Hard tube type electronic endoscope

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of electronic endoscopes, in particular to a hard tube type electronic endoscope. The hard tube type electronic endoscope comprises a tube body, a window sheet, an optical lens group, a liquid lens and an image sensor, the window sheet, the optical lens group, the liquid lens and the image sensor are sequentially arranged in the tube body, and a controller connected with the liquid lens is further arranged in the tube body to enable the liquid lens to change focal power so as to focus target objects with different object distances. By adopting the mode, real-time electric focusing can be carried out on different object distances, so that the object distance observation range is expanded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electronic endoscopes, in particular to a rigid tube type electronic endoscope. Background Art

[0002] The development of endoscopes is from the initial rigid tube type optical endoscope to the fiber endoscope, and then to the electronic endoscope. The optical endoscope has a complex structure, often with dozens of optical lenses inside, numerous components, and high costs. An adapter lens and a sensor are connected to its end. By moving the lens group inside the adapter lens, focusing can be adjusted for different object distances, and the images at different object distances from the endoscope inside the body can be observed.

[0003] With the gradual maturity of CCD and CMOS sensor technologies, in the 1980s, electronic endoscopes based on the above sensor technologies were introduced. The optical path of its system only consists of a few lenses, and the sensor is placed behind these lenses. The optical lens and the sensor of such endoscopes are both installed in the narrow endoscope rod, with a simple structure and relatively low costs.

[0004] However, for a rigid tube type electronic endoscope, an adapter lens cannot be installed at the end, and its maximum mechanical diameter does not exceed 10 mm. There is no space inside the rod to install a motor, and it is impossible to change the optical path and the distance from the sensor by moving all or part of the lenses of the lens through a motor or other means. Therefore, the existing rigid tube type electronic endoscopes on the market cannot focus on different object distances. During surgery, only a specific object distance range can be observed, which is not convenient for surgical observation. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the utility model is to provide a rigid tube type electronic endoscope that can perform real-time electric focusing on different object distances to increase the observed object distance range.

[0006] The utility model discloses a rigid tube type electronic endoscope, which includes: a tube body, and a window piece, an optical lens group, a liquid lens, and an image sensor sequentially arranged inside the tube body. A controller electrically connected to the liquid lens is further arranged inside the tube body to enable the liquid lens to change its focal length.

[0007] Optionally, the tube body includes an outer shell and an inner tube, and an illumination optical fiber layer arranged between the outer shell and the inner tube. The illumination optical fiber layer is used to conduct light to the window piece to provide illumination for the target object, and the window piece is hermetically connected to the inner tube.

[0008] Optionally, the illumination optical fiber layer includes a plurality of optical fibers, and glue filled and solidified in the gaps between adjacent optical fibers, and the glue is adhesively connected to the outer shell and the inner tube respectively.

[0009] Optionally, the optical lens group includes a plurality of optical lenses, which are used to correct various aberrations after being combined with the liquid lens and focus an image on the image sensor.

[0010] Optionally, the image sensor is a CCD or a CMOS.

[0011] Optionally, the window is made of sapphire.

[0012] Optionally, the housing and the inner tube are made of stainless steel.

[0013] Optionally, the outer diameter of the tube body is less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the rigid tube type electronic endoscope provided by the embodiment of the present invention are as follows: The rigid tube type electronic endoscope provided by the embodiment of the present application, by arranging a window, an optical lens group, a liquid lens and an image sensor in sequence in the tube body and inside the tube body, during use, if it is necessary to focus on a target object with different object distances, the voltage at both ends of the liquid lens is controlled by a controller. The liquid lens is usually composed of two liquids with different materials, and the two liquids are isolated by a transparent film. Utilizing the electro-wetting effect, when the voltage acting on both ends of the liquid lens changes, the bending curvature of the transparent film changes, so that the optical power of the liquid lens changes, and further changes the working object distance of the imaging optical path composed of the optical lens group, the liquid lens and the image sensor, so that the images of the target objects with different object distances are focused on the image sensor. By adopting the above method, real-time electric focusing for different object distances can be achieved without using a mechanical transmission form driven by a motor, and while ensuring the miniaturization of the structure of the rigid tube type electronic endoscope, the observation object distance range can be increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the rigid tube type electronic endoscope provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the rigid tube type electronic endoscope with the light path direction provided by the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Each reference numeral in the figure is as follows:

