Endoscope and endoscope system

Abstract

Provided is an endoscope and an endoscope system capable of preventing a decrease in the amount of light of illumination light and deterioration of light distribution, and improving assembly. An endoscope (12) includes an insertion section (17), an operation section (18), an emission end (29), a first light guide member (27A) and a second light guide member (27B) that guide illumination light from a light source section (31) to the emission end (29), a lens member (27C) that suppresses a deviation in the relative intensity of various colors of the illumination light, and a connection section that optically connects the first light guide member (27A), the second light guide member (27B), and the lens member (27C). The lens member (27C) is disposed between the first light guide member (27A) and the second light guide member (27B), and the connection section and the lens member (27C) are disposed inside the operation section (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an endoscope and an endoscope system. Background Technology

[0002] Endoscopes are widely used in medical and industrial fields. An endoscope has an insertion section that is inserted into the body being examined, from which illumination light is projected onto the object being observed. Inside the endoscope is a light guide that directs the illumination light supplied from the light source to the front end of the insertion section. The light guide directs the illumination light, and by illuminating the object being examined, the interior of the body can be observed.

[0003] When using a light guide consisting of a single fiber bundle, assembly is poor and optical performance is difficult to meet. Therefore, it is known to construct a light guide section using multiple light guides and optical components with different characteristics. In the endoscope described in Patent Document 1, the light guide section includes multiple light guides. The light guides are, for example, composed of fiber bundles made by bundling quartz optical fibers or multi-component optical fibers. In the optical performance of fiber bundles, there is a trade-off between light transmittance and light distribution width, making it difficult to manufacture fiber bundles that possess both. Therefore, in the endoscope described in Patent Document 1, lenses as optical components are arranged between multiple light guides. By using these lenses, light reduction and light distribution degradation are prevented, and light from the end of the light guide on the light source side is transmitted to the end of the light guide on the front end side.

[0004] On the other hand, in endoscopes, a flexible bend is provided at the front end of the insertion part in order to observe the observation site from various angles or to facilitate insertion. In the endoscope described in Patent Document 1 above, the end of a light guide and a lens are disposed inside the bend.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-296584

[0006] However, in the endoscope described in Patent Document 1, since the end of the light guide and the lens are positioned inside the curved portion, optical axis misalignment may occur. That is, when the curved portion is bent, the central axis of the end of the light guide on the light source side and the front end side opposite the lens is not aligned with the central axis of the lens used to reduce light intensity and prevent light distribution degradation, thus increasing the likelihood of performance degradation such as reduced light intensity and light distribution degradation. Furthermore, in this case, one light guide becomes longer. With a longer light guide, the endoscope's assemblability decreases.

[0007] Furthermore, it is also possible to arrange the end of the light guide and the lens inside the connector used to connect the endoscope and the light source device. In this case, the light guide is arranged from the front end of the endoscope to the inside of the connector, and the light guide becomes longer. Therefore, as with the endoscope described in Patent Document 1 above, the assemblability is reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an endoscope and endoscope system that can prevent the reduction of illumination light and the degradation of light distribution, and improve assemblability.

[0009] The endoscope of the present invention is connected to a light source device, which emits illumination light composed of a mixture of multiple light sources emitting different colors of light. The endoscope includes an insertion part, an operating part, an illumination light emitting end, a light guide part for guiding the illumination light, and a connecting part. Optical components are disposed between the multiple light guides, and the connecting part and optical components are disposed inside the operating part. The insertion part is inserted into the patient. The operating part is connected to the insertion part. The illumination light emitting end is disposed at the front end of the insertion part. The light guide part has multiple light guides that guide the illumination light from the light source to the illumination light emitting end, and optical components that suppress the deviation of the relative intensity of various colors of the illumination light guided by the light guides and emitted from the illumination light emitting end relative to the beam angle. The connecting part optically connects the multiple light guides and optical components.

[0010] Preferably, the insertion part has an outer cylinder and a shaft component inserted into the outer cylinder, the operation part has an operation part body connected to the base end side of the shaft component, the connecting part is fixed relative to the outer cylinder, and the portions of the plurality of light guides held by the connecting part rotate together with the outer cylinder in the direction around the axis of the insertion part.

[0011] Preferably, the insertion part has an outer tube forming the outer peripheral wall, the outer cylinder is inserted into the interior of the outer tube, and the light guide is inserted between the outer tube and the outer cylinder. Preferably, the operation part has a rotating operation component, which is supported to rotate freely relative to the main body of the operation part, and the outer cylinder and the light guide rotate in the same direction as the rotating operation component by rotating the rotating operation component.

[0012] Preferably, the device has a signal cable for transmitting and receiving signals, the shaft component is inserted with the signal cable, and the optical guide rotates at a position further radially outward than the signal cable when it rotates together with the outer cylinder.

[0013] Preferably, the device includes a retaining member that holds the light guide, optical component, and connecting portion, and is fixed relative to the outer cylinder. The retaining member is cylindrical, and the light guide, optical component, and connecting portion are held on the outer peripheral surface of the retaining member. Preferably, the connecting portion and retaining member are disposed inside the main body of the operating part.

[0014] Preferably, it comprises: a housing disposed inside the operating part and connected to the outer cylinder; and a connecting part that magnetically connects the shaft component to the main body of the operating part, wherein the outer cylinder and the housing form an airtight space, the housing has a partition wall that closes the base end side, and the connecting part magnetically connects the shaft component to the main body of the operating part in a state of clamping the partition wall in the middle.

[0015] Preferably, the optical component is a lens component, wherein the lens component, with the relative intensity of one of the multiple colors of light emitted by the light source as a reference, ensures that the difference between the relative intensity of other colors of light and the relative intensity of the reference color of light is within ±5%.

[0016] The endoscope system of the present invention includes the endoscope and the light source device described above, wherein the light source device emits illumination light composed of a mixture of multiple light sources that emit light of different colors.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the reduction of illumination light intensity and the degradation of light distribution, and to improve assemblability. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an external view of the endoscope system.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the endoscope.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a block diagram representing the general structure of an endoscope system.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the light source device.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a sectional view of the main part of the insertion section.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a 3D view of the operating section.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an exploded 3D view of the operating section.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a sectional view of the main part of the operating section.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of an endoscope, omitting the rotating operating components, connecting components, and the main body of the operating section.

[0028] Figure 10 It is a three-dimensional view of the connecting part and the surrounding area of ​​the retaining component.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of an endoscope, showing the positional relationship between the first light guide, the second light guide, and the lens assembly.

