does not easily rise so that the bonding cannot be performed well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an image pickup apparatus for an endoscope having a unit sealed by good bonding without thermally deteriorating an internal structure constituting an image pickup optical system. The purpose is to provide.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an imaging apparatus for an endoscope according to the present invention includes an internal structure for accommodating an imaging optical system, and the internal structure includes at least two metal frames. Wherein the heat transfer preventing means is provided between the vicinity of the sealing portion of the metal frame and the internal structure in the endoscope image pickup apparatus which is housed in a metal package which is made watertight or airtight using heat. It is characterized by.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 11 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an imaging device for an endoscope, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a front portion of the imaging device for an endoscope. 3, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the rear part of the endoscope imaging device, FIG. 4 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 2, FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 3, FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 2, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the imaging optical unit, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a unit at the time of eccentricity adjustment of the endoscope imaging apparatus, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the moisture absorbing means.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an endoscope image pickup apparatus which is detachably connected to an endoscope 2 for picking up a subject image emitted from the endoscope 2 and converting the image into an electric signal.

A light guide cable 3 for transmitting illumination light extends from the endoscope 2. A light source device 4 for generating illumination light is detachably attached to the other end of the light guide cable 3. It is connected. The endoscope 2 can irradiate the subject with the illumination light supplied from the light source device 4.

On the other hand, a signal cable 5 for transmitting the electric signal and the like extends from a rear end side of the endoscope image pickup apparatus 1, and the other end of the signal cable 5 receives the electric signal. And a signal processing device (hereinafter, abbreviated as CCU) 6 having a function of converting the image signal into a video signal for monitor display. Further, a TV monitor 7 for displaying an endoscope image is connected to the CCU 6.

The endoscope image pickup apparatus 1 includes the endoscope 2
And a rotating mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the coupler unit 10 to the main body of the endoscope imaging apparatus 1 so as to be rotatable about the optical axis and for restricting (locking) the rotation. Unit 20, a cover glass unit 40 through which a subject image emitted from an eyepiece of the endoscope first passes, and an iris unit 5 having a diaphragm blade for narrowing light rays of the subject image.
5, an imaging optical unit 56 having a plurality of imaging lenses that converge the subject image, and an imaging optical unit 60 that forms the subject image converged by the imaging optical unit 56 and converts it into an electric signal.
A focus adjustment unit 90 for adjusting the focus by moving the imaging optical unit 60 in the optical axis direction; and the imaging optical unit 56
Transmission unit 11 for transmitting the electric signal obtained in the above to the CCU
0.

A more detailed configuration of the endoscope imaging apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. The coupler section 10 includes a substantially flange-shaped coupler body 11 that is fitted and abutted on the eyepiece section of the endoscope 2. At the upper and lower two places on the front face of the coupler body 11, partial arc-shaped projections 12, 12 projecting forward are formed, and a substantially columnar first pin 13 is screwed to one of the projections 12. On the other protruding portion 12, a second pin 14 having a substantially cylindrical opening end is screwed. A coil spring 15 is housed inside the second pin 14.
End protrudes from the opening end of the second pin 14.

The protrusions 12, 12 of the coupler body 11
A ring 16 is disposed on the outer periphery of the ring, and the ring 16 is held via the first pin 13 and the second pin 14 so as to be vertically displaceable. That is, a hole 16 a is formed on the outer periphery of the ring 16 at a position corresponding to the first pin 13, and an opening end capable of accommodating the second pin 14 and the coil spring 15 at a position corresponding to the second pin 14. Is screwed. The first pin 13 is slidably fitted in the hole 16 a, and the coil spring 1 guided by the second pin 14 in the cap 17.
The ring 16 is held by the coupler body 11 in a state of being urged upward by housing the ring 5 in a compressed state.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sliding shaft of the ring 16 (the first pin 13 and the second
A pair of locking claws 18, 18 facing each other with respect to an axis connecting the pin 14).
Reference numeral 8 is formed to project inward so that the distance between both locking claw portions decreases toward the lower side (toward the first pin 13).

