Imaging module of endoscope, endoscope and endoscope system

Abstract

The utility model provides an imaging module of an endoscope, the endoscope and an endoscope system.The imaging module comprises a lens cone, a sensor support, an image sensor and a plurality of lenses, the lens cone is cylindrical, and the lens cone is provided with an object side and an image side which are opposite in the axial direction of the lens cone; a clamping part is arranged in the lens barrel; the sensor support is arranged on the image side of the lens cone, and a containing cavity of the sensor support penetrates through the sensor support in the axial direction of the lens cone. The image sensor is arranged in the accommodating cavity; the plurality of lenses are arranged in the lens cone along the axial direction of the lens cone; along the radial direction of the lenses, the edges of at least n lenses are provided with bearing parts, the bearing parts are clamped with the clamping parts, and the joints of part or all of the bearing parts and the clamping parts are fixed through dispensing. According to the imaging module, a space ring is omitted, so that the assembling procedures of the imaging module are reduced, the influence of the space ring on the assembling precision of the imaging module is omitted, the assembling precision of the lenses and the lens barrel is indirectly improved, and the imaging quality of the imaging module is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical imaging technology, and in particular to an imaging module, endoscope, and endoscope system for an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] An electronic endoscope, or simply endoscope, is an instrument that can be inserted into the human body, allowing doctors to directly observe the tissue morphology and lesions of the body cavities and internal organs, and to make accurate diagnoses of diseases. Currently, endoscopes are widely used in various fields of clinical medicine, and play an irreplaceable role, especially in the diagnosis of intrauterine diseases.

[0003] Endoscopes are typically inserted into living organisms, such as the tip of an insert within a blood vessel. The images detected are transmitted to an image sensor for better observation. They are commonly used in modern minimally invasive surgery, as well as in the examination and treatment of the digestive tract.

[0004] In the imaging module of the related technology, multiple lenses used for imaging are fixed inside the lens barrel by spacers. This makes the lens installation process not only more complicated, but also results in low assembly accuracy of multiple lenses and lens barrel due to the influence of the processing and installation errors of the spacers themselves, leading to poor imaging of the imaging module. Utility Model Content

[0005] The embodiments of this application provide an imaging module for an endoscope, an endoscope, and an endoscope system, which solve the problems of cumbersome assembly process and poor imaging quality of imaging modules in related technologies.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an imaging module for an endoscope, comprising: an endoscope barrel, a sensor bracket, an image sensor, and multiple lenses. The endoscope barrel is cylindrical, and along its axial direction, it has an object side and an image side. A snap-fit ​​portion is provided within the endoscope barrel. The sensor bracket is disposed on the image side of the endoscope barrel and has a receiving cavity extending through it along the axial direction of the endoscope barrel. The image sensor is disposed within the receiving cavity. Multiple lenses are arranged along the axial direction of the endoscope barrel within it. Along the radial direction of each lens, at least n lenses have supporting portions at their edges, which snap into the snap-fit ​​portion. Part or all of the connections between the supporting portions and the snap-fit ​​portion are fixed by adhesive application.

[0007] The beneficial effects of the imaging module provided in this application embodiment are as follows: by setting a snap-fit ​​part inside the lens barrel and a support part on the edge of some lenses, during the assembly process of the lens and the lens barrel, the support part of the lens is snapped with the snap-fit ​​part inside the lens barrel, and then fixed by applying glue at the snap-fit ​​point, so that multiple lenses are directly fixedly arranged inside the lens barrel. In this way, compared with the imaging module in the related technology, the spacer ring is eliminated. This not only reduces the assembly process of the imaging module, but also eliminates the influence of the spacer ring on the assembly accuracy of the imaging module, thereby indirectly improving the assembly accuracy of multiple lenses and the lens barrel, which in turn helps to improve the imaging quality of the imaging module.

[0008] In some embodiments, the number n of the lenses having the bearing portion is any one of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

[0009] In some embodiments, the lens barrel has a first section, a second section, and a third section extending through the lens barrel along its axial direction. The first section is located near the object side and includes a plurality of first sub-segments. The third section includes a plurality of second sub-segments. From the object side to the image side, the diameters of the plurality of first sub-segments decrease, and the diameters of the plurality of second sub-segments increase. The second section is the smallest section, and the first sub-segments and the second sub-segments are connected to each other on both sides of the second section. The locking portion includes a first hole wall and a connecting end face, the connecting end face being the end face between the hole walls of two adjacent segments of the first, second, and third sections. The bearing portion is a plane, and the connecting end face is in contact with the bearing portion. In the first section, the first hole wall is the hole wall of the first sub-segment with the larger diameter among two adjacent first sub-segments. In the third section, the first hole wall is the hole wall of the second sub-segment with the larger diameter among two adjacent second sub-segments.

[0010] The above configuration creates multiple planar snap-fit ​​parts inside the lens barrel, which facilitates contact with the bearing surfaces of multiple lenses, increases the contact area between the lens barrel and the lenses, and thus makes the connection between the lenses and the lens barrel more secure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connecting end face is perpendicular to the axial direction of the lens barrel.

[0012] The above design further increases the contact area between the snap-fit ​​part and the bearing surface, making the connection between the lens and the lens barrel more secure.

