Endoscope tip, tip frame, endoscope, and conduction confirmation method

Abstract

Provided are an endoscope front end portion, an endoscope front end frame, an endoscope, and a conduction confirmation method, which enable conduction confirmation of a discharge path in a state in which an imaging unit is assembled to a resin endoscope front end frame. The endoscope front end portion of the present invention has: an imaging unit having an objective optical system held by a metal lens frame and an imaging element; an endoscope front end frame composed of an insulating member, having a through-hole into which the imaging unit is inserted; a conductive outer member connected at a front end side to a base end side of the endoscope front end frame; a first conductor pattern having one end formed inside the through-hole and in contact with the lens frame and the other end connected to a first terminal in contact with the outer member; and a second conductor pattern independently formed with respect to the first conductor pattern, having one end formed inside the through-hole and in contact with the lens frame and the other end connected to a second terminal not in contact with the outer member, in a state in which the imaging unit is mounted to the endoscope front end frame, the imaging unit and the outer member being able to conduct with the second terminal directly or indirectly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a distal end portion of an endoscope inserted into a subject, a distal end frame, an endoscope, and a conduction confirmation method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, an endoscope is inserted into a subject such as a patient, and an image data of the subject is acquired by a camera unit provided at a distal end of an insertion portion, and the image data is transmitted to an external information processing device by a signal cable.

[0003] In recent years, an endoscope in which a distal end frame of an insertion portion is switched from metal to resin has been proposed, but in order to use a resin member, a mechanism for preventing a camera element from being damaged in a case where static electricity is applied is required.

[0004] As a technique for preventing a leakage current and a static current from flowing into a camera element, an endoscope in which a circuit pattern is provided on an inner peripheral surface of a fixing hole of a fixing lens frame of a distal end frame, and is connected to a bent tube as a conductive member has been proposed (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1 and the like).

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-209278 SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] However, in Patent Literature 1, since the circuit pattern is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing hole, there is a problem that the circuit pattern can be peeled off and disconnected due to fitting with the lens frame or the like, and it is not possible to confirm whether or not the electrical connection of the discharge path is obtained in a state where the camera unit is assembled.

[0010] The present application has been achieved in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a distal end portion of an endoscope, a distal end frame, an endoscope, and a conduction confirmation method, which can confirm conduction of a discharge path in a state where a camera unit is assembled to a resin distal end frame.

[0011] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0012] To address the aforementioned issues and achieve the objective, the endoscope of the present invention comprises: a camera unit having an imaging element, the imaging element having an objective lens optical system and the imaging element held by a metal lens frame; a front end frame made of an insulating component having a through hole through which the camera unit is inserted; a conductive external component having its front end side connected to the base end side of the front end frame, the base end side of the external component being connected to the grounding terminal of an external device; a first conductor pattern having one end formed in the through hole and in contact with the lens frame, and the other end formed on the base end side of the outer periphery of the front end frame, connected to a first terminal in contact with the external component; and a second conductor pattern formed independently of the first conductor pattern, one end formed in the through hole and in contact with the lens frame, and the other end formed outside the through hole of the front end frame, connected to a second terminal not in contact with the external component. When the camera unit and the external component are mounted on the front end frame, the camera unit and the external component can be directly or indirectly connected to the second terminal.

[0013] Furthermore, in the aforementioned invention, the second terminal of the endoscope of the present invention is disposed on the base end side of the outer periphery of the front end frame, and the portion of the outer component forming the second terminal is cut off.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above invention, the front end of the endoscope of the present invention has a treatment instrument channel, which has a metal frame component. The front end frame has a channel through hole for the treatment instrument channel to pass through. The second terminal is formed in the channel through hole and contacts the frame component. The camera unit and the external component can be connected to the second terminal through the metal frame component.

[0015] Furthermore, in the aforementioned invention, the anterior end of the endoscope of the present invention also has a resin tube externally embedded in the base end side of the frame component, wherein the treatment instrument channel has a resin tube externally embedded in the base end side of the frame component.

[0016] Furthermore, the front end frame of the present invention is a front end frame made of insulating components used at the front end of an endoscope, comprising: a through hole for the camera unit to pass through; a protrusion having a second terminal protruding from a front end face or a base end face; a first conductor pattern having one end formed in the through hole and in contact with the lens frame, and the other end connected to the first terminal formed on the base end side of the outer periphery; and a second conductor pattern formed independently of the first conductor pattern, having one end formed in the through hole and in contact with the lens frame, and the other end connected to the second terminal of the protrusion.