In the coupler section 10 thus configured, as shown in FIG. 5, the eyepiece section of the endoscope 2 is inserted by pressing the ring 16 downward against the urging force of the coil spring 15. A possible space is formed. Then, in this state, the eyepiece of the endoscope 2 is inserted, and the eyepiece is pressed against the contact surface 19 of the coupler body 11 while the ring 1 is pressed.
By removing the force applied to 6, the ring 16 is pushed upward by the coil spring 15. On this occasion,
The tapered portion (not shown) formed on the eyepiece of the endoscope 2 is locked by the locking claw 18, so that the endoscope 2
The eyepiece of the coupler body 11 is pressed against the contact surface 19 and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the eyepiece is
It is fixed and held in a state where it is pressed against.

The rotation mechanism 20 includes a substantially cylindrical lock ring 21 for externally fitting the rear end of the coupler body 11.
And a substantially cylindrical pressing ring screw 2 inserted from the front side of the coupler body 11 and screwed to the lock ring 20.
4 is provided.

The coupler body 11 has a first side on the front side.
And a second contact surface 23 is formed at the rear end. Further, a third contact surface 25 facing the first contact surface 22 is formed on the pressing ring screw 24, and a third contact surface 25 is formed between the first contact surface 22 and the third contact surface 25. , A washer 26 having a small coefficient of friction, for example, made of Teflon is sandwiched. Further, a fourth contact surface 27 facing the second contact surface 23 is formed on the lock ring 21, and a second contact surface 2 is formed on the lock ring 21.
A washer 26 is sandwiched between the second and fourth contact surfaces 27.

Here, the screwing of the pressing ring screw 24 and the lock ring 21 is not performed at a level where the coupler body 11 is completely sandwiched and fixed, but is performed in a state where a minute gap is left therebetween. At this time, the screwing portion 28 of the pressing ring screw 24 and the lock ring 21 is bonded and fixed with an adhesive in order to prevent the pressing ring screw 24 from being loosened, and the adhesive of the screwing portion 28 changes over time. A fixing screw 29 is screwed to the lock ring 21 in order to cope with deterioration due to shock or impact. With this configuration, smooth rotation of the center of the optical axis between the coupler body 11 and the lock ring 21 is ensured.

On the other hand, the lock ring 21 is provided with a hole 31 extending in the direction along the optical axis. Inside the hole 31, a lock pin 32 slidable back and forth is provided. The lock pin 32 is urged forward by contacting the open end of a leaf spring 33 fixed to the lock ring 21 with a screw or the like (not shown) to the rear end portion formed in the spherical shape. An inward flange 30 is formed at the front opening of the hole 31 so that only the distal end of the lock pin 32 can protrude to the outside. The inward flange 30 prevents the lock pin 32 from coming off.

The lock ring 21 has the hole 3
A cam groove 35 communicating with 1 is formed (see FIG. 6), and the lock pin 32 can move forward and backward through a cam pin 34 that can slide back and forth on the inner periphery of the cam groove 35.
Further, the lock pin 32 is provided on the coupler body 11.
Are formed.

In the rotation mechanism 20 having the above-described configuration, when the cam pin 34 is located at the tip end of the cam slot 35, the tip of the lock pin 32 is connected to the inward flange 30.
From the coupler body 11
Is restricted. On the other hand, when the cam pin 34 is located on the rear end side of the cam slot 35, the tip of the lock pin 32 is retracted into the hole 31 and the coupler body 11 can be rotated.

The cover glass part 40 includes a first metal frame 4
The first cover glass 41 is hermetically bonded to the tip of the second cover glass 41 by brazing, welding, or the like, and the second cover glass 43 is surface-bonded to the rear surface of the first cover glass 41.

The first cover glass 41 is made of a high heat-resistant member made of sapphire glass or the like.
In order to reliably join with the metal frame 42, it is formed to a thin thickness of about 1 mm.

Here, in terms of manufacturing, the first cover glass 4
Since the bonding between the first metal frame 42 and the first metal frame 42 is performed in a high-temperature state, if the first cover glass 41 and the second cover glass 43 are bonded to each other after the surface bonding, the surface bonding portion 44 May be peeled off. Therefore, surface bonding of the second cover glass 43 to the first cover glass 41 is performed after the first cover glass 41 and the first metal frame 42 are joined. Therefore, the second cover glass 43 may be rubbed in the radial direction between the second cover glass 43 and the first metal frame 42 in order to remove air bubbles mixed inside the adhesive at the time of surface bonding. A possible gap 45 is provided.