[0013] In some embodiments, the lens barrel is provided with a first sleeve, which is located in the second sub-segment with the largest aperture in the third aperture segment. The first sleeve has a fourth aperture segment and a fifth aperture segment. The fourth aperture segment is located on the side of the fifth aperture segment closer to the object side, and the diameter of the fourth aperture segment is smaller than the diameter of the fifth aperture segment.

[0014] By changing the thickness and length of the hole wall of the first sleeve, the lens barrel can be adapted to the installation of lenses of different numbers and sizes, thereby improving the versatility of the lens barrel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first sleeve includes a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body that are connected to each other, the central hole of the first cylindrical body is the fourth hole segment, and the central hole of the second cylindrical body is the fifth hole segment; the outer diameter of the first cylindrical body is equal to the outer diameter of the second cylindrical body; the first sleeve is located in the first second sub-segment of the third hole segment along the object side to the image side, and the diameter of the fourth hole segment is smaller than the diameter of the second sub-segment connected to the second hole segment.

[0016] With the above settings, the lens barrel can be adapted to the installation of lenses of different numbers and sizes, requiring only minor modifications to the structural dimensions of the first sleeve.

[0017] In some embodiments, the end face of the first cylinder near the second hole segment is parallel to and spaced apart from the first end face located between the hole walls of the second sub-segment and the fourth hole segment.

[0018] With the above configuration, when a lens is provided in the second sub-segment adjacent to the second hole segment, and the image side of the lens has a bearing surface, it is beneficial for the end face of the first cylinder near the hole segment to directly abut against the lens, thus avoiding the risk of the lens being over-positioned.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one of the first hole segment, the third hole segment, and the fourth hole segment has a chamfer at the end away from the second hole segment.

[0020] With the above settings, the chamfer can be used to store adhesive during lens and lens barrel installation, thereby ensuring a firm connection between the lens and the lens barrel.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first cylinder and the second cylinder are an integral structure.

[0022] By adopting the above settings, the number of parts is reduced, which not only reduces the number of assembly steps but also helps to improve assembly accuracy.

[0023] In some embodiments, the accommodating cavity is a stepped aperture, the accommodating cavity includes a first cavity segment, a second cavity segment, and a third cavity segment communicating between the first cavity segment and the second cavity segment, the image sensor is located at the second cavity segment, and the third aperture segment is sleeved and communicated with the first cavity segment; in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the lens barrel, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cavity segment is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the third cavity segment, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second cavity segment is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the third cavity segment.

[0024] The above settings reduce the amount of light passing through the edge of the third cavity and increase the effective light entering the image sensor through the second cavity, thereby improving the imaging quality of the imaging module.

[0025] In some embodiments, an annular clearance groove is provided at the outer edge of the end of the lens barrel near the image side, and the clearance groove extends circumferentially along the lens barrel; along the axial direction of the lens barrel, the width of the clearance groove is less than or equal to the length of the first cavity segment, and the bottom wall of the clearance groove extends into the first cavity segment.

[0026] With the above configuration, when the lens barrel is fitted with the sensor bracket, the end face of the lens barrel near the image side is spaced apart from the end face of the sensor bracket near the lens barrel, reducing the risk of interference between the lens located outside the image side of the lens barrel and the sensor bracket.

[0027] In some embodiments, the width of the clearance groove along the axial direction of the lens barrel is less than the depth of the first second sub-segment near the image side.

[0028] The above settings help improve the reliability of the lens barrel, especially the firmness of the connection between the lens barrel and the sensor bracket.

[0029] In some embodiments, the connection between the clearance groove and the first cavity segment is fixed by adhesive dispensing, and the bottom wall of the clearance groove is provided with an annular groove that extends circumferentially along the lens barrel.

[0030] When the clearance groove is fixed by dispensing adhesive at the connection between the clearance groove and the first cavity section, the annular groove on the bottom wall of the clearance groove can store the adhesive, thereby slowing down the flow of the adhesive into the lens barrel. This ensures that the lens barrel is firmly connected to the sensor bracket and reduces the impact of the adhesive on the imaging of multiple lenses inside the lens barrel.

[0031] In some embodiments, a second sleeve is fitted onto one end of the sensor bracket away from the lens barrel. The imaging module further includes a circuit board and a cable electrically connected to the sensor, the circuit board and the cable being located inside the second sleeve. A support block is provided inside the second sleeve, the support block having a through hole for the cable to pass through, the through hole penetrating the support block along its thickness direction; the thickness direction of the support block is parallel to the axial direction of the second sleeve.

[0032] By setting a support block inside the second sleeve, the cable can be supported to a certain extent, reducing the risk that the cable will not be firmly connected to the circuit board due to its own weight.

[0033] In some embodiments, the support block includes a detachable first structural member and a second structural member. The first structural member has a first inclined surface, which is inclined relative to the thickness direction of the support block. The second structural member has a second inclined surface, which is inclined in the same direction as the first inclined surface. A first clearance space is provided on the first inclined surface, and a second clearance space is provided on the second inclined surface. When the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are in contact, the first clearance space and the second clearance space form the through hole.

[0034] With the above configuration, when the first and second structural components are placed one above the other on the second sleeve, the first and second structural components move relative to each other under the weight of the support block, causing the wall of the through hole to come into contact with the cable until it is squeezed. This provides a squeezing force to the cable, thus making the cable firmly connected to the support block.

