Endoscope, endoscope front frame component, and endoscope insertion section

Abstract

The endoscope (1) has: an imager unit mounting area (26) formed on a front end frame member (21), the front end frame member (21) being formed of resin material and disposed at the front end (6) of the insertion part (2), and mounting an imager unit (30); a cable connection surface (44) disposed on the base end side; a wall portion (40) disposed in such a way as to connect the opening of the imager unit mounting area (26) and the opening of the cable connection surface (44); and a plurality of contact patterns (51a to 54a) formed on the imager unit mounting area (26). The wall surface (26a) of the carrying area (26) is electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the imager unit (30); a plurality of wiring patterns (51-54) are formed from the wall portion (40) on the surface of the cable connection surface (44) and are electrically connected to the plurality of contact patterns (51a-54a); and a plurality of connection patterns (51b-54b) are formed on the cable connection surface (44) at a larger interval than the plurality of wiring patterns (51-54) formed on the wall portion (40) and are electrically connected to the core wires (61a-64a) of the cables (61-64).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope having electronic components encapsulated in the front end of an insertion portion, an endoscope front frame component, and an endoscope insertion portion. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical and industrial fields to observe parts of organisms and structures that are difficult to observe directly with the naked eye. These endoscopes are designed to be inserted from the outside of the organism or structure toward the inside and have a structure that can form an optical image or take a picture of the optical image.

[0003] In such endoscopes, the front end portion located at the insertion point is primarily composed of a front end unit with various functional components housed within a rigid front end frame. In recent years, front end frames utilizing molded interconnected devices (MIDs) have been proposed as such front end units. For example, International Publication No. WO2015 / 082328 discloses an endoscope lens as a front end unit, which includes: a head body, which is a front end frame composed of MID elements forming multiple conductive paths; and various electronic components such as a camera module serving as an imaging unit, which is an imager unit powered through conductive paths.

[0004] In this MID technology, a metallic pattern can be formed only on the resin surface that can be irradiated with a laser beam, etc. The prior art disclosed in International Publication No. WO2015 / 082328 employs the following structure: an opening is provided on one side of the camera housing space, and a conductive path is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the front frame that is continuous with the opening, serving as a wiring pattern for electrical connection with the camera module.

[0005] Furthermore, the endoscope is configured to transmit and receive signals for either the power supply or the shooting signal for the electronic component, i.e., the camera module, located at the front end of the insertion section, by connecting multiple cables from the operating section on the hand side, located at the insertion section, to the electrical contacts, i.e., terminals, of the camera module.

[0006] However, the following problem exists: the camera module, as an electronic component, is very small, and it is difficult to connect the cables to the terminals of the camera module for the multiple cables for power supply and shooting signals.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an endoscope, an endoscope front frame member, and an endoscope insertion part that improve the operability of electrical connection between terminals of electronic components such as camera modules and multiple cables. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an insertion portion inserted into a subject; an imager unit having an objective lens optical system for converting an optical image from the objective lens optical system into an electrical signal; and a front end frame member disposed at the front end of the insertion portion, formed of a resin material and mounting the imager unit, wherein the front end frame member comprises: an imager unit mounting area disposed at the front end side and mounting the imager unit; a cable connection surface disposed at the base end side; a wall portion connecting the opening of the imager unit mounting area and the opening of the cable connection surface; a plurality of contact patterns formed on the wall surface of the imager unit mounting area and electrically connected to electrical contacts of the imager unit; a plurality of wiring patterns formed from the wall portion on the surface of the cable connection surface and electrically connected to the plurality of contact patterns; and a plurality of connection patterns formed at intervals larger than the plurality of contact patterns formed on the wall portion on the cable connection surface and electrically connected to the core wires of a cable disposed in the insertion portion.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, an endoscope having an insertion portion for insertion into a subject has a front end frame component disposed at the front end of the insertion portion. The front end frame component includes: an imager unit mounting area, which mounts an imager unit that converts an optical image from an objective lens optical system into an electrical signal; a cable connection surface disposed at the base end side; a wall portion connecting the opening of the imager unit mounting area and the opening of the cable connection surface; a plurality of contact patterns formed on the wall surface of the imager unit mounting area and electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the imager unit; a plurality of wiring patterns formed from the wall portion on the surface of the cable connection surface and electrically connected to the plurality of contact patterns; and a plurality of connection patterns formed at intervals larger than the plurality of wiring patterns formed on the wall portion on the cable connection surface and electrically connected to the core wires of a cable disposed within the insertion portion.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, the insertion portion of an endoscope for observing a subject has a front end frame component at its front end. The front end frame component includes: an imager unit mounting area, which mounts an imager unit that converts an optical image from an objective lens optical system into an electrical signal; a cable connection surface disposed on the base end side; a wall portion connecting the opening of the imager unit mounting area and the opening of the cable connection surface; a plurality of contact patterns formed on the wall surface of the imager unit mounting area and electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the imager unit; a plurality of wiring patterns formed from the wall portion on the surface of the cable connection surface and electrically connected to the plurality of contact patterns; and a plurality of connection patterns formed at intervals larger than the plurality of wiring patterns formed on the wall portion on the cable connection surface and electrically connected to the core wires of a cable disposed within the insertion portion.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, an endoscope, an endoscope front frame component, and an endoscope insertion portion are provided, which improve the operability of electrical connection between terminals of electronic components such as camera modules and multiple cables. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 The first embodiment of the present invention is a plan view of the exterior of an endoscope.

[0015] Figure 2 As above, this is a partial sectional view showing the structure of the front end portion of the insertion section.

[0016] Figure 3 The same applies to the three-dimensional view showing the structure of the front end of the insertion part.

[0017] Figure 4 As above, this is an exploded 3D view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0018] Figure 5 The same applies to the plan view showing the structure of the back of the camera module.

[0019] Figure 6 As above, this is a front view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0020] Figure 7 As above, this is a rear view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0021] Figure 8 As above, this is a top view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0022] Figure 9 As above, this is a sectional view showing the structure of the front end portion of the insertion section.

[0023] Figure 10As above, it is along the front end of the insertion part. Figure 8 A sectional view of the main part of the IX-IX line.

[0024] Figure 11 As above, it is along the curved part of the insertion part. Figure 8 A sectional view of the main part of the XX line.

[0025] Figure 12 Similarly, the first variation is a rear view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0026] Figure 13 Similarly, the second variation is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0027] Figure 14 Similarly, the second variation is a top view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0028] Figure 15 A second embodiment of the present invention is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a front end frame member having a through hole.

[0029] Figure 16 The same applies to the sectional view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0030] Figure 17 As above, this is a front view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0031] Figure 18 As above, this is a rear view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0032] Figure 19 Similarly, the first variation is a rear view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0033] Figure 20 Similarly, the first variation is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0034] Figure 21 Similarly, the second variation is a rear view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0035] Figure 22 Similarly, the second variation is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0036] Figure 23 Similarly, the third variation is a rear view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0037] Figure 24 Similarly, the third variation is a sectional view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0038] Figure 25 Similarly, the fourth variation is a rear view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0039] Figure 26 Similarly, the fifth variation is a rear view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0040] Figure 27 Similarly, the fifth variation is a sectional view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0041] Figure 28 Similarly, the sixth variation is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a front frame component with a through hole.