[0017] In addition, in the above invention, the front end frame of the present invention also has a protrusion having a second terminal protruding from the front end face or the base end face.

[0018] Further, in the above invention, the other end of the second conductor pattern is formed in the through-hole.

[0019] Further, in the above invention, in a state where the imaging unit is attached to the front end frame, the imaging unit can be directly or indirectly conducted with the second terminal.

[0020] Further, the endoscope of the present invention has: an imaging unit having an imaging element and an objective optical system held by a lens frame made of metal; a front end frame composed of an insulating member, having a through-hole into which the imaging unit is inserted; a conductive outer member whose front end side is connected to the base end side of the front end frame, and whose base end side is connected to a ground terminal of an external device; a first conductor pattern having one end formed in the through-hole and contacting the lens frame made of metal, and the other end formed at the base end side of the outer periphery of the front end frame and connected to a first terminal contacting the outer member; and a second conductor pattern independently formed with respect to the first conductor pattern, having one end formed in the through-hole and contacting the lens frame, and the other end formed outside the through-hole of the front end frame and connected to a second terminal not contacting the outer member, in a state where the imaging unit and the outer member are attached to the front end frame, the imaging unit and the outer member can be directly or indirectly conducted with the second terminal.

[0021] Further, the conduction confirmation method of the present invention includes the steps of: connecting an electrode of a tester to a second terminal and conducting between a first terminal and the second terminal in a front end frame of an endoscope which is insulating, the front end frame having: a through-hole into which an imaging unit is inserted; a protruding portion having the second terminal protruding from a front end face or a base end face; a first conductor pattern having one end formed in the through-hole and contacting a lens frame made of metal of the imaging unit, and the other end connected to the first terminal formed at the base end side of the outer periphery; and a second conductor pattern independently formed with respect to the first conductor pattern, having one end formed in the through-hole and contacting the lens frame, and the other end connected to the second terminal of the protruding portion; and confirming whether or not the first terminal and the second terminal are conducted.

[0022] Further, in the above invention, in the above invention, after the step of confirming whether or not the conduction, the step of cutting the protruding portion at the front end face or the base end face is included.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, in a state where the imaging unit is attached to the front end frame, the conduction confirmation of the discharge path can be easily performed. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall structure of the endoscope system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the anterior endoscope.

[0027] Figure 3 Is Figure 2 The front end is shown as a sectional view of the front frame used in the front section.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the front end of the endoscope in Embodiment 2.

[0029] Figure 5 Is Figure 4 A 3D view of the front end frame used at the front end shown.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the front frame of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 It is to assemble the camera unit into Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the front frame.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the front frame of a modified embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 9 It is to assemble the camera unit into Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the front frame. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In the following description, an endoscope system having an endoscope tip will be described as an embodiment for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the embodiment"). However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts. Please note that the drawings are schematic, and the thickness and width relationships of the components, the proportions of the components, etc., may differ from reality. Additionally, the drawings may include parts with different dimensions and proportions. Throughout the description of the embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same structures.

[0035] (Implementation Method 1)

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall structure of the endoscope system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1As shown, the endoscope system 1 of this embodiment 1 is provided with: an endoscope 2 that is introduced into a subject, and that generates an image signal of the inside of the subject by taking an image of the inside of the subject; an information processing apparatus 3 that performs prescribed image processing on the image signal taken by the endoscope 2, and that controls each part of the endoscope system 1; a light source apparatus 4 that generates illumination light for the endoscope 2; and a display apparatus 5 that performs image display on the image signal that has been subjected to image processing by the information processing apparatus 3.

[0037] The endoscope 2 has: an insertion section 6 that is inserted into the subject; an operation section 7 that is located on the proximal end section side of the insertion section 6, and that is held by a surgeon; and a flexible general-purpose cord 8 that extends from the operation section 7.

[0038] The insertion section 6 is implemented using a light guide cable, an electric cable, an optical fiber, or the like. The insertion section 6 has: a distal end section 6a in which a camera unit described later is built in; a bendable bend section 6b that is composed of a plurality of bend pieces; and a flexible tube section 6c that is provided on the proximal end section side of the bend section 6b, and that has flexibility. The distal end section 6a is provided with a light guide cable that illuminates the inside of the subject, a camera unit that takes an image of the inside of the subject, and an opening section that communicates with a channel for a treatment instrument.