[0035] In some embodiments, the support block is disposed at the end of the second sleeve away from the sensor bracket.

[0036] The above settings provide better support for the cables.

[0037] In some embodiments, along the thickness direction of the support block, one end of the support block is provided with a flange, the flange protruding from the outer edge of the support block in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the support block, so that when the support block is disposed inside the second sleeve, the flange stops outside the second sleeve.

[0038] With the above configuration, the flange restricts the axial relative movement of the support block and the second sleeve relative to the second sleeve, thereby fixing the support block and the second sleeve relatively.

[0039] In some embodiments, the support block and the flange are an integral structure.

[0040] The above settings make the connection between the support block and the second sleeve more secure.

[0041] In some embodiments, the sensor bracket is made of metal, and the second sleeve is made of metal.

[0042] With the above configuration, the sensor bracket and the second sleeve form a shielding cover with shielding function, which improves the imaging module's resistance to electromagnetic interference.

[0043] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an endoscope, including an insertion part, an operation part, a connecting part, and an imaging module as described in the first aspect above, wherein the operation part is connected between the connecting part and the insertion part, and the imaging module is located in the end of the insertion part away from the operation part.

[0044] The endoscope in this embodiment achieves the same technical effect as the camera module in the first aspect, and will not be described again here.

[0045] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide an endoscope system, including a light source host, an image processing device, and the endoscope described in the second aspect above.

[0046] The endoscope in this embodiment achieves the same technical effect as the endoscope in the second aspect, and will not be described again here. Attached Figure Description

[0047] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscope structure in some embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the imaging module of the endoscope in the image;

[0050] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the lens barrel and multiple lenses of the imaging module;

[0051] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the lens tube;

[0052] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the arrangement of multiple lenses in the image;

[0053] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the lens barrel body;

[0054] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the assembly cross-section of the imaging module near the sensor bracket;

[0055] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the support block in the diagram;

[0056] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of the support block.

[0057] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0058] 100. Insertion part; 110. Head end; 120. Bending part; 130. Tube part; 200. Operating part; 300. Connecting part;

[0059] 1. First sub-segment; 2. Second sub-segment; 4. Fourth hole segment; 5. Fifth hole segment;

[0060] 10. Lens tube; 101. Snap-fit ​​part; 102. First hole wall; 103. Connecting end face; 104. First hole section; 105. Second hole section; 106. Third hole section; 112. First end face; 12. First sleeve; 121. First cylinder body; 122. Second cylinder body; 13. Chamfer; 14. Clearance groove; 15. Groove;

[0061] 20. Sensor bracket; 201. Receiving cavity; 21. First cavity segment; 22. Second cavity segment; 23. Third cavity segment;

[0062] 30. Image sensor;

[0063] 40. Lens; 401. Support part; 41. First lens; 42. Second lens; 43. Third lens; 44. Fourth lens; 45. Fifth lens; 46. Sixth lens; First cemented lens G1; Second cemented lens G2;

[0064] 50. Second sleeve;

[0065] 60. Circuit board;

[0066] 70. Cables;

[0067] 80. Support block; 801. Through hole; 802. First clearance space; 803. Second clearance space; 81. First structural component; 811. First inclined surface; 82. Second structural component; 821. Second inclined surface; 83. Flange. Detailed Implementation

[0068] For ease of understanding, the English abbreviations and related technical terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained and described below.

[0069] The object side is defined by the lens, with the side containing the object being photographed being the boundary.

[0070] Image side, with the lens as the boundary, is the side on which the image of the photographed object is located.

[0071] Cemented lenses, also known as bonded lenses, are composite lenses composed of two or more lenses bonded together. Cemented lenses have better tolerance sensitivity than single lenses, which is more beneficial for lens assembly when used in endoscope products, thus improving the imaging quality of the endoscope.

[0072] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0073] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0074] An electronic endoscope, or simply endoscope, is a device that can be inserted into a living organism, such as the human body, allowing doctors to directly observe the tissue morphology and pathological changes of body cavities and internal organs, and to make accurate diagnoses of diseases. Currently, endoscopes are widely used in various fields of clinical medicine, and play an irreplaceable role, especially in diagnosing intrauterine diseases.

[0075] Typically, images detected by an endoscope are transmitted to an image sensor at the tip of the endoscope, which can be inserted into a living organism, such as a blood vessel, for better observation. This method is commonly used in modern minimally invasive surgery, as well as in the examination and treatment of the digestive tract.

[0076] In the imaging module of the related technology, multiple lenses used for imaging are fixed inside the lens barrel by spacers. This makes the lens installation process not only more complicated, but also results in low assembly accuracy of multiple lenses and lens barrel due to the influence of the processing and installation errors of the spacers themselves, leading to poor imaging of the imaging module.

[0077] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a camera module, an endoscope, and an endoscope system.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope includes an insertion part 100, an operation part 200, a connecting part 300, and an imaging module. The operation part 200 is connected between the connecting part 300 and the insertion part 100, and the imaging module is located in the end of the insertion part 100 away from the operation part 200.

[0079] The aforementioned insertion part 100 is used for insertion into the human body. The insertion part 100 includes a head end 110, a bending part 120 and a tube part 130. The tube part 130 is connected to the operation part 200. The bending part 120 is connected between the head end 110 and the tube part 130. The imaging module is located inside the head end 110.

