Endoscope imaging device and imaging system

Abstract

To improve the assemblability without causing loss of optical performance.SOLUTION: In an exterior casing 9 constituting an imaging device 3 for an endoscope, external dimensions in a direction along a first axis Ax1 are larger than external dimensions in a direction along an optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope. The exterior casing 9 includes: a first exterior part 91 having a first side wall 913 and a second side wall intersecting with the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope, in which a first opening 9131 is provided on the first side wall 913, a second opening 9141 is provided on the second side wall, and a third opening 9152 is provided on a third side wall 915 intersecting with the first axis Ax1; a second exterior part 92 for sealing a second opening 9141 side in the first exterior part 91; and a connector part 93 for sealing a third opening 9152 side in the first exterior part 91. An optical system 10 and an imaging part 11 are stored in the exterior casing 9 in a state that they are aligned on the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an endoscopic imaging device and an imaging system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, imaging systems for observing the inside of a subject such as a human being or a mechanical structure are known in the medical and industrial fields (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The imaging system described in Patent Document 1 includes an endoscope that captures and emits an image of a subject inside a subject, and an endoscopic imaging device that holds the endoscope and captures the image of the subject emitted from the endoscope. Here, the endoscopic imaging device includes a coupler, an exterior casing, an optical system, and an imaging section. The coupler is a part that holds an endoscope, and has a cylindrical shape with a bottom into which the eyepiece of the endoscope can be fitted. The outer casing connects to the coupler and extends along a first axis intersecting the optical axis of the endoscope, and has an outer dimension along the first axis that is larger than an outer dimension along the optical axis of the endoscope. The optical system is housed within the exterior casing and guides the subject image emitted from the endoscope. The imaging section captures an image of a subject via an optical system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-227559 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the endoscopic imaging device described in Patent Document 1 employs a refractive optical system such as a prism that bends and guides the subject image traveling along the optical axis of the endoscope in a direction along the first axis, as the optical system that guides the subject image toward the imaging unit, resulting in a loss of optical performance. Furthermore, in the endoscopic imaging device described in Patent Document 1, when assembling the endoscopic imaging device, an operator needs to insert the optical system and imaging unit into the exterior casing along the first axis, which is the longitudinal direction of the exterior casing, making the assembly difficult. Therefore, there is a demand for a technique that can improve the ease of assembly without causing a loss in optical performance.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an endoscopic imaging device and an imaging system that can improve ease of assembly without causing loss of optical performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, an endoscopic imaging device according to the present disclosure includes a coupler that holds an endoscope that captures and outputs an image of a subject, an exterior casing that is connected to the coupler, extends along a first axis that intersects an optical axis of the endoscope, and has an outer dimension along the first axis that is larger than an outer dimension along the optical axis of the endoscope, an optical system that guides the image of the subject, and an imaging unit that captures the image of the subject via the optical system, wherein the exterior casing has a first side wall and a second side wall that intersect the optical axis of the endoscope, a first opening is provided in the first side wall, and a first opening is provided in the first side wall such that the first opening is closer to the coupler than the first side wall. the first exterior part having a second opening provided in the second side wall spaced from the first axis and a third opening provided in a third side wall intersecting the first axis, a second exterior part connected to the first exterior part and sealing the second opening side of the first exterior part, and a connector part connected to the first exterior part and sealing the third opening side of the first exterior part, and to which a cable for transmitting an image signal output from the imaging unit is connected, and the optical system and the imaging unit are stored within the exterior casing in a state where they are aligned on the optical axis of the endoscope so that the subject image guided from the optical system is captured by the imaging unit.