[0030] Figure 12 It is an exploded perspective view of the connecting part and the surrounding area of ​​the retaining component.

[0031] Figure 13This is a perspective view of the connecting part and the retaining part around the outer cylinder when the outer cylinder rotates clockwise (A) and counterclockwise (B).

[0032] Figure 14 This is an end-face view showing the shape of the end face in the incident end of the second optical guide.

[0033] Figure 15 It is an end face view showing the shape of the end face in the emitting end of the first optical guide.

[0034] Figure 16 This refers to the illumination characteristics of various colors of illumination light relative to the beam angle at the position before the illumination light in the light guide passes through the lens component.

[0035] Figure 17 This refers to the illumination characteristics of various colors of illumination light relative to the beam angle at the position after the illumination light passes through the lens component in the light guide section.

[0036] Symbol Explanation

[0037] 10-Endoscope system, 12-Endoscope, 13-Light source device, 14-Processor device, 15-Monitor, 16-User interface, 17-Insertion part, 17A-Front end, 18-Operating part, 19-Universal cable, 21-Switch configuration component, 21A-Operating switch, 22-Endoscope side connector, 22A-Light guide rod, 25-Camera unit, 26-Camera sensor, 27-Light guide, 27A-First light guide, 27B-Second light guide, 27C-Lens component, 28-Signal cable, 28A-First signal cable, 28B-Second signal cable Cable, 29-Ejector end, 31-Light source section, 31a-V-LED, 31b-B-LED, 31c-G-LED, 31d-R-LED, 32-Light source control section, 33-Wireless communication section, 33A-Image signal receiving section, 34-Wireless power supply section, 35-Signal transmission section, 36-Light source device side connector, 36C-Connection hole, 36A, 36B-Clocking section, 37-Incident end, 38-Wireless communication section, 38A-Image signal transmitting section, 39-Wireless power receiving section, 40-Outer tube, 41-Insertion channel, 42-Outer cylinder, 4 4-Inner cylinder, 50-Front-end optical system, 52-Front-end main body, 54-Front-end lens barrel, 55-Cylindrical part, 56-Cover glass, 58a-Objective lens, 58b-Prism, 58c-Lens, 60-Base-end optical system, 62-Base-end lens barrel, 64-Support, 65-Prism, 66-Lens, 67-Circuit board, 68-Connector, 70-Rotating operating component, 71-Connecting component, 72-Operating part main body, 73-Sealing component, 74-Housing, 74a-Difference wall, 74b-Cylindrical part, 76-Fixing component, 76A-Through hole, 80-Sealed space Between, 82-airtight connector, 84-connecting part, 90-first connecting part, 92-first bearing receiving part, 94-first bearing, 96-second bearing receiving part, 98-second bearing, 100-second connecting part, 100A-connecting piece, 102-magnetic coupling, 103-first magnet, 104-second magnet, 110-connecting part, 111-retaining part, 111A-cylindrical part, 111B, 111C-protrusions, 112-first collar, 113-second collar, 114-lens bracket, Ax-insertion shaft, OA-optical axis. Detailed Implementation

[0038] [Brief Structure of an Endoscopic System]

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope system 10 includes an endoscope 12, a light source device 13, a processor device 14, a monitor 15, and a user interface 16. The endoscope 12 is, for example, a rigid endoscope such as a laparoscope.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, the endoscope 12 includes an elongated rigid insertion part 17 that is inserted into the body of the patient, an L-shaped operating part 18 connected to the base end of the insertion part 17, a flexible universal cable 19 connected to the insertion part 17 via the operating part 18, a switch configuration member 21 provided in the middle part of the universal cable 19, and an endoscope-side connector 22.

[0041] Endoscope 12 is the imaging unit 25 described later (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 5 ) visual direction (reference) Figure 5 The optical axis OA is tilted relative to the insertion axis Ax of the insertion part 17 by a slanted mirror. The camera unit 25 includes a camera sensor 26 (described later). Figure 3 and Figure 5 ).

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, a first light guide 27A and a first signal cable 28A are inserted into the insertion part 17. The first light guide 27A, together with the lens component 27C and the second light guide 27B, constitutes a light guide 27 that guides the illumination light emitted from the light source device 13. The first signal cable 28A connects to the hermetic connector 82 (described later) (see reference). Figure 8 The light guide 27 and the second signal cable 28B together constitute the signal cable 28. The signal cable 28 includes a control line that transmits control signals to control the camera sensor 26, a signal line that transmits image signals output by the camera sensor 26 when an object illuminated by the illumination light is captured, and a power line that supplies power to the camera sensor 26 and other components. The structure of the light guide 27 and the signal cable 28 will be described in detail later, so it is omitted here.

[0043] The endoscope-side connector 22 is located at the base of the universal cable 19. The endoscope 12 is detachably connected to the light source device-side connector 36 of the light source device 13 via the endoscope-side connector 22. The universal cable 19 is a cable in which the second light guide 27B and the second signal cable 28B are integrated.

[0044] The endoscope system 10 of this embodiment has the following structure: the endoscope 12 and the light source device 13 transmit electrical signals and optical signals in a non-contact manner via the endoscope-side connector 22 and the light source device-side connector 36.

[0045] Furthermore, the operation switch 21A configured on the aforementioned switch configuration component 21 can be, for example, an image switching switch that allows switching between the image displayed on the monitor 15 and a normal video image or an image under special light (e.g., WL (white light) image, BLI (blue laser imaging) image, LCI (linked co-or imaging) image, or hypoxia imaging image). Moreover, it is not limited to this; it can also be an image still switch, a photography switch, a zoom switch with telephoto and wide-angle buttons, a cleaning switch at the front end of the insertion section, a light intensity adjustment switch, or a sensitivity adjustment switch, etc.

[0046] The light source device 13 supplies illumination light to the second light guide 27B (reference). Figure 3 Thus, illumination light is emitted from the illumination light emission end (hereinafter referred to as the emission end) 29 at the front end of the light guide 27.

[0047] [Brief Structure of the Processor Device]

[0048] The processor device 14 controls the amount and timing of the illumination light emitted by the light source device 13, the operation of the camera sensor 26, etc., and generates an endoscopic image using the image signal obtained by capturing the object being observed illuminated by the illumination light. Furthermore, the processor device 14 is electrically connected to the monitor 15 and the user interface 16. The monitor 15 displays the endoscopic image generated by the processor device 14, information related to the endoscopic image, etc. The user interface 16 accepts input operations such as function settings.