[0080] The aforementioned bending portion 120 is structured as follows: it is a bending mechanism that bends in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the endoscope through operation of the operating unit 200. This bending mechanism is a well-known mechanism built into ordinary endoscopes, and its structure involves bending the bending portion 120 by pulling an operating line that is linked to the operation of the operating unit 200 (specifically, the rotation of the bending operation knob). Furthermore, the direction of the tip 110 changes with the bending action described above, thereby moving the imaging area of ​​the endoscope.

[0081] In addition to the bending operation knob for bending the bending section 120, the operation section 200 is also provided with a freeze button for switching the observed image to a dynamic image display or a static image display, a zoom button for indicating the zoom in / out of the observed image, and a switch button for switching between ordinary light and therapeutic light.

[0082] The aforementioned imaging module can be used not only in endoscopes, but also in other electronic devices other than endoscopes with camera functions, without specific limitations.

[0083] Figure 2 A cross-section of the head end 110 after cutting along the optical axis of the plurality of lenses 40 is shown. (See figure) Figure 2As shown, the imaging module of the endoscope includes a barrel 10, a sensor bracket 20, an image sensor 30, and multiple lenses 40. The barrel 10 is cylindrical and has an object side and an image side along its axial direction. The barrel 10 has a snap-fit ​​part 101 inside. The sensor bracket 20 is disposed on the side of the barrel 10 near the image side and has a receiving cavity 201 that extends through the barrel 10 along its axial direction. The image sensor 30 is disposed in the receiving cavity 201. Multiple lenses 40 are arranged inside the barrel 10 along its axial direction. Along the radial direction of the lenses, at least n lenses have a support part 401 at their edges, which snaps into the snap-fit ​​part 101. The connection between part or all of the support part 401 and the snap-fit ​​part 101 is fixed by adhesive application.

[0084] The working principle of the imaging module of the endoscope is as follows: the light reflected from the subject passes through multiple lenses 40 to generate an optical image, which is then projected onto the image sensor 30. The image sensor 30 converts the optical image into an electrical signal, i.e., an analog image signal, and transmits it to the processor.

[0085] The image sensor 30 is a semiconductor chip containing hundreds of thousands to millions of photodiodes on its surface, which generate electrical charges when exposed to light. The photosensitive element can be a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) device. A CCD is made of a highly sensitive semiconductor material that converts light into electrical charges. A charge-coupled device consists of many photosensitive units, typically measured in megapixels. When the surface of the photosensitive element is illuminated, each photosensitive unit reflects an electrical charge onto the component; the signals generated by all the photosensitive units are added together to form a complete image.

[0086] Among them, the multiple lenses 40 mainly use the refraction principle of lenses to form images, that is, the light from the scene passes through the multiple lenses 40 to form a clear image on the focal plane, and the image of the scene is recorded by the photosensitive element located on the focal plane.

[0087] By providing a snap-fit ​​part 101 inside the lens barrel 10 and a support part 401 on the edge of some lenses, during the assembly process of the lens and the lens barrel 10, the support part 401 of the lens is snapped into the snap-fit ​​part 101 inside the lens barrel 10, and then fixed by applying adhesive at the snap-fit ​​point, so that multiple lenses 40 are directly fixedly arranged inside the lens barrel 10. In this way, compared with the imaging module in related technologies, the spacer ring is eliminated. This not only reduces the assembly process of the imaging module, but also eliminates the influence of the spacer ring on the assembly accuracy of the imaging module, thereby indirectly improving the assembly accuracy of multiple lenses 40 and the lens barrel 10, which in turn helps to improve the imaging quality of the imaging module.

[0088] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the assembly of the lens barrel 10 and multiple lenses 40 is shown. Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the lens barrel 10 is shown. Figure 5 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of multiple lenses 40 arranged inside the lens barrel 10 is shown.

[0089] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, there are six lenses 40: a first lens 41, a second lens 42, a third lens 43, a fourth lens 44, a fifth lens 45, and a sixth lens 46. The second lens 42 and the third lens 43 are cemented together to form a first cemented lens G1, and the fifth lens 45 and the sixth lens 46 are cemented together to form a second cemented lens G2. The image-side surface of the first lens 41, the second lens 42, the fourth lens 44, and the object-side surface of the sixth lens 46 have a supporting surface. In other words, there are six lenses 40 in this application, and four of the lenses 40 have supporting portions.

[0090] The number n of the lenses 40 with the support portion is any one of 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

[0091] It should be noted that, since some of the lenses 40 are cemented lenses, and each cemented lens only requires one lens 40 with a support portion to be snapped and fixed to the lens barrel 10, the number n of lenses 40 with support portions is usually less than the total number of lenses 40. Of course, in the multiple lenses 40, all lenses 40 can be provided with support portions, and each lens 40 can be snapped into the lens barrel 10 through the support portion. In this case, the number n of lenses 40 with support portions is equal to the total number of lenses 40.

[0092] Additionally, at the points where multiple lenses 40 are snapped into the lens barrel 10, adhesive is typically used to further secure these connections. Of course, when applying adhesive to these connections, it can be applied only to the connections near the object and image sides, or it can be applied to each connection point between each lens and the lens barrel 10. In practice, the number and location of adhesive application points should be determined based on the number of lenses 40 and the number of snap-fit ​​parts 101, ensuring a secure connection between the multiple lenses 40 and the lens barrel 10. No specific limitations are imposed here.