On the outer periphery of the second cover glass 43, a dry ring 46 formed into a ring shape and having a desiccant powder compacted in a concave portion is externally inserted, and a rubber ring 47 is disposed behind the dry ring 46. Have been. These dry rings 46
And a rubber ring 47, a contact surface of the first metal frame 42 with the dry ring 46, and a first cylindrical housing 48 having a substantially cylindrical opening at both ends for accommodating the iris 55 and the imaging optical unit 60.
Rattling is prevented by being sandwiched between the front end portion and the front end portion. At the same time, a taper 49 is formed at a contact portion with the first housing 48 rubber ring 47,
The rubber ring 47 is pressed inward in the radial direction, and the powder of the desiccant or other dust is removed from the glass surface 5 of the second cover glass 43.
0, that is, entry into the optical path of the subject image input from the endoscope 2 is prevented. Also, even if moisture enters from the sealing portion between the first cover glass 41 and the first metal frame 42, the dry ring 46 installed between the paths to the second cover glass surface 50 where dew condensation may occur. As a result, reliable moisture absorption is performed.

The imaging optical section 60 includes various optical filters 83 and a solid-state imaging device (CCD) 61, which slide in the optical axis direction with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the first housing 48. The main part is constituted by being incorporated in the second housing 65 which is connected as possible.

The CCD 61 is assembled through a pedestal 63 to a first flexible substrate 64 having flexibility.
It is stored in the second housing 65 from the rear of the opening.

As shown in FIG. 8, adjusting screws 81 are provided at four points on the outer circumference corresponding to the CCD 61, as shown in FIG.
Are screwed, and the CCD 6 is
1 is supported so as to be movable in the radial direction.

A first flexible board 64 extending rearward from the CCD 61 is accommodated in a central portion 66 on which an electronic component 62 constituting an image sensor driving circuit is mounted, and in a folded state formed only of signal lines. 3 (FIG. 3)
). The central portion 66 of the first flexible substrate 64 is housed in a C-shaped pressing ring 68 in a state of being folded in a U-shape as shown in FIG. It is held by being fitted.

The front end surface of the pressing ring 68 is in contact with the back surface of the pedestal 63, and the rear end surface of the pressing ring 68 is in contact with the reinforcing plate 69.

The reinforcing plate 69 supports the middle of the first flexible substrate 64 by surface bonding, and the back surface thereof is supported via a rubber ring 70 by a snap fit 71 fitted inside the second housing 65. ing.

Here, the snap fit 71 includes:
Three protruding portions 72 that can be elastically deformed in the radial direction are formed, and locking claws 73 are formed at the ends thereof. On the other hand, locking holes 74 corresponding to the locking claws 73 formed on the snap fit 71 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second housing 65. When the protrusion 72 is elastically deformed and inserted into the second housing 65, the snap claw 71 engages with the locking claw 73.
And is connected to the second housing 65.

The reinforcing plate 69 is provided with a communication hole,
An end portion 67 of the first flexible substrate 64 having only signal lines extends rearward through the communication hole. This end portion 67 extends rearward in a state of being bent in a wave shape,
It is electrically connected to and fixed to a flexible connector 76 mounted on the first rigid board 75 by soldering.

As shown in FIG. 7, a flexible connector 76 is mounted at the center of the first rigid board 75, and a plurality of through-hole lands 77 are formed around the flexible connector 76. Further, a contact pin 79 is provided at a position corresponding to the land portion 77 on the hermetic connector 78 which is in contact with the rear side of the first rigid board 75, and the contact pin 79 is inserted through the land portion 77. As a result, the first rigid board 75 is fixed to the hermetic connector 78, and an electrical connection is made.

Here, the contact pins 79 are airtightly held by being sintered and bonded by a glass body 80 in a state of being inserted into a hole formed in the hermetic connector 78.

As shown in FIG. 9, the assembling of the imaging optical unit 60 is performed by fitting the pressing ring 68 from the radial direction to the first flexible substrate 64 on which the CCD 61 and the reinforcing plate 69 are mounted and joined, respectively. Snap fit 71
Are pressed together into the second housing 65 via the rubber ring 70 so that the locking claws 73 of the snap fit 71 and the locking holes 74 of the second housing 65 are engaged. Is stopped. At this time, since the snap ring 71 and the rubber ring 70 which is in close contact with both sides of the reinforcing plate 69 are elastically deformed, the snap fit 71 is urged rearward by this elastic force, and the rattling of the snap fit 71 is suppressed. In this case, the CCD 61 is also urged forward via the reinforcing plate 69, the pressing ring 68, and the pedestal 63, so that the CC
D61 can reliably contact the contact surface 82 of the second housing 65.