[0049] [Simplified structure of the light source device]

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the light source device 13 includes a light source unit 31, a light source control unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, a wireless power supply unit 34, and a signal transmission unit 35. The light source unit 31 emits illumination light to illuminate the object being observed. The light source control unit 32 controls the light source unit 31. The signal transmission unit 35 transmits control signals and image signals, etc., between the light source device 13 and the processor device 14.

[0051] The light source unit 31 is a multi-color LED (Light Emitting Diode) semiconductor light source. The light source control unit 32 controls the amount of illumination light emitted by turning the LED on / off or adjusting the driving current or driving voltage of the LED. In addition, the semiconductor light source constituting the light source unit 31 is not limited to LED, but may also be LD (Laser Diode) or the like.

[0052] The light source unit 31 has four types of LEDs: V-LED (Violet Light Emitting Diode) 31a, B-LED (Blue Light Emitting Diode) 31b, G-LED (Green Light Emitting Diode) 31c and R-LED (Red Light Emitting Diode) 31d.

[0053] LEDs 31a to 31d emit different colors of light. For example, V-LED 31a emits violet light (V) with a wavelength range of 380nm to 420nm. B-LED 31b emits blue light (B) with a wavelength range of 420nm to 500nm. G-LED 31c emits green light (G) with a wavelength range of 480nm to 600nm. R-LED 31d emits red light (R) with a wavelength range of 600nm to 650nm. Furthermore, the center wavelength and peak wavelength of the light emitted from each of LEDs 31a to 31d can be the same or different.

[0054] The light source control unit 32 independently controls the lighting or extinguishing of each LED 31a-31d, as well as the amount of light emitted when lit, thereby adjusting the emission time, duration, amount, and spectroscopic spectrum of the illumination light. The lighting and extinguishing control in the light source control unit 32 differs in each viewing mode. Furthermore, the reference brightness can be set via the user interface 16, etc.

[0055] In normal mode, the light source control unit 32 illuminates all V-LEDs 31a, B-LEDs 31b, G-LEDs 31c, and R-LEDs 31d. Thus, in normal mode, the light source device 13 emits multi-color light, including violet, blue, green, and red light, as normal mode light. This normal light, a mixture of violet, blue, green, and red light, is almost white because it has a constant or higher intensity from the blue to the red frequency bands. Furthermore, like the white light emitted by a xenon lamp, this white light includes not only broadband light encompassing the wavelengths of the blue, green, and red components, but also illumination light composed of light from at least three of the respective wavelengths of the blue, green, and red components.

[0056] In the special mode, the light source control unit 32 illuminates all V-LEDs 31a, B-LEDs 31b, G-LEDs 31c, and R-LEDs 31d, but at this time, the light intensity ratio among purple, blue, green, and red light is set to increase the proportion of purple light. Thus, the special light becomes blue dimming. Furthermore, the following explanation mainly focuses on the normal mode where white light is emitted as illumination.

[0057] Furthermore, the light source device 13 is electrically connected to the processor device 14, and the endoscope-side connector 22 of the endoscope 12 is connected to the processor device 14 via the light source device 13. The transmission and reception of image signals, etc., between the light source device 13 and the endoscope-side connector 22 are wireless. Therefore, the light source device 13 outputs the image signals, etc., transmitted and received wirelessly with the endoscope-side connector 22 to the signal transmission unit 35, and the signal transmission unit 35 transmits them to the processor device 14. In addition, the light source device 13 supplies power to the endoscope-side connector 22 for driving the camera sensor 26, etc., but this power supply is also wireless.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the connector 36 on the light source device side is provided with a wireless communication unit 33, a wireless power supply unit 34, locking parts 36A and 36B, and a connection hole 36C. The locking parts 36A and 36B lock the endoscope-side connector 22 to maintain the connection when it is connected. The connection hole 36C is a through hole that allows the light guide rod 22A (see reference) of the endoscope-side connector 22 to pass through. Figure 3 )insert.

[0059] When the endoscope-side connector 22 is connected to the light source device-side connector 36, by inserting the light guide rod 22A into the connection hole 36C of the light source device-side connector 36, the incident end 37 of the second light guide 27B (reference) Figure 3 The light source 31 is positioned opposite the light source device 13. As a result, the illumination light from the light source 31 is transmitted via the light guide 27 and shines from the emission end 29 onto the front of the insertion part 17.

[0060] The wireless communication unit 33 includes an image signal receiving unit 33A (reference). Figure 3 The image signal receiving unit 33A receives image signals from the image signal transmitting unit 38A of the endoscope-side connector 22. The wireless power supply unit 34, for example, is a coil (so-called primary coil), which supplies power to the wireless power receiving unit 39 by non-contact power transmission methods such as electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance.

[0061] When the endoscope-side connector 22 of the endoscope 12 is connected to the light source-side connector 36 of the light source device 13, the illumination light emitted by the light source 31 is incident on the second light guide 27B of the endoscope 12 by light guide components (not shown) such as prisms and light guide rods.

[0062] The light guide 27 is integrated within the endoscope 12, which includes a universal cable 19 and an endoscope-side connector 22, and guides illumination light to the front end portion 17A of the endoscope 12. An emission end 29 is provided in the front end portion 17A. The emission end 29 is disposed around the imaging unit 25 and is the front end of the first light guide 27A. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 25 and the emission end 29 are exposed from the front end face of the front end portion 17A. Illumination light emitted from the light source 31 is guided from the light source 31 by the light guide 27 and illuminates the object being observed from the emission end 29.

[0063] A wireless communication unit 38 and a wireless power receiving unit 39 are provided in the endoscope-side connector 22. The wireless communication unit 38 includes an image signal transmitting unit 38A (see reference). Figure 3 The image signal transmitting unit 38A wirelessly transmits the image signal obtained by the camera sensor 26 from capturing the observed object to the image signal receiving unit 33A of the light source device 13. The wireless communication performed by the wireless communication unit 38 is optical communication, and for example, near-infrared communication using near-infrared light (light with a wavelength of approximately 0.7 μm to 2.5 μm) is preferred.

[0064] The wireless communication unit 38 connects the endoscope-side connector 22 and the light source device-side connector 36, and can receive and transmit light signals with the wireless communication unit 33 of the light source device 13. That is, the image signal of the image signal transmitting unit 38A is transmitted to the image signal receiving unit 33A of the light source device 13 in a non-contact manner.

[0065] The image signal transmitted to the image signal receiving unit 33A is sent to the processor device 14 by the signal transmission unit 35. The image signal transmitted from the endoscope 12 to the processor device 14 via the light source device 13 is subjected to image processing and displayed as an endoscope image on the monitor 15. In addition, the functions of the wireless communication units 33 and 38 are not limited to the above-mentioned functions. For example, they can also receive and transmit control signals for controlling the camera sensor 26 of the endoscope 12.

