Endoscopes and lighting substrates for endoscopes

Abstract

An endoscope and the like are provided for preventing crosstalk between a plurality of light-emitting units. The endoscope comprises: an observation window arranged at the front end of an insertion unit; a plurality of first light-emitting units (519) arranged around the observation window; a second light-emitting unit (529) arranged between the first light-emitting units (519) and emitting light in a wavelength band different from that of the first light-emitting units (519); and a light-shielding body (43) arranged between the first light-emitting units (519) and the second light-emitting units (529).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope and a lighting substrate for an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] An endoscope has been proposed that has white light emitting units and narrow-band light emitting units alternately arranged on a circumference (Patent Document 1). The white light emitting units are used for illumination during normal light observation, while the narrow-band light emitting units are used for illumination during special light observation.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-74034 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] The white light-emitting unit is realized by combining, for example, a blue light-emitting element with a phosphor that emits yellow light when excited by the blue light. When light emitted from the narrowband light-emitting unit strikes the phosphor in the white light-emitting unit, a phenomenon known as crosstalk occurs, where the white light-emitting unit emits light when it should be in a non-emitting state. The light emission caused by crosstalk adversely affects the color tone of the endoscopic image.

[0008] In one aspect, an object is to provide an endoscope or the like that prevents crosstalk between a plurality of light emitting units.

[0009] Technical solutions to technical problems

[0010] The endoscope comprises: an observation window arranged at the front end of an insertion portion; a plurality of first light-emitting portions arranged around the observation window; a second light-emitting portion arranged between the first light-emitting portions and emitting light in a different bandwidth from that of the first light-emitting portions; and a light-shielding body arranged between the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] In one aspect, an endoscope or the like can be provided that prevents crosstalk between a plurality of light-emitting units. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is an external view of an endoscope.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 II-direction view in.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The III-direction view in .

[0016] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 Partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope at line IV-IV.

[0017] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope taken along line VV in FIG.

[0018] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the endoscope taken along line VI-VI.

[0019] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the endoscope along line VII-VII.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of an endoscope lighting substrate.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a front view of an endoscope lighting substrate.

[0022] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A partial cross-sectional view of the lighting substrate for an endoscope taken along line XX in FIG.

[0023] Figure 11 It is along Figure 9 A partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope lighting substrate taken along line XI-XI in FIG.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate according to a second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate according to a third embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate according to a fourth embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] [Implementation Method 1]

[0029] Figure 1 This is an external view of an endoscope 10. The endoscope 10 of this embodiment is a flexible endoscope for use in the digestive tract. The endoscope 10 includes an insertion portion 14, an operating portion 20, a universal cord 25, and a connector 24. The operating portion 20 includes a bending knob 21 and a channel entrance 22.

[0030] The insertion portion 14 is long and connected to the operation portion 20 at one end via the bending-resistant portion 16. The insertion portion 14 includes a flexible portion 11, a bending portion 12, and a distal end portion 13 in this order from the operation portion 20 side. The bending portion 12 bends in response to operation of the bending knob 21.

[0031] A channel 15 is provided that passes through the insertion portion 14 from the channel entrance 22 to the distal end portion 13. A forceps plug 23 having an insertion port for inserting a treatment instrument is attached to the channel entrance 22.

[0032] In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 14 is referred to as the insertion direction. Similarly, the side closer to the operation portion 20 along the insertion direction is referred to as the operation portion side, and the side farther from the operation portion 20 is referred to as the distal end side.

[0033] The universal cord 25 is long, with a first end connected to the operating unit 20 and a second end connected to the connector unit 24. The connector unit 24 is covered by a substantially rectangular parallelepiped connector housing 26. A scope connector 27 protrudes from one surface of the connector housing 26. The connector unit 24 is connected to an endoscope processor, etc. (not shown).

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 II-direction view in. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The III-direction view in . Figure 2 The end face of the insertion portion 14 is shown as viewed from the front. Figure 3 The side view of the front end portion 13 is shown.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, in the direction from the center axis of the insertion portion 14 Figure 2 An observation window 36 is provided at an upper offset position in the middle. Figure 3 As shown, the observation window 36 is dome-shaped. An annular lighting window 39 is arranged around the observation window 36. The lighting window 39 will be described in detail later.

[0036] exist Figure 2 An air and water supply nozzle 37 is arranged at the lower right of the observation window 36 in the middle, with the injection port facing the observation window 36. At the lower left of the observation window 36, a channel outlet 152 and a front water supply hole 38 are respectively arranged.