The eccentricity adjustment of the CCD 61 is performed in the second housing 6.
The adjustment screws 81 provided at four points on the outer periphery of the screw 5 are tightened or loosened.
Since the amount of pressing force against the contact surface 82 of the housing 65 is at the level of the amount of elastic force of the rubber ring 70, the amount of force necessary for eccentricity adjustment is appropriate. In the first flexible substrate 64,
When the imaging optical unit 60 moves to the optical axis, a terminal 67 that absorbs a load applied to a relative moving part, and C is a fixed part.
A central portion 66 on which the CD 61 and the electronic component 62 are mounted is separated by a reinforcing plate 69.

The focus adjusting section 90 is for sliding the second housing 65 containing the CCD 61 with respect to the first housing 48 containing the iris section 55 in the longitudinal direction of the optical axis. The structure includes an inner magnet 101 disposed on the first housing 48 side and an outer magnet 103 disposed on the first metal frame 42. here,
Since the first housing 48 and the second housing 65 require dimensional accuracy, metals such as aluminum and stainless steel are usually used.

A cylindrical inner ring 91 is provided on the outer periphery of the first housing 48. One end of the inner ring 91 is in contact with a contact portion 92 protruding from an outer peripheral portion of the first housing 48 via a washer 93 of, for example, Teflon having a small friction coefficient, while the other end is in contact with the first housing 48. Threaded ring-shaped pressing ring screw 9
By being abutted on washer 4 via washer 93, it is rotatably supported in a state where movement in the optical axis direction is restricted. That is, instead of fastening the screw of the pressing ring 94 at a level that completely fixes the inner ring 91, the pressing ring screw 94 is formed in a state where a minute gap is formed.
Is adhered and fixed, so that the inner ring 91 can rotate without rattling in the optical axis direction.

On the outer peripheral surface of the first housing 48, a cam pin 96 is projected in the radial direction, and the projected portion is formed in the spiral cam groove 97 formed in the inner ring 91 and the first housing 48. Is screwed through the straight groove 98 extending in the optical axis direction.

Six holes 100 are formed in the inner ring 91 in an annular shape. The hole 100 accommodates the cylindrical inner magnet 101.

The first metal frame 42 located on the outer periphery of the inner ring 91 is provided with a first groove 102 at a position corresponding to the inner magnet 101.
The outer magnet 103 also has a columnar shape and is magnetically connected to the inner magnet 101. Here, each of the outer magnets 103 is engaged with a long groove 105 extending in the optical axis direction formed at six points inside the second exterior frame 104 rotatably fitted to the first metal frame 42. ing.

On the outer peripheral portion of the first metal frame 42, the second groove 1 extending in the circumferential direction separately from the first groove 102.
06 is formed in a certain range, and the cylindrical pin 107 is formed.
Are projected from the second concave groove portion 106, and the protruding portion of the pin 107 is engaged with a long groove 108 formed in the second exterior frame 104 and extending in the optical axis direction. When the second outer frame 104 is rotated, the outer magnet 103 moves in the circumferential direction and the inner magnet 10
1 is driven to rotate the inner ring 91. When the inner ring 91 rotates, the spiral cam groove 97 exerts a force on the cam pin 96 in the rotation direction and the optical axis direction. As a result, the second housing 65 moves only in the optical axis direction, and focus adjustment is performed.

The transmission section 110 has a second rigid board 112 having a connector plug 111 mounted at the center on the back side of the hermetic connector 78 on which the first rigid board 75 is mounted.

The second rigid substrate 112 is provided with the first rigid substrate 112.
Similar to the rigid board 75, it is mounted on the contact pins 79 by soldering to make electrical connection.

The second rigid board 112 is electrically connected to a second flexible board 114 on which a connector receptacle 113 corresponding to the connector plug 111 is mounted. The second flexible substrate 114 has its base end held by the reinforcing plate 115 and its distal end bent near the periphery of the reinforcing plate 115 and extends forward.

