Photographic device and endoscope

Abstract

The present invention provides a photographic device and an endoscope capable of achieving good optical performance. The photographic device is provided at the front end of an insertion portion of an endoscope having a longitudinal axis, and comprises: a first lens barrel accommodating a first optical system; a second lens barrel disposed at the base end side of the first lens barrel, accommodating the second optical system into which light passing through the first optical system is incident, and having a second lens barrel front end portion as a front end portion, the diameter of the second lens barrel front end portion being smaller than the first lens barrel base end portion as the base end portion of the first lens barrel; a sliding portion surrounding an outer peripheral surface provided at the second lens barrel front end portion and contacting the first lens barrel base end portion; a pressing member fitted from the first lens barrel base end portion to the sliding portion, the pressing member having an inner peripheral surface contacting both the outer peripheral surface of the pressing member base end portion and the outer peripheral surface of the sliding portion; and a movement limiting portion, the movement limiting portion limiting movement of the sliding portion in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis between the pressing member and the first lens barrel base end portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a photographing device provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and an endoscope equipped with the photographing device. Background Art

[0002] Rigid endoscopes are known as endoscopes used for endoscopic surgery and the like. Furthermore, oblique endoscopes are known as rigid endoscopes, which have a field of view that is obliquely forward relative to the longitudinal axis of their insertion portion. For example, an oblique endoscope comprises an outer tube with a cover glass fixed to the front end, an inner tube inserted into the outer tube, and a photographic device provided at the front end of the inner tube.

[0003] The photographic device, for example, comprises a first lens barrel, a second lens barrel, a rotating tube, a first bearing component, a second bearing component, and an imaging element (see patent document 1). The first lens barrel is fixed to the front end portion in the inner tube and houses the strabismus optical system (first optical system). The second lens barrel is arranged on the base end side of the first lens barrel in the inner tube and houses the optical system (second optical system). The rotating tube is connected to the base end portion of the second lens barrel. The first bearing component is arranged between the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube and the outer circumferential surface of the second lens barrel. The second bearing component is arranged between the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating tube. The imaging element is arranged at the base end portion in the second lens barrel and captures light incident through the optical systems of the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel.

[0004] The first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of the photographic device of Patent Document 1 are relatively rotatable along the circumferential direction of the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel via the first bearing component. In addition, in the photographic device of Patent Document 1, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the second lens barrel and the first bearing component.

[0005] Previous technical literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 7713189 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0009] In the photographic device of the three-piece structure consisting of the first lens barrel, the second lens barrel and the bearing component (the first bearing component) described in patent document 1, if errors such as surface tilt (tilt of the optical axis), optical axis deflection (eccentricity of the optical axis) and looseness are generated, optical performance will be adversely affected. Therefore, in the photographic device, it is necessary to strengthen the component precision (machining accuracy) of each component to make the fitting dimensional tolerance very small, and it is also necessary to carry out high-precision optical adjustment, so the positioning, assembly and adjustment processes of each component become complicated. In addition, the number of components increases, and the component precision of each component is required, so the cost increases. In addition, the image quality inspection of the photographic device can be implemented after the assembly and adjustment of each component, so defective products are likely to increase.

[0010] Furthermore, in the imaging device described in Patent Document 1, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the second lens barrel and the first bearing member, which easily causes surface tilt, optical axis deflection, and looseness, adversely affecting optical performance.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device capable of obtaining excellent optical performance and an endoscope including the imaging device.

[0012] Means for solving technical problems

[0013] The photographic device for achieving the purpose of the present invention is a photographic device provided at the front end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope having a longitudinal axis, and comprises: a first lens barrel for accommodating a first optical system; a second lens barrel disposed on the base end side of the first lens barrel, accommodating the second optical system into which light passing through the first optical system is incident, and having a second lens barrel front end portion as a front end portion, the diameter of the second lens barrel front end portion being smaller than the first lens barrel base end portion as the base end portion of the first lens barrel; and a sliding portion provided around the second lens barrel. The outer circumferential surface of the front end portion is in contact with the base end portion of the first lens barrel; and a pressing component is embedded from the base end portion of the first lens barrel over the sliding portion, the pressing component having: an inner circumferential surface of the pressing component is in contact with both the outer circumferential surface of the base end portion of the first lens barrel and the outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion; and a movement limiting portion, the movement limiting portion limits the movement of the sliding portion in the longitudinal axis direction between the first lens barrel and the base end portion of the first lens barrel, and the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are rotatable relative to each other along the circumferential direction of the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel via the sliding portion and the pressing component.

[0014] According to this imaging device, complicated optical adjustments are not required during assembly, and surface tilting, optical axis deflection, and looseness of the first and second optical systems are prevented, thereby achieving good optical performance.

[0015] In a photographing device according to another aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit is provided that captures an image of light incident through the first optical system and the second optical system.

[0016] In the imaging device according to another aspect of the present invention, the imaging unit includes: a refracting optical element for refracting light incident from the second optical system; and an imaging element for capturing the light refracted by the refracting optical element.

[0017] In the imaging device according to another aspect of the present invention, the imaging section includes an imaging element that is arranged on the proximal end side of the second optical system and has a light receiving surface that is orthogonal to the optical axis of the second optical system.

[0018] In a photographing device according to another aspect of the present invention, a cylindrical bracket is provided, the cylindrical bracket being connected and fixed to the second lens barrel from the base end side of the second lens barrel and holding the imaging unit.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, the second lens barrel and the sliding portion are formed separately, and the sliding portion is externally fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion of the second lens barrel. Thus, the sliding portion can be formed of a material different from that of the second lens barrel, for example, a material that has good sliding properties with the first lens barrel and the pressing member.