[0037] It should be noted that Figure 2 This is an example of the appearance of the end surface of the front end portion 13, and the arrangement of each component is not limited to Figure 2 For example, instead of the air and water supply nozzles 37 , independent air supply nozzles and water supply nozzles may be provided.

[0038] like Figure 3As shown, the front end portion 13 has a first frame 31 and a second frame 32 from the front end side. Figure 3 The lower half of the middle portion, that is, the portion where the air and water supply nozzle 37, the channel outlet 152 and the front water supply hole 38 are provided, is a substantially conical surface.

[0039] The first frame 31 is Figure 3 The upper side of the second frame 32 has a protrusion 311 that protrudes toward the operating unit. The portion of the front end of the second frame 32 corresponding to the protrusion 311 is recessed toward the operating unit. The protrusion 311 engages with the recess in the second frame 32, thereby limiting the rotational angle between the first frame 31 and the second frame 32.

[0040] A fourth frame 34 is fixed to the operation unit side of the second frame 32 . Figure 3 The curved piece 122 shown by the two-dot chain line is fitted into and fixed to the fourth frame 34 . The portion of the second frame 32 on the operation unit side and the curved piece 122 are covered by a curved rubber 121 .

[0041] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope 10 taken along line IV-IV in FIG. Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope 10 taken along line VV in FIG. Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 sectional view of the endoscope 10 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the endoscope 10 taken along line VII-VII in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the figure, the bending piece 122 and the bending rubber 121 are omitted.

[0042] The first frame 31, the second frame 32 and the fourth frame 34 are cylindrical. A cylindrical third frame 33 is housed inside the first frame 31 and the second frame 32. The third frame 33 is a stepped cylindrical shape with a thick front end and a thin operating portion. Figure 7 As shown, the cross section of the third frame 33 is circular on the outside and rectangular on the inside. The size of the inner rectangle is substantially the same over the entire length of the third frame 33.

[0043] An annular endoscope lighting substrate 41 is disposed on the end surface of the front end side of the third frame 33. A first light emitting element 51 and a second light emitting element 52 (see FIG. 1 ) that emit illumination light are mounted on the periphery of the surface of the front end side of the endoscope lighting substrate 41. Figure 9). The details of the structure of the endoscope lighting substrate 41 will be described later. It should be noted that in the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first light emitting element 51 and the second light emitting element 52, they are simply described as light emitting elements 50 (see Figure 9 ).

[0044] The first frame 31 is made of a light-transmitting resin that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting element 50. Figure 5 As shown, the portion of the inner surface of the first frame 31 opposite to the light emitting element 50 is recessed in a U-shaped groove to form a concave lens. By the effect of the concave lens and the effect that the side of the light emitting element 50 is not covered by the light shielding body 43, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As indicated by A in the figure, the light emitted from the light emitting element 50 illuminates a wide range from the front to the side of the insertion portion 14 .

[0045] The portion of the first frame 31 that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting element 50 functions as the illumination window 39. The front end portion of the first frame 31 may be formed of a translucent resin, while the remaining portion may be formed of an opaque resin. Alternatively, the front end portion of the first frame 31 may be formed of any translucent material, such as a translucent resin or translucent ceramic, while the remaining portion may be formed of any material, such as resin, metal, or ceramic.

[0046] The cylindrical fifth frame 35 is inserted into the endoscope lighting substrate 41 and the third frame 33. Figure 6 As shown, the outer side of the cross section of the front end side of the fifth frame 35 is a substantially D-shaped with the straight portion facing the channel outlet 152 side, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the outer side of the cross section on the operating portion side is rectangular. The hole that passes through the fifth frame 35 in the longitudinal direction has a circular cross section with a uniform thickness.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, two cable grooves 351 extending along the longitudinal direction of the fifth frame 35 are provided in the substantially D-shaped curved portion of the fifth frame 35. The two cable grooves 351 are arranged substantially symmetrically. The bottom of the cable groove 351 is located at the same position as the user. Figure 7 The side surfaces of the short sides of the rectangular cross-section portion described are substantially the same.

[0048] Back to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Continuing with the description, the lens unit 361 is inserted into the fifth frame 35 from the front end. The lens unit 361 includes a lens frame 364 and a plurality of lenses fixed to the lens frame 364. The edge of the lens at the front end of the lenses constituting the lens unit 361 is arranged to smoothly connect with the edge of the hole in the first frame 31. The aforementioned observation window 36 is the outer surface of the lens located at the front end.