[0093] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the lens barrel 10 has a first section 104, a second section 105, and a third section 106 extending through the lens barrel 10 along its axial direction. The first section 104 is close to the object side and includes a plurality of first sub-segments 1. The third section 106 includes a plurality of second sub-segments 2. From the object side to the image side, the diameters of the plurality of first sub-segments 1 decrease, and the diameters of the plurality of second sub-segments 2 increase. The second section 105 is the smallest section in the lens barrel 10, and the first sub-segments 1 and the second sub-segments 2 are connected to both sides of the second section 105. (The last sentence appears to be a separate, unrelated statement: "Snap-fit...") Part 101 includes a first hole wall 102 and a connecting end face 103. The connecting end face 103 is the end face between the hole walls of two adjacent holes in the first hole segment 104, the second hole segment 105, and the third hole segment 106. The bearing part 401 is a plane, and the connecting end face 103 fits into the bearing part 401. In the first hole segment 104, the first hole wall 102 is the hole wall of the first sub-segment 1 with the larger hole diameter among two adjacent first sub-segments 1. In the third hole segment 106, the first hole wall 102 is the hole wall of the second sub-segment 2 with the larger hole diameter among two adjacent second sub-segments 2.

[0094] The aforementioned second aperture segment 105 is the smallest aperture segment in the lens barrel 10, meaning there is only one second aperture segment 105, which mainly serves to allow light to pass through. The aperture of the second aperture segment 105 is smaller than that of the smallest sub-segment 1 in the first aperture segment 104. To improve the reliability of the lens barrel 10, the aperture of the second aperture segment 105 can be as small as possible while still meeting optical performance requirements.

[0095] With the above configuration, multiple planar snap-fit ​​portions 101 are formed inside the lens barrel 10. Thus, when the lens is installed inside the lens barrel 10, the circumferential surface of the lens contacts the hole walls of the first hole section 104 and the third hole section 106, while the bearing surface of the lens abuts against the connecting end face 103. This facilitates the contact between the multiple connecting end faces 103 of the lens barrel 10 and the bearing surfaces of the multiple lenses 40, increasing the contact area between the lens barrel 10 and the multiple lenses 40, thereby making the connection between the lens and the lens barrel 10 more secure.

[0096] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first hole segment 104 includes three first sub-segments 1, and the first hole segment 104 forms two snap-fit ​​portions 101. The third hole segment 106 includes two second sub-segments 2, and the second hole segment 105 forms two snap-fit ​​portions 101.

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting end face 103 is perpendicular to the axis of the lens barrel 10.

[0098] The aforementioned perpendicularity includes the included angle between the axis of the connecting end face 103 and the axis of the lens barrel 10, which is 90°±5°.

[0099] With the above configuration, when the lens is installed inside the lens barrel 10, the circumferential surface of the lens contacts the hole wall of the first hole section 104 or the third hole section 106, and the bearing surfaces of the multiple lenses 40 can be completely fitted with the corresponding multiple connecting end faces 103, which further increases the contact area between the snap-fit ​​part 101 and the bearing surface, making the connection between the multiple lenses 40 and the lens barrel 10 more secure.

[0100] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the end of the first hole segment 104 away from the second hole segment 105 (closer to the object side) Figure 4 The left side of the third hole segment 106 is chamfered 13, and the end of the third hole segment 106 away from the second hole segment 105 (closer to the image side) is chamfered 13. Figure 4 The right side of the middle section has a chamfer of 13.

[0101] With the above configuration, when the lens is installed with the lens barrel 10, the chamfer 13 can be used to store adhesive, thereby making the lens barrel 10 and the lens firmly connected.

[0102] Specifically, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, from the object side to the image side, the left side of the first sub-segment 1 at the first and second positions is provided with a chamfer 13; the right side of the two second sub-segments 2 is also provided with a chamfer 13.

[0103] In addition, in order to reduce stress concentration at the connection between the second hole segment 105 and the first hole segment 104 and the third hole segment 106, chamfers (not shown) can also be provided at both ends of the second hole segment 105.

[0104] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the lens barrel 10 is provided with a first sleeve 12, which is located in the second sub-segment 2 with the largest aperture in the third hole segment 106. The first sleeve 12 has a fourth hole segment 4 and a fifth hole segment 5. The fourth hole segment 4 is located on the side of the fifth hole segment 5 closer to the object side, and the diameter D1 of the fourth hole segment 4 is smaller than the diameter D2 of the fifth hole segment 5.

[0105] By setting a first sleeve 12 inside the lens barrel 10, the installation requirements of lenses 40 of different numbers and sizes can be met by changing the hole wall thickness and length of the first sleeve 12 within the same lens barrel 10, thereby improving the versatility of the lens barrel 10.

[0106] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the first sleeve 12 includes a first cylinder 121 and a second cylinder 122 that are connected to each other. The central hole of the first cylinder 121 is a fourth hole segment 4, and the central hole of the second cylinder 122 is a fifth hole segment 5. The outer diameter of the first cylinder 121 is equal to the outer diameter of the second cylinder 122. The first sleeve 12 is located in the second second sub-segment 2 of the third hole segment 106 from the object side to the image side. The diameter D1 of the fourth hole segment 4 is smaller than the diameter D3 of the second sub-segment 2 connected to the second hole segment 105.