[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention, a photographic device includes: a first protruding portion disposed around the front end of the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion of the second lens barrel; and a fitting hole formed in the base end surface of the first lens barrel, which is the end surface on the base end side of the base end portion of the first lens barrel, for fitting with the first protruding portion. The sliding portion is externally fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion of the second lens barrel in a state of contact with the first protruding portion from the base end side of the first lens barrel. Thus, the sliding portion can be brought into contact with the first base end surface of the first lens barrel, using the first protruding portion and the fitting hole as guides.

[0021] In another embodiment of the present invention, the photographing device includes an integrally molded body formed by integrating the second lens barrel front end portion of the second lens barrel and the sliding portion, thereby reducing the number of steps required to assemble the photographing device.

[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sliding portion is made of a material different from that of the first lens barrel and the pressing member, thereby preventing the sliding portion from adhering (so-called bonding) to the first lens barrel and the pressing member.

[0023] In another embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member inner circumference includes a fixed area fixed to the outer circumference of the first lens barrel base end portion and a sliding area in which the outer circumference of the sliding portion slidably contacts, thereby enabling the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel to rotate relative to each other along their circumferential directions.

[0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, an imaging device includes an antireflection layer formed on the inner circumferential surface of a first lens barrel and an inner circumferential surface of a second lens barrel, wherein the surface of the first lens barrel that contacts the sliding portion and the surface of the sliding portion that contacts the first lens barrel and the pressing member are surfaces not formed with the antireflection layer. This suppresses light reflection within the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel, while ensuring high dimensional accuracy of the sliding surface between the first lens barrel and the sliding portion, and the sliding surface between the sliding portion and the pressing member.

[0025] In the imaging device according to another aspect of the present invention, the base end portion of the first lens barrel is a diameter-enlarged portion having a diameter larger than that of other portions of the first lens barrel.

[0026] In the imaging device according to another aspect of the present invention, the outer diameter of the base end portion of the first lens barrel is the same as the outer diameter of the sliding portion.

[0027] In an imaging device according to another embodiment of the present invention, a first lens barrel base end face, which is an end face on the base end side of the first lens barrel base end portion, and a sliding portion front end face, which is an end face on the front end side of the sliding portion, are surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The sliding portion front end face contacts the first lens barrel base end face, and a movement restricting portion restricts axial movement of the sliding portion between the sliding portion front end face and the first lens barrel base end face. Thus, axial movement of the sliding portion can be restricted while the sliding portion front end face abuts against the first lens barrel base end face.

[0028] In an imaging device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the base end portion of the pressing member extends further toward the base end side than the base end portion of the sliding member. The movement restricting portion is a second protruding portion disposed around the inner circumferential surface of the pressing member and disposed at the base end portion of the pressing member. The second protruding portion contacts the base end surface of the sliding member, which is the end surface on the base end side of the sliding member, and restricts axial movement of the sliding member between the second protruding portion and the base end surface of the first lens barrel. The contact surface between the base end surface of the sliding member and the second protruding portion in contact with the base end surface of the sliding member is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Thus, axial movement of the sliding member can be restricted.

[0029] In the imaging device according to another aspect of the present invention, the first optical system is an oblique optical system that guides light incident from a direction oblique to the vertical axis to the second optical system.

[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, a photographic device includes a squinting optical system having a light incident surface tilted from a vertical axis. The photographic device comprises: a cylindrical cover disposed at and covering the front end of a first lens barrel; a tilted cover glass disposed within the cover at the front end thereof, the tilt angle of the light incident surface matching the tilt angle of the light incident surface; and a positioning portion disposed within the first lens barrel and engaging with an engaged portion disposed within the cover to position the circumferential rotational position of the first lens barrel within the cover at a position where the light incident surface and the cover glass face each other. This facilitates attachment of the cover to the first lens barrel.

[0031] Another embodiment of the present invention includes an imaging device comprising: an imaging unit for capturing incident light passing through a first optical system and a second optical system; and a cable connected to the imaging unit, wherein the cable base end portion, opposite to the cable tip end portion connected to the imaging unit, is configured to be twisted and deformable. This prevents the cable from being disconnected when the second lens barrel is rotated relative to the first lens barrel in its circumferential direction.

[0032] An endoscope for achieving the object of the present invention includes: an insertion portion having a longitudinal axis; and the above-mentioned imaging device provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion.

[0033] In an endoscope according to another embodiment of the present invention, a photographing device includes an imaging unit that captures light incident through a first optical system and a second optical system; and a cylindrical bracket that is connected and fixed to the second lens barrel from the proximal end side of the second lens barrel and holds the imaging unit. The endoscope also includes a cylindrical torque tube that is rotatable in a circumferential direction; and a connecting tube that is a cylindrical connecting tube that connects the bracket and the torque tube and transmits rotational torque of the torque tube to the bracket. The use of the torque tube can suppress the transmission of torque other than rotational torque to the connecting tube, thereby improving the durability of the connecting tube, etc.

[0034] Effects of the Invention

[0035] The present invention can achieve good optical performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram of an endoscope system including the oblique viewing mirror according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the photographic device.

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of the first lens barrel, the second lens barrel, the sliding portion, and the pressing member of the photographic device shown in FIG.

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded view of the photographic device shown.

[0041] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining how to attach the cover to the first lens barrel.

[0042] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the connecting pipe.

[0043] Figure 8These are explanatory diagrams for explaining the assembly of the imaging device according to the first embodiment, particularly the assembly of the first lens barrel, the second lens barrel, the sliding portion, and the pressing member.

[0044] Figure 9 These are explanatory diagrams for explaining the assembly of the imaging device according to the first embodiment, particularly the assembly of the first lens barrel, the second lens barrel, the sliding portion, and the pressing member.

[0045] Figure 10 These are explanatory diagrams for explaining the assembly of the imaging device according to the first embodiment, particularly the assembly of the first lens barrel, the second lens barrel, the sliding portion, and the pressing member.