[0066] The wireless power receiving unit 39, for example, is a coil (so-called a secondary coil), which receives power from the wireless power supply unit 34 provided in the light source device 13 via contactless power transmission. Furthermore, endoscopes that utilize both primary and secondary coils for power supply are known from Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-67534, therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted here. The wireless power receiving unit 39 supplies power to various parts of the endoscope 12, such as the camera sensor 26.

[0067] [Structure of an endoscope]

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the insertion part 17 includes an outer tube 40 (also called an outer sleeve), an outer cylinder 42, and an inner cylinder 44, all of which are generally cylindrical and parallel to the insertion axis Ax. The outer tube 40 forms the outer peripheral wall of the insertion part 17. The opening at the front end of the outer tube 40 is inclined from a position perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax. Furthermore, the base end of the outer tube 40 is connected to the operation part 18 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 6 (This will be described in detail later.)

[0069] The outer cylinder 42 is inserted into the interior of the outer mounting tube 40. A front-end optical system 50 for the camera unit 25 is provided on the front end of the outer cylinder 42. Furthermore, the base end of the outer cylinder 42 is connected to the housing 74 within the operating section 18 (see reference). Figure 8 (This will be described in detail later.) In addition, an insertion channel 41 for the light guide 27 is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 40 and the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 42.

[0070] The inner cylinder 44 corresponds to the shaft component of the present invention and is inserted into the interior of the outer cylinder 42. A first signal cable 28A is inserted into the interior of the inner cylinder 44. A base optical system 60 constituting the imaging unit 25 and an imaging sensor 26 are provided on the front end of the inner cylinder 44. Furthermore, the base end of the inner cylinder 44 is connected to a first connecting member 90 within the operation section 18 (see reference). Figure 8 (This will be described in detail later.)

[0071] The camera unit 25 includes a front-end optical system 50, a base-end optical system 60, and a camera sensor 26. Additionally, the symbol OA in the figure represents the optical axis of the camera unit 25's optical system.

[0072] A front-end optical system 50 is disposed at the front end of the outer tube 42. The front-end optical system 50 is an oblique optical system that refracts light incident from a direction inclined to the insertion axis Ax in a direction parallel to the insertion axis Ax and guides it to the base-end optical system 60. The front-end optical system 50 includes a front end body 52 and a front end lens tube 54 disposed on the front end body 52.

[0073] The front end body 52 forms the front end 17A of the insertion part 17 (outer cylinder 42) and is a cover (cover) that covers the front end tube 54. The front end body 52 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax. Furthermore, a cover glass 56 with an inclined posture corresponding to the tilt angle of the objective lens 58a inside the front end tube 54 is provided at the front end side opening of the front end body 52.

[0074] Furthermore, the front end body 52 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 40. As a result, the outer tube 40, the front optical system 50, and the outer cylinder 42 rotate as a unit in the direction around the insertion shaft Ax (hereinafter referred to as the direction around the shaft).

[0075] The front end lens barrel 54 houses the objective lens 58a, prism 58b, and lens 58c. The objective lens 58a is tilted at a position perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax and faces the cover glass 56. The objective lens 58a directs light incident through the cover glass 56 toward the prism 58b. The prism 58b, which corresponds to the second refractive optical element of the present invention, refracts the light incident from the objective lens 58a (i.e., light incident from a direction tilted to the insertion axis Ax) toward a direction parallel to the insertion axis Ax, and then directs it toward the lens 58c. The lens 58c, positioned perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax, directs light incident from the prism 58b toward the lens 66 within the base end lens barrel 62 of the base end optical system 60, described later.

[0076] Furthermore, the structure of the optical system within the front end lens barrel 54 is not particularly limited as long as it can guide light incident from a direction inclined with respect to the insertion axis Ax into the base end lens barrel 62.

[0077] A cylindrical portion 55 extending toward its base end is formed on the front end lens barrel 54. This cylindrical portion 55 is externally fitted in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the front end portion of the base end lens barrel 62 in the axial direction. Thus, the base end lens barrel 62 is fitted in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the front end lens barrel 54 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 55 is integrally formed on the front end lens barrel 54, but it may also be formed separately from the front end lens barrel 54.

[0078] The base-end optical system 60 is located at the front end of the inner cylinder 44 and guides light incident from the front lens barrel 54 to the camera sensor 26. The base-end optical system 60 includes a base-end lens barrel 62, a support 64, and a prism 65.

[0079] The base end lens 62 is connected (fixed) to the front end of the inner cylinder 44 via a bracket 64. Alternatively, the base end of the base end lens 62 can be directly connected to the front end of the inner cylinder 44, and then the bracket 64 can be connected to the base end of the base end lens 62 inside the inner cylinder 44.

[0080] Furthermore, as described above, the front end of the base tube 62 is fitted in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the base-side opening of the cylindrical portion 55 in the axial direction. Thus, relative to either the front tube 54 or the base tube 62, it can rotate relative to the other direction in the axial direction. Additionally, the base end of the front tube 54 can be fitted into the front-side opening of the base tube 62 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the other in the axial direction.

[0081] Multiple lenses 66 with an optical axis OA parallel to the insertion axis Ax are disposed inside the base lens tube 62. The lenses 66 direct the light incident from the front lens tube 54 toward the prism 65.

[0082] The bracket 64 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax and is fixed to the front end of the inner cylinder 44. Furthermore, the bracket 64 is connected and fixed (externally fixed) to the base end of the base end lens barrel 62. Thus, since the inner cylinder 44 and the base end lens barrel 62 are connected by the bracket 64, the inner cylinder 44, the base end lens barrel 62, and the bracket 64 become a single unit.

[0083] A prism 65 is held on the opening at the base end of the bracket 64, and the camera sensor 26 (described later) is held via the prism 65. Therefore, the camera sensor 26 is integrated with the inner cylinder 44 and the base end lens barrel 62 via the bracket 64 and the prism 65.

[0084] Prism 65 corresponds to the first refractive optical element of the present invention and, as described above, is held at the base-end opening of the support 64. This prism 65 refracts light incident through the base-end lens tube 62 by 90 degrees. Alternatively, a reflector may be used instead of prism 65.

[0085] The camera sensor 26 captures light that passes through the front lens barrel 54 and the base lens barrel 62 and is reflected off the prism 65. The camera sensor 26 is integrally mounted with the circuit board 67.