[0107] The length of the first sleeve 12 along the axial direction of the lens barrel 10 is determined by the distance between the fourth lens 44 and the sixth lens 46. In this embodiment, the depth to which the first sleeve 12 extends into the second sub-segment 2 at the second position from the object side to the image side in the third aperture segment 106 is determined according to the edge thickness of the fourth lens 44.

[0108] With the above settings, the diameter D1 of the fourth hole segment 4 is minimized after the first sleeve 12 is assembled with the lens barrel 10. Thus, when the fourth lens 44 is installed, the left end face of the fourth hole segment 4 can abut against the image side of the fourth lens 44, thereby restricting the axial movement of the fourth lens 44 and reducing the risk of over-positioning of the fourth lens 44. In addition, the size of the first sleeve 12 can be designed according to the number and size of multiple lenses 40, so that when the lens barrel 10 is adapted to the installation of lenses of different numbers and sizes, only the structural dimensions of the first sleeve 12 need to be modified, which is a small modification.

[0109] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the end face of the first cylinder 121 near the second hole segment 105 is parallel to and spaced apart from the first end face 112 located between the hole walls of the second sub-segment 2 and the fourth hole segment 4.

[0110] With the above configuration, when a lens is installed in the second sub-segment 2 adjacent to the second aperture segment 105, for example... Figure 3 When the fourth lens 44 is in the middle, when the image side of the fourth lens 44 near the image side has a bearing surface, the end face of the first cylinder 121 near the hole end face of the second hole section 105 can directly abut against the fourth lens 44, avoiding the risk of the fourth lens 44 being over-positioned, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the fourth lens 44.

[0111] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the first barrel 121 and the second barrel 122 are an integral structure. This arrangement reduces the number of parts in the lens barrel 10, thereby reducing assembly steps and improving assembly accuracy.

[0112] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the assembly of the sensor bracket 20, the second sleeve 50, the image sensor 30, the circuit board 60, and the cable 70 is shown. Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the accommodating cavity 201 is a stepped hole, and the accommodating cavity 201 includes a first cavity segment 21, a second cavity segment 22, and a third cavity segment 23 communicating between the first cavity segment 21 and the second cavity segment 22. The image sensor 30 is located at the second cavity segment 22, and the third hole segment 106 is sleeved and communicated with the first cavity segment 21. In a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the lens barrel 10, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cavity segment 21 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the third cavity segment 23, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second cavity segment 22 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the third cavity segment 23.

[0113] Through the above arrangement, not only can the first cavity segment 21 with a larger cross-sectional area be fitted onto the third hole segment 106 of the lens barrel 10, thus ensuring a firm connection between the lens barrel 10 and the sensor support 20, but also the light passing through the edge of the third cavity segment 23 is reduced, increasing the effective light entering the image sensor 30 through the second cavity segment 22, thereby improving the imaging quality of the imaging module. Simultaneously, the connection between the third hole segment 106 and the first cavity segment 21 not only reduces the axial dimension of the imaging module perpendicular to the lens barrel 10, but also, compared to the direct connection between the second cavity segment 22 and the third hole segment 106, relatively reduces the axial dimension of the imaging module along the lens barrel 10, thus reducing the overall volume of the imaging module.

[0114] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, an annular clearance groove 14 is provided at the outer edge of the end of the lens barrel 10 near the image side, and the clearance groove 14 extends circumferentially along the lens barrel 10; along the axial direction of the lens barrel 10, the groove width L1 of the clearance groove 14 is less than or equal to the length L2 of the first cavity segment 21, and the bottom wall of the clearance groove 14 extends into the first cavity segment 21.

[0115] By extending the bottom wall of the clearance groove 14 into the first cavity section 21, not only is the contact area between the lens barrel 10 and the sensor support 20 increased, making the connection between the lens barrel 10 and the sensor support 20 more secure, but the axial dimension of the imaging module along the lens barrel 10 is also reduced. At the same time, along the axial direction of the lens barrel 10, the width L1 of the clearance groove 14 is less than or equal to the length L2 of the first cavity section 21. Thus, when the lens barrel 10 and the sensor support 20 are fitted together, the end face of the lens barrel 10 near the image side is spaced apart from the end face of the sensor support 20 near the lens barrel 10, reducing the risk of interference between the lens located outside the image side of the lens barrel 10 and the sensor support 20.

[0116] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the width L1 of the clearance groove 14 along the axial direction of the lens barrel 10 is smaller than the depth L3 of the first second sub-segment 2 near the image side.

[0117] The above configuration not only ensures a firm connection between the lens barrel 10 and the sensor bracket 20, but also guarantees the thickness of the hole wall of the third hole section 106, thereby improving the reliability of the lens barrel 10, especially the firmness of the connection between the lens barrel 10 and the sensor bracket 20.

[0118] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the connection between the clearance groove 14 and the first cavity segment 21 is fixed by adhesive dispensing, and the bottom wall of the clearance groove 14 is provided with an annular groove 15, which extends circumferentially along the lens barrel 10.

[0119] When the relief groove 14 is fixed by dispensing adhesive at the connection between the relief groove 14 and the first cavity section 21, the annular groove 15 on the bottom wall of the relief groove 14 can store the adhesive, thereby slowing down the flow of the adhesive into the lens barrel 10. This ensures that the lens barrel 10 is firmly connected to the sensor bracket 20, while reducing the impact of the adhesive on the imaging of the multiple lenses 40 inside the lens barrel 10.