[0007] An imaging system according to the present disclosure includes an endoscope that captures and emits an image of a subject, and an endoscopic imaging device that is connected to the endoscope and captures the image of the subject emitted from the endoscope, the endoscopic imaging device including a coupler that holds the endoscope, an exterior casing that is connected to the coupler and extends along a first axis intersecting an optical axis of the endoscope and has an outer dimension along the first axis that is larger than an outer dimension along the optical axis of the endoscope, an optical system that guides the image of the subject, and an imaging unit that captures the image of the subject via the optical system, the exterior casing having a first side wall and a second side wall that intersect the optical axis of the endoscope, and a first opening in the first side wall. the first exterior part is provided with a first opening, a second opening is provided on the second side wall that is farther from the coupler than the first side wall and a third opening is provided on a third side wall that intersects the first axis, a second exterior part is connected to the first exterior part and seals the second opening side of the first exterior part, and a connector part is connected to the first exterior part and seals the third opening side of the first exterior part, and a cable that transmits an image signal output from the imaging unit is connected to the connector part, and the optical system and the imaging unit are stored within the exterior casing in a state where they are aligned on the optical axis of the endoscope so that the subject image guided from the optical system is captured by the imaging unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the endoscopic imaging device according to the present disclosure, there is no loss in optical performance and assembly can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an imaging device for an endoscope. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an imaging device for an endoscope. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an imaging device for an endoscope. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an imaging device for an endoscope. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an endoscopic imaging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an endoscopic imaging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an endoscopic imaging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first modification of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modification of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first modification of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a first modification of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first modification of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a second modification of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as an embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described below. Furthermore, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [Overall configuration of endoscope system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope system according to the first embodiment. The endoscope system 1 is a device used in the medical field to treat (such as incise) biological tissue while observing the inside of a living body. As shown in Fig. 1, the endoscope system 1 includes a resectoscope 2, an endoscopic imaging device 3, a display device 4, and a control device 5. The endoscope system 1 corresponds to an imaging system according to the present disclosure.

[0012] The resectoscope 2 is a part that is inserted into a living body to take in an image of a subject and to treat living tissue. As shown in FIG. 1, the resectoscope 2 includes a sheath 21, a guide tube 22, an endoscope 23, a resect electrode member 24, and a handle portion 25. The sheath 21 has a cylindrical shape and is the part that is inserted into the living body. The guide tube 22 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the sheath 21, and is inserted into the sheath 21 from the base end side (right side in FIG. 1) of the sheath 21. The tip side (left side in FIG. 1) of the guide tube 22 is fixed to the base end side of the sheath 21 via an attachment member 221 (FIG. 1). Here, the mounting member 221 is provided with a water supply port 222 for injecting a liquid into the sheath 21 and supplying the liquid from the tip of the sheath 21 (the end on the left side in FIG. 1).

[0013] The endoscope 23 is a part that captures an image of a subject, and includes an insertion section 231 and an eyepiece section 232, as shown in FIG. The insertion section 231 is fixed inside the guide tube 22, and is inserted into the sheath 21. Inside this insertion section 231, an optical system configured using one or more lenses and for focusing a subject image is provided. The eyepiece 232 is connected to the base end (the end on the right side in FIG. 1) of the insertion portion 231. An eyepiece optical system (not shown) is provided inside the eyepiece 232, which outputs an object image collected by an optical system inside the insertion portion 231 to the outside from the eyepiece 232. The eyepiece 232 is formed in a tapered shape that increases in diameter as it approaches the side away from the insertion portion 231 (the right side in FIG. 1), and the endoscopic imaging device 3 is detachably connected to the portion with the increased diameter.

[0014] Here, the eyepiece 232 is provided with a light source connector 2322 for connecting the light guide 2321, as shown in Fig. 1. That is, light supplied from a light source device (not shown) to the light guide 2321 is supplied to the insertion section 231 via the eyepiece 232. The light supplied to the insertion section 231 is emitted from the tip of the insertion section 231 (the left end in Fig. 1) and irradiated into the living body. The light (subject image) irradiated into the living body and reflected in the living body is taken into the insertion section 231 from the tip of the insertion section 231, and is emitted from the eyepiece 232 via an optical system (not shown) and an eyepiece optical system (not shown) in the insertion section 231.

[0015] The resect electrode member 24 is inserted into the sheath 21 via the mounting member 221, and its tip (the end on the left side in FIG. 1) protrudes from the tip of the sheath 21. Then, the tip portion of the resect electrode member 24 comes into contact with a living tissue, and the living tissue is treated by a high-frequency current. The handle portion 25 is a portion with which a doctor or the like grasps the resectoscope 2 and operates the resect electrode member 24. The handle portion 25 includes a fixing ring 251, a slider 252, and a spring member 253, as shown in FIG. The fixing ring 251 is a portion on which a doctor or the like can hook his or her thumb, and is fixed to the guide tube 22.