[0039] The operation section 7 has: a bend knob 7a that bends the bend section 6b in the up-down direction and the left-right direction; a treatment instrument insertion section 7b that inserts a treatment instrument such as a living forceps or a laser scalpel into the body cavity of the subject; and a plurality of switch sections 7c that operate peripheral apparatuses such as the information processing apparatus 3, the light source apparatus 4, a gas supply apparatus, a water supply apparatus, and a gas delivery apparatus. The treatment instrument inserted from the treatment instrument insertion section 7b is exposed from the opening section at the distal end of the insertion section 6 via a treatment instrument channel provided inside.

[0040] The general-purpose cord 8 is composed of a light guide cable, an electric cable, or the like. The general-purpose cord 8 branches at the proximal end, and one of the branched end sections is a connector 8a, and the other is a connector 8b. The connector 8a is detachable with respect to the connector of the information processing apparatus 3. The connector 8b is detachable with respect to the light source apparatus 4. The general-purpose cord 8 propagates the illumination light emitted from the light source apparatus 4 to the distal end section 6a via the connector 8b and the light guide cable. In addition, the general-purpose cord 8 transmits the image signal taken by the camera unit described later to the information processing apparatus 3 via the cable and the connector 8a.

[0041] The information processing apparatus 3 performs prescribed image processing on the image signal output from the connector 8a, and controls the entire endoscope system 1.

[0042] The light source device 4 is configured using a light source that emits light, a condenser lens, and the like. The light source device 4 emits light from the light source under the control of the information processing device 3, and supplies the light as illumination light to the endoscope 2 connected via the light guide cable of the connector 8b and the general-purpose cord 8.

[0043] The display device 5 is configured using a display that utilizes liquid crystals or organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or the like. The display device 5 displays various information including an image obtained by performing a prescribed image processing by the information processing device 3 via the image cable 5a. Thereby, the operator is able to determine the observation and the nature of a desired position in the subject by operating the endoscope 2 while observing the image (in-vivo image) displayed by the display device 5.

[0044] Next, the distal end portion 6a used in the endoscope system 1 will be described in detail. Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion 6a of the endoscope 2 shown in Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the distal end frame 15 used in the distal end portion 6a shown in Figure 2 In the drawings, the illustration of the outer covering is omitted. In addition, in the present specification, the distal end portion 6a side of the endoscope 2 is set as the distal end side, and the side where the signal cable 40 extends is set as the base end side.

[0045] The distal end portion 6a of the endoscope 2 has an imaging unit 100 that images a subject image, a treatment instrument channel 70 through which a treatment instrument is inserted, a distal end frame 15 having a through-hole 15a through which the imaging unit 100 is inserted and a channel through-hole 15b through which the treatment instrument channel 70 is inserted, and a bending tube 80 that bends the distal end portion 6a upward and downward or upward and downward and left and right.

[0046] The imaging unit 100 has an objective optical system 10 that images a subject, an imaging element 20 that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by the objective optical system 10 to generate an image signal, a circuit substrate 30, and a signal cable 40.

[0047] The objective optical system 10 has a plurality of lenses along an optical axis from the distal end side toward the base end side. The plurality of lenses are held by a first lens frame 11 that is a cylindrical frame made of metal. The first lens frame 11 is fixed to the distal end side of the through-hole 15a of the distal end frame 15 by an adhesive.

[0048] The lens on the base end side among the plurality of lenses is held by a second lens frame 12 that is a cylindrical frame made of metal. The distal end side of the second lens frame is fitted to the base end side of the first lens frame 11, and is fixed with an electrically conductive adhesive.

[0049] A glass cover 21 that protects the light receiving portion is adhesively fixed to the camera element 20, and the surface of the glass cover 21 opposite to the adhesive surface of the camera element 20 is adhesively fixed to the lens at the most proximal end side. The periphery of the camera element 20 is covered by a metal reinforcing frame 22, the front end side of which is fitted into the proximal end side of the second lens frame 12 and is adhesively fixed by a conductive adhesive.