The tip 116 of the second flexible substrate 114
Is mounted with two push button type remote switches 117, and is screwed to the switch stand 118 in a state where its periphery is sandwiched between four screws (not shown).
The tip 116 is fixed.

The second flexible board 114 is formed with lands having through holes (not shown) around the connector receptacle 113 in the same manner as the first rigid board 75 and the second rigid board 112.
Reference numeral 19 is electrically connected by soldering.

A rear portion of the hermetic connector 78 is provided with the second flexible board 114 and the signal harness 1.
The third metal frame 120 covering the periphery of the 19
It is screwed in.

Further, a fourth metal frame 123 is screwed behind the third metal frame 120 so as to cover the signal cable 122, and a plurality of fixing screws 124 disposed around the fourth metal frame 123 are used for the signal cable. 122 is fixed.

Thus, electric signals transmitted from the CCD 61 and the remote switch 117 are transmitted to the signal cable 1.
It is transmitted to the CCU 6 at 22.

Here, the cover glass section 40, the iris section 55, the imaging optical section 56,
The focus adjustment section 90 and the imaging optical section 60 (these are collectively referred to as an internal structure) are all provided with a first
A substantially cylindrical first metal frame 42 having a cover glass 41 hermetically bonded and having an open rear end, a substantially cylindrical second metal frame 131 having both ends opened, and the hermetic connector 78;
(This assembly is referred to as an airtight unit).

In order to ensure electrical insulation and heat resistance around the airtight unit, the first outer frame 132 and the second outer frame 1
04, the third outer frame 133, the fourth outer frame 134, and the fifth outer frame 135 are covered with an outer frame, and the materials of these outer frames are all made of heat-resistant resin, for example, PPS or PEEK.

The first outer frame 132 to the fourth outer frame 13
An elastic rubber ring 136 is interposed between the four outer frames to ensure watertightness. Also, a rubber ring 137 is inserted between the fourth exterior frame 134 and the fifth exterior frame 135, and the fifth exterior frame 135 is screwed in with a threaded portion formed on the outer periphery of the fourth metal frame 123. As a result, the rear end face 138 of the fourth exterior frame 134 and the fifth exterior frame 13
5 is fixed in an elastically deformed state between the wall surfaces 139 formed on the wall 5 to ensure watertightness.

At this time, a countersunk hole 140 in which the head of a countersunk screw 121 formed at the front end of the third metal frame 120 abuts is formed as shown in FIG.
By adjusting the rotational positions of the hermetic connector 78 and the third metal frame 120, the dish-shaped screw 121 can be squeezed and fixed. Accordingly, the eccentricity of the fourth exterior frame 134 and the fifth exterior frame 135 and the rear end surface 138 of the fourth exterior frame 134 that contacts the rubber ring 137 and the wall surface 1 of the fifth exterior frame 135
The degree of parallelism of 39 can be adjusted, and reliable watertightness is achieved.

The rubber ring 137 may be, for example, an optical filter 83 in the imaging optical unit 60 having a low-pass filter or an infrared cut filter or not, and the presence or absence of the remote switch 117. As described above, different colors are provided according to the endoscope image pickup devices of various specifications, thereby facilitating product identification.

A rubber button cover 142 is provided at a position of the third exterior frame 133 corresponding to the remote switch 117 formed on the second flexible board 114, and a locking claw 143 arranged circumferentially is provided. It is locked and fixed by a fixing member 144 having the same. A pressing rod 145 abutting on the surface of the remote switch 117 is held inside the fixing member 144 so as to be slidable up and down. Here, the endoscope imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is usually sterilized because it is used in the medical field, and as one of the means, autoclave sterilization using high-pressure steam is used. In the autoclave sterilization, the evacuation (decompression), steam and pressurization are performed in the sterilization process, so that the button cover is depressed and the appearance is degraded. In order to cope with this, the remote switch 117 itself may be settled. The protrusion 146 is formed on the inner surface of the ceiling of the button cover 142, and the thickness of the button near the center is increased. The cover 142 is less likely to be depressed, and even if the button cover 142 is slightly depressed, it is absorbed by the protrusion 146 in contact with the pressing rod 145, and
No large pressing force is applied to 17. Also, the protrusion 146
Since the periphery is thin, operability is not impaired. In this case, the same effect can be obtained by eliminating the protrusion 146 on the inner surface of the ceiling of the button cover 142 and forming a small-diameter dome corresponding to the pressing rod 145 on the ceiling.