[0086] The camera sensor 26 is, for example, a color sensor with primary color filters, possessing three types of pixels: B pixels (blue pixels) with a blue filter, G pixels (green pixels) with a green filter, and R pixels (red pixels) with a red filter. The blue filter primarily transmits violet to blue light. The green filter primarily transmits green light. The red filter primarily transmits red light. As described above, if the primary color camera sensor 26 is used to photograph the observed object, it is possible to simultaneously obtain up to three images: a B image (blue image) obtained from the B pixels, a G image (green image) obtained from the G pixels, and an R image (red image) obtained from the R pixels.

[0087] Furthermore, as the camera sensor 26, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor can be used. While the camera sensor 26 in this embodiment is a primary color sensor, a complementary color sensor can also be used. A complementary color sensor, for example, has cyan pixels with a cyan filter, magenta pixels with a magenta filter, yellow pixels with a yellow filter, and green pixels with a green filter. When using a complementary color sensor, images obtained from the pixels of these various colors can be converted to B, G, and R images by performing complementary-primary color conversion. Alternatively, instead of a color sensor, a monochrome sensor without color filters can be used as the camera sensor 26. In this case, by sequentially photographing the observed object using illumination light of various colors such as BGR, images of the aforementioned colors can be obtained.

[0088] In this embodiment, the camera sensor 26 is mounted on the bracket 64 via the prism 65, but the camera sensor 26 can also be directly mounted on the base-side opening of the bracket 64. In this case, it is preferable that the camera sensor 26 is held on the bracket 64 in an orientation perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax (optical axis OA) and has a light-receiving surface orthogonal to the optical axis OA.

[0089] The circuit board 67 controls the driving of the camera sensor 26. Furthermore, the front end of the first signal cable 28A is connected to the circuit board 67 via a connector 68. Then, the circuit board 67 outputs the image signal from the camera sensor 26 to the first signal cable 28A via the connector 68.

[0090] [Structure of the operating unit]

[0091] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the operating unit 18 includes a rotation operating member 70, a connecting member 71, and an operating unit body 72. The operating unit 18 is, for example, made of a resin assembly and has high rigidity. The rotation operating member 70 is an operating ring formed in a generally cylindrical shape parallel to the insertion shaft Ax, which accepts the user's rotation operation in the axial direction.

[0092] The base end of the aforementioned outer tube 40 is connected to the front end of the rotating operating member 70. Therefore, by rotating the rotating operating member 70 in the direction of its axis, the outer tube 42 and the front optical system 50 (front end body 52 and front end lens tube 54) rotate in the same direction via the outer tube 40. This allows the field of view (observation direction, see reference) of the endoscope 12 to be adjusted. Figure 5 The optical axis OA rotates in the direction around the insertion axis Ax (circumferential direction of the insertion part 17 and the rotation operation part 70).

[0093] The connecting member 71 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. A sealing member 73 is embedded on the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the connecting member 71. Then, the connecting member 71 is rotatably fitted onto the inner peripheral surface of the base end of the rotating operating member 70 via the sealing member 73. The sealing member 73 is formed in an annular shape, for example, a full seal or an O-ring is used.

[0094] The main body 72 of the operating unit is formed into an L-shaped tube, with a shape that can be held by hand. A connecting member 71 is fixed to the front end of the main body 72 of the operating unit. Thus, the main body 72 of the operating unit supports the rotating operating member 70 via the connecting member 71, allowing it to rotate freely. That is, when a rotational force is applied to the rotating operating member 70 to make it rotate in the direction of its axis, the rotational force is not transmitted to the main body 72 of the operating unit.

[0095] The rotating operating component 70 can rotate freely within a specified angle range in the direction around the axis, for example, it can rotate 0° to 170° in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction respectively.

[0096] like Figure 8 As shown, in addition to the outer tube 40, the base ends of the outer cylinder 42 and the inner cylinder 44 are inserted into the front opening of the rotating operating member 70. Furthermore, a housing 74, a connecting part 110, and a retaining member 111 (see reference) are provided inside the operating part 18. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The connecting part 110 and the retaining part 111 retain the first light guide 27A, the second light guide 27B and the lens part 27C, which will be described in detail later.

[0097] Furthermore, a fixing member 76 is inserted inside the operating unit body 72. The fixing member 76 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape with a through hole 76A parallel to the insertion shaft Ax. The second light guide 27B and the second signal cable 28B are inserted into the through hole 76A. The base end of the fixing member 76 is fixed to the operating unit body 72, and the operating unit body 72 and the fixing member 76 are integrated. The fixing member 76 is connected to the magnetic coupling 102 via the second connecting member 100 and the second bearing receiving member 96, which will be described in detail later.

[0098] The housing 74 is formed as a generally tubular shape parallel to the insertion shaft Ax, and its diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the rotating operating member 70, the connecting member 71, and the operating part body 72, and is housed inside the operating part 18. The housing 74 is supported within the internal space of the operating part 18 by the outer cylinder 42 and the fixing member 76, etc. The front end of the housing 74 is connected to the base end of the outer cylinder 42. Thus, the housing 74 and the outer cylinder 42 rotate integrally in the direction about the axis. As a result, when a rotational force is applied to the rotating operating member 70 to cause it to rotate in the direction about the axis, this rotational force is transmitted to the outer tube 40, the front optical system 50, the outer cylinder 42, and the housing 74, thereby causing them to rotate in the same direction as the rotating operating member 70.

[0099] The base end of the inner cylinder 44 and the base end of the first signal cable 28A are disposed inside the housing 74. Furthermore, inside the housing 74, for example within the base end side opening of the housing 74, a partition wall 74a perpendicular to the insertion shaft Ax is provided. This partition wall 74a closes the base end side opening of the housing 74.

[0100] A cylindrical portion 74b parallel to the insertion shaft Ax is provided at the base end of the housing 74. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 74b can be integrally formed with the housing 74. Inside the cylindrical portion 74b, in addition to a portion of the connecting portion 84, the front end of the second signal cable 28B is disposed, which will be described in detail later.

[0101] like Figure 9 As shown, a sealed space 80 (airtight space) is formed inside the outer cylinder 42 and the housing 74. The inner cylinder 44, the camera sensor 26, and the first signal cable 28A are disposed within this sealed space 80. Furthermore, Figure 9 This is a sectional view of the outer cylinder 42 and the periphery of the shell 74, omitting the rotating operating component 70, the connecting component 71, and the main body of the operating part 72.

[0102] The front end of the sealed space 80 is defined by the front optical system 50. Furthermore, the base end of the sealed space 80 is defined by the partition wall 74a. This improves the moisture resistance of the camera unit 25 and prevents fogging. Moreover, as described above, since the sealing member 73 is located between the rotating operating member 70 and the housing 74, the airtightness of the sealed space 80 is further enhanced.