[0120] To further slow the flow of adhesive into the lens barrel 10, multiple annular grooves 15 can be formed on the bottom wall of the clearance groove 14. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, two grooves 15 are provided on the bottom wall of the clearance groove 14. Of course, the number and size of the grooves 15 are determined according to the length of the groove width L1 of the clearance groove 14, and are not specifically limited here.

[0121] like Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, a second sleeve 50 is fitted onto the end of the sensor bracket 20 away from the lens barrel 10. The imaging module also includes a circuit board 60 and a cable 70 electrically connected to the sensor. The circuit board 60 and the cable 70 are located inside the second sleeve 50. A support block 80 is provided inside the second sleeve 50. The support block 80 has a through hole 801 for the cable 70 to pass through. The through hole 801 penetrates the support block 80 along the thickness direction of the support block 80. The thickness direction of the support block 80 is parallel to the axial direction of the second sleeve 50.

[0122] Since the cable 70 is typically rigidly connected to the circuit board 60, for example, it can be plugged in. By providing a support block 80 inside the second sleeve 50, the cable 70 can be supported to a certain extent, reducing the risk that the cable 70's length direction may be tilted relative to the axial direction of the lens barrel 10 due to its own weight, resulting in an unstable connection with the circuit board 60.

[0123] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the sensor bracket 20 is made of metal, and the second sleeve 50 is made of metal.

[0124] With the above configuration, the sensor bracket 20 and the second sleeve 50 form a shielding cover with shielding function, which improves the imaging module's anti-electromagnetic interference capability.

[0125] Figure 8 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the support block 80 is shown. In some embodiments, the support block 80 includes a detachable first structural member 81 and a second structural member 82. The first structural member 81 has a first inclined surface 811, which is inclined relative to the thickness direction of the support block 80. The second structural member 82 has a second inclined surface 821, which is inclined in the same direction as the first inclined surface 811. A first clearance space 802 is provided on the first inclined surface 811, and a second clearance space 803 is provided on the second inclined surface 821. When the first inclined surface 811 and the second inclined surface 821 are in contact, the first clearance space 802 and the second clearance space 803 form a through hole 801.

[0126] Because the cable 70 is typically quite long and the end of the cable 70 that connects to the circuit board 60 is relatively large, assembling the cable 70 with the support block 80 is difficult. By designing the support block 80 to be detachably composed of the first structural component 81 and the second structural component 82, the assembly of the support component and the cable 70 is facilitated. Simultaneously, when the first structural component 81 and the second structural component 82 are placed vertically on the second sleeve 50, under the weight of the support block 80 itself, the first structural component 81 and the second structural component 82 move relative to each other, causing the wall of the through hole 801 to abut against and even compress the cable 70. This provides a compressive force to the cable 70, thus ensuring a secure connection between the cable 70 and the support block 80.

[0127] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the support block 80 is disposed at the end of the second sleeve 50 away from the sensor bracket 20.

[0128] Since the cable 70 is typically quite long, by positioning the support block 80 at the end of the second sleeve 50 away from the sensor bracket 20, the support block 80 and the circuit board 60 are aligned along the thickness direction of the image sensor 30. Figure 7 The horizontal spacing in the middle allows for better support of both ends of the cable 70.

[0129] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, along the thickness direction of the support block 80 ( Figure 7 (in the horizontal direction), one end of the support block 80 ( Figure 7 The right end of the middle support block 80 is provided with a flange 83. The flange 83 protrudes out of the outer edge of the support block 80 in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the support block 80, so that when the support block 80 is set inside the second sleeve 50, the flange 83 stops outside the second sleeve 50.

[0130] By providing a flange 83 at one end of the support block 80, the flange 83 restricts the axial relative movement of the support block 80 and the second sleeve 50 relative to the second sleeve 50, thereby fixing the support block 80 and the second sleeve 50 relative to each other.

[0131] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the support block 80 and the flange 83 are an integral structure. This makes the connection between the support block 80 and the second sleeve 50 more secure.

[0132] This application also provides an endoscope system, including a light source host, an image processing device, and an endoscope.

[0133] The aforementioned image processing device is communicatively connected to the light source host, and the light source host is detachably connected to the endoscope. For example, the light source host and the endoscope can be plugged in and disconnected.

[0134] When the light source host and image processing device are integrated into a single unit, there is no concept of a corresponding connection. The image processing device may integrate a display, or it may be configured as a separate device with a communication connection to the image processing device; no specific limitations are made here.