[0049] The lens unit 361 in this embodiment is a so-called ultra-wide-angle lens with a viewing angle exceeding 150 degrees. The lens unit 361 has a large-diameter lens on the front end and a small-diameter lens on the operation panel. The lens frame 364 is cylindrical with a flange on the front end. The large-diameter lens on the front end is fixed to the flange of the lens frame 364, while the small-diameter lens on the operation panel is fixed to the inner surface of the lens frame 364.

[0050] An imaging unit 362 is located on the operating unit side of the lens unit 361. The imaging unit 362 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped component that combines an imaging element 363, a drive circuit, and cables connected thereto, located on the distal end. The imaging unit 362 includes an imaging cable 365 extending toward the operating unit. The imaging cable 365 is a harness of multiple cables. The imaging cable 365 is connected to the endoscope processor via the operating unit 20, the universal cable 25, and the connector 24.

[0051] The positional relationship between the lens unit 361 and the imaging unit 362 is adjusted so that light incident on the lens unit 361 forms an image on the imaging element 363. The lens unit 361 and the imaging unit 362 constitute an observation optical system of the endoscope 10.

[0052] The first frame 31 is provided with through holes corresponding to the channel outlet 152, the air and water supply nozzle 37 and the front water supply hole 38. Figure 4 As shown, the through hole corresponding to the channel outlet 152 is a stepped hole with a large inner diameter on the operation portion side, and is connected to the channel tube 151 .

[0053] Although not shown, the front water supply pipe is connected to the through hole corresponding to the front water supply hole 38. The through hole corresponding to the air and water supply nozzle 37 is installed on the front side, and the air supply pipe and water supply pipe are installed on the operation part side.

[0054] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 . Figure 9 It is a front view of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 .

[0055] As described above, the endoscope illumination substrate 41 is annular. A substantially D-shaped imaging hole 411 is provided in the center of the endoscope illumination substrate 41. A substantially arc-shaped channel recess 412 is provided on the outer periphery of the imaging hole 411 near the linear portion of the endoscope illumination substrate 41.

[0056] The endoscope illumination substrate 41 has a laminated structure consisting of a base substrate 42 and a light-blocking member 43. Eight first light-emitting elements 51 and four second light-emitting elements 52 are mounted on the base substrate 42. The second light-emitting elements 52 include a green light-emitting element 521 and a violet light-emitting element 522, which are adjacently arranged along the outer periphery of the endoscope illumination substrate 41.

[0057] The first light emitting elements 51 are dispersed and arranged at substantially equal intervals along the outer periphery of the base substrate 42. The channel recess 412 is arranged so as to be located between two adjacent first light emitting elements 51.

[0058] A second light emitting element 52 is disposed at every other position between two adjacent first light emitting elements 51. The second light emitting elements 52 are also dispersed along the outer periphery of the base substrate 42 at substantially equal intervals.

[0059] The first light emitting elements 51 and the second light emitting elements 52 are arranged at substantially equal distances from the optical axis of the observation optical system composed of the imaging unit 362 and the lens unit 361 .

[0060] Three wiring pads 44 are arranged between each of two sets of first light emitting elements 51 with no second light emitting element 52 arranged therebetween. The two sets of wiring pads 44 are arranged facing each other across the center of the base substrate 42. The wiring pads 44 are an example of a cable connection portion in this embodiment.

[0061] The light shielding body 43 is stacked on the base substrate 42 except for the area where the light emitting element 50 is mounted and its vicinity, and the area where the wiring pads 44 are arranged and its vicinity. Near the area where the first light emitting element 51 is mounted, the end surface of the light shielding body 43 surrounds the first light emitting element 51, forming a U-shaped light shielding surface 431 that is open on the outer periphery of the endoscope illumination substrate 41.

[0062] Near the location where the second light emitting element 52 is mounted, the end face of the light blocking body 43 surrounds the green light emitting element 521 and the purple light emitting element 522 to form a U-shaped light blocking surface 431 with an open outer peripheral side of the endoscope illumination substrate 41.

[0063] Near the location where the wiring pads 44 are arranged, the end surface of the light blocking body 43 surrounds the three wiring pads 44 to form a U-shaped connecting portion wall surface 432 that is open on the inner peripheral side of the endoscope illumination board 41 .

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the endoscope illumination substrate 41 is assembled to the endoscope 10 in a state where the mounting surface on which the light emitting element 50 is mounted faces the distal end side.