[0103] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the partition wall 74a, the airtight connector 82, and the connecting part 84, as described above, are provided inside the housing 74 and the cylindrical part 74b. The airtight connector 82 is configured to circumferentially penetrate the sealed space 80 and be rotatable relative to the partition wall 74a in the axial direction. The airtight connector 82 electrically connects the first signal cable 28A inside the housing 74 (inside the sealed space 80) to the second signal cable 28B inside the cylindrical part 74b (outside the sealed space 80).

[0104] The connecting part 84 is disposed inside the housing 74 and the cylindrical part 74b, and is rotatable relative to the housing 74 and the cylindrical part 74b in the axial direction. The first signal cable 28A and the second signal cable 28B are inserted inside the connecting part 84. The connecting part 84 magnetically connects (connects) the base end of the inner cylinder 44 inside the housing 74 (inside the sealed space 80) to the fixing member 76 outside the sealed space 80 with the partition wall 74a sandwiched in the middle.

[0105] The connecting part 84 includes a first connecting member 90, a first bearing receiving member 92, a first bearing 94, a second bearing receiving member 96, a second bearing 98, a second connecting member 100, and a magnetic coupling 102.

[0106] The first connecting member 90 and the first bearing receiving member 92 are disposed within the housing 74 (within the sealed space 80) and are formed in a generally tubular shape parallel to the insertion shaft Ax. Then, the first signal cable 28A is inserted into the interior of the first connecting member 90 and the first bearing receiving member 92.

[0107] The first connecting member 90 connects the base end of the inner cylinder 44 to the first bearing receiving member 92 within the housing 74 (within the sealed space 80). Thus, the first bearing receiving member 92 is connected to the base end side of the inner cylinder 44 via the first connecting member 90.

[0108] As described above, the front end of the first bearing receiving member 92 is connected to the first connecting member 90. Furthermore, a first bearing 94, which is internally connected to the housing 74, is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the first bearing receiving member 92. Thus, the first bearing receiving member 92 and the first magnet 103 are held within the housing 74 and are rotatable relative to the housing 74 in the axial direction. Additionally, various known radial bearings, such as ball bearings and roller bearings, are used as the first bearing 94.

[0109] The second bearing receiving component 96 is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 74b (outside the sealed space 80), and the second connecting component 100 is disposed between the second bearing receiving component 96 and the fixing component 76. The second bearing receiving component 96 and the second connecting component 100 are formed into a generally tubular shape parallel to the insertion shaft Ax, and the second signal cable 28B is inserted into each of them.

[0110] The base end of the second bearing receiving component 96 is connected to the second connecting component 100. Furthermore, a second bearing 98, which is internally connected to the cylindrical portion 74b, is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the second bearing receiving component 96. Thus, the second bearing receiving component 96 and the second magnet 104 are held within the cylindrical portion 74b and are rotatable relative to the cylindrical portion 74b in the axial direction. Additionally, the second bearing 98 is a known radial bearing, similar to the first bearing 94.

[0111] The second connecting member 100 is integrally provided with a connecting piece 100A that is parallel to the insertion shaft Ax and protrudes toward the fixing member 76. The connecting piece 100A is fixed to the fixing member 76, for example, by means of threaded fixing. Thus, the fixing member 76 and the second bearing receiving member 96 are connected via the second connecting member 100. As a result, since the second connecting member 100 and the fixing member 76 are connected via the connecting piece 100A, the second signal cable 28B is exposed between the second connecting member 100 and the fixing member 76 (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0112] The magnetic coupling 102 consists of a plurality of first magnets 103 disposed within the housing 74 (within the sealed space 80) and sandwiched by an intermediate partition wall 74a, and a plurality of second magnets 104 disposed within the cylindrical portion 74b (outside the sealed space 80). This magnetic coupling 102 is a magnetic connection component that magnetically connects the first bearing receiving component 92 to the second bearing receiving component 96.

[0113] The first magnet 103 and the second magnet 104 are positioned opposite each other in the middle clamping partition 74a, and are arranged in a circle with the insertion shaft Ax as the center. Thus, the first magnet 103 and the second magnet 104 are magnetically connected in the direction parallel to the insertion shaft Ax (axial direction) with the middle clamping partition 74a. As a result, the inner cylinder 44 and the operating part body 72 are magnetically connected via the magnetic coupling 102.

[0114] By magnetically connecting the inner cylinder 44 to the operating unit body 72 via the magnetic coupling 102, torque (stationary torque and rotational torque) can be transmitted from the operating unit body 72 to the inner cylinder 44. Thus, when the user performs a rotation operation on the rotating operating component 70, the inner cylinder 44 (base optical system 60 and camera sensor 26) is prevented from rotating together with the outer cylinder 42 in the axial direction; that is, the magnetic coupling 102 maintains the axial posture of the inner cylinder 44.

[0115] [Structure of optical guide and connector]

[0116] The light guide 27 includes a first light guide 27A, a second light guide 27B, and a lens component 27C. The first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B are fiber bundles formed by bundling optical fibers. The light guide 27 corresponds to the light guiding portion in the claims, and the lens component 27C corresponds to the optical component in the claims. The optical fibers constituting the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B are, for example, quartz optical fibers or multi-component optical fibers.

[0117] In this embodiment, a fiber bundle with a large numerical aperture (NA) is used as the first light guide 27A, and a fiber bundle with high light transmittance is used as the second light guide 27B. By using different types of fiber bundles—one with a large NA and the other with high light transmittance—and lengthening the high-transmittance fiber bundle (the second light guide 27B), the ends of the fiber bundles are positioned as close as possible to the front end of the endoscope 12. As a result, the light guide 27 can emit illumination light to the light source 31 while suppressing light loss, and expand the light distribution at the emission end 29 of the first light guide 27A. In other words, the light guide 27 achieves excellent optical performance with a balance between light quantity and light distribution.

[0118] In this embodiment, a portion of the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B, as well as the lens component 27C, are disposed inside the operation unit 18, and more specifically, inside the operation unit body 72.

[0119] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the first light guide 27A, the second light guide 27B, and the lens component 27C are held and optically connected by the connecting portion 110. Furthermore, the first light guide 27A, the second light guide 27B, the lens component 27C, and the connecting portion 110 are held by the holding member 111 and fixed relative to the housing 74.