[0042] Figure 29 Similarly, the sixth variation is a sectional view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0043] Figure 30 Similarly, the sixth variation is a front view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0044] Figure 31 Similarly, the sixth variation is a rear view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0045] Figure 32 Similarly, the seventh variation is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a front frame component equipped with a side-view camera module.

[0046] Figure 33 Similarly, the eighth variation is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0047] Figure 34 Similarly, the eighth variation is a front view showing the structure of the front frame component.

[0048] Figure 35 Similarly, the eighth variation is a cross-sectional view of the front frame component illustrating the state in which the camera module is reflow soldered to the front frame component.

[0049] Figure 36 Similarly, the eighth variation is a plan view showing the structure of the mounting surface of the module storage room.

[0050] Figure 37 Similarly, the ninth variation is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the front frame component and the bent block.

[0051] Figure 38 Similarly, the ninth variation is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the front end portion of the insertion part.

[0052] Figure 39Similarly, the ninth variation refers to the front end along... Figure 38 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the XXXVIII-XXXVIII line.

[0053] Figure 40 As above, the tenth variation shows the structure of the front frame component, which is a three-dimensional view viewed from the base side.

[0054] Figure 41 Similarly, the tenth variation is a rear view showing the structure of a front frame member with a bevel formed on one side of the rib.

[0055] Figure 42 Similarly, the tenth variation is a rear view showing the structure of a front frame member with beveled surfaces formed on both sides within the rib.

[0056] Figure 43 Similarly, the eleventh variation shows the structure of the front frame component, which is a three-dimensional view viewed from the base side.

[0057] Figure 44 Similarly, the eleventh variation is a rear view showing the structure of the front frame component. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Hereinafter, the front end frame component, front end unit, and endoscope of one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, the accompanying drawings of each embodiment are schematic, and it should be noted that the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the thickness of each part, etc., differ from reality. The drawings may also sometimes include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0059] In addition, regarding the endoscopes described below, examples include flexible endoscopes with flexible insertion parts for insertion into body cavities such as the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine from the bronchus, urinary tract, and esophagus of an organism. However, rigid endoscopes with rigid insertion parts used in surgery can also be applied.

[0060] (First Implementation)

[0061] An endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment is configured to have: an elongated and slender insertion part 2 that is inserted into the subject, an operating part 3, and a general cable 4 as a composite cable. The insertion part 2 of the endoscope 1 is configured to have a front end part 6, a bending part 7, and a flexible tube part 8 in sequence from the front end.

[0063] At the operating section 3, a bending operation knob 14 for bending the bending section 7 of the insertion section 2 is rotatably provided, and switches 15 and 16 are provided for switching various endoscope functions, near-point observation, far-point observation, release, still image and other observation images, as well as a fixing rod 17 for fixing the rotation of the bending operation knob 14.

[0064] Furthermore, the bending operation knob 14 is configured such that two generally disc-shaped rotary knobs overlap: the UD bending operation knob 12 for bending the bending portion 7 in the vertical direction and the RL bending operation knob 13 for bending the bending portion 7 in the horizontal direction.

[0065] Furthermore, the connection between the insertion part 2 and the operation part 3 is configured to have: a gripping part 11 for the user to hold; and a treatment device insertion channel insertion part 18 disposed on the gripping part 11, wherein the treatment device insertion channel insertion part 18 is an opening of a treatment device insertion channel for various treatment devices disposed on the insertion part 2 to be inserted.

[0066] The universal cable 4, which extends from the operation section 3, has an endoscope connector 20 at its extended end that can be detached from a light source device (not shown). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the endoscope 1 transmits illumination light from the light source device (not shown) to the front end section 6 through a beam guide (not shown) that is inserted into the insertion section 2, the operation section 3, and the universal cable 4.

[0067] Additionally, although not shown here, the endoscope connector 20 is connected to a coiled cable, the extension of which is provided with an electrical connector that can be easily attached to and detached from a video processor (not shown).

[0068] Here, the following is based on Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure of the front end portion of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 in this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, in the following description, known structures of the insertion section 2 will be simplified or omitted.

[0069] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the front end 6 of the insertion part 2 has a front frame component 21 as a front frame (also called a front structure part or front rigid part). The front frame component 21 has an observation window 31, an illumination window 25 and a channel opening 24 on the front surface 21a. It is a frame component made of resin material that is insulating and non-conductive, and is generally cylindrical in shape.

[0070] Regarding the front frame component 21, the cross-sectional shape of its front end portion, orthogonal to the central axis X, is approximately circular. A tubular curved rubber 23 is covered from the middle towards the base end, and the front end of the curved rubber 23 is secured by a wire-wound adhesive portion 23a. Furthermore, the curved rubber 23 integrally covers a plurality of curved blocks 22 (22A) provided on the curved portion 7. The plurality of curved blocks 22 (22A) are rotatably connected to each other via pivot supports 22a such as rivets.

[0071] In the front end portion 6 of this embodiment, a rigid, approximately cylindrical front end frame member 21 composed of a molded circuit device (MID) is provided. Figure 4 As shown, the front frame component 21 is provided with various functional components such as a camera module 30, which serves as a camera unit.

[0072] Here, the camera module 30, which is provided on the front frame component 21 as one of the functional components in this embodiment, is composed of, for example, a camera lens unit, a glass cover, and a CSP (Chip Size Package). The camera lens unit is composed of a lens stack made using wafer-level optical technology. The CSP is formed by integrally stacking and encapsulating the lens unit 32 and the camera element 33, which are attached to the glass cover via an adhesive layer.

[0073] In such a camera module 30, the lens unit 32 is manufactured, for example, by fabricating multiple lens wafers on a substrate such as a glass substrate, and stacking, cutting, etc.

[0074] Therefore, the lens unit 32 in this embodiment is a lens unit with a rectangular shape when viewed from the plane and does not have a lens frame. In addition, the imaging element 33 is also formed into a rectangular shape when viewed from the plane by cutting or the like. As for the camera module 30 in this embodiment, it is, for example, a very small overall roughly cuboid shape with a lens surface of about 1 mm square.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the camera module 30 has multiple terminals 33a, which serve as electrical contacts, on the back of the imaging element 33. Here, there are four terminals 33a.

[0076] The front end frame component 21 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape (specifically, a generally cylindrical shape in this embodiment) by injection molding of a resin material, for example. Furthermore, the front end frame component 21 has a large diameter portion 35 on the front end side, and a first small diameter portion 36 is formed from the large diameter portion 35 toward the base end side. The first small diameter portion 36 has a stepped portion radially inward from the large diameter portion 35 and is covered by curved rubber 23. A second small diameter portion 37, serving as a fitting portion, is further formed from the first small diameter portion 36 toward the base end side. The second small diameter portion 37 has a stepped portion radially inward from the first small diameter portion 36 for fitting the front end portion of the foremost curved block 22A.

[0077] The diameter of the large-diameter portion 35 of the front end frame component 21 is, for example, about 2 mm to 5 mm, which is very small. The front end face 21a of the front end portion 6 and the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 35 are partly formed by the wire-wound adhesive portion 23a near the front end side, thus creating the outer peripheral shape of the front end portion 6. Therefore, regarding the resin material constituting the front end frame component 21, a material that is not only suitable for MID technology but also biocompatible is selected. Furthermore, the diameter of the insertion portion 2 in this embodiment is also, for example, a small diameter of about 2 mm to 5 mm.