[0065] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 taken along line XX in FIG. Figure 11 It is along Figure 9 A partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 taken along line XI-XI in FIG. Figure 10 The cross section of the endoscope illumination board 41 is shown, which includes two first light emitting elements 51 and a second light emitting element 52 arranged therebetween, and is obtained by cutting the endoscope illumination board 41 along an arc-shaped curve substantially parallel to the outer periphery of the endoscope illumination board 41 . Figure 11 FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 cut along a plane passing through one first light emitting element 51 and extending in the radial direction. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the figure, the internal structure of the light emitting element 50 and the wiring pattern provided on the endoscope illumination substrate 41 are omitted from the figure.

[0066] The first light-emitting element 51 is surrounded by a fluorescent resin 511. The details of the fluorescent resin 511 will be described later. The second light-emitting element 52 is surrounded by a translucent resin 528. Both the fluorescent resin 511 and the translucent resin 528 are filled in the space enclosed by the U-shaped light-shielding surface 431, the base substrate 42, the outer peripheral surface of the endoscope illumination board 41, and the main surface of the endoscope illumination board 41 facing the light-shielding body 43. The resin filling forms the endoscope illumination board 41 into a plate-like shape with uniform thickness, except for the area around the wiring pads 44.

[0067] Base substrate 42 is a laminate of wiring substrate 421 and support plate 429. Wiring substrate 421 is a so-called PCB (Printed Circuit Board), which is a laminate of an insulating layer and wiring layers. Wiring substrate 421 can be a so-called rigid substrate, where the insulating layer is made of a rigid material such as a glass epoxy substrate, or a so-called FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit Board), where the insulating layer is made of a polyimide sheet or the like.

[0068] Although not shown in the figure, the base substrate 42 is a so-called multilayer circuit substrate, and wiring is formed thereon to connect pads on which the light emitting elements 50 are mounted and the wiring pads 44 .

[0069] Support plate 429 supports wiring substrate 421 and prevents disconnection due to bending of wiring substrate 421. Support plate 429 is, for example, a metal plate such as copper, aluminum, or stainless steel. Support plate 429 may also be a ceramic plate or a resin plate. If support plate 429 is conductive, an insulating layer without a pattern or the like is disposed on the side of wiring substrate 421 that contacts support plate 429.

[0070] Light shield 43 is, for example, a metal plate such as a copper plate or an aluminum plate. Alternatively, light shield 43 may be a plate made of ceramic or resin with light-shielding properties. If light shield 43 is conductive, an insulating layer, not patterned, is provided on the portion of wiring substrate 421 that contacts light shield 43. The preferred thickness of light shield 43 will be described later.

[0071] The support plate 429 and the wiring substrate 421 , as well as the wiring substrate 421 and the light-shielding body 43 , are fixed by any method such as adhesion or chemical bonding.

[0072] Back to Figure 7 The description will continue. The lighting cable 332 extends from the endoscope processor to the distal end portion 13 via the connector portion 24, the universal cord 25, and the operating portion 20. The lighting cable 332 is a harness of a plurality of cables. Figure 7 , the lighting cable 332 is arranged on the left side of the fifth frame 35 .

[0073] The lighting cable 332 is divided into two groups of wire harnesses at the front end portion 13. One group of wire harnesses is divided into two groups of wire harnesses. Figure 6 The cable trough 351 on the left side is led out to the vicinity of the wiring pad 44 on the left side. Another set of wire harnesses is routed in the roughly U-shaped wiring trough 331 set in the third frame 33, and then passes through Figure 6 The right cable groove 351 is led out to the vicinity of the right wiring pad 44.

[0074] The individual wires constituting the lighting cable 332 are connected to the wiring pads 44 by any method such as soldering. Figure 6 In the figure, the wires connected to the respective wiring pads 44 are omitted from illustration. The light emission of the light emitting element 50 is controlled by the endoscope processor via the lighting cable 332.

[0075] The fluorescent resin 511 is described below. In this embodiment, the first light-emitting element 51 is a light source for observation using ordinary light, and the second light-emitting element 52 is a light source for observation using special light. In ordinary light observation, white light with a broad wavelength band is used as illumination. However, semiconductor light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) emit narrow-band light with a narrow bandwidth.

[0076] Technology has been developed to produce white light by irradiating a phosphor with narrowband light emitted from a semiconductor light emitting element and mixing the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor with the light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element. For example, it is known that white light can be produced by the combinations shown in Table 1.