In the airtight unit, a screw portion is provided on the inner periphery of the rear end of the first metal frame 42 formed in a thin cylindrical shape, and a pressing ring screw 150 having a corresponding screw portion is provided from the rear. By being screwed, the first housing 48 is fastened while being sandwiched between the first metal frame 42 and the pressing ring screw 150. When the pressing ring screw 150 is screwed in, a force for rotating the first housing 48 is applied, but is locked by the pin 151 protruding from the first housing 48 and the locking hole 152 formed in the first metal frame 42, Rotation is blocked. This pressing ring screw 15
Numeral 0 is formed in a shape that minimizes the area in contact with the first housing 48 as much as possible, and is made of a resin having a small heat conductivity (small heat capacity), for example, a resin such as PPS or PEEK.

The rear end of the first metal frame 42 and the second metal frame 13
The thin cylindrical front ends of the first metal frame 131 are hermetically sealed by brazing, soldering, laser welding, or the like in a state where they are fitted to each other (first sealing portion 153). The cylindrical rear end and the thin cylindrical front end of the hermetic connector 78 are also hermetically sealed by the same means (second sealing portion 154).

As a sealing procedure, as shown in FIG.
After adjusting the adjusting screw 81 from the through hole 155 formed in the housing 48 and performing the eccentricity adjustment of the CCD 61,
The second metal frame 131 is assembled and sealed by the first sealing portion 153, and then the first flexible substrate 6 extending from the CCD 61.
4 is pulled out from the opening end of the second metal frame 131 to the outside, and is connected to the flexible connector 76 of the hermetic connector 78. Then, the hermetic connector 78 is attached to the rear end of the second metal frame 131 to form the second terminal. Sealing is performed in the sealing portion 154. The configuration of the second sealing portion 154 (the metal frame and the sealing portion of the metal frame) is similar to the description of the cover glass portion 40 described above, from the sealing portion to the inside of the metal frame as shown in FIG. When the dry ring 46 is accommodated in the passage, moisture can be efficiently absorbed.

(Operation) When the first sealing portion 153 is hermetically sealed by brazing, soldering, laser welding, or the like, a large amount of heat is applied to the vicinity thereof. Since the pressing ring screw 150 disposed in the vicinity thereof has a small thermal conductivity (a small heat capacity), it prevents heat from being transmitted to the internal structure (the first housing 48 and the inside thereof) made of a metal having a high thermal conductivity. In addition, the temperature can be locally raised only in the first sealing portion 153, and reliable sealing is performed.

(Effect) Since heat can be prevented from being transmitted to the internal structure made of metal, precision components such as the CCD and the iris portion can be protected from heat damage, and the temperature can be locally raised to a high level. Sealing can be performed, and a highly reliable airtight imaging device for an endoscope can be realized.

A CCD is mounted on a metal frame constituting an airtight package.
Since there is no need to provide a through hole for adjusting the eccentricity of the endoscope, it is possible to realize a highly reliable airtight endoscope imaging apparatus.

Next, FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an endoscope imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Here, in the above-described first embodiment, the fixing between the internal structure (the first housing 48 and the inside thereof) and the external first metal frame 42 uses the pressing ring screw 150, In the present embodiment, the first housing 4 is provided inside the second metal frame 170 without using the pressing ring screw.
8 is provided in contact with the base end of the first housing 48 to restrict the rearward movement of the first housing 48.
3 differs in that the internal structure is fixed. Therefore,
In the present embodiment, the first metal frame 42 and the second metal frame 170
A large air layer 172 is formed in the vicinity of the inside of the sealing portion 171. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

(Operation) Since the inside of the sealing portion 171 is entirely the air layer 172, heat transfer to the internal structure when high heat is applied to the sealing portion 171 is prevented, and only the sealing portion 171 has a local portion. The temperature can be raised to a high temperature, and reliable sealing is achieved.

(Effect) According to such an embodiment,
The same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

14 to 16 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a configuration of an imaging device for an endoscope, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a main part showing a modification of the CCD eccentricity adjusting structure.