[0078] In this embodiment, the front frame component 21 refers to a resin portion formed, for example, by injection molding. The surface of the front frame component 21 has various wiring patterns with metal patterns (described later). The various wiring patterns with metal patterns are obtained by MID technology, which forms circuits by plating the portions activated by irradiating the surface with a laser beam.

[0079] The large-diameter portion 35 of the front frame member 21 has: a rectangular recessed module storage chamber 26 serving as an imager unit mounting area, which houses the camera module 30, an optical functional component; and an illumination component storage chamber 28, which houses the light guide beam 72, an optical functional component, from the base end side (see reference). Figure 10 The front end portion of the ) and the storage chamber for the lighting lens 34, which is embedded in the front side to form the lighting window 25; and the passage holding chamber 27, which provides a passage for the handling equipment 71 (see reference) Figure 9 The front end of the ) is inserted and held.

[0080] In addition, the passage retaining chamber 27 and the lighting component storage chamber 28 are through holes with a cross-sectional circular shape, which are formed by the front end face 21a of the front end frame component 21 through the base end face 21b.

[0081] The modular storage compartment 26 has a front opening on the front surface 21a of the front frame component 21, and as shown in the figure. Figure 6As shown, the mounting surface 26a is a planar wall orthogonal to the central axis X (insertion axis) in the depth direction. The module storage chamber 26 has an open side in a direction orthogonal to the central axis X (facing upwards when viewed from the paper). The module storage chamber 26 is a rectangular recess with a shape roughly similar to that of the camera module 30. In addition, the central axis X of the front frame member 21 is aligned with the length central axis of the insertion part 2 when it is in a straight line state.

[0082] Four contact patterns 51a to 54a are formed on the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26. These four contact patterns 51a to 54a are wiring patterns that are electrically connected to the electrical contacts, i.e., terminals 33a (in this case, four), located on the back of the imaging element 33 of the camera module 30. The contact patterns 51a and 54a on both sides of these four contact patterns 51a to 54a are formed by bending inward in the middle portion to match the position of the terminals 33a of the camera module 30. These four contact patterns 51a to 54a are also formed using MID technology.

[0083] With the camera module 30 housed in the module storage chamber 26, the front frame component 21 has a cover 29 (see reference) that secures the opening on the blocking side by means of adhesive or the like. Figure 4 In addition, the camera module 30 is mounted in the module storage chamber 26 with the optical axis O of the photographic light parallel to the central axis X.

[0084] Alternatively, the front frame component 21 may also have a structure in which the opening on the side is not covered by the cover 29, but is filled with resin material such as bottom filler material in the same area as the area covered by the cover 29, or in the area corresponding to the area covering the camera module 30 and the wiring 51 to 54 described later.

[0085] The cover 29 is configured such that the cross-section of the stepped arc surfaces 35a and 36a is crescent-shaped, so that when the cover 29 is assembled with the front frame member 21, its outer periphery is consistent with the large diameter portion 35 and the small diameter portion 36. In addition, a mating surface 41 is formed on the large diameter portion 35 of the front frame member 21 to engage with the bottom surface of the cover 29.

[0086] In addition, such as Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the front frame component 21 has: a first wiring forming surface 42, which is a plane parallel to the central axis X, having a slight step difference from the joint surface 41 of the large diameter portion 35 toward the radially inward side (in the direction of the central axis X); a second wiring forming surface 43, which is an inclined surface of the first small diameter portion 36 that is inclined at a predetermined angle toward the base end side from the first wiring forming surface 42; and a third wiring forming surface 44, which is a plane parallel to the central axis X from the middle of the first small diameter portion 36 to the second small diameter portion 37 that is inclined at the base end side from the second wiring forming surface 43.

[0087] That is, the front frame component 21 has two planes (first and third wiring forming surfaces 42 and 44) ​​extending in the central axis X direction and at different horizontal positions, and an inclined surface (second wiring forming surface) connecting these two planes is formed. Therefore, the front frame component 21 has a wall portion 40 formed between the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26 and the second wiring forming surface 43.

[0088] Furthermore, the slope of the base end face of the wall portion 40, namely the second wiring forming surface 43, slopes from the base end side of the first wiring forming surface 42 toward the front end side of the third wiring forming surface 44.

[0089] In addition, the third wiring forming surface 44 on the base end side constitutes a cable connection surface. On the cable connection surface, four rectangular pads 51b to 54b are arranged side by side at a predetermined separation distance in a direction orthogonal to the central axis X, serving as cable connection electrodes for connecting the core wires 61a to 64 of four cables 61 to 64 for power supply and signal.

[0090] Conductive paths, namely four wiring patterns 51-54, are formed on the first to third wiring forming surfaces 42-44, connecting the four contact patterns 51a-54a formed on the mounting surface 26a with the four pads 51b-54b formed on the third wiring forming surface 44. That is, the four wiring patterns 51-54 are formed from the first wiring forming surface 42 across the second wiring forming surface 43.

[0091] Here, the four wiring patterns 51 to 54 formed on the first wiring forming surface 42 are matched with the electrodes, i.e., the four terminals 33a, of a very small camera module 30, for example, which are 1 mm square. The separation distance d between the adjacent length center axes e1 to e4 is set to be short (small). In addition, the separation distance d between the four wiring patterns 51 to 54 on the first wiring forming surface 42 is, for example, formed to be the same as the width of the terminals 33a of the camera module 30.

[0092] On the other hand, regarding the four wiring patterns 51 to 54 formed on the third wiring forming surface 44, considering the workability of connecting each core wire 61a to 64a of the four cables 61 to 64 to the four pads 51b to 54b by solder or the like, the separation distance D of the adjacent length center axes E1 to E4 is set to be longer (larger) than the separation distance d of the four wiring patterns 51 to 54 on the first wiring forming surface 42.

[0093] Therefore, on the inclined surface connecting the first wiring forming surface 42 and the third wiring forming surface 44, namely the second wiring forming surface 43, four wiring patterns 51 to 54 are formed that extend radially inward, i.e., in the direction of the central axis X.

[0094] That is, such as Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the front frame component 21 is configured such that, in a direction orthogonal to the central axis X, the width W of the third wiring forming surface 44 is longer (larger) than the width w of the first wiring forming surface 42 (W > w). Furthermore, the width w of the first wiring forming surface 42 is the same as the width of the mounting surface 26a. That is, the width W of the third wiring forming surface 44 is wider (larger) than the width of the camera module 30.

[0095] Furthermore, the length of the third wiring forming surface 44 along the central axis X is also set to be longer than that of the first wiring forming surface 42, and the third wiring forming surface 44 has a larger surface area than the first wiring forming surface 42.

[0096] Therefore, the surface area of ​​the four pads 51b to 54b formed on the third wiring forming surface 44 can also be increased, thus improving the connectability of each core wire 61a to 64a of the four cables 61 to 64.

[0097] The front-end frame component 21, as described above, is equipped with a camera module 30 and includes an illumination lens 34, a light guide beam 72, and a processing device channel 71. The core wires 61a to 64a of the four cables 61 to 64 are connected to the four pads 51b to 54b of the corresponding third wiring forming surface 44 via solder or the like.