[0077] [Table 1]

[0078] No. Color of the light-emitting element Color of phosphor 1 blue yellow 2 Near-ultraviolet light Red+Green+Blue

[0079] This embodiment uses the combination No. 1 as an example for the first light-emitting element 51. Specifically, the fluorescent resin 511 in this embodiment is a resin obtained by mixing a yellow phosphor with a translucent resin, and the first light-emitting element 51 is a blue LED. The first light-emitting element 51 and the fluorescent resin 511 constitute the first light-emitting portion 519 of this embodiment.

[0080] Note that the color of the light emitting element and the color of the phosphor may be the combination of No. 2 in Table 1 or any other combination that can provide illumination light suitable for observation under ordinary light.

[0081] The first light-emitting element 51 may also be a so-called white light-emitting element, which is a semiconductor light-emitting element and a phosphor sealed in a single package. When using a white light-emitting element, it is not necessary to cover the first light-emitting element 51 with the fluorescent resin 511. The thickness of the white light-emitting element may be approximately the same as that of the light-shielding body 43. Like the second light-emitting element 52, the white light-emitting element may also be covered with a transparent resin that does not contain a phosphor.

[0082] The illumination light emitted by the second light emitting element 52 for special light observation will be described. Special light observation is a technique that uses narrow-band illumination light to enhance and display blood vessels, for example, penetrating deep into the mucous membrane. For example, a method using the illumination light shown in Table 2 has been proposed.

[0083] [Table 2]

[0084] No. Color of the light-emitting element 1 Blue + green combination 2 Purple 3 Green + purple combination 4 Combination of blue + green + red

[0085] Each color shown in Table 2 is ideally a narrow-band light. A semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED or a semiconductor laser can be used as the second light-emitting element 52. In this embodiment, the combination No. 3 is used as an example, and the combination No. 3 uses a green light-emitting element 521 and a purple light-emitting element 522.

[0086] It should be noted that by covering the periphery of the green light-emitting element 521 and the purple light-emitting element 522 with a translucent resin 528, it is possible to prevent a reduction in reliability due to, for example, moisture intrusion into the endoscope illumination substrate 41. The green light-emitting element 521 and the purple light-emitting element 522 constitute the second light-emitting portion 529 of this embodiment. The second light-emitting portion 529 does not necessarily need to include the translucent resin 528.

[0087] Back to Figure 10The function of the light shield 43 will now be described. For normal light observation, the first light emitting element 51 is illuminated, and the second light emitting element 52 is deactivated. Light emitted from the first light emitting element 51 is transformed into white light by the phosphor within the fluorescent resin 511, and illuminates the front and sides of the illumination window 39.

[0088] When special light observation is performed, the first light emitting element 51 is turned off and the second light emitting element 52 is turned on. The light emitted from the second light emitting element 52 illuminates the front and the sides through the illumination window 39.

[0089] If light emitted from the second light emitting element 52 enters the fluorescent resin 511, crosstalk occurs due to the light emitted by the fluorescent resin 511. That is, while special light observation is being performed, the first light emitting unit 519 is in a pseudo-light emitting state.

[0090] Due to the presence of the light blocking body 43 , crosstalk caused by light emitted from the second light emitting element 52 entering the fluorescent resin 511 and emitting light can be prevented or suppressed.

[0091] The height H1 of the light shield 43 is greater than the height H2 of the second light-emitting element 52, relative to the surface of the base substrate 42. Ideally, the height H1 of the light shield 43 is at least twice the height H2 of the second light-emitting element 52. More ideally, the height H1 of the light shield 43 is at least 2.5 times the height H2 of the second light-emitting element 52, relative to the surface of the base substrate 42.

[0092] According to this embodiment, an endoscope 10 that prevents crosstalk between multiple light emitting units can be provided. Since the illumination light for white observation does not cause crosstalk with the illumination light for special light observation, the image quality during special light observation is improved.

[0093] According to this embodiment, since the light emitted from the side surfaces of the light emitting elements 50 arranged around the observation window 36 is not blocked, it is possible to provide an endoscope 10 that illuminates the sides of the insertion portion 14. Since the illumination light reaches the end of the observation field of view using the wide-angle observation optical system, it is possible to provide an endoscope 10 that can observe a wide field of view.

[0094] Note that the light shielding surface 431 may be formed into a surface with high reflectivity by polishing, etc. It is possible to provide the endoscope 10 that can brightly illuminate the side of the insertion portion 14 .

[0095] By using a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal, for the support plate 429 and the light shield 43, it is possible to provide an endoscope 10 that can quickly dissipate the heat generated by the light emitting element 50. Since the heat within the endoscope illumination board 41 is quickly dissipated, overheating of the endoscope illumination board 41 can be prevented by arranging a heat sink or cooling element at any position on the endoscope illumination board 41.