[0019] 100, rigid tube type electronic endoscope; 101, target object; 110, tube body; 112, housing; 114, inner tube; 116, illumination optical fiber layer; 120, window; 130, optical lens group; 140, liquid lens; 150, image sensor; 160, controller. Detailed Implementation Modes

[0020] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Now, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present utility model will be described in detail.

[0021] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, an embodiment of the present utility model provides a rigid tube type electronic endoscope 100, including: a tube body 110, and a window pane 120, an optical lens group 130, a liquid lens 140, and an image sensor 150 sequentially arranged in the tube body 110. A controller 160 electrically connected to the liquid lens 140 is further arranged in the tube body 110, so as to enable the liquid lens 140 to change the optical power, thereby focusing on target objects at different object distances.

[0022] Specifically, the tube body 110 is used to be inserted into a corresponding position for observing the target object 101. At the same time, the tube body 110 protects the window pane 120, the optical lens group 130, and the liquid lens 140 arranged in the tube body 110, so as to ensure that the target object 101 can be stably imaged at the image sensor 150. In addition, the window pane 120 is made of a transparent material, and the window pane 120 is arranged at the end of the tube body 110. While ensuring that the light of the target object 101 can pass through the window pane 120 and be incident on the image sensor 150, it can also cooperate with the tube body 110 to play a role of sealing and protection.

[0023] For the rigid tube type electronic endoscope 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application, by arranging the window pane 120, the optical lens group 130, the liquid lens 140, and the image sensor 150 in the tube body 110 and in sequence in the tube body 110, during the use process, when it is necessary to focus on target objects 101 at different object distances, the voltage at both ends of the liquid lens 140 is controlled by the controller 160. The liquid lens 140 is usually composed of two liquids with different materials, and the two liquids are isolated by a transparent film. Utilizing the electro-wetting effect, when the voltage acting on both ends of the liquid lens 140 changes, the bending curvature of the transparent film changes, so that the optical power of the liquid lens 140 changes, and further changes the working object distance of the imaging optical path composed of the optical lens group 130, the liquid lens 140, and the image sensor 150, so that the images of the target objects 101 at different object distances are focused on the image sensor 150. By adopting the above method, real-time electric focusing on different object distances can be achieved without using a mechanical transmission form driven by a motor, and while ensuring the miniaturization of the structure of the rigid tube type electronic endoscope 100, the range of the observed object distance can be increased.

[0024] In addition, the rigid endoscope 100 provided by the application embodiment can perform electronic focusing on the target object 101 with different object distances, facilitating doctors to observe images with different object distances during surgery, greatly expanding the depth of field range of the endoscope, and improving the surgical accuracy. Moreover, the liquid lens 140 has the advantages of fast focusing and long service life, which can ensure that the picture can be automatically and quickly focused clearly at any moment and any object distance when the rigid endoscope 100 is inserted into the body, always maintaining a clear picture and not delaying surgical observation.

[0025] As Figure 1 shown, the tube body 110 includes an outer shell 112 and an inner tube 114, as well as an illumination optical fiber layer 116 disposed between the outer shell 112 and the inner tube 114. The illumination optical fiber layer 116 is used to conduct light to the front end near the window 120 to provide illumination for the target object 101, and the window 120 is hermetically connected to the inner tube 114.