Here, in the present embodiment, the first metal frame 42 and the second metal frame 131 are continuously formed and the first sealing portion 153 is omitted from the first embodiment. The difference is that only the second sealing portion 154 is used as the sealing portion, and the configuration of the eccentricity adjustment of the internal imaging optical portion 60 is changed. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The first pedestal 180 in contact with the CCD 61 has a tapered surface 181 formed on the outer periphery thereof.
A second pedestal 183 is fastened and fixed from the outer periphery of the second housing 182 by screws 184 inside the second housing 182 accommodating 61.

As shown in FIG. 15, the second pedestal 183 is provided with four adjustment screws 185 each having a conical tapered surface 186 having a tapered tip so as to surround the periphery of the CCD 61.

The tapered surface 181 of the first pedestal 180 and the tapered surface 186 of the adjusting screw 185 are in contact with all four positions.

The second housing 182 is fitted inside the first housing 187 so as to be slidable in the optical axis direction, and the first housing 187 is held by the pressing ring screw 189 while being housed in the first metal frame 188. It is concluded in the state.

(Operation) When adjusting the eccentricity of the CCD 61,
After one adjustment screw 185 is loosened and the adjustment screw 185 at the target position is tightened, the taper surfaces 18 of both the first pedestal 180 and the adjustment screw 185 that come into contact with each other are tightened.
At 1 and 186, a radial force acts together with a force in the optical axis direction, and the CCD 61 moves together with the first pedestal 180 in the direction of the loosened adjustment screw. As described above, the tapered surface 181,
At 186, a force in the direction of the optical axis also acts, so that the CCD 61 is also pressed and fixed to the contact surface 190 of the second housing 182 together with the first pedestal 180. After the eccentricity adjustment is completed, the hermetic connector 78 is attached to the first metal frame 188.
And sealing can be performed in the second sealing portion 154.

(Effect) According to such an embodiment,
Without providing a hole penetrating in the radial direction in the first metal frame,
In addition, since the eccentricity is reliably adjusted while the internal structure is housed in the first metal frame, and the CCD can be securely pressed and fixed on the contact surface, the eccentricity of the image is small and the airtightness is high. An imaging device for an endoscope can be provided.

In this embodiment, the second housing 182 accommodating the CCD 61 is slid in the front-rear direction of the optical axis. However, even if the second housing 182 does not move, a similar structure is used. It is feasible.

Also, as shown in FIG.
Even if the second pedestal 183 that accommodates the
The adjustment screw 200 having a dish-shaped head is directly connected to the second housing 20.
1 and the tapered surface 202 of the head of the adjusting screw 200 is brought into contact with the tapered surface 181 of the first pedestal 180, and the CCD 61 and the first pedestal 180 are operated in the same manner.
Can be moved in the radial direction and can be pressed and fixed to the contact surface 203 of the second housing 201.

17 and 18 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an imaging device for an endoscope, FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an eccentricity adjusting structure, It is. Here, in the present embodiment, the eccentricity adjustment structure of the CCD 61 in the third embodiment described above is replaced with an eccentricity adjustment structure of an optical member.

As shown in FIG. 17, a tapered surface 212 is formed at the rear end of the lens frame 211 for housing the lens 210. The lens frame 211 is housed inside a first metal frame 214 in which a cover glass 213 is hermetically sealed at the front end.

Inside the rear end of the first metal frame 214, a pressing ring screw 216 having an annularly arranged adjusting screw 215 that can advance and retreat in the optical axis direction is screwed.

The tip of the adjusting screw 215 has a tapered conical tapered surface 217 and is in contact with the tapered surface 212 of the lens frame 211.

A second metal frame 219 having a cover glass 218 hermetically sealed at its rear end is fitted inside the first metal frame 214 and hermetically sealed by a sealing portion 220.

(Operation) According to such an embodiment,
The adjustment screw 215 causes the lens frame 211 to move in the radial direction instead of the CCD 61 in the above-described third embodiment, and is pressed and fixed by the contact portion 221 of the first metal frame 214.

(Effects) According to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained.

Here, in the above-described fourth embodiment (and the third embodiment), the object to be moved at the time of the eccentricity adjustment is a lens (CCD mounted on the first pedestal) incorporated in the lens frame. It was a unit like
As shown in FIG. 8, a taper 2 is directly attached to the lens 230 (CCD).
31 may be provided. Further, the tapered surface does not necessarily have to be a direct inclined surface, but may be an R surface or a spherical surface constituted by a curved line.