[0096] Since the first and second light emitting elements 51 and 52 are evenly arranged around the observation window 36, an endoscope 10 with less brightness unevenness can be provided. Since the green and purple light emitting elements 521 and 522 are arranged adjacent to each other, an endoscope 10 with less color unevenness in illumination for special light observation can be provided.

[0097] The U-groove-shaped concave lens is formed on the inner surface of the first frame 31, thereby diffusing the light emitted from the light emitting element 50. This makes it possible to provide the endoscope 10 that can illuminate a wide range.

[0098] It should be noted that the shape of the lens formed on the inner surface of the first frame 31 may be different between the portion facing the first light-emitting element 51 and the portion facing the second light-emitting element 52. For example, the lens on the inner surface of the first frame 31 may be formed so that the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 51 is widely diffused, while the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 52 is strongly emitted toward the front of the insertion portion 14.

[0099] When using the endoscope 10 having a wide-angle observation field of view as in the present embodiment, illumination light for normal light observation needs to illuminate the sides of the insertion portion 14. The user can simultaneously observe a wide range and find the lesion site.

[0100] When performing special light observation during endoscopic examination, the user operates the endoscope 10 so that the area of interest is located in the center of the endoscope's field of view. Therefore, ideally, the illumination light emitted by the second light-emitting element 52 for special light observation focuses on the center of the field of view. By preventing the illumination light from spreading to the periphery of the field of view, the center of the field of view can be brightly illuminated.

[0101] By widely diffusing the light emitted from the first light emitting element 51 and intensively emitting the light emitted from the second light emitting element 52 toward the front of the insertion portion 14 , it is possible to provide an endoscope 10 that illuminates areas suitable for both normal light observation and special light observation.

[0102] Since the channel recess 412 is provided on the outer periphery of the endoscope illumination substrate 41, the observation window 36 and the channel outlet 152 can be arranged close to each other. Thus, the endoscope 10 having a thinner diameter of the distal end portion 13 can be provided.

[0103] [Implementation Method 2]

[0104] This embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which the light shielding surface 431 is a reflecting surface for reflecting light.

[0105] Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate 41 according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 Shown with Figure 11 Although not shown in the figure, the light shielding surface 431 surrounding the second light emitting element 52 has the same shape as the light shielding surface 431 surrounding the first light emitting element 51 .

[0106] In this embodiment, a reflective surface (shown by a bold line) is formed on the surface of the light shielding surface 431. The reflective surface is, for example, a surface obtained by polishing the light shielding surface 431 to make it smooth. The reflective surface may also be formed by a reflective film such as a nickel-chromium plating film provided on the surface of the light shielding surface 431.

[0107] As in Figure 12 As shown by arrows in FIG, light emitted from the first light emitting element 51 and the fluorescent resin 511 and irradiated to the light shielding surface 431 is reflected and emitted forward of the insertion portion 14. That is, the light emitted from the light emitting element 50 is efficiently utilized.

[0108] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the endoscope 10 in which the utilization efficiency of the light emitted from the light emitting element 50 is high.

[0109] [Implementation Method 3]

[0110] This embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which a portion of the light shielding surface 431 is an inclined surface. Description of portions common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0111] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate 41 according to a third embodiment. Figure 12 Shown with Figure 11 In the present embodiment, the portion of the light shielding surface 431 close to the center of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 is formed as an inclined surface that widens as it moves away from the base substrate 42 .

[0112] In this embodiment, the cross section of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 along the arc-shaped curve substantially parallel to the outer periphery is Figure 10 That is, the portion of the light shielding surface 431 perpendicular to the circumferential direction is formed as a vertical surface. Although not shown in the figure, the light shielding surface 431 surrounding the second light emitting element 52 has the same shape as the light shielding surface 431 surrounding the first light emitting element 51.

[0113] As in Figure 13As shown by arrows in the figure, light emitted from the first light emitting element 51 and the fluorescent resin 511 toward the center of the insertion portion 14 is emitted without being blocked by the light blocking body 43 .

[0114] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the endoscope 10 in which the utilization efficiency of the light emitted from the light emitting element 50 is high.

[0115] [Implementation Method 4]

[0116] This embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which the entire light shielding surface 431 is an inclined surface. Description of parts common to the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0117] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate 41 according to a fourth embodiment. Figure 14 and Figure 10 Similarly, a cross section of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 is shown along an arc-shaped curve substantially parallel to the outer periphery. Figure 13 It's the same.