[0098] In addition, when installing the camera module 30 onto the front frame component 21, electrical connections based on reflow soldering are made between the four terminals 33a of the imaging element 33 and the corresponding four contact patterns 51a to 54a of the mounting surface 26a.

[0099] And, as Figure 9 As shown, the front frame component 21 is assembled to the front end 6 of the insertion part 2. At the front end of the insertion part 2, four cables 61-64 extending from the front frame component 21 into the insertion part 2 are bent radially inward, i.e., towards the central axis X, within the foremost bending block 22A. Then, the four cables 61-64 are bundled together and inserted into the insertion part 2 at the base end from the front end of the bending part 7 in a direction along the central axis X.

[0100] For example, one of the cables 61 to 64 is configured such that, relative to the central axis B1 of the front end connected to the front end frame member 21, the central axis B2 of the portion extending from the bend 7 towards the base end is offset radially inward by a predetermined distance B. That is, compared to the central axis B1, the central axis B2 is positioned closer to the central axis X by a distance B.

[0101] In addition, the treatment device channel 71 is also bent radially inward from the front end frame member 21 to the central axis X side as specified, and inserted into the insertion part 2 on the base end side from the front end part of the bent part 7 in the direction along the central axis X.

[0102] That is, the treatment device channel 71 is configured such that, relative to the central axis C1 of the front end portion mounted on the front end frame member 21, the central axis C2 of the portion extending from the bend 7 towards the base end is offset radially inward by a predetermined distance C. In other words, the central axis C2 is positioned closer to the central axis X by a distance C than the central axis C1. Furthermore, regarding the cores of the treatment device channel 71, i.e., the central axes C1 and C2, the portions excluding the bend are approximately parallel to the core of the front end member 21, i.e., the central axis X.

[0103] Thus, the positions where the four cables 61-64 and the treatment device channel 71 are inserted from the front end of the bending section 7 toward the base end are radially inward compared to the position where they are connected to the front end frame member 21 (arranged in a manner close to the central axis X). In this way, the four cables 61-64 and the treatment device channel 71 are inserted into the insertion section 2 at positions that do not interfere with the four bending operation lines 65a-65d that rotate the plurality of bending blocks 22 (22A).

[0104] In addition, four bending operation lines 65a to 65d are disposed on the inner periphery of the base end of the foremost bending block 22A, and are connected to four line fixing parts 66a to 66d protruding radially inward by brazing 68 or the like. Furthermore, the four bending operation lines 65a to 65d are freely inserted and held in multiple line guides 67a to 67d, which are configured to protrude radially inward from the inner periphery of the multiple bending blocks 22.

[0105] In addition, the four cables 61 to 64 and the treatment device channel 71 are arranged in the bend 7 so as not to interfere with the four wire fixing parts 66a to 66d that protrude radially inward and the multiple wire guides 67a to 67d.

[0106] That is, the four cables 61 to 64 and the treatment device channel 71 are arranged such that, starting from the front end of the four line fixing parts 66a to 66d that fix the front end of each bending operation line 65a to 65d that performs the bending operation on the bending part 7, the shape is further bent toward the front end side so that it moves away from the central axis X of the front end frame member 21 in the outward peripheral direction (radially outward).

[0107] like Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the four wire fixing parts 66a-66d and the four wire guides 67a-67d are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the central axis X in the up, down, left, and right directions of the curved part 7. That is, the four wire guides 67a-67d are arranged at positions rotated 45° relative to the wire that is perpendicular to the central axis X and the third wiring forming surface 44 (plane), or at positions rotated 45° relative to the wire that is perpendicular to the central axis X and parallel to the third wiring forming surface 44 (plane).

[0108] For example, when the bending section 7 is bent upwards, the two bending operation lines 65a and 65b on the upper side are pulled, while the two bending operation lines 65c and 65d on the lower side are relaxed. On the other hand, when the bending section 7 is bent downwards, the two bending operation lines 65a and 65b on the upper side are relaxed, while the two bending operation lines 65c and 65d on the lower side are pulled.

[0109] Furthermore, when the bending section 7 is bent to the left, the two bending operation lines 65b and 65c are pulled, while the two bending operation lines 65a and 65d are relaxed. On the other hand, when the bending section 7 is bent to the right, the two bending operation lines 65b and 65c are relaxed, while the two bending operation lines 65a and 65d are pulled.

[0110] By performing various combinations of traction and relaxation operations on these four bending operation lines 65a to 65d, the bent portion 7 can be bent in all directions around the central axis X. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As shown, the optical guide beam 72 is covered by an outer sheath 72a inside the insertion part 2.

[0111] The endoscope 1 of this embodiment, configured as described above, is configured such that, using MID technology, four contact patterns 51a to 54a are formed on the front end frame member 21 disposed at the front end portion 6 of the insertion portion 2, which are electrically connected to the terminal 33a of the camera module 30. Furthermore, conductive paths, namely wiring patterns 51 to 54, are formed on the first wiring forming surface 42 of the plane and the second wiring forming surface 43 of the slope, which electrically connect these four contact patterns 51a to 54a to four pads 51b to 54b of the third wiring forming surface 44, which serves as the cable connection surface.

[0112] Furthermore, the front end frame member 21 is configured such that the third wiring forming surface 44, on which four pads 51b to 54b are formed, has a stepped portion relative to the central axis X side of the first wiring forming surface 42, which faces radially inward. Therefore, the front end frame member 21 can ensure space above the third wiring forming surface 44 for laterally arranged and connected cables 61 to 64. That is, in the front end portion 6, space A can be formed above the third wiring forming surface 44 of the front end frame member 21, forming a structure in which four cables 61 to 64 are connected.

[0113] Therefore, the front frame member 21 does not need to expand radially outward to ensure space for connecting the four cables 61-64, thus suppressing the thickening of the front frame member 21. That is, the base portion of the front frame member 21 (especially the front end side of the cable fixing portions 66a-66d) is often a dead space. By effectively utilizing such dead spaces by forming a stepped portion, space (space A) for connecting the four cables 61-64 can be ensured within the front end portion 6 without thickening the front frame member 21. As a result, the thickening of the front end portion 6 of the endoscope 1 is also suppressed, allowing for a thinner insertion portion 2.

[0114] Furthermore, the space A connecting the four cables 61 to 64 is formed at a position closer to the front end of the four wire fixing parts 66a to 66d that fix the front end portion of the four bending operation lines 65a to 65d.

[0115] Therefore, although they overlap with the four wire fixing parts 66a to 66d in the projection along the central axis X, they are positioned offset in the front-back direction along the central axis X. Thus, it is possible to prevent the connection parts connecting the four pads 51b to 54b of the third wiring forming surface 44 to the core wires 61a to 64a of the four cables 61 to 64 from interfering with the four wire fixing parts 66a to 66d.

[0116] Furthermore, the third wiring forming surface 44 is wider (larger) than the camera module 30, thus expanding the area where the four pads 51b to 54b are formed. Therefore, the surface area and spacing of the four pads 51b to 54b can be increased.

[0117] Therefore, even if the electronic component, namely the camera module 30, mounted on the front end 6 of the insertion part 2 is a very small camera unit, which is a CSP (Chip Size Package) that integrates the lens unit 32 and the imaging element 33, the connection operation of each core wire 61a to 64a of the four cables 61 to 64 based on solder or the like becomes easy.