[Supplementary Note] (Supplementary Note 1) An internal structure for accommodating the imaging optical system is provided, and the internal structure is accommodated in a metal package in which at least two metal frames are made watertight or airtight by using heat. An endoscope imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a heat transfer preventing means is provided between the vicinity of the sealing portion of the metal frame and the internal structure.

(Supplementary Note 2) The heat transfer preventing means is characterized in that a member having a lower thermal conductivity than the metal frame is inserted between the sealing portion of the metal frame and the internal structure. An imaging device for an endoscope according to Claim 1.

(Supplementary note 3) The endoscope imaging system according to supplementary note 1, wherein the heat transfer preventing means comprises an air layer formed between a sealing portion of the metal frame and an internal structure. apparatus.

That is, according to the inventions described in Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, since heat is hardly transmitted to the internal structure when at least two metal frames are sealed using heat, the CCD or the like at the time of sealing is difficult. Heat damage to the optical filter can be prevented, and only the temperature in the vicinity of the sealing portion can be quickly increased to perform favorable bonding.

(Supplementary Note 4) An endoscope imaging apparatus including an internal structure for housing an imaging optical system, and housing the internal structure in a metal package in which at least two metal frames are hermetically sealed. In the state in which the internal structure is housed inside the metal frame having an open end, an adjustment screw having a tapered portion that is capable of moving back and forth in the optical axis direction and that is curved and / or straight is disposed on the internal structure. An imaging device for an endoscope, wherein the imaging optical system has a configuration that can be adjusted from the opening end and has an abutting portion that abuts on the tapered portion and is movable in a radial direction.

(Supplementary Note 5) The supplementary note 1 wherein the image pickup optical system comprises a solid-state image pickup device and / or an optical member.
Or the imaging device for an endoscope according to 4.

(Supplementary Note 6) The image pickup optical system includes a unit in which one or both of the solid-state image pickup device and the optical member is fixed to a base or is housed in a frame. The imaging device for an endoscope according to 1 or 4.

In other words, according to the inventions described in Supplementary notes 4 to 6, the adjustment screw can be adjusted from the opening end of the metal frame in a state where the internal structure is accommodated in the metal package, so that the adjustment screw is provided on the outer periphery of the metal frame. It is not necessary to provide a hole for adjusting the size, the number of locations requiring sealing can be reduced, and assembling time, sealing failure, and the like can be reduced.

[0097]

As described above, according to the present invention, when at least two metal frames are sealed using heat, heat is not easily transmitted to the internal structure. Heat damage to the filter can be prevented, and only the temperature in the vicinity of the sealing portion can be quickly increased to perform favorable bonding.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1 to 11 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an imaging device for an endoscope.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a front portion of the endoscope imaging apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a rear portion of the endoscope imaging apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2 when the endoscope is attached.

FIG. 6 is a view taken in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 3;

8 is a sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the imaging optical unit.

FIG. 10 is a view taken in the direction of arrow E in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a unit when the eccentricity of the imaging device for an endoscope is adjusted.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a modified example of the moisture absorbing means.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an endoscope imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 14 to 16 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a configuration of an imaging device for an endoscope.

FIG. 15 shows a CCD eccentricity adjusting structure in FIG.
-F sectional view

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a principal part showing a modification of the CCD eccentricity adjusting structure.

17 and 18 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an imaging device for an endoscope.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing the eccentricity adjusting structure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope imaging device 42 ... 1st metal frame (metal frame) 48 ... 1st housing (internal structure) 61 ... Solid-state image sensor (internal structure) 83 ... Optical filter (internal structure) 131 ... 1st 2 metal frame (metal frame) 150 ... pressing ring screw (heat transfer preventing means) 153 ... sealing part 170 ... second metal frame (metal frame) 171 ... sealing part 172 ... air layer (heat transfer preventing means)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope having an internal structure for housing an imaging optical system, wherein the internal structure is housed in a metal package in which at least two metal frames are made watertight or airtight using heat. The imaging device for an endoscope, wherein a heat transfer preventing unit is provided between a vicinity of a sealing portion of the metal frame and an internal structure.