[0046] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to the second embodiment.

[0047] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the black layer formed on the inner peripheral surfaces of the first barrel and the second barrel.

[0048] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modified example of the imaging unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] [First embodiment]

[0050] Figure 1 FIG is a structural diagram of an endoscope system 12 including a cycloscope 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope system 12 includes a cycloscope 10 corresponding to the endoscope of the present invention, a processor device 14 , a monitor 16 , and a light source device 18 .

[0051] The strabismus 10 is a so-called rigid scope and includes an insertion portion 20, an operating portion 22, and a photographic device 24. The insertion portion 20 is formed into a roughly cylindrical shape and is inserted into the patient's body. The insertion portion 20 has a front end, a base end, and a longitudinal axis Ax. A photographic device 24 (also referred to as a camera unit) is provided at the front end of the insertion portion 20. In addition, a signal cable 26 (equivalent to the cable of the present invention) and a light guide 28 (fiber optic cable) are inserted through the insertion portion 20. In addition, to prevent complication of the drawings, the light guide 28 in the insertion portion 20 is omitted.

[0052] The signal cable 26 and the signal cable 27 described later connect the imaging device 24 and the processor unit 14. The distal end of the signal cable 26 is connected to the imaging device 24, while the proximal end of the signal cable 26 is connected to an airtight connector (not shown) provided on the partition wall 23b described later. The distal end (light emitting end face) of the light guide 28 is provided on the distal end face of the insertion portion 20, and the proximal end (light incident end face) is connected to the light source unit 18.

[0053] The operation portion 22 is connected to the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 20. The operation portion 22 includes a base portion 22a, a rotating portion 22b, and an airtight casing 22c.

[0054] The base 22a is formed into a generally cylindrical shape parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax. The rotating portion 22b is held at the distal end of the base 22a so as to be rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis Ax along its circumferential direction. In this specification, the term "circumferential direction" refers to the direction around the longitudinal axis Ax or an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax.

[0055] The rotating portion 22b is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax. The outer sleeve 30 (see FIG. 20 ) described later is connected to the front end of the rotating portion 22b. Figure 2 By rotating the rotating portion 22b relative to the base portion 22a along its circumferential direction, the viewing direction (observation direction, reference direction) of the oblique mirror 10 can be adjusted. Figure 2 The optical axis OA) rotates in the same direction.

[0056] The airtight housing 22c is provided inside the rotating portion 22b. The airtight housing 22c is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax. Figure 2 The cover glass 39 and the outer cylinder 32 together form an airtight space. The outer cylinder 32 is connected to the front end of the airtight housing 22c. Inside the airtight housing 22c, the cable holding portion 23a is held rotatably along its circumferential direction, and a partition wall 23b is provided.

[0057] The cable holding portion 23a has a shape extending along the longitudinal axis Ax and holds the signal cable 26. In addition, a torque tube 64 (see FIG. 1 ) described later is connected to the front end of the cable holding portion 23a. Figure 7 ), and the base 22a is connected to the base end of the cable holding portion 23a. Therefore, the rotating portion 22b and the airtight housing 22c and the cable holding portion 23a, the signal cable 26 and the base 22a can rotate independently of each other, and the rotation of one is not transmitted to the other.

[0058] The partition wall 23b hermetically seals the opening at the base end of the airtight space formed by the airtight housing 22c and the like. An airtight connector (not shown) is provided on the partition wall 23b. The base end of the signal cable 26 and the front end of the signal cable 27 are connected via the airtight connector. The base end of the signal cable 27 is connected to the processor device 14. Thus, the imaging device 24 and the processor device 14 are connected via the signal cables 26 and 27.

[0059] The processor device 14 generates a captured image (moving image) of the patient's body based on an imaging signal input from the imaging device 24 via the signal cables 26 and 27 , and displays the captured image on the monitor 16 .

[0060] The light source device 18 supplies illumination light to the light guide 28 , thereby emitting illumination light from a light emission end face of the distal end portion of the light guide 28 provided on the distal end face of the insertion portion 20 .

[0061] Figure 2 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the front end portion of the insertion portion 20. Figure 2 As shown, the insertion portion 20 includes a generally cylindrical outer sleeve 30, an outer tube 32, and a connecting tube 34 (also referred to as an inner tube) parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax. The outer sleeve 30 forms the outer peripheral wall of the insertion portion 20. The opening at the distal end of the outer sleeve 30 is tilted from a position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax. Furthermore, as described above, the base end of the outer sleeve 30 is connected to the rotating portion 22b. Thus, the outer sleeve 30 and the rotating portion 22b rotate integrally.

[0062] The outer tube 32 is inserted through and disposed inside the outer sleeve 30. The base end of a substantially cylindrical cover holding portion 36 parallel to the axis Ax is fitted and fixed to the opening on the distal end side of the outer tube 32. As described above, the base end of the outer tube 32 is connected to the airtight housing 22c.

[0063] The connecting tube 34 is inserted through and disposed inside the outer tube 32. The front end of the connecting tube 34 protrudes further toward the front end of the insertion portion 20 than the front end of the cover holding portion 36. The torque tube 64 (see FIG. 1 ) described later is connected to the base end of the connecting tube 34. Figure 7 ). Then, the imaging device 24 described later is attached to the front end portion of the connecting pipe 34. In addition, the symbol OA in the figure is the optical axis of the optical system of the imaging device 24.

[0064] A cover 38 (also referred to as a housing or a cover) is attached to the front end of the cover holding portion 36 to cover the imaging device 24. The cover 38 constitutes the front end of the insertion portion 20 and is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax. A light incident surface 52a (see FIG. 1 ) is provided at the opening on the front end side of the cover 38 to be aligned with the light incident surface 52a of the later-described oblique optical system 52 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ) of the cover glass 39 in an inclined posture that matches the inclination angle of the cover glass 39.