[0118] Based on the above description, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment can improve the connectivity of the multiple cables 61 to 64 provided in the front end frame member 21 of the front end portion 6 of the insertion portion 2.

[0119] (First variation)

[0120] like Figure 12 As shown, the third wiring forming surface 44 of the front frame component 21 is made into an arc surface instead of a plane, thereby further increasing the spacing (interval) of the four pads 51b to 54b.

[0121] (Second variation)

[0122] like Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 As shown, the front frame component 21 may also be configured to have a third wiring forming surface 44a formed from the second wiring forming surface 43 toward the base end side, and a fourth wiring forming surface 44b formed with a stepped portion at a predetermined height H toward the central axis X side relative to the third wiring forming surface 44a.

[0123] Furthermore, the front frame component 21 has two inner pads 52b and 53b formed on the third wiring forming surface 44a, and two outer pads 51b and 54b formed on the fourth wiring forming surface 44b. The two pads 51b and 54b and the two pads 52b and 53b are formed such that they are offset by a predetermined distance L1 along the front-rear direction of the central axis X via the central axes Y1 and Y2.

[0124] Alternatively, two outer pads 51b and 54b can be formed on the third wiring forming surface 44a, and two inner pads 52b and 53b can be formed on the fourth wiring forming surface 44b. Alternatively, four pads 51b to 54b can be formed alternately in a direction orthogonal to the central axis X.

[0125] By setting the structure in this way, the four pads 51b to 54b are positioned in two directions orthogonal to the central axis X, and staggered in the vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, the solder-based connection workability of each core wire 61a to 64a of the four cables 61 to 64 can be further improved.

[0126] Furthermore, the long distance between the joints of the four cables 61 to 64 makes them less susceptible to noise interference.

[0127] (Second Implementation)

[0128] Next, an endoscope 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regarding the description of the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, detailed descriptions of the structures described in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used.

[0129] like Figure 15 As shown, the front end frame member 21 of the insertion part 2 of the endoscope 1 in this embodiment is provided with through holes 73 (four in this case). The through holes 73 are penetrated to the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26 by a laser beam L that irradiates a designated area of ​​the circuit pattern on the inclined surface, i.e. the second wiring forming surface 43, located on the base end side of the wall part 40 along the central axis X.

[0130] Furthermore, regarding the four through holes 73, since a laser beam L, which is approximately parallel to the central axis X, is irradiated from the second wiring forming surface 43, the four through holes 73 each become approximately conical holes with a larger diameter on the second wiring forming surface 43 side and a smaller diameter on the mounting surface 26a side. That is, the through holes 73 become holes with a pointed front end side having a hole axis parallel to the central axis X of the front end frame member 21.

[0131] Furthermore, a metal film is also deposited on the inner peripheral surface of the four through holes 73 of the front frame component 21 during the electroless plating process for forming the metal pattern, such as... Figure 16 As shown, four through electrodes 81a to 84a are formed, each having a front opening 73a and a base opening 73b of the same diameter.

[0132] In addition, the four through electrodes 81a to 84a conform to the shape of the through hole 73 and become a slender tube with a hole axis parallel to the central axis X of the front frame member 21, having a small diameter at the front opening 73a and a large diameter at the base opening 73b.

[0133] In addition, such as Figure 17 As shown, the front frame component 21 has four circular contact pads 81-84 on the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26, which are respectively connected to the through electrodes 81a-84a. These four contact pads 81-84 are electrically connected to the electrical contacts, i.e., the four terminals 33a, of the camera module 30.

[0134] And, as Figure 18 As shown, the front frame component 21 forms four wiring patterns 51 to 54 as a pattern on the second wiring forming surface 43 and the third wiring forming surface 44, which are respectively connected to the through electrodes 81a to 84a. These four wiring patterns 51 to 54 are also connected to the four pads 51b to 54b of the third wiring forming surface 44.

[0135] In addition, the four through electrodes 81a to 84a have a cross-sectional shape where the base opening 73b is larger than the front opening 73a. Therefore, the second wiring forming surface 43 is arranged more widely than the spacing (width between terminals 33a) of the camera module 30.

[0136] Furthermore, regarding the four through electrodes 81a to 84a, the width is increased by increasing the spacing between the four pads 51b to 54b formed on the third wiring forming surface 44, which are connected via the four wiring patterns 51 to 54. As a result, it becomes easier to connect the core wires 61a to 64a of the cables 61 to 64 based on solder or the like.

[0137] Thus, regarding the front-end frame component 21 of this embodiment, compared to the structure of the first embodiment, by providing four through electrodes 81a to 84a on the wall portion 40, the distance between the four contact pads 81 to 84 on the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26 and the four pads 51b to 54b on the third wiring forming surface 44 can be shortened. As a result, the resistance to ambient electrical noise is improved.

[0138] Furthermore, one of the conductive paths for transmitting signals to the camera module 30, which serves as the imaging unit, namely the four through electrodes 81a to 84a, is formed on the radially inner side of the front frame member 21, i.e., on the central axis X side, away from the outer surface of the front end portion 6 of the insertion portion 2. Therefore, it is not easy to perceive electrical noise from the surroundings. Thus, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment can make the camera module 30 mounted on the front frame member 21 less susceptible to the influence of electrical noise from the surroundings.

[0139] In addition, the four through holes 73 of the wall portion 40 of the front frame component 21 are perforated by the laser beam L during surface activation when forming metal patterns using MID technology, thus reducing processing time.

[0140] Furthermore, here, a laser beam L is irradiated at the positions where the four through holes 73 are formed and the positions where the wiring patterns 51 to 54 are formed. By setting the irradiation direction of the laser beam L from the base end side to one direction, the irradiation angle of the laser beam forming the four through holes 73 is set to be the same, thereby improving the processing efficiency.

[0141] (First variation)

[0142] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the four through electrodes 81a to 84a can also be arranged in a row in the lateral direction with the base opening 73b provided on the second wiring forming surface 43. This allows the height direction (one peripheral direction of the front frame member 21) of the wall portion 40 to be kept low, thus suppressing the enlargement of the outer diameter of the front end portion 6. That is, the through electrodes 81a and 84a on both sides are formed at a predetermined angle upwards relative to the central axis X of the front frame member 21.

[0143] Furthermore, the two contact pads 81 and 84 located on the upper side of the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26 can also be formed such that the upper ends of the front opening 73a and the base opening 73b are approximately the same height. This prevents interference between the two contact pads 81 and 84 and between the wiring patterns 51 and 54, and suppresses the influence on the outer diameter, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the front frame component 21.

[0144] (Second variation)

[0145] like Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the four through electrodes 81a to 84a can also be configured such that the spacing between the base openings 73b of the second wiring forming surface 43 increases. That is, the four through electrodes 81a to 84a are formed such that the center separation distance of their respective base openings 73b increases.

[0146] Additionally, the position of the base opening 73b can be determined by making the lengths of the four through electrodes 81a to 84a approximately the same. By matching the lengths of the four through electrodes 81a to 84a in their length directions, the diameter of the opening on the incident side formed by the laser beam L can be fixed, and the diameters of the four base openings 73b can also be made approximately the same.

[0147] In addition, the laser beam L forming the through hole 73 is irradiated at the inclined surface of the base end side of the wall portion 40, i.e., the second wiring forming surface 43, with the irradiation position tilted relative to the central axis X of the front end frame member 21, and irradiates radially outward away from the central axis X towards the front end side.