[0016] The slider 252 has the guide pipe 22 inserted therethrough, and is configured to be movable in the left-right direction in FIG. 1, the resect electrode member 24 is fixed to the slider 252. That is, the resect electrode member 24 moves back and forth in the left and right directions in FIG. The slider 252 is also provided with a power connector 2522 for connecting a high-frequency power cord 2521 connected to a high-frequency power source (not shown). The power connector 2522 is electrically connected to the resect electrode member 24 via a lead wire (not shown). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the slider 252 is provided with a finger hook member 2523 for a doctor or the like to hook his or her fingers other than the thumb and move the slider 252 (move the resect electrode member 24 forward and backward).

[0017] The spring member 253 has a substantially U-shape, one end of which is attached to the fixing ring 251, and the other end of which is attached to the slider 252. The spring member 253 biases the slider 252 in a direction away from the fixing ring 251. That is, the doctor or the like hooks his / her finger on the fixing ring 251 and the finger hook member 2523, and pulls the finger hook member 2523 against the biasing force of the spring member 253, thereby moving the slider 252 to the right in Fig. 1 (moving the resect electrode member 24 to the right in Fig. 1). On the other hand, when the doctor or the like releases his / her finger from the finger hook member 2523, the slider 252 (resect electrode member 24) moves to the left in Fig. 1 due to the biasing force of the spring member 253.

[0018] The endoscopic imaging device 3 is detachably connected to the eyepiece 232 of the resectoscope 2 (endoscope 23). Under the control of the control device 5, the endoscopic imaging device 3 captures an image of a subject taken in by the endoscope 23 (an image of a subject emitted from the eyepiece 232) and outputs an image signal (RAW signal) resulting from the image capture. The detailed configuration of the endoscopic imaging device 3 will be described later in the section "Configuration of an endoscopic imaging device."

[0019] The display device 4 is configured using a display using liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro Luminescence), etc. The display device 4 displays an observation image, etc. based on a video signal from the control device 5. The control device 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc., and controls the overall operation of the endoscopic imaging device 3, the display device 4, and the light source device (not shown). For example, the control device 5 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal (RAW signal) output from the endoscopic imaging device 3 to generate a video signal for display. The control device 5 then causes the display device 4 to display an observation image based on the video signal. The control device 5 also outputs a control signal, a synchronization signal, a clock, power, etc. to the endoscopic imaging device 3.

[0020] [Configuration of the endoscopic imaging device] Next, a detailed configuration of the endoscopic imaging device 3 will be described. Fig. 2 to Fig. 5 are diagrams showing the endoscopic imaging device 3. Specifically, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the endoscopic imaging device 3. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior casing 9 cut along a plane including the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by an arrow E in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the internal unit 100 is stored in the first exterior part 91. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the endoscopic imaging device 3 includes an imaging device main body 6, a coupler 7 (FIGS. 1 and 2), and a cable 8 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0021] The imaging device main body 6 is connected to the coupler 7 so as to be rotatable relatively around the optical axis Ax0 (FIGS. 1 to 3, and 5) of the endoscope 23, and is a part that captures an image of a subject emitted from the endoscope 23. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the imaging device main body 6 includes an exterior casing 9, an optical system 10 (FIG. 3), an imaging section 11 (FIG. 3), a circuit board 12 (FIG. 3), an operation section 13 (FIGS. 2 to 4), and a mounting bush 14 (see, for example, FIGS. 9, 10, and 13).

[0022] The exterior casing 9 is a housing that houses the optical system 10, the imaging unit 11, and the circuit board 12. As shown in Fig. 2, the exterior casing 9 extends along a first axis Ax1 intersecting the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23, and has an outer dimension along the first axis Ax1 that is larger than an outer dimension along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. As shown in Figs. 2 to 5, the exterior casing 9 includes a first exterior part 91, a second exterior part 92 (Figs. 2 to 4), and a connector part 93 (Figs. 2 to 4).