[0065] A light guide 28 ( Figure 2 , the insertion passage 31 is omitted in the figure).

[0066] [Photographing Device of First Embodiment]

[0067] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 24 . Figure 4 yes Figure 3 FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the first lens barrel 40, the second lens barrel 42, the sliding portion 44, and the pressing member 46 of the imaging device 24 shown in FIG. Figure 5 yes Figure 4The exploded view of the photographic device 24 is shown. Figures 3 to 5 、the above Figure 2 As shown, the imaging device 24 performs imaging in a direction oblique to the longitudinal axis Ax, that is, in an obliquely forward direction of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 20 .

[0068] The imaging device 24 includes a first lens barrel 40 , a second lens barrel 42 , a sliding portion 44 (also referred to as a bearing), a pressing member 46 , a bracket 48 , an imaging unit 50 , and the aforementioned signal cable 26 .

[0069] The first lens barrel 40 is formed into a roughly cylindrical shape parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax by a metal material such as stainless steel. The squint optical system 52 is accommodated in the first lens barrel 40. In addition, an expanded diameter portion 40a having a larger diameter than other parts of the first lens barrel 40 is formed at the first lens barrel base end portion, which is the base end portion of the first lens barrel 40. The outer peripheral surface of the expanded diameter portion 40a is formed parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax.

[0070] The squint optical system 52 (equivalent to the first optical system of the present invention) is composed of, for example, a plurality of lenses and prisms. It has a light incident surface 52a, which is inclined perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis Ax and faces the cover glass 39, and a light exit surface 52b, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax. The squint optical system 52 refracts light incident on the light incident surface 52a from a direction inclined relative to the longitudinal axis Ax in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax, and then guides the light from the light exit surface 52b to a lens system 58 within the second lens barrel 42, described later. The structure of the squint optical system 52 is not particularly limited, as long as it can guide light incident from a direction inclined relative to the longitudinal axis Ax to the lens system 58.

[0071] The first lens barrel base end surface 40b, which is the end surface of the base end side of the expanded diameter portion 40a, is formed to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax. A fitting hole 40c is formed on the first lens barrel base end surface 40b. The outer flange 42b of the second lens barrel 42, which will be described later, fits into the fitting hole 40c.

[0072] When the rotating portion 22 b rotates in its circumferential direction, the first barrel 40 rotates in the same direction as the rotating portion 22 b (the circumferential direction of the first barrel 40 ) via the outer sleeve 30 , the outer cylinder 32 , and the cover 38 .

[0073] Figure 6 40 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how to attach the cover 38 to the first lens barrel 40. Figure 6As shown, the first lens barrel 40 is provided with a pin-shaped positioning portion 54 protruding from the front end thereof. This positioning portion 54 engages with the hole-shaped engaged portion 38a formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cover 38. This allows the circumferential rotational position of the first lens barrel 40 within the cover 38 to be positioned at a position where the light incident surface 52a and the cover glass 39 face each other. As a result, the cover 38 can be easily attached to the first lens barrel 40. Furthermore, the shape and structure of the positioning portion 54 and the engaged portion 38a can be modified as appropriate.

[0074] from Figure 2 Back to Figure 5 The second lens barrel 42 is disposed on the base end side of the first lens barrel 40. The first lens barrel 40 and the second lens barrel 42 are relatively rotatable along their circumferential directions via a sliding portion 44 and a pressing member 46 described later.

[0075] The second lens barrel 42 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax by a metal material such as stainless steel. In addition, the entire second lens barrel 42 of this embodiment is formed to have a diameter smaller than the expanded diameter portion 40a. However, as long as the diameter of the second lens barrel front end portion 42a, which is at least the front end portion of the second lens barrel 42, is smaller than the expanded diameter portion 40a, its shape is not particularly limited. Within the second lens barrel 42, a lens system 58 equivalent to the second optical system of the present invention is housed.

[0076] The lens system 58 is composed of a plurality of lenses and has an optical axis OA parallel to Ax. The lens system 58 guides light transmitted through the oblique optical system 52 to the imaging unit 50 described later.

[0077] The front end side of the outer circumferential surface of the second lens barrel front end portion 42a is surrounded by an outer flange 42b equivalent to the first protruding setting portion of the present invention, that is, the outer flange 42b is formed along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface. The outer flange 42b is formed so that its outer diameter matches the diameter of the above-mentioned fitting hole 40c and fits into the fitting hole 40c. In addition, a plurality of engaging claws (not shown) can be surrounded by the outer circumferential surface of the second lens barrel front end portion 42a instead of the outer flange 42b.

[0078] The sliding portion 44 is formed, for example, from ceramic into a generally annular shape parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax. The sliding portion 44 is formed separately from the second lens barrel 42, but is externally fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the second lens barrel front end portion 42a by bonding or other methods, and rotates integrally with the second lens barrel 42 along the circumference thereof. The outer diameter of the sliding portion 44 is formed to be the same as (or substantially the same as) the outer diameter of the expanded diameter portion 40a. The sliding portion 44 contacts the outer flange 42b from the base end side thereof, and also contacts the expanded diameter portion 40a.

[0079] The sliding portion 44 has a sliding portion front end surface 44a as an end surface on the front end side thereof and a sliding portion base end surface 44b as an end surface on the base end side thereof (see FIG. Figure 5 The front end surface 44a of the sliding portion and the base end surface 44b of the sliding portion are both perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax. The front end surface 44a of the sliding portion contacts the base end surface 40b of the first lens barrel and the outer flange 42b. The base end surface 44b of the sliding portion contacts the inner flange 46b of the pressing member 46 described later.