[0050] The camera element 20 is mounted at the front end side of a circuit substrate 30 on which electronic components 50 such as transistors and capacitors are mounted. In addition, a signal cable 40 that transmits electric power, various signals, or image signals from the camera element to the camera element is connected at the proximal end side of the circuit substrate 30. The insulating sheath 42 of the signal cable 40 at the front end side is removed to expose the core wire 41, and the exposed core wire 41 is connected to the circuit substrate 30 by a conductive material such as solder that is not shown.

[0051] The inside of the reinforcing frame 22 (the periphery of the camera element 20), the mounting region of the electronic components 50 of the circuit substrate 30, and the periphery of the connection region of the signal cable 40 are sealed by a sealing resin 60.

[0052] The treatment instrument channel 70 has a metal frame member 70a and a resin tube 70b that is fitted into the proximal end side of the frame member 70a. The tube 70b is flexible and is adhesively fixed to the frame member 70a. The frame member 70a is adhesively fixed to the channel through hole 15b of the front end frame 15.

[0053] A front end portion of a bending tube 80 is mounted to the outer periphery of the proximal end side of the front end frame 15. The bending tube 80 is a bending block group in which a plurality of bending blocks composed of conductive members are linked in a rotatable manner by rivets. By pulling or relaxing the wires provided at the upper, lower, left, and right by operation of the bending knob 7a, the bending blocks rotate around the rivets, and the bending portion 6b is operated in the up-down or left-right directions. In the present embodiment, the bending tube 80 functions as a conductive outer member. An insulating sheath tube that is not shown is provided around the bending tube 80.

[0054] The front end frame 15 is composed of an insulating member. As Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the front end frame 15 has the following: a first conductor pattern 16, one end of which is formed in the through hole 15a through which the camera unit 100 is inserted and contacts the first lens frame 11, and the other end of which is formed on the base end side of the outer periphery of the front end frame 15 and connected to the first terminal 16e that contacts the curved tube 80, which is an external component; and a second conductor pattern 17, which is formed independently of the first conductor pattern 16, one end of which is formed in the through hole 15a and contacts the first lens frame 11, and the other end of which is connected to the second terminal 17e formed on the base end side of the outer periphery of the front end frame 15. The second terminal 17e is disposed on the outer periphery of the front end frame 15, substantially opposite to the side where the first terminal 16e is disposed. The front end side of the curved tube 80 is connected to the base end side of the front end frame 15 and, like the first terminal 16e, also covers the area around the second terminal 17e, but in this embodiment 1, the portion in contact with the second terminal 17e is cut off.

[0055] The first conductor pattern 16 includes: a first pattern 16a that fits into the camera unit 100 and abuts against the first lens frame 11; a second pattern 16b disposed on the stepped portion; a third pattern 16c disposed on the base end side of the through hole 15a; and a fourth pattern 16d disposed on the base end face of the front end frame 15, the fourth pattern 16d being connected to the first terminal 16e.

[0056] The second conductor pattern 17 includes: a fifth pattern 17a that fits into the camera unit 100 and abuts against the first lens frame 11; a sixth pattern 17b disposed on the stepped portion; a seventh pattern 17c disposed on the base end side of the through hole 15a; and an eighth pattern 17d disposed on the base end face of the front end frame 15, the eighth pattern 17d being connected to the second terminal 17e.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the camera unit 100 is inserted through the through hole 15a, and the conductive first lens frame 11 abuts against the first pattern 16a and the fifth pattern 17a.

[0058] In the front end 6a of the endoscope 2, when static electricity or leakage current is applied to the front end frame 15, which is made of non-conductive resin, it is possible to conduct electricity from the first lens frame 11 to the grounding terminal of the operation part 7 through the first conductor pattern 16 formed on the front end frame 15, namely the first pattern 16a, the second pattern 16b, the third pattern 16c, and the fourth pattern 16d, via the first terminal 16e, the bent tube 80, and other external components, thereby preventing damage to the camera element 20.

[0059] In the conventional front end frame, the curved tube completely covers the base end side of the front end frame in a state where the imaging unit and the curved tube are assembled in the front end frame, and thus conduction confirmation of the discharge path cannot be performed. In addition, although not illustrated in Patent Literature 1, since the abutting portion 15c that positions the imaging unit 100 by abutting is provided on the front end side of the through hole 15a, the front end side of the through hole 15a cannot be conducted with the first lens frame 11 either. In contrast, in Embodiment 1, in order to confirm the discharge path, the second conductor pattern 17 composed of the fifth pattern 17a, the sixth pattern 17b, the seventh pattern 17c, and the eighth pattern 17d and connected to the second terminal 17e is provided independently with respect to the first conductor pattern 16 that discharges, and the curved tube 80 on the second terminal 17e is cut off. Thus, the electrode of the tester that performs conduction confirmation can be directly connected to the second terminal 17e and the curved tube that discharges, and whether the first conductor pattern 16 and the second conductor pattern 17 are conducted can be easily confirmed via the second terminal 17e.