[0118] In this embodiment, the light shielding surface 431 is formed as a tapered inclined surface that widens as it moves away from the base substrate 42. Although not shown, the light shielding surface 431 surrounding the second light emitting element 52 has the same shape as the light shielding surface 431 surrounding the first light emitting element 51.

[0119] As in Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown by arrows in FIG. 5 , light obliquely emitted from the first light emitting element 51 and the fluorescent resin 511 is emitted without being blocked by the light blocking body 43 .

[0120] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the endoscope 10 in which the utilization efficiency of the light emitted from the light emitting element 50 is high.

[0121] [Implementation 5]

[0122] This embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which a portion of the wiring substrate 421 is formed thicker. Description of portions common to those in the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0123] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an endoscope illumination substrate 41 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 15 The cross section of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 is shown along a plane passing through one green light emitting element 521 and extending in the radial direction.

[0124] Wiring substrate 421 of this embodiment includes a first substrate layer 422 and a second substrate layer 423. First substrate layer 422 and second substrate layer 423 are stacked and integrally formed. Pads for mounting light-emitting elements 50, such as green light-emitting element 521, are provided on first substrate layer 422. The end surface of second substrate layer 423 is continuous with light-shielding surface 431.

[0125] The wiring pads 44 may be provided on the first substrate layer 422 or the second substrate layer 423 .

[0126] The height H3 of the light shield 43 is greater than the height H2 of the second light emitting element 52, relative to the surface on which the light emitting element 50 is mounted, i.e., the surface of the first substrate layer 422. Ideally, the height H3 of the light shield 43 is at least twice the height H2 of the second light emitting element 52. More ideally, the height H1 of the light shield 43 is at least 2.5 times the height H2 of the second light emitting element 52, relative to the surface on which the light emitting element 50 is mounted.

[0127] When the insulating layer constituting the second substrate layer 423 is light-transmissive, the height H4 of the second substrate layer 423 is preferably equal to or less than the height H2 of the second light-emitting element 52. This can prevent crosstalk, in which light propagating through the insulating layer while being reflected by a wiring pattern provided inside the insulating layer causes the fluorescent resin 511 to emit light.

[0128] According to this embodiment, a thick wiring substrate 421 can be used while maintaining the thickness of the entire endoscope illumination substrate 41 at the same thickness as in Embodiment 1. Since the wiring substrate 421 is thin at the location where the second light-emitting element 52 is mounted, the same crosstalk prevention effect as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved.

[0129] Since the wiring pattern is routed in the second substrate layer 423 , even if the wiring between the wiring pads 44 and the light emitting elements 50 is complicated, a necessary wiring pattern can be provided without increasing the outer diameter of the endoscope illumination substrate 41 .

[0130] The technical features (constituent elements) described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and new technical features can be formed by the combination.

[0131] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and is intended to encompass all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0132] Description of Reference Numerals