[0080] The pressing member 46 is formed from a metal material such as stainless steel into a generally cylindrical shape parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax. The pressing member 46 is fitted externally from the expanded diameter portion 40a to the sliding portion 44. The pressing member 46 includes a pressing member inner peripheral surface 46a and an inner flange 46b. Furthermore, the base end of the pressing member 46 extends further toward the base end than the base end of the sliding portion 44.

[0081] The pressing member inner circumferential surface 46a contacts both the outer circumferential surface of the enlarged diameter portion 40a and the outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion 44. The pressing member inner circumferential surface 46a includes a fixed area R1 fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the enlarged diameter portion 40a by a method such as bonding, and a sliding area R2 in which the outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion 44 slidably contacts. Thus, the first lens barrel 40 is fixed so as to be unable to rotate along its circumferential direction relative to the pressing member 46, but the sliding portion 44 and the second lens barrel 42 are maintained so as to be able to rotate along its circumferential direction. Therefore, via the sliding portion 44 and the pressing member 46, the first lens barrel 40 and the second lens barrel 42 are able to rotate freely along their circumferential directions relative to each other.

[0082] The inner flange 46b is equivalent to the movement limiting portion and the second protruding setting portion of the present invention, and is arranged around the inner peripheral surface 46a of the pressing member at the base end of the pressing member 46. The inner flange 46b contacts the sliding portion base end surface 44b. In addition, the contact surface (front end surface) of the inner flange 46b that contacts the sliding portion base end surface 44b is also a surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax. Thus, the inner flange 46b restricts the movement of the sliding portion 44 in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis Ax (along the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax, that is, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax) between the inner flange 46b and the first lens barrel base end surface 40b. In addition, a plurality of engaging claws (not shown) arranged around the inner peripheral surface 46a of the pressing member can be used instead of the inner flange 46b.

[0083] If the first lens barrel 40 and the second lens barrel 42 are rotated relative to each other along their circumferential directions, Figure 4 As shown in the sliding surface SC in FIG, the sliding portion front end surface 44a slides (slides in contact) with the first lens barrel base end surface 40b, the outer peripheral surface of the sliding portion 44 slides in the sliding region R2 with the inner peripheral surface 46a of the pressing member, and the sliding portion base end surface 44b slides with the inner flange 46b. At this time, if the sliding portion 44 is formed of the same material (metal material) as at least one of the first lens barrel 40 and the pressing member 46, there is a possibility that the at least one member may be in close contact with the sliding portion 44, so-called bonding (adhesion, welding, or melting).

[0084] Therefore, in this embodiment, the sliding portion 44 is formed of a material different from the first barrel 40 and the pressing member 46 and having good sliding properties with the first barrel 40 and the pressing member 46 (ceramic in this embodiment), thereby preventing the above-mentioned adhesion from occurring.

[0085] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the bracket 48 is formed from a metal material such as aluminum into a generally cylindrical shape parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax. The bracket 48 is connected and fixed (externally fixed) to the base end of the second lens barrel 42 from the base end side of the second lens barrel 42. The bracket 48 is also fitted and fixed into the opening on the front end side of the connecting tube 34. As a result, the second lens barrel 42, the bracket 48, and the connecting tube 34 rotate in a circumferential direction as a whole.

[0086] An imaging unit 50, to be described later, more specifically, a prism 50a of the imaging unit 50, is held in the opening portion on the base end side of the bracket 48. Therefore, the imaging unit 50 rotates integrally with the second lens barrel 42 in the circumferential direction via the bracket 48.

[0087] The imaging unit 50 captures light incident through the oblique optical system 52 and the lens system 58. The imaging unit 50 includes a prism 50a, an imaging element 50b, and a circuit board 50c.

[0088] The prism 50a corresponds to the refracting optical element of the present invention, and as described above, is held in the opening portion on the proximal end side of the bracket 48. The prism 50a refracts light incident through the lens system 58 by 90 degrees.

[0089] The imaging element 50b is fixed to the prism 50a while being mounted on a circuit board 50c, and captures the light refracted by the prism 50a. As the imaging element 50b, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor can be used.

[0090] The circuit board 50c controls the driving of the imaging element 50b. The front end of the signal cable 26 is connected to the circuit board 50c via the connector 60. The circuit board 50c then outputs the imaging signal of the imaging element 50b to the signal cable 26 via the connector 60.

[0091] Figure 7 34 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting pipe. Figure 7As shown, the base end portion of the signal cable 26 connected to the circuit board 50c (imaging unit 50) has a twistable, discrete cable structure 26a at the opposite end. That is, the multiple signal lines of the signal cable 26 are not integrated but rather separated. This prevents the signal cable 26 from breaking when the second lens barrel 42 is rotated relative to the first lens barrel 40 in its circumferential direction, that is, when the imaging unit 50 is rotated in the circumferential direction.

[0092] The distal end of the torque tube 64 is fitted and connected to the opening on the proximal end side of the connecting tube 34 via a connecting member 65. Alternatively, the connecting tube 34 and the torque tube 64 may be directly connected without using the connecting member 65. Furthermore, as described above, the proximal end of the torque tube 64 is connected to the cable holding portion 23a.

[0093] The torque tube 64 is a hose-shaped coil body formed by spirally winding a plurality of bare wires (not shown) along the longitudinal axis Ax. The torque tube 64 transmits the rotational torque of the base 22a (cable holding portion 23a) of the operating unit 22 to the second lens barrel 42 via the connecting tube 34 and the like. The use of the torque tube 64 suppresses the transmission of torque other than the rotational torque to the connecting tube 34 and the like, thereby improving the durability of the connecting tube 34 and the like. Alternatively, a coil body (such as a coil spring) formed by spirally winding a single bare wire along the longitudinal axis Ax can be used as the torque tube 64.