[0060] (Embodiment 2)

[0061] In Embodiment 2, the second terminal 17e is formed in the passage through hole 15b. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the front end portion 6a of the endoscope 2 of Embodiment 2, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the front end frame 15A used in the front end portion 6a illustrated in Figure 4 In Figure 4 , illustration of the outer covering is omitted.

[0062] The first conductor pattern 16, one end of which is formed in the through hole 15a in which the imaging unit 100 is inserted and which is in contact with the first lens frame 11, and the other end of which is formed on the base end side of the outer peripheral portion of the front end frame 15A and is connected to the first terminal 16e that is in contact with the curved tube 80 that is an outer member, and the second conductor pattern 17A, one end of which is formed in the through hole 15a and which is in contact with the first lens frame 11, and the other end of which is formed in the passage through hole 15b and which is composed of the fifth pattern 17a, the sixth pattern 17b, the seventh pattern 17c, and the eighth pattern 17d and is connected to the second terminal 17e, are formed on the front end frame 15A. The second terminal 17e abuts against the metal frame member 70a that is inserted in the passage through hole 15b.

[0063] In Embodiment 2, when electrostatic or a leakage current is applied to the front end frame 15A composed of a resin having no conductivity, conduction to a ground terminal of the operation section 7 or the like via the first conductor pattern 16, that is, the first pattern 16a, the second pattern 16b, the third pattern 16c, and the fourth pattern 16d formed in the front end frame 15A, the first terminal 16e, the outer member such as the curved tube 80, and the like from the first lens frame 11 is possible, and damage to the imaging element 20 can be prevented.

[0064] In addition, in Embodiment 2, in order to confirm a discharge path, the second conductor pattern 17A composed of the fifth pattern 17a, the sixth pattern 17b, the seventh pattern 17c, and the eighth pattern 17d and connected to the second terminal 17e is provided independently with respect to the first conductor pattern 16 on which discharge is performed. Thus, by connecting an electrode of a tester for conducting confirmation to the metal frame member 70a, the electrode can be indirectly connected to the second terminal 17e, and whether conduction is possible between the second terminal 17e and the curved tube 80 can be easily confirmed.

[0065] (Embodiment 3)

[0066] The front end frame 15B of Embodiment 3 has a protruding portion 15d having a second terminal 17e for inspection protruding from the base end surface. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the front end frame 15B of Embodiment 3 of the present application. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view when the front end frame 15B of Figure 6 is assembled to the imaging unit 100.

[0067] The first conductor pattern 16, one end of which is formed in the through-hole 15a in which the imaging unit 100 is inserted and in contact with the first lens frame 11 and the other end of which is formed on the base end side of the outer peripheral portion of the front end frame 15B and connected to the first terminal 16e in contact with the curved tube 80 as an outer member, and the second conductor pattern 17B, one end of which is formed in the through-hole 15a and in contact with the first lens frame 11 and the other end of which is connected to the second terminal 17e of the protruding portion 15d and composed of the fifth pattern 17a, the sixth pattern 17b, and the seventh pattern 17c, are formed on the front end frame 15B.

[0068] In Embodiment 3, when electrostatic or a leakage current is applied to the front end frame 15B composed of a resin having no conductivity, conduction to a ground terminal of the operation section 7 or the like via the first conductor pattern 16, that is, the first pattern 16a, the second pattern 16b, the third pattern 16c, and the fourth pattern 16d formed in the front end frame 15B, the first terminal 16e, the outer member such as the curved tube 80, and the like from the first lens frame 11 is possible, and damage to the imaging element 20 can be prevented.