[0135] The beneficial effects achieved by this endoscope system are the same as those of the endoscope in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0136] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An imaging module for an endoscope, characterized in that, include: The lens barrel (10) has an object side and an image side opposite each other along its axial direction. The lens tube (10) has a snap-fit ​​part inside; A sensor bracket (20) is disposed on the side of the lens barrel (10) near the image side. The sensor bracket (20) has a receiving cavity (201) that extends through the sensor bracket (20) along the axial direction of the lens barrel (10). An image sensor (30) is disposed within the accommodating cavity (201); Multiple lenses (40) are arranged inside the lens barrel (10) along the axial direction of the lens barrel (10); at least n of the lenses (40) have abutment portions along the radial direction of the lens (40), the abutment portions are engaged with the snap-fit ​​portions, and some or all of the connection between the abutment portions and the snap-fit ​​portions are fixed by adhesive dispensing, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

2. The imaging module of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number n of the lenses (40) having the bearing portion is any one of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

3. The imaging module of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lens barrel (10) has a first hole section (104), a second hole section (105), and a third hole section (106) extending through the lens barrel (10) along its axial direction. The first hole section (104) is close to the object side and includes a plurality of first sub-segments (1). The third hole section (106) includes a plurality of second sub-segments (2). From the object side to the image side, the diameters of the plurality of first sub-segments (1) decrease, and the diameters of the plurality of second sub-segments (2) increase. The second hole section (105) is the smallest hole section in the lens barrel (10), and the first sub-segment (1) and the second sub-segment (2) are connected on both sides of the second hole section (105). The snap-fit ​​portion includes a first hole wall (102) and a connecting end face (103). The connecting end face (103) is the end face between the hole walls of two adjacent holes in the first hole segment (104), the second hole segment (105), and the third hole segment (106). The bearing portion is a plane, and the connecting end face (103) fits against the bearing portion.

4. The imaging module of the endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lens tube (10) is provided with a first sleeve (12), which is located in the second sub-segment (2) with the largest aperture in the third hole segment (106). The first sleeve (12) has a fourth hole segment (4) and a fifth hole segment (5). The fourth hole segment (4) is located on the side of the fifth hole segment (5) closer to the object side, and the diameter of the fourth hole segment (4) is smaller than the diameter of the fifth hole segment (5).

5. The imaging module of the endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first sleeve (12) includes a first cylindrical body (121) and a second cylindrical body (122) that are connected to each other. The center hole of the first cylindrical body (121) is the fourth hole segment (4), and the center hole of the second cylindrical body (122) is the fifth hole segment (5). The outer diameter of the first cylindrical body (121) is equal to the outer diameter of the second cylindrical body (122). The first sleeve (12) is located in the second second sub-segment (2) of the third hole segment (106) along the object side to the image side, and the diameter of the fourth hole segment (4) is smaller than the diameter of the second sub-segment (2) connected to the second hole segment (105).

6. The imaging module of the endoscope according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, At least one of the first hole segment (104) and the third hole segment (106) has a chamfer (13) at the end away from the second hole segment (105).

7. The imaging module of the endoscope according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The accommodating cavity (201) is a stepped hole. The accommodating cavity (201) includes a first cavity segment (21), a second cavity segment (22), and a third cavity segment (23) connecting the first cavity segment (21) and the second cavity segment (22). The image sensor (30) is located in the second cavity segment (22). The third hole segment (106) is sleeved and connected to the first cavity segment (21). In a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the lens barrel (10), the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cavity segment (21) is greater than that of the third cavity segment (23), and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second cavity segment (22) is greater than that of the third cavity segment (23).

8. The imaging module of the endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lens barrel (10) has an annular clearance groove (14) at the outer edge of the end near the image side, and the clearance groove (14) extends circumferentially along the lens barrel (10). Along the axial direction of the lens barrel (10), the width of the clearance groove (14) is less than or equal to the length of the first cavity section (21), and the bottom wall of the clearance groove (14) extends into the first cavity section (21).

9. The imaging module of the endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that, The width of the clearance groove (14) along the axial direction of the lens barrel (10) is less than the depth of the first second sub-segment (2) near the image side; And / or, the bottom wall of the clearance groove (14) is provided with an annular groove (15), the groove (15) extends along the circumference of the lens barrel (10), and the connection between the clearance groove (14) and the first cavity segment (21) is fixed by adhesive dispensing.

10. The imaging module of the endoscope according to any one of claims 1-5 and 8-9, characterized in that, The sensor bracket (20) is fitted with a second sleeve (50) at one end away from the lens barrel (10). The imaging module also includes a circuit board (60) and a cable (70) electrically connected to the sensor. The circuit board (60) and the cable (70) are located inside the second sleeve (50). A support block (80) is provided inside the second sleeve (50). The support block (80) has a through hole (801) for the cable (70) to pass through. The through hole (801) penetrates the support block (80) along the thickness direction of the support block (80). The thickness direction of the support block (80) is parallel to the axial direction of the second sleeve (50).

11. The imaging module of the endoscope according to claim 10, characterized in that, The support block (80) includes a detachable first structural member (81) and a second structural member (82). The first structural member (81) has a first inclined surface (811) which is inclined relative to the thickness direction of the support block (80). The second structural member (82) has a second inclined surface (821) which is inclined in the same direction as the first inclined surface (811). A first clearance space (802) is provided on the first inclined surface (811), and a second clearance space (803) is provided on the second inclined surface (821). When the first inclined surface (811) and the second inclined surface (821) are in contact, the first clearance space (802) and the second clearance space (803) form the through hole (801).

12. An endoscope, characterized in that, include: An insertion part (100), an operation part (200), a connecting part (300), and an imaging module of an endoscope as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the operation part (200) is connected between the connecting part (300) and the insertion part (100), and the imaging module of the endoscope is located in the end of the insertion part (100) away from the operation part (200).

13. An endoscope system, characterized in that, include: The light source host, the image processing device, and the endoscope as described in claim 12.

Images