[0094] Furthermore, the rotational torque mentioned here includes, in addition to the torque for rotating the second lens barrel 42 in the circumferential direction relative to the first lens barrel 40, a torque (posture maintaining torque) for maintaining the circumferential posture of the second lens barrel 42 relative to the first lens barrel 40. Thus, even when the rotating portion 22b is rotated to rotate the first lens barrel 40 in its circumferential direction, the circumferential posture of the second lens barrel 42 can be maintained.

[0095] Figures 8 to 10 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the assembly of the photographic device 24 of the first embodiment, particularly the assembly of the first lens barrel 40, the second lens barrel 42, the sliding portion 44, and the pressing member 46. In each figure, the symbol U indicates the upward direction (vertically upward) and the symbol D indicates the downward direction (vertically downward). Figures 8 to 10 In order to prevent the drawing from being complicated, the positioning portion 54 of the first lens barrel 40 is omitted from the drawing as appropriate.

[0096] First, if Figure 8As shown in FIG. 1 , the first lens barrel 40 is placed on the support table 68 with its front end facing downward. Next, the outer flange 42b of the second lens barrel 42, to which the sliding portion 44 is preliminarily fitted and fixed, is fitted into the fitting hole 40c of the first lens barrel 40. Thus, the sliding portion front end surface 44a of the sliding portion 44 is brought into contact with the first lens barrel base end surface 40b of the first lens barrel 40, guided by the outer flange 42b and the fitting hole 40c.

[0097] Then, if Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 4 , an adhesive 70 is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 40a. Figure 10 As shown, after applying the adhesive 70, the pressing member 46 is embedded into the outer peripheral surfaces of both the expanded diameter portion 40a and the sliding portion 44 from the base end side of the second lens barrel 42, and then the inner flange 46b is brought into contact with the sliding portion base end surface 44b. Thus, the pressing member 46 is externally embedded over the outer peripheral surfaces of both the expanded diameter portion 40a and the sliding portion 44, and the pressing member 46 is adhesively fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the expanded diameter portion 40a. At this time, it is preferred to install a counterweight (not shown) on the base end side (upward direction U side) of the inner flange 46b, so that the sliding portion front end surface 44a is reliably brought into contact with the first lens barrel base end surface 40b, and the inner flange 46b is reliably brought into contact with the sliding portion base end surface 44b.

[0098] After the pressing member 46 is bonded and fixed, the bracket 48 is fitted onto the second lens barrel 42, and the prism 50a of the imaging unit 50 is fixed to the opening on the base end side of the bracket 48. The assembly of the imaging device 24 is completed as described above.

[0099] Thus, in the first embodiment, by making the sliding portion front end surface 44a contact the first lens barrel base end surface 40b, and making the inner flange 46b contact the sliding portion base end surface 44b, the parallelism of the first lens barrel 40 and the second lens barrel 42 can be ensured and looseness can be prevented. As a result, the surface tilt (tilt of the optical axis OA) of the squint optical system 52 of the first lens barrel 40 and the lens system 58 of the second lens barrel 42 can be prevented. That is, in the first embodiment, by ensuring the component accuracy (surface accuracy of the sliding surface SC) of the first lens barrel 40, the second lens barrel 42, the sliding portion 44, and the pressing member 46, the above-mentioned surface tilt can be prevented without performing complex optical adjustments when assembling the imaging device 24.

[0100] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the outer flange 42b is fitted into the fitting hole 40c, and the inner circumferential surface 46a of the pressing member is circumscribed with the outer circumferential surfaces of both the expanded diameter portion 40a and the sliding portion 44, thereby enabling automatic alignment of the first lens barrel 40 and the second lens barrel 42. Specifically, in the first embodiment, by ensuring the component accuracy of the first lens barrel 40, the second lens barrel 42, the sliding portion 44, and the pressing member 46, it is possible to prevent optical axis deflection (eccentricity of the optical axis OA) of the strabismus optical system 52 and the lens system 58 without requiring complex optical adjustments when assembling the photographic device 24. Furthermore, the automatic alignment of the first lens barrel 40 and the second lens barrel 42 can be achieved with a relatively small number of components, thereby reducing the cumulative tolerance of each component.

[0101] As described above, in the first embodiment, the occurrence of surface tilt, optical axis deflection, and looseness can be suppressed without requiring complex optical adjustments during assembly of the imaging device 24, thereby achieving excellent optical performance of the imaging device 24. Furthermore, since complex optical adjustments are not required, the occurrence of defective products that would otherwise fail during image quality inspection after assembly and adjustment of the imaging device 24 (oblique mirror 10) can be reduced.

[0102] [Second embodiment]

[0103] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the photographic device 24 of the second embodiment. While the second lens barrel 42 and the sliding portion 44 were formed separately in the photographic device 24 of the first embodiment, the photographic device 24 of the second embodiment comprises an integrally molded body in which the second lens barrel 42 and the sliding portion 44 are integrally formed. The photographic device 24 and the oblique mirror 10 of the second embodiment have essentially the same structure as the first embodiment, except that the second lens barrel 42 and the sliding portion 44 are integrally molded. Therefore, functions and structures identical to those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0104] like Figure 11 Shown, in the 2nd lens barrel 42 of the 2nd embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the 2nd lens barrel front end portion 42a is integrally formed with a sliding portion 44, and the outer flange 42b that forms is omitted. In this case, also identical with above-mentioned 1st embodiment, by making the sliding portion front end face 44a abut against the 1st lens barrel base end face 40b, and making inner flange 46b abut against the sliding portion base end face 44b, can prevent face tilt and looseness. And, by making the outer peripheral surface of pressing member inner peripheral surface 46a and enlarged diameter portion 40a and sliding portion 44 both sides circumscribe, can prevent that optical axis deflection. Its result, can obtain the same effect as 1st embodiment.