[0026] Specifically, the outer shell 112 mainly plays a role in protecting the rigid endoscope 100, and the inner tube 114 is positioned and coordinated with the window 120, the optical lens group 130, the liquid lens 140, and the image sensor 150 to ensure the stability during imaging display and use. By providing the illumination optical fiber layer 116 between the outer shell 112 and the inner tube 114, it is convenient to conduct the light emitted by the light source located at the tail end of the rigid endoscope 100 to the window 120, thereby providing sufficient illumination for the target object 101 to ensure clear imaging of the image sensor 150. In addition, the window 120 is hermetically connected to the inner tube 114, which can prevent liquids and oil stains from entering the imaging optical path inside the endoscope and affecting the imaging quality. Since the illumination optical fiber layer 116 is completely blocked by the inner tube 114, even if there is liquid infiltration in part of the illumination optical fiber layer 116, it will not affect the imaging optical path and the corresponding electronic components.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the illumination optical fiber layer 116 includes a plurality of optical fibers, and glue filled and cured in the gaps between adjacent optical fibers, and the glue is bonded to the outer shell 112 and the inner tube 114 respectively.

[0028] Among them, the glue preferably uses liquid corrosion-resistant seam glue. By adopting the above method, the gaps between adjacent optical fibers are filled with glue, avoiding liquid penetration into the inside of the tube body 110 during use. Moreover, the illumination optical fiber layer 116 is tightly combined with the outer shell 112 and the inner tube 114 respectively, ensuring the reliability and tightness of the connection. In addition, it can also ensure the bonding strength of the illumination optical fiber layer 116 with the outer shell 112 and the inner tube 114 respectively, ensuring the reliability during use.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the optical lens group 130 includes a plurality of optical lenses, which are used to correct various aberrations after being combined with the liquid lens 140 and focus the image on the image sensor 150. In practical applications, the optical lens group 130 can be designed with different field of view angles according to actual needs to meet the usage requirements of different types of rigid endoscopes 100.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the image sensor 150 is a CCD or a CMOS. Adopting the above form facilitates capturing the optical signal transmitted to the image sensor 150 and converting it into an electrical signal for further processing and display.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the material of the window 120 is sapphire. Sapphire has the advantages of high hardness and scratch resistance, and excellent transparency, ensuring that the picture remains clear after multiple uses.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the materials of the outer shell 112 and the inner tube 114 are stainless steel. Stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, which can protect the internal components from damage and extend the service life.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the outer diameter of the tube body 110 is less than or equal to 10 mm. Adopting the above method enables the rigid endoscope 100 to adapt to a narrower observation channel, thus improving the applicability during use.

[0034] It should be understood that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them. Those skilled in the art can modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features; and all such modifications and replacements shall fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rigid tube type electronic endoscope, characterized in that, Comprising: A tube body, and a window pane, an optical lens group, a liquid lens, and an image sensor sequentially arranged inside the tube body. A controller connected to the liquid lens is further arranged inside the tube body to enable the liquid lens to change its optical power so as to focus on target objects at different object distances.

2. The rigid endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The tube body includes an outer shell and an inner tube, and an illumination optical fiber layer arranged between the outer shell and the inner tube. The illumination optical fiber layer is used to conduct light to the window pane to provide illumination for the target object, and the window pane is hermetically connected to the inner tube.

3. The rigid electronic endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that, The illumination optical fiber layer includes a plurality of optical fibers, and glue filled and cured in the gaps between adjacent optical fibers, and the glue is adhesively bonded to the outer shell and the inner tube respectively.

4. The rigid tube type electronic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, The optical lens group includes a plurality of optical lenses, which are used to correct various aberrations after being combined with the liquid lens and focus the image on the image sensor.

5. The rigid endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image sensor is a CCD or a CMOS.

6. The rigid electronic endoscope according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The material of the window pane is sapphire.

7. The rigid tube type electronic endoscope according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The materials of the outer shell and the inner tube are stainless steel.

8. The rigid electronic endoscope according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the tube body is less than or equal to 10 mm.

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