[0148] The two through holes 73 at the top and the two through holes 73 at the bottom are formed with different angles of inclination relative to the central axis X, and the two through holes 73 on the left and right are in opposite directions of inclination.

[0149] Furthermore, four through electrodes 81a to 84a are formed in a direction that matches the tilt of the through holes 73 formed respectively.

[0150] In addition, the two upper-side base openings 73b of the four through electrodes 81a to 84a are formed such that the height of the upper end is approximately the same as that of the front opening 73a, or decreases towards the radially inward side of the front frame member 21, i.e., the central axis X side. This prevents interference between the two contact pads 81 and 84 and between the wiring patterns 51 and 54, and suppresses the influence on the outer diameter, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the front frame member 21.

[0151] (Third variation)

[0152] like Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, the four through electrodes 81a to 84a can also be arranged in a row laterally with a large interval between the base openings 73b of the second wiring forming surface 43. Here, the laser beam L forming the through hole 73 is also irradiated at the inclined surface of the second wiring forming surface 43 on the base side of the wall portion 40, which is also inclined relative to the central axis X of the front end frame member 21, irradiating radially outward away from the central axis X towards the front end side.

[0153] Furthermore, the two upper through holes 73 and the two lower through holes 73 are formed with different angles of inclination relative to the central axis X, and the two left and right through holes 73 are incised in opposite directions. Additionally, four through electrodes 81a to 84a are formed in directions matching the inclination of the respective through holes 73.

[0154] By arranging the base openings 73b of the four through electrodes 81a to 84a in a row, the front frame component 21 can suppress the height direction of the wall portion 40 to be low, thereby suppressing the large diameter of the front frame component 21.

[0155] (Fourth variation)

[0156] like Figure 25 As shown, four through electrodes 81a to 84a are formed in such a way that the spacing P1 between the centers of the front opening 73a and the spacing P2 between the centers of the base opening 73b are increased, and the spacing P3 between the centers of the four pads 51b to 54b of the third wiring forming surface 44 is smaller (P1 < P2 < P3). This allows the height of the wall portion 40 of the front frame member 21 to be kept low, and the length difference in the length direction of the four through electrodes 81a to 84a can be reduced.

[0157] (Fifth variation)

[0158] like Figure 26 and Figure 27 As shown, regarding the four through electrodes 81a to 84a, the base opening 73b of the second wiring forming surface 43 can also be positioned above the front opening 73a in the height direction. That is, the four through electrodes 81a to 84a are formed to be inclined from the base side toward the front side toward the central axis X direction of the front frame member 21.

[0159] The laser beam L forming the through hole 73 is positioned so that the irradiation position of the inclined surface of the base end side of the wall 40, i.e. the second wiring forming surface 43, is inclined relative to the central axis X of the front frame member 21, and irradiates radially inward toward the front end side toward the central axis X.

[0160] Therefore, when forming the through hole 73, the laser beam L can be irradiated obliquely from above to below on the base end side. Thus, considering the irradiation direction that allows the laser beam L to be irradiated only towards the wall portion 40, it is possible to prevent irradiation of other parts of the front end frame member 21.

[0161] (Sixth variation)

[0162] like Figure 28As shown, a laser beam L can also be irradiated from the front side of the front frame component 21 toward the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26, forming four through holes 73. Furthermore, the laser beam L here irradiates approximately parallel to the central axis X of the front frame component 21.

[0163] And, as Figure 29 As shown, four through-holes 73 formed in the wall portion 40 are provided with four through electrodes 81a to 84a. The four through electrodes 81a to 84a are conical in shape with a diameter that tapers toward the base end.

[0164] That is, regarding the four through electrodes 81a to 84a, as follows Figure 30 As shown, the front opening 73a of the mounting surface 26a is large, as... Figure 31 As shown, the base opening 73b of the second wiring forming surface 43 is small.

[0165] In this way, the irradiation direction of the laser beam L when forming the four through electrodes 81a to 84a is from the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26 on the front end side where the camera module 30 is mounted. Therefore, the positions of the contact pads 81 to 84 can be formed with high precision in a manner consistent with the terminals 33a of the camera module 30.

[0166] (Seventh variation)

[0167] like Figure 32 As shown, the camera module 30 mounted on the front frame member 21 can also be configured to have a field of view in a direction orthogonal to the central axis X of the front frame member 21. The lens unit 32 of the camera module 30 has a glass cover that serves as an observation window 31 provided in the side opening of the front frame member 21. The lens unit 32 has a prism 32a that reflects the optical axis O and a protective glass 32b that protects the reflective surface of the prism 32a.

[0168] That is, the endoscope 1 is configured as a side-viewing endoscope by placing the front frame member 21, on which the aforementioned camera module 30 is mounted, at the front end portion 6 of the insertion portion 2. In addition, the camera module 30 may also have a field of view in a direction with a predetermined angle relative to the central axis X of the front frame member 21, and be mounted on a so-called stereoscopic endoscope 1.

[0169] Furthermore, in Figure 32 The example shown is a front frame member 21 with four through electrodes 81a to 84a, but a camera module 30 for side viewing or stereoscopic use can also be mounted on the front frame member 21 of the first embodiment.

[0170] (Eighth variation)

[0171] like Figure 33 as well as Figure 34As shown, in the front frame component 21, the module storage chamber 26 that houses the camera module 30 may be a bottomed rectangular hole with a front opening and the surrounding mounting surface 26a covered.

[0172] Furthermore, the module storage chamber 26 has arc-shaped grooves 91 on the left and right sides along the central axis X. These two grooves 91 form gaps for needle (injection needle) insertion when liquid curing resin (bottom filling) is injected to secure the camera module 30 mounted in the module storage chamber 26.

[0173] Furthermore, when the front-end frame component 21 is equipped with the camera module 30 and the terminals 33a of the camera module 30 are electrically connected to the four contact pads 81-84 of the mounting surface 26a via reflow soldering, such as Figure 35 As shown, the front face 21a is positioned vertically upwards. At this time, the camera module 30 is stably mounted on the mounting surface 26a within the module storage chamber 26.

[0174] Furthermore, the four through electrodes 81a to 84a formed on the front frame component 21 are tubular with a front opening 73a. Therefore, during reflow soldering, there is a possibility that the solder required for joining with the terminal 33a of the camera module 30 may flow into the interior of the through electrodes 81a to 84a, resulting in poor electrical connection or poor mechanical connection.

[0175] Therefore, as Figure 36 As shown, the four contact pads 81 to 84 formed on the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26 are preferably shaped such that the front opening 73a is positioned at a predetermined distance T1 to T4 from the location where the terminal 33a of the camera module 30 is soldered.

[0176] (Ninth variation)

[0177] like Figure 37 As shown, the front frame component 21 may also form a recess 92 in the second small diameter portion 37 that fits into the front bending block 22A. The recess 92 accommodates the two line fixing portions 66a and 66c provided on the left and right sides of the front end portion of the front bending block 22A.

[0178] like Figure 38 and Figure 39 As shown, the foremost bending block 22A is configured with four wire fixing parts 66a to 66d arranged in the up, down, left, and right directions. Two wire fixing parts 66a and 66c are arranged on the front end side, and two wire fixing parts 66b and 66d are arranged on the base end side. That is, the two wire fixing parts 66a and 66c, and the two wire fixing parts 66b and 66d are respectively arranged in opposite positions rotated 180° around the central axis X.