[0105] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the second barrel 42 and the sliding portion 44 are formed integrally, so there is no need to fit and fix the sliding portion 44 onto the outer peripheral surface of the second barrel front end portion 42 a , which can reduce the number of assembly steps.

[0106] In addition, if the sliding portion 44 is formed of the same material (metal material) as at least one of the first lens barrel 40 and the pressing member 46, the above-mentioned adhesion may occur. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the first lens barrel 40 and the pressing member 46 are formed of, for example, stainless steel, and the second lens barrel 42 and the sliding portion 44 are formed of, for example, brass, as in the above-mentioned first embodiment. Thus, in the second embodiment, the above-mentioned adhesion can also be prevented. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the material of the sliding portion 44 (second lens barrel 42) and the material of the first lens barrel 40 and the pressing member 46, as long as they are different from each other.

[0107] Figure 12 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the black layer 72 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first lens barrel 40 and the second lens barrel 42. Figure 12 As shown, a black layer 72 (also referred to as a black film), which corresponds to the anti-reflection layer of the present invention, is formed on the inner circumferences of both the first lens barrel 40 and the second lens barrel 42 by a known black treatment such as coating or electroplating. The black layer 72 corresponds to the anti-reflection layer of the present invention and prevents light reflection on the inner circumferences of both the first lens barrel 40 and the second lens barrel 42 by absorbing light.

[0108] At this time, the sliding surfaces SC between the first lens barrel 40 and the sliding portion 44, and the sliding surfaces SC between the sliding portion 44 and the pressing member 46, are required to have high dimensional accuracy. Therefore, in order to eliminate the influence of the thickness tolerance of the black layer 72 caused by the black treatment, the sliding surfaces SC, namely, the first lens barrel base end face 40b, the sliding portion front end face 44a, the outer peripheral surface of the sliding portion 44, and the sliding portion base end face 44b, are designed to be surfaces where the black layer 72 is not formed. This suppresses light reflection within the first lens barrel 40 and the second lens barrel 42, while ensuring high dimensional accuracy of the sliding surfaces SC.

[0109] In addition, in the imaging device 24 of the first embodiment described above, the black layer 72 may be formed on the inner peripheral surfaces of both the first lens barrel 40 and the second lens barrel 42 in the same manner.

[0110] [other]

[0111] Figure 13 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modified example of the imaging unit 50. In the above-mentioned embodiments, the imaging unit 50 refracts the light incident through the oblique optical system 52 and the lens system 58 by the prism 50a and then captures the image through the imaging element 50b. However, the imaging unit 50b may be used to capture the image without refracting the light through the prism 50a. In this case, Figure 13As shown, an imaging element 50b is held in the opening on the base end side of the bracket 48. The imaging element 50b is held in the bracket 48 in a posture perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax (optical axis OA of the lens system 58) and has a light receiving surface RS orthogonal to the optical axis OA of the lens system 58.

[0112] In the above-described embodiments, the pressing member 46 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the expanded diameter portion 40a and is able to slide on the outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion 44. However, the pressing member 46 may also be fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion 44 and be able to slide on the outer circumferential surface of the expanded diameter portion 40a. In this case, an inner flange 46b is provided around the inner circumferential surface 46a of the pressing member at the front end of the pressing member 46. Alternatively, the pressing member 46 may be provided with inner flanges 46b around the inner circumferential surface 46a of the pressing member at both the front end and the base end, allowing the pressing member 46 to slide on both the outer circumferential surface of the expanded diameter portion 40a and the outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion 44.

[0113] In the above embodiments, the expanded diameter portion 40a is formed in the first barrel 40 , but the entire first barrel 40 may be formed with the same outer diameter as the expanded diameter portion 40a .

[0114] In the above-described embodiments, the second barrel front end portion 42 a of the second barrel 42 and the base end portion of the second barrel 42 have the same outer diameter, but the outer diameters thereof may be different.

[0115] In the above-described embodiments, the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 40 a and the outer diameter of the sliding portion 44 are the same, but the outer diameters of the two may be different as long as the pressing member 46 can be fitted thereon.

[0116] In each of the above-described embodiments, the second lens barrel 42 and the bracket 48 are formed as separate bodies, but the two may be integrally formed.

[0117] In the above-described embodiments, the imaging device 24 is provided with the bracket 48 and the imaging unit 50. However, in the imaging device 24 of the present invention, the first lens barrel 40, the second lens barrel 42, the sliding unit 44, and the pressing member 46 can be traded as one unit.

[0118] In the above embodiments, a rigid endoscope is described as an example of the oblique mirror 10, but the present invention is also applicable to the case of a flexible endoscope. In addition, in the above embodiments, the oblique mirror 10 is described as an example of the endoscope of the present invention, but the present invention is also applicable to various endoscopes having a first lens barrel 40 and a second lens barrel 42 and imaging devices thereof.

[0119] Explanation of symbols

[0120] 10- oblique mirror, 12- endoscope system, 14- processor device, 16- monitor, 18- light source device, 20- insertion portion, 22- operation portion, 22a- base, 22b- rotating portion, 22c- airtight housing, 23a- cable holding portion, 23b- partition wall, 24- imaging device, 26- signal cable, 26a- scattered wire structure, 27- signal cable, 28- light guide, 30- outer tube, 31- insertion path, 32- outer tube, 34- connecting tube, 36- cover holding portion, 38- cover, 38a- engaging portion, 39- cover glass, 40- first lens barrel, 40a- enlarged diameter portion, 40b- first lens barrel base end surface, 40c- fitting hole, 42- second lens barrel, 42a- Front end portion of the second lens barrel, 42b-outer flange, 44-sliding portion, 44a-front end surface of the sliding portion, 44b-base end surface of the sliding portion, 46-pressing component, 46a-inner circumferential surface of the pressing component, 46b-inner flange, 48-bracket, 50-camera portion, 50a-prism, 50b-imaging element, 50c-circuit board, 52-oblique optical system, 52a-light incident surface, 52b-light exit surface, 54-positioning portion, 58-lens system, 60-connector, 64-torque tube, 65-connecting component, 68-support platform, 70-adhesive, 72-black layer, Ax-longitudinal axis, OA-optical axis, R1-fixing area, R2-sliding area, RS-light receiving surface, SC-sliding surface.