[0133] 10. Endoscope

[0134] 11 Soft parts

[0135] 12 Bend

[0136] 121 Curved Rubber

[0137] 122 bending parts

[0138] 13 front end

[0139] 14 Insertion

[0140] 15 channels

[0141] 151 channel tube

[0142] 152 Channel Exit

[0143] 16 Bending section

[0144] 20 Operation Department

[0145] 21 Bend Knob

[0146] Entrance to Channel 22

[0147] 23 Pliers plug

[0148] 24 Connector

[0149] 25 Universal Line

[0150] 26 Connector housing

[0151] 27 Observation instrument connector

[0152] 31 First Frame

[0153] 311 Protrusion

[0154] 32 Second Frame

[0155] 33 Third Frame

[0156] 331 Wiring Trough

[0157] 332 Lighting Cable

[0158] 34 Fourth Frame

[0159] 35 Fifth Frame

[0160] 351 Cable Tray

[0161] 36 Observation window

[0162] 361 lens unit

[0163] 362 Camera Unit

[0164] 363 Camera Components

[0165] 364 lens frame

[0166] 365 Camera Cable

[0167] 37 Air and water supply nozzles

[0168] 38 front water supply hole

[0169] 39 Lighting Window

[0170] 41 Endoscope lighting substrate

[0171] 411 Camera hole

[0172] 412 channel recess

[0173] 42 base substrate

[0174] 421 Wiring Substrate

[0175] 422 first substrate layer

[0176] 423 Second substrate layer

[0177] 429 support plate

[0178] 43 light shield

[0179] 431 shading surface

[0180] 432 Connection wall

[0181] 44 wiring pads

[0182] 50 light-emitting elements

[0183] 51 first light-emitting element

[0184] 511 fluorescent resin

[0185] 519 First Light-Emitting Unit

[0186] 52 second light emitting element

[0187] 521 green light emitting element

[0188] 522 purple light emitting element

[0189] 528 Translucent Resin

[0190] 529 Second light-emitting unit.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising: An observation window is arranged at the front end of the insertion portion; an observation optical system, disposed inside the observation window; and The annular endoscope lighting substrate has an imaging hole in the center for the observation optical system to pass through. The endoscope lighting substrate comprises: A plurality of first light emitting units are arranged along the periphery of the endoscope illumination substrate, and include light emitting elements and a resin covering the light emitting elements; a second light emitting portion, arranged along the outer periphery of the endoscope illumination substrate at every other position between two adjacent first light emitting portions, comprising a light emitting element and a resin covering the light emitting element, and emitting light in a wavelength band different from that of the first light emitting portion; a base substrate, wherein the light-emitting elements respectively included in the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion are mounted on a mounting surface of the base substrate; as well as a light shielding body, stacked on the base substrate and arranged between the first light emitting portion and the second light emitting portion; The surfaces of the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion are smoothly continuous with the surface of the light-shielding body on the side opposite to the base substrate and the side surface of the base substrate, and the endoscope lighting substrate is formed into a plate of uniform thickness except around the wiring pads arranged on the mounting surface.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The light emitting element included in the first light emitting portion is a white light emitting element, The light-emitting element included in the second light-emitting portion is a narrow-band light-emitting element.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The first light emitting portion includes a phosphor-containing resin in addition to the light emitting element. The phosphor-containing resin covers the light-emitting element.

4. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The light-emitting element included in the second light-emitting portion includes a purple light-emitting element or a green light-emitting element.

5. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The light-emitting element included in the second light-emitting portion includes a blue light-emitting element or a green light-emitting element.

6. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The light-shielding body is made of copper or aluminum.

7. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first light emitting portion and the second light emitting portion are respectively arranged at equal distances from the optical axis of the observation window.

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The light shielding body has a U-shaped light shielding surface that is open on the outer peripheral side of the insertion portion and surrounds the light emitting element.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, wherein: The light shielding surface is an inclined surface that becomes increasingly distant from the light emitting element as it moves away from the base substrate.

10. The endoscope according to claim 8, wherein The first light emitting portion and the second light emitting portion are smoothly continuous with a portion of the side surface of the light blocking body where the light blocking surface is not provided, and an outer periphery of the base substrate.

11. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The base substrate comprises: a wiring substrate having the mounting surface; and The support plate is laminated on a surface of the wiring substrate opposite to the mounting surface.

12. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The base substrate includes a cable connection portion on the mounting surface, and the cable connection portion is arranged along the edge of the imaging hole. The light shielding body includes a U-shaped connecting portion wall surface that is open on the inner peripheral side of the endoscope lighting substrate and surrounds the cable connecting portion.

13. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The endoscope illumination substrate has an arc-shaped recessed portion at a peripheral edge portion.

14. An illumination substrate for an endoscope, wherein: The endoscope lighting substrate is annular and has an imaging hole in the center for inserting the observation optical system of the endoscope. The endoscope lighting substrate includes: A plurality of first light emitting units are arranged along the periphery of the endoscope illumination substrate, and include light emitting elements and a resin covering the light emitting elements; a second light emitting portion, arranged along the outer periphery of the endoscope illumination substrate at every other position between two adjacent first light emitting portions, comprising a light emitting element and a resin covering the light emitting element, and emitting light in a wavelength band different from that of the first light emitting portion; a base substrate, the light-emitting elements respectively included in the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion being mounted on a mounting surface of the base substrate; and a light shielding body, stacked on the base substrate and arranged between the first light emitting portion and the second light emitting portion; The surfaces of the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion are smoothly continuous with the surface of the light-shielding body on the side opposite to the base substrate and the side surface of the base substrate, and the endoscope lighting substrate is formed into a plate of uniform thickness except around the wiring pads arranged on the mounting surface.

15. The illumination substrate for an endoscope according to claim 14, wherein The light emitting element included in the first light emitting portion is a white light emitting element, The light-emitting element included in the second light-emitting portion is a narrow-band light-emitting element.

16. The illumination substrate for an endoscope according to claim 14, wherein The resin included in the first light emitting portion is a phosphor-containing resin.

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