[0179] That is, the line fixing portions 66a to 66d in the circumferentially adjacent directions of the bending block 22A are arranged at approximately equal intervals and at positions rotated 90° around the central axis X. In addition, the bending block 22 is similarly provided with line guides 67a to 67d in the up, down, left, and right directions.

[0180] In addition, the foremost bending block 22A has two vertically oriented line fixing parts 66b and 66d at its base end.

[0181] In this way, by providing recessed grooves 92 for the two line fixing parts 66a and 66c that accommodate the bent block 22A in the front frame component 21, positioning in the up, down, left and right directions around the central axis X can be easily achieved when the front frame component 21 is engaged with the bent block 22A.

[0182] Furthermore, regarding the four cables 61 to 64, the connection portion that connects to the four pads 51b to 54b of the third wiring forming surface 44 is located in the X direction of the central axis (at a position orthogonal to the central axis X) at a position approximately the same as the two wire fixing portions 66a and 66c housed in the recessed groove 92 on the front end side.

[0183] Therefore, the front frame component 21 is configured such that by making the length of the second small diameter portion 37 on which the pads 51b to 54b are formed in the X direction of the central axis fit with the foremost bending block 22A, the front end portion 6 of the rigid portion that becomes the insertion portion 2 can be extended to ensure the connection strength with the bending block 22A.

[0184] Furthermore, by bonding and fixing the second small-diameter portion 37 to the fitting portion of the bending block 22A, the airtightness (watertightness) within the front frame component 21 can be improved. As a result, the electrical insulation of the connection portions, etc., where the four cables 61-64 are connected to the four pads 51b-54b can be ensured.

[0185] Furthermore, the second small-diameter portion 37 includes a connection portion where four cables 61-64 connect to the pads 51b-54b of the third wiring forming surface 44, and is bonded and fixed to the fitted bending block 22A. In this state, the two wire fixing portions 66a and 66c and the recessed groove 92 are also bonded and fixed, thus improving the bonding strength between the front frame member 21 and the bending block 22A.

[0186] (Tenth variation)

[0187] like Figure 40 as well as Figure 41As shown, the front frame component 21 may also form an arc-shaped rib 37a of a predetermined length along the central axis X at the front end of the second small-diameter portion 37 of the fitting portion, which serves as the front end portion of the foremost curved block 22A. Furthermore, the second wiring forming surface 43A here is not an inclined surface, but a vertical surface parallel to the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26 and orthogonal to the central axis X.

[0188] Therefore, regarding the front end frame component 21, the front end portion of the second small diameter portion 37 becomes an integral mating surface around its outer periphery through the rib 37a for the frontmost bending block 22A to fit into, thereby increasing the fixing force with the bending block 22A.

[0189] Furthermore, regarding the front frame component 21, four pads 51b to 54b are formed in the area where the rib 37a extends towards the base end in the third wiring forming surface 44, which serves as the cable connection surface. As a result, the rib 37a does not become an obstacle, and the core wires 61a to 64a of the cables 61 to 64 can be easily electrically connected to the four pads 51b to 54b using solder or the like.

[0190] Furthermore, on one side of the front frame component 21 inside the rib 37a, specifically the left side when viewed from the front end, a slope 43a is formed from the second wiring forming surface 43A to the third wiring forming surface 44. On this slope 43a, four wiring patterns 51 to 54 are formed from the second wiring forming surface 43A, which is orthogonal to the central axis X, toward the third wiring forming surface 44, which is parallel to the central axis X.

[0191] Regarding the front frame component 21, by providing an inclined surface 43a within the rib 37a, the laser beam L is more easily irradiated by the inclined surface 43a, which has an angle relative to the central axis X, compared to the case where the laser beam L is irradiated to the inner peripheral surface of the rib 37a parallel to the central axis X. It is also possible to easily form a conductive path constituting four wiring patterns 51 to 54 along the inclined surface 43a.

[0192] That is, the front frame component 21 can easily irradiate the laser beam L onto the second wiring forming surface 43A, which is orthogonal to the central axis X, and the third wiring forming surface 44, which extends from the rib 37a to the base end side, but it is difficult to irradiate the laser beam onto the inner peripheral surface of the rib 37a. Therefore, it is possible to form an inclined surface 43a with an angle relative to the central axis X in the rib 37a to easily irradiate the laser beam L.

[0193] In addition, such as Figure 42 As shown, inclined surfaces 43a and 43b can also be formed on the left and right sides of the front frame component 21, respectively. Two wiring patterns 53 and 54 are formed on the left inclined surface 43a facing the paper, and two wiring patterns 51 and 52 are formed on the right inclined surface 43b facing the paper.

[0194] (Eleventh variation)

[0195] Figure 43 and Figure 44 The front frame component 21 shown is a structure formed by combining the ninth and tenth modifications. Other examples include the eighth modification. Figure 36 As shown, a front opening 73a is provided at a position on the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26 that separates from the terminal 33a of the welding camera module 30. This allows the four through electrodes 81a to 84a to be formed as a side facing one side (radially outward of the front frame member 21), which is the right side when viewed from the base end direction.

[0196] Therefore, on the second wiring forming surface 43A, which is orthogonal to the central axis X, four through electrodes 81a to 84a, each having a base opening 73b, are also formed as side portions close to one side.

[0197] Therefore, the second wiring forming surface 43A only needs to have a specified surface area on one side, so that the inclined surface 43a in the rib 37a can be formed from the central side with a larger surface area.

[0198] Furthermore, by increasing the area of ​​the bevel 43a, the front frame member 21 can form a portion of the aperture through which the light guide beam 72 is inserted, i.e., the lighting component storage chamber 28, as a bevel 43a. In addition, the lighting component storage chamber 28 is a recess 28a with an arc-shaped cross-section in the third wiring forming surface 44.

[0199] In addition, four pads 51b to 54b are arranged side by side from the recess 28a on the third wiring forming surface 44 in one direction (radially outward of the front frame member 21) to avoid interference with the optical guide beam 72.

[0200] With this structure, the front frame component 21 can position the light guide beam 72 in a position that does not interfere with the recessed groove 92 of the wire fixing portions 66a-66d where the bending block 22A is disposed, thus reducing its diameter. As a result, the outer diameter of the front end portion 6 of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 can also be reduced, making the insertion portion 2 more compact.

[0201] In the embodiments and variations described above, when soldering the surface pattern of the front frame component 21 of the MID structure to the terminals of the camera module 30, the most efficient production method is to use a reflow soldering process with the surface pattern of the front frame component 21 facing upwards and the terminal side of the camera module 30 facing downwards.

[0202] However, in the case of the direct-viewing endoscope 1, the terminal side of the camera module 30 is the base end direction side of the endoscope 1. Therefore, a mounting surface 26a is formed on the base end side of the module storage chamber 26 such that the camera module 30 can be mounted during reflow soldering and a surface pattern can be formed at a position that can be connected to the terminal of the camera module 30.

[0203] Thus, if the camera module 30 has a mounting surface 26a on the back, in the MID manufacturing process, wiring patterns can only be formed on the surface of the molded body. Therefore, the front frame component 21 is configured to prevent the outer diameter of the front end portion 6 of the endoscope 1 insertion portion 2 from increasing due to the different connection methods of the cables used to connect to the circuits on the camera module 30 and the hand side and the wiring patterns.