Claims

1. A photographing device provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope having a longitudinal axis, the photographing device comprising: a first lens barrel accommodating a first optical system; a second lens barrel, disposed on the proximal end side of the first lens barrel, accommodating the second optical system on which the light passing through the first optical system is incident, and having a second lens barrel front end portion as a front end portion, wherein the diameter of the second lens barrel front end portion is smaller than the first lens barrel proximal end portion as the proximal end portion of the first lens barrel; a sliding portion arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion of the second lens barrel and in contact with the base end portion of the first lens barrel; and The pressing member is externally fitted from the base end portion of the first lens barrel to the sliding portion. The pressing component has: The inner peripheral surface of the pressing member contacts both the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion of the first lens barrel and the outer peripheral surface of the sliding portion; and a movement restricting portion that restricts movement of the sliding portion in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis between the movement restricting portion and the base end portion of the first lens barrel, The first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are relatively rotatable along the circumferential directions of the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel via the sliding portion and the pressing member.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The imaging device includes an imaging unit that captures an image of light incident through the first optical system and the second optical system.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: The camera unit includes: a refracting optical element that refracts light incident from the second optical system; and An imaging element captures the light refracted by the refracting optical element.

4. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: The imaging unit includes an imaging element that is arranged on the proximal end side of the second optical system and has a light receiving surface that is orthogonal to the optical axis of the second optical system.

5. The imaging device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The imaging device includes a cylindrical bracket that is connected and fixed to the second lens barrel from a base end side of the second lens barrel and holds the imaging unit.

6. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The second lens barrel and the sliding portion are formed separately, and the sliding portion is externally fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion of the second lens barrel.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein: The photographic device comprises: a first protruding portion disposed around the front end side of the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion of the second lens barrel; and A fitting hole is formed in the first lens barrel base end surface, which is the end surface on the base end side of the first lens barrel base end portion, and is provided for fitting the first protruding portion. The sliding portion is externally fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the second lens barrel front end portion in a state of being in contact with the first protruding portion from the base end side of the first protruding portion.

8. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The imaging device includes an integrally molded body in which the second lens barrel front end portion of the second lens barrel and the sliding portion are integrated.

9. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The material of the sliding portion is different from the material of the first lens barrel and the material of the pressing member.

10. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The inner peripheral surface of the pressing member includes a fixed region fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the first barrel base end portion and a sliding region slidably contacting the outer peripheral surface of the sliding portion.

11. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The imaging device includes an anti-reflection layer formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first lens barrel and the inner peripheral surface of the second lens barrel. The surface of the first lens barrel that contacts the sliding portion and the surface of the sliding portion that contacts the first lens barrel and the pressing member are surfaces on which the antireflection layer is not formed.

12. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first barrel base end portion is an enlarged diameter portion having a larger diameter than other portions of the first barrel.

13. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The outer diameter of the first barrel base end portion is the same as the outer diameter of the sliding portion.

14. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first lens barrel base end surface, which is the end surface on the base end side of the first lens barrel base end portion, and the sliding portion front end surface, which is the end surface on the front end side of the sliding portion, are surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The front end surface of the sliding portion contacts the base end surface of the first lens barrel. The movement restricting portion restricts movement of the sliding portion in the axial direction between the movement restricting portion and the first barrel base end surface.

15. The photographing device according to claim 14, wherein: The base end portion of the pressing member extends further toward the base end side than the base end portion of the sliding portion. The movement restricting portion is a second protruding portion provided around the inner peripheral surface of the pressing member at the base end portion of the pressing member. The second protruding portion contacts the base end surface of the sliding portion, which is the end surface on the base end side of the sliding portion, and the second protruding portion restricts the movement of the sliding portion in the axial direction between the second protruding portion and the base end surface of the first lens barrel. A contact surface between the sliding portion base end surface and the second protruding portion in contact with the sliding portion base end surface is a surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

16. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first optical system is an oblique optical system that guides light incident from a direction oblique to the longitudinal axis to the second optical system.

17. The photographing device according to claim 16, wherein: The squint optical system has a light incident surface tilted from a posture perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, The photographic device comprises: a cylindrical cover provided at the front end portion of the first lens barrel and covering the front end portion of the first lens barrel; a cover glass in an inclined posture, disposed at the front end portion of the cover and matching the inclination angle of the light incident surface; and A positioning portion is provided on the first lens barrel and engages with an engaged portion provided in the cover to position the circumferential rotational position of the first lens barrel in the cover at a position where the light incident surface faces the cover glass.

18. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: an imaging unit that captures light incident through the first optical system and the second optical system; and A cable connected to the camera unit, The cable base end portion of the cable, which is on the opposite side of the cable front end portion connected to the imaging unit, is configured to be torsionally deformable.

19. An endoscope comprising: an insertion portion having a longitudinal axis; and The photographing device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the photographing device is provided at the front end portion of the insertion portion.

20. The endoscope according to claim 19, wherein The photographic device comprises: an imaging unit that captures light incident through the first optical system and the second optical system; and A cylindrical bracket is connected and fixed to the second lens barrel from the base end side of the second lens barrel and holds the imaging unit. The endoscope comprises: a cylindrical torque tube capable of rotating along the circumferential direction; and The connecting pipe is a cylindrical connecting pipe that connects the bracket and the torque tube and transmits the rotational torque of the torque tube to the bracket.

Images