[0069] In addition, in Embodiment 3, in order to confirm the discharge path, a second conductor pattern 17B composed of a fifth pattern 17a, a sixth pattern 17b, and a seventh pattern 17c and connected to a second terminal 17e is provided independently of the first conductor pattern 16 to which discharge is performed. The second terminal 17e is provided to a protruding portion 15d protruding from the base end surface of the front end frame 15B, and thus, in a state in which the imaging unit 100 is assembled to the front end frame 15B (a state in which the curved tube is not connected), the electrode of a tester for conducting the conduction confirmation can be directly connected to the second terminal 17e, and it is possible to easily confirm whether or not conduction is made between the second terminal 17e and the first terminal 16e. In addition, after the conduction confirmation, the protruding portion 15d is cut off at the base end surface.

[0070] In Embodiment 3 described above, the protruding portion 15d is formed at the base end surface of the front end frame 15B, but can be formed at the front end surface. Figure 8 FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a front end frame 15D which is a modification of Embodiment 3 of the present application. Figure 9 FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view when the imaging unit 100 is assembled to the front end frame 15D of FIG. 10. Figure 8 FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view when the imaging unit 100 is assembled to the front end frame 15D of FIG. 10.

[0071] The first conductor pattern 16 is formed on the front end frame 15D with one end formed in the through-hole 15a for the insertion of the imaging unit 100, in contact with the first lens frame 11, and the other end formed at the base end side of the outer peripheral portion of the front end frame 15D, connected to the first terminal 16e in contact with the curved tube 80 which is an exterior member. The second conductor pattern 17D is formed independently of the first conductor pattern 16 with one end formed in the through-hole 15a, in contact with the first lens frame 11, and the other end connected to the second terminal 17e of the protruding portion 15d, composed of the fifth pattern 17a, a ninth pattern 17f, a tenth pattern 17g, and an eleventh pattern 17h. The ninth pattern 17f, the tenth pattern 17g, and the eleventh pattern 17h are patterns formed at the abutting portion 15c.

[0072] In the modification of Embodiment 3, when electrostatic or a leakage current is applied to the front end frame 15D composed of a resin having no conductivity, conduction is made from the first lens frame 11 via the first conductor pattern 16, that is, the first pattern 16a, the second pattern 16b, the third pattern 16c, and the fourth pattern 16d formed on the front end frame 15D, through the first terminal 16e, the curved tube 80, and the like, to the ground terminal of the operating portion 7 and the like, and it is possible to prevent the damage to the imaging device 20.

[0073] In addition, in the modification of Embodiment 3, in order to confirm the discharge path, a second conductor pattern 17D composed of a fifth pattern 17a, a ninth pattern 17f, a tenth pattern 17g, and an eleventh pattern 17h and connected to a second terminal 17e is provided independently of the first conductor pattern 16 to which discharge is performed. The second terminal 17e is provided to a protruding portion 15d protruding from the front end surface of the front end frame 15D, and thus in a state in which the imaging unit 100 is assembled to the front end frame 15D (a state in which the curved tube is not connected), the electrode of a tester for conducting the conduction confirmation can be directly connected to the second terminal 17e, and whether or not conduction is made between the second terminal 17e and the first terminal 16e can be easily confirmed. In addition, after the conduction confirmation, the protruding portion 15d is cut off at the base end surface.

[0074] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0075] The front end portion of the endoscope of the present application is useful for an endoscope system that requires thinness and low cost.