[0120] The connecting portion 110 includes a first ferrule 112, a second ferrule 113, and a lens holder 114. The first ferrule 112 is cylindrical and is fixed to the base end of the first light guide 27A, for example, by adhesive. The second ferrule 113 is cylindrical and is fixed to the front end of the second light guide 27B, for example, by adhesive.

[0121] The lens holder 114 is cylindrical in shape and has an inner circumferential surface corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the lens component 27C. The lens component 27C is held on the inner circumferential surface of the lens holder 114. The lens holder 114 is formed such that its axial dimension is longer than that of the lens component 27C. The first collar 112, together with the first light guide 27A, is inserted from the front end side of the lens holder 114 to a position close to the lens component 27C and fits into the inner circumferential surface of the lens holder 114.

[0122] The second ring 113, together with the second light guide 27B, is inserted from the base end side of the lens holder 114 to a position near the lens component 27C, and fits into the inner circumferential surface of the lens holder 114. As described above, the first light guide 27A, together with the first ring 112, is held at the front end side of the lens holder 114, and the second light guide 27B, together with the second ring 113, is held at the base end side of the lens holder 114. Thus, the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B are optically connected, and the lens component 27C is disposed between the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B.

[0123] [Maintain the structure of the component]

[0124] like Figure 12 As shown, the retaining member 111 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the retaining member 111 has a cylindrical portion 111A parallel to the insertion shaft Ax, and a pair of protrusions 111B and 111C protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 111A. The cylindrical portion 111A is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the housing 74, for example, by means of threaded fastening. As described above, the housing 74 is connected to the outer cylinder 42. Therefore, the retaining member 111 is fixed to the outer cylinder 42 via the housing 74.

[0125] The protrusions 111B and 111C are formed into rectangular shapes that are parallel to each other. The connecting portion 110 is clamped between the protrusions 111B and 111C and is fixed to the retaining member 111, for example, by means of a thread. Thus, the first light guide 27A, the second light guide 27B, the lens member 27C, and the connecting portion 110 are held on the outer peripheral surface of the retaining member 111. That is, the first light guide 27A, the second light guide 27B, the lens member 27C, and the connecting portion 110 are fixed relative to the outer cylinder 42 via the retaining member 111 and the housing 74.

[0126] As described above, since the outer cylinder 42 rotates in the direction of the insertion shaft Ax, the connecting part 110, which is fixed to the outer cylinder 42 via the holding member 111 and the housing 74, as well as a portion of the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B held by the connecting part 110, and the lens member 27C, also rotate together with the outer cylinder 42 in the direction of the shaft.

[0127] Furthermore, as described above, the outer cylinder 42 rotates in the same direction as the rotation operation member 70 due to the rotational force of the rotation operation member 70. Therefore, the first light guide 27A and a part of the second light guide 27B, as well as the lens member 27C, also rotate together with the outer cylinder 42 in the same direction as the rotation operation member 70.

[0128] As described above, the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B are fixed relative to the outer cylinder 42 via the retaining member 111 and the housing 74. On the other hand, the signal cable 28 is inserted into the interior of the inner cylinder 44, and the inner cylinder 44 is inserted into the interior of the outer cylinder 42. Thus, when the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B rotate together with the outer cylinder 42, they rotate at a position further radially outward than the signal cable 28.

[0129] Figure 13 (A) indicates that the outer cylinder 42 and the shell 74 rotate clockwise. Figure 13 (B) indicates that the outer cylinder 42 and the housing 74 rotate in a counterclockwise direction. In any case, when the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B rotate together with the outer cylinder 42, they rotate at a position further radially outward than the signal cable 28.

[0130] As described above, the second signal cable 28B protrudes between the second connecting member 100 and the fixing member 76 (see also...). Figure 10 Furthermore, both the second light guide 27B and the second signal cable 28B are inserted into the through hole 76A of the fixing member 76. If the second light guide 27B and the second signal cable 28B are close to each other, they may become entangled. However, in this invention, when the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B rotate together with the outer cylinder 42, they rotate at a position further radially outward than the signal cable 28. Figure 13 (A) and Figure 13 (as shown in state (B)). Therefore, the second optical guide 27B and the second signal cable 28B will not become entangled, thus preventing wire breakage.

[0131] [Structure of the lens component]

[0132] like Figure 11 As shown, lens component 27C is a plano-convex lens with a convex incident side and a planar exit side. However, it is not limited to this; lens component 27C can also be a biconvex lens, a meniscus lens, etc. Preferably, an anti-reflective film called an AR (anti-reflective coating) is formed on each lens surface of lens component 27C. This further prevents a reduction in the amount of illumination light in light guide 27.

[0133] In the light guide 27 of this embodiment, such as Figure 14 As shown, the incident end 37 of the second light guide 27B, which is opposite to the light source 31, has a circular end face, but as... Figure 15As shown, to facilitate the configuration of components in the front end portion 17A, the emission end 29 of the first light guide 27A in the front end portion 17A is formed in an arc shape around the front optical system 50. Therefore, it is difficult to configure the lens component 27C on the front end portion 17A. In contrast, there are no components inside the operation section 18 that would hinder the configuration of the lens component 27C, making configuration easier.

[0134] Lens component 27C is a lens that prevents a decrease in the amount of illumination light guided by the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B and emitted from the emission end 29, as well as a degradation in light distribution. Specifically, lens component 27C is a lens that suppresses deviations in the relative intensity of various colors of illumination light guided by the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B and emitted from the emission end 29 relative to the light distribution angle.

[0135] Figure 16 and Figure 17 The graph shown represents the position of the illumination light in the light guide 27 before it passes through the lens component 27C. Figure 16 ) and the position of the illumination light after passing through lens component 27C ( Figure 17 The results of measuring the relative intensity of various colors of illumination light (LED light) with respect to the beam angle were obtained. Furthermore, the relative intensity referred to here means that, for each color of LED light, the light intensity at a beam angle of 0° is set to 1, and the light intensity at beam angles other than 0° is expressed as the ratio to the light intensity at 0°. Additionally, light intensity is the density of light per unit solid angle of the beam.

[0136] like Figure 16 As shown, at the position before passing through the lens component 27C, specifically at the emission end of the second light guide 27B, there is a deviation in the relative intensity of the LED light emitted by the light source 31 and guided by the second light guide 27B, namely violet light V, blue light B, green light G, and red light R, relative to the beam distribution angle. In particular, the deviation in relative intensity is large when the beam distribution angle is around ±25°.