[0204] Specifically, regarding the front frame component 21 of the MID structure, by placing the camera module 30 with its front end facing upwards and its base end facing downwards on the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26 and performing reflow soldering, production efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, by setting the cable connection area closer to the shaft core, i.e., the central axis X, than the outer diameter of the front frame component 21, the connection area can be easily expanded. Thus, the configuration allows for easy connection of the front frame component 21 and the cable without increasing the outer diameter of the front end portion 6 of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1.

[0205] In addition, in recent years, in order to meet the requirement of reducing the diameter of the insertion part 2 of the endoscope 1, the camera module 30 has also been continuously miniaturized. The camera module 30 is mounted on the front end 6 of the insertion part 2 of the endoscope 1, and it transmits and receives power and signals for driving, and is electrically connected to an external processor to display the generated camera signal on a monitor.

[0206] This connection is typically via a cable, but with the miniaturization of the camera module 30, the size and width of its terminals are also extremely small, making direct connection with a cable difficult. Therefore, connecting a cable to the terminal portion of the small camera module 30 would increase manufacturing costs.

[0207] Therefore, regarding the front frame component 21, as a MID structure, the front end side faces upward and the base end side faces downward, with the back (lower surface) of the camera positioned downward, and it is placed on the mounting surface 26a of the module storage chamber 26 and reflow soldered. This improves production efficiency and ensures a larger cable connection area, making cable connection easier. Consequently, the endoscope 1 can prevent the outer diameter of the front end portion 6 of the insertion part 2 from becoming too large and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0208] Furthermore, regarding the MID structure, in its manufacturing process, wiring patterns can only be formed on the surface of the molded body. Therefore, when the wiring pattern is led out to the connection position between the camera module 30 and the cable, a conductive path needs to be formed on the outer surface of the front frame component 21. By setting through electrodes 81a to 84a in the conductive path, the circuit length can be prevented from becoming longer and the influence of external noise can be reduced.

[0209] The invention described in the above embodiments and modifications is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, various modifications can be implemented during the implementation phase without departing from its spirit. Moreover, the above embodiments and modifications include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted through appropriate combinations of the disclosed multiple constituent elements.

[0210] For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments and variations, the structure in which the constituent elements are deleted can still be extracted as an invention if the described problem can be solved and the described effect can be obtained.

Claims

1. An endoscope having: The insertion part is inserted into the subject. An imager unit having an objective lens optical system that converts an optical image from the objective lens optical system into an electrical signal; as well as A front frame component, disposed at the front end of the insertion portion, is formed of resin material and mounts the imager unit, characterized in that... The front frame component has: An imager unit mounting area is located on the front end side and mounts the imager unit. A first wiring forming surface is disposed on the front end side. The cable connection surface is located on the base end side; A wall portion extends from the base end side of the first wiring forming surface toward the cable connection surface, and connects the opening of the imager unit mounting area with the opening of the cable connection surface. Multiple contact patterns are formed on the wall of the imager unit mounting area and are electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the imager unit; Multiple wiring patterns, formed from the first wiring forming surface on the surfaces of the wall portion and the cable connection surface, are electrically connected to the multiple contact patterns; and Multiple connection patterns are formed on the cable connection surface at intervals larger than those formed on the wall surface, and are electrically connected to the core wires of the cable disposed in the insertion portion. The spacing between the plurality of wiring patterns formed on the cable connection surface is greater than that between the plurality of wiring patterns formed on the first wiring forming surface.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope has a curved portion that is connected to the base of the front end. The connection portion of the core wire of the cable, which connects to the plurality of connection patterns, is formed between the base end of the wall portion and the front end of the bend portion.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting part is provided to protrude radially inward within the curved part. The connecting part is located at a position closer to the front end than the line fixing part and overlaps with the line fixing part in the projection along the central axis of the front end frame member. The line fixing part fixes the front end of the bending operation line that performs the bending operation on the curved part.

4. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection patterns are arranged side-by-side in the cable connection surface in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the front end frame component.

5. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable connection surface is formed closer to the central axis than both the outer periphery of the wall and the outer periphery of the front frame component.

6. The endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cable connection surface is a plane parallel to the central axis along the central axis.

7. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wiring pattern includes a through electrode formed on the inner surface of a through hole penetrating the wall portion.

8. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end portion of the front end frame component has a roughly circular cross section orthogonal to the central axis.

9. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wiring pattern is electrically connected to the connection pattern from the contact pattern via the outer surface of the wall portion.

10. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope also has a hollow channel that extends from the insertion portion throughout the front end frame component. The channel is configured such that its length axis on the front end side is located outside the front end frame component, and its base end side is located close to the central axis of the front end frame component, extending towards the base end side.

11. The endoscope according to claim 10, characterized in that, The endoscope has a curved portion that is connected to the base of the front end. The channel is configured to extend radially outward from the central axis of the front end frame component from the portion near the front end of the line fixing part, wherein the line fixing part fixes the front end of the bending operation line that performs the bending operation on the bending part.

12. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable is positioned inside the front frame component.

13. A front end frame component of an endoscope, the endoscope having an insertion portion for insertion into a subject, characterized in that, The front end frame component is disposed at the front end of the insertion part. The front frame component has: The imager unit mounting area is equipped with an imager unit that converts the optical image from the objective lens optical system into an electrical signal; A first wiring forming surface is disposed on the front end side. The cable connection surface is located on the base end side; A wall portion extends from the base end side of the first wiring forming surface toward the cable connection surface along the base end side, and connects the opening of the imager unit mounting area and the opening of the cable connection surface. Multiple contact patterns are formed on the wall surface of the imager unit mounting area and are electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the imager unit; Multiple wiring patterns are formed from the first wiring forming surface on the surfaces of the wall portion and the cable connection surface, and are electrically connected to the multiple contact patterns; as well as Multiple connection patterns are formed on the cable connection surface at intervals larger than those formed on the wall portion, and are electrically connected to the core wires of the cable disposed in the insertion portion. The spacing between the plurality of wiring patterns formed on the cable connection surface is greater than that between the plurality of wiring patterns formed on the first wiring forming surface.

14. An insertion portion of an endoscope, wherein the endoscope observes a subject, characterized in that, The insertion part has a front frame component at the front end. The front frame component has: The imager unit mounting area is equipped with an imager unit that converts the optical image from the objective lens optical system into an electrical signal; A first wiring forming surface is disposed on the front end side. The cable connection surface is located on the base end side; A wall portion extends from the base end side of the first wiring forming surface toward the cable connection surface, and connects the opening of the imager unit mounting area and the opening of the cable connection surface. Multiple contact patterns are formed on the wall surface of the imager unit mounting area and are electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the imager unit; Multiple wiring patterns are formed from the first wiring forming surface on the surfaces of the wall portion and the cable connection surface, and are electrically connected to the multiple contact patterns; as well as Multiple connection patterns are formed on the cable connection surface at intervals larger than those formed on the wall portion, and are electrically connected to the core wires of the cable disposed in the insertion portion. The spacing between the plurality of wiring patterns formed on the cable connection surface is greater than that between the plurality of wiring patterns formed on the first wiring forming surface.

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