[0076] SYMBOL EXPLANATION

[0077] 1 ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM

[0078] 2 ENDOSCOPE

[0079] 3 INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS

[0080] 4 LIGHT SOURCE APPARATUS

[0081] 5 DISPLAY APPARATUS

[0082] 6 INSERTION PORTION

[0083] 6a FRONT END PORTION

[0084] 6b BEND PORTION

[0085] 6c FLEXIBLE TUBE PORTION

[0086] 7 OPERATION PORTION

[0087] 7a BEND KNOB

[0088] 7b TREATMENT INSTRUMENT INSERTION PORTION

[0089] 7c SWITCH PORTION

[0090] 8 GENERAL PURPOSE CABLE

[0091] 8a, 8b CONNECTOR

[0092] 10 OBJECTIVE OPTICAL SYSTEM

[0093] 11 FIRST LENS FRAME

[0094] 12 SECOND LENS FRAME

[0095] 15 FRONT END FRAME

[0096] 15a through hole

[0097] 15b passage through hole

[0098] 15c abutment portion

[0099] 15d protruding portion

[0100] 16 first conductor pattern

[0101] 17, 17A, 17B, 17D second conductor pattern

[0102] 20 image pickup element

[0103] 21 glass cover

[0104] 22 reinforcing frame

[0105] 30 circuit substrate

[0106] 40 signal cable

[0107] 41 core wire

[0108] 42 sheath

[0109] 50 electronic component

[0110] 60 packaging resin

[0111] 70 treatment instrument channel

[0112] 70a frame member

[0113] 70b tube

[0114] 80 curved tube

[0115] 100 image pickup unit

Claims

1. The tip of an endoscope, comprising: The camera unit has an objective lens optical system and a camera element held by a metal lens frame; The front frame, which is made of insulating components, has a through hole for the camera unit to be inserted; A conductive external component has its front end connected to the base end of the front end frame, and the base end of the external component is connected to the grounding terminal of an external device. The first conductor pattern has one end formed in the through hole and in contact with the lens frame, and the other end formed on the base end side of the outer periphery of the front end frame and connected to the first terminal in contact with the outer component. as well as A second conductor pattern, formed independently of the first conductor pattern, has one end formed within the through-hole and in contact with the lens frame, and the other end formed outside the through-hole of the front end frame, connected to a second terminal that does not contact the external component. With the camera unit and the external component mounted on the front end frame, the camera unit and the external component can be directly or indirectly connected to the second terminal.

2. The anterior endpiece of the endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, The second terminal is disposed on the base end side of the outer periphery of the front end frame. The portion of the outer component containing the second terminal is cut off.

3. The anterior endpiece of the endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, The front end has a treatment device channel, which has a metal frame component. The front end frame has a through hole for the treatment device to pass through. The second terminal is formed within the through hole of the channel and contacts the frame component. The camera unit and the external component are connected to the second terminal via the metal frame component.

4. The anterior endpiece of the endoscope according to claim 3, wherein, The treatment device channel also has a resin tube externally embedded in the base end of the frame component.

5. A front end frame for the front end of an endoscope, comprising an insulating component, wherein, The front-end frame has: A through hole for the camera unit to pass through; The first conductor pattern has one end formed in the through hole and in contact with the metal lens frame of the camera unit, and the other end connected to the first terminal formed on the base end side of the outer periphery. as well as The second conductor pattern is formed independently of the first conductor pattern, with one end formed in the through hole and in contact with the lens frame, and the other end connected to the second terminal.

6. The front-end frame according to claim 5, wherein, The front end frame also has a protrusion having a second terminal protruding from the front end face or the base end face.

7. The front-end frame according to claim 5, wherein, The other end of the second conductor pattern is formed within the channel through hole.

8. The front-end frame according to claim 6, wherein, With the camera unit mounted on the front frame, the camera unit can be directly or indirectly connected to the second terminal.

9. An endoscope having a front end portion, the front end portion having: The camera unit has an objective lens optical system and a camera element held by a metal lens frame; The front frame, which is made of insulating components, has a through hole for the camera unit to be inserted; A conductive external component has its front end connected to the base end of the front end frame, and the base end of the external component is connected to the grounding terminal of an external device. The first conductor pattern has one end formed in the through hole and in contact with the metal lens frame of the camera unit, and the other end formed on the base end side of the outer periphery of the front end frame and connected to the first terminal in contact with the outer component. as well as A second conductor pattern, formed independently of the first conductor pattern, has one end formed within the through-hole and in contact with the lens frame, and the other end formed outside the through-hole of the front end frame, connected to a second terminal that does not contact the external component. With the camera unit and the external component mounted on the front end frame, the camera unit and the external component can be directly or indirectly connected to the second terminal.

10. A continuity confirmation method, comprising the following steps: In the front frame of the insulated endoscope, the electrodes of the tester are connected to the second terminal, and a connection is established between the first and second terminals; and Confirm whether there is continuity between the first terminal and the second terminal. in, The front-end frame has the following features: A through hole for the camera unit to pass through; A protrusion having a second terminal protruding from a front end face or a base end face; The first conductor pattern has one end formed in the through hole and in contact with the metal lens frame of the camera unit, and the other end connected to the first terminal formed on the base end side of the outer periphery. as well as The second conductor pattern is formed independently of the first conductor pattern, with one end formed in the through hole and in contact with the lens frame, and the other end connected to the second terminal of the protrusion.

11. The continuity confirmation method according to claim 10, wherein, Following the step of confirming whether the connection is established, the procedure includes the step of cutting off the protrusion from the front end face or the base end face.

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