[0137] On the other hand, such as Figure 17 As shown, at the position after passing through the lens component 27C, specifically at the emission end 29 of the first light guide 27A, the relative intensities of the LED light emitted by the light source 31 and guided by the light guide 27—namely, violet light V, blue light B, green light G, and red light R—with respect to the beam distribution angle are consistent. That is, deviations in relative intensity can be suppressed. Furthermore, the consistent relative intensity referred to here means that the difference between the relative intensities of each color with respect to the beam distribution angle is very small. Preferably, when taking the relative intensity of green light G as a reference, the difference between the relative intensities of violet light V, blue light B, and red light R and the relative intensity of green light G is all within ±5%.

[0138] As described above, in this embodiment, the light guide 27 is composed of a first light guide 27A, a second light guide 27B, and a lens component 27C, and these components are fixed inside the operating section 18. Therefore, the positions of the optical axes of the first light guide 27A, the second light guide 27B, and the lens component 27C will not shift. Thus, regardless of the operating state of the endoscope 12, the lens component 27 can prevent a reduction in the amount of illumination light and a deterioration in light distribution.

[0139] Furthermore, the endoscope 12 connects the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B inside the operation section 18. If the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B are connected inside the front end 17A of the insertion section 17 or inside the endoscope-side connector 22, the length of one of the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B becomes very long (approximately the same length as the total length from the front end 17A to the endoscope-side connector 22, for example, 3.5m). Therefore, it becomes difficult to operate and has poor assemblability. In contrast, in this invention, since the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B are connected inside the operation section 18, the lengths of the first light guide 27A and the second light guide 27B do not become excessively long (for example, one can be set to 0.5m and the other to 3.0m). Therefore, the assemblability of the endoscope 12 is improved.

[0140] In the above embodiments, an endoscope used as a laparoscope was described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to endoscopes used in other applications, such as industrial applications. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, two light guides are provided as light guiding parts, but this is not a limitation; three or more light guides may also be provided.

Claims

1. An endoscope connected to a light source device, said light source device emitting illumination light composed of a mixture of multiple light sources emitting different colors of light, said endoscope comprising: The insertion part is inserted into the body being examined. An operating unit is connected to the insertion unit; The illumination light emitting end is located at the front end of the insertion part; A light guide portion, which is a light guide portion for guiding the illumination light, has a plurality of light guides for guiding the illumination light from the light source to the illumination light emission end, and an optical component for suppressing the deviation of the relative intensity of various colors of the illumination light guided by the light guides and emitted from the illumination light emission end with respect to the light distribution angle. and The connecting portion optically connects the multiple light guides and optical components. The optical components are disposed among the plurality of light guides. The connecting part and the optical component are disposed inside the operating part.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, The insertion portion includes: Outer cylinder; and The shaft component is inserted into the interior of the outer cylinder. The operating part has an operating part body that is connected to the base end side of the shaft component. The connecting part is fixed relative to the outer cylinder. The portions of the multiple light guides held by the connecting portion rotate together with the outer cylinder in the direction of the insertion portion around the axis.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein, The insertion part has an outer tube forming the outer peripheral wall. The outer cylinder is inserted into the interior of the outer tube. The optical guide is inserted between the outer tube and the outer cylinder.

4. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein, The operating unit includes a rotation operating component, which is supported to rotate freely relative to the main body of the operating unit. The outer cylinder and the light guide are rotated in the same direction as the rotating operating component by the rotation of the rotating operating component.

5. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein, The operating unit includes a rotation operating component, which is supported to rotate freely relative to the main body of the operating unit. The outer cylinder and the light guide are rotated in the same direction as the rotating operating component by the rotation of the rotating operating component.

6. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein, It also has signal cables for transmitting and receiving signals. The signal cable is inserted into the shaft component. When the light guide rotates together with the outer cylinder, it rotates at a position further radially outward than the signal cable.

7. The endoscope according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, It also includes a retaining component that holds the light guide, the optical component and the connecting portion and is fixed relative to the outer cylinder.

8. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein, The retaining member is formed in a cylindrical shape. The light guide, the optical component, and the connecting portion are held on the outer peripheral side of the retaining component.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, wherein, The connecting part and the retaining component are disposed inside the main body of the operating part.

10. The endoscope according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, It also has: The housing is disposed inside the operating part and connected to the outer cylinder; and The connecting part magnetically connects the shaft component to the main body of the operating part. The outer cylinder and the shell form an airtight space. The housing has a partition wall that closes the base end side. The connecting part magnetically connects the shaft component to the main body of the operating part by clamping the partition in the middle.

11. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein, It also has: The housing is disposed inside the operating part and connected to the outer cylinder; and The connecting part magnetically connects the shaft component to the main body of the operating part. The outer cylinder and the shell form an airtight space. The housing has a partition wall that closes the base end side. The connecting part magnetically connects the shaft component to the main body of the operating part by clamping the partition in the middle.

12. The endoscope according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, It also has: The housing is disposed inside the operating part and connected to the outer cylinder; and The connecting part magnetically connects the shaft component to the main body of the operating part. The outer cylinder and the shell form an airtight space. The housing has a partition wall that closes the base end side. The connecting part magnetically connects the shaft component to the main body of the operating part by clamping the partition in the middle.

13. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The optical component is a lens component, which, with the relative intensity of one of the various colored lights emitted by the light source as a reference, ensures that the difference between the relative intensity of the other colored lights and the relative intensity of the reference colored light is within ±5%.

14. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein, The optical component is a lens component, which, with the relative intensity of one of the various colored lights emitted by the light source as a reference, ensures that the difference between the relative intensity of the other colored lights and the relative intensity of the reference colored light is within ±5%.

15. The endoscope according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The optical component is a lens component, which, with the relative intensity of one of the various colored lights emitted by the light source as a reference, ensures that the difference between the relative intensity of the other colored lights and the relative intensity of the reference colored light is within ±5%.

16. The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein, The optical component is a lens component, which, with the relative intensity of one of the various colored lights emitted by the light source as a reference, ensures that the difference between the relative intensity of the other colored lights and the relative intensity of the reference colored light is within ±5%.

17. The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein, The optical component is a lens component, which, with the relative intensity of one of the various colored lights emitted by the light source as a reference, ensures that the difference between the relative intensity of the other colored lights and the relative intensity of the reference colored light is within ±5%.

18. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein, The optical component is a lens component, which, with the relative intensity of one of the various colored lights emitted by the light source as a reference, ensures that the difference between the relative intensity of the other colored lights and the relative intensity of the reference colored light is within ±5%.

19. An endoscope system comprising: an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 18; and a light source device that emits illumination light composed of a mixture of multiple colors of light from a plurality of light sources emitting different colors of light from each other.

Images