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the first exterior portion 91 includes an exterior portion main body 911 and a front exterior portion 912 (FIG. 3). The exterior body 911 is a container-like member made of metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, stainless steel, titanium, a titanium alloy, etc. More specifically, the exterior body 911 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along the first axis Ax1. In this exterior body 911, a first side wall 913 on the side that intersects with the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23 and is close to the coupler 7 (the lower side in Figure 3) has a first opening 9131 that penetrates the interior and exterior of the exterior body 911, as shown in Figure 3.

[0024] 3, the second side wall of the exterior main body 911, which intersects with the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23 and faces the first side wall 913, is entirely removed. That is, a second opening 9141 penetrating the interior and exterior of the exterior main body 911 is provided in the portion where the second side wall was present. That is, the second side wall includes a virtual wall (virtual surface) formed by the second opening 9141 in a space facing the first side wall 913. The first and second openings 9131, 9141 are provided on surfaces of the first side wall 913 and the second side wall facing each other. Furthermore, in the exterior body 911, a rectangular frame-shaped end portion on the second exterior part 92 side (upper side in Fig. 3) formed by the four side walls 915-918 other than the first side wall 913 and the second side wall is provided with a recess 919 (Fig. 4) in which the inner portion of the rectangular frame is recessed downward in Fig. 3. In other words, the rectangular frame-shaped end portion is formed in a stepped shape.

[0025] 3, a third side wall 915 intersecting the first axis Ax1 among the four side walls 915 to 918 is provided with a bulging portion 9151 that bulges outward from the exterior main body 911. A third opening 9152 penetrating the exterior main body 911 from the inside to the outside is provided at a tip portion of the bulging portion 9151. Here, the second opening 9141 has a larger opening area than the third opening 9152. Then, as described later, when assembling the endoscopic imaging device 3, an operator can insert the internal unit 100 into the exterior main body 911 from the second opening 9141 along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23.

[0026] The front exterior part 912 has a generally cylindrical shape and is made of metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, titanium, or titanium alloy. The front exterior part 912 is fixed to the exterior part main body 911 by welding an outer surface of the front exterior part 912 to a first side wall 913 in a state where the front exterior part 912 protrudes outside the exterior part main body 911 (toward the coupler 7) through a first opening 9131. In this state, a central axis Ax2 of the front exterior part 912 coincides with an optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. 3, an optical element 9121 such as sapphire glass is fixed inside the front exterior part 912. That is, the front exterior part 912 and the optical element 9121 hermetically seal the first opening 9131 side of the exterior part main body 911.

[0027] Also, the outer surface of the front exterior part 912 is formed in a stepped shape with an outer diameter dimension larger on the base end side (upper side in Fig. 3) than on the tip end side (lower side in Fig. 3) as shown in Fig. 3. Note that, for ease of explanation, in the following, on the outer surface of the front exterior part 912, the cylindrical surface with the larger outer diameter dimension on the base end side will be referred to as a large diameter surface 9122 (Fig. 3), and the cylindrical surface with the smaller outer diameter dimension on the tip end side will be referred to as a small diameter surface 9123 (Fig. 3).

[0028] Although not specifically shown in the drawings, a screw groove is provided on the small diameter surface 9123 . Further, a sliding member 910 is fixed to the front exterior portion 912 as shown in FIG. The sliding member 910 is made of a resin material and has an annular shape. The sliding member 910 surrounds the large diameter surface 9122 and is fixed at a position facing the large diameter surface 9122. The surface of the sliding member 910 facing the coupler 7 is a flat surface facing the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, this surface will be referred to as a casing side sliding surface 9101 (FIG. 3).

[0029] The second exterior portion 92 is made of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, stainless steel, titanium, a titanium alloy, etc. The second exterior portion 92 includes a base portion 921 and a protruding portion 922, as shown in FIG. The base 921 is formed of a plate having the same rectangular shape in plan view as the end of the rectangular frame on the second exterior part 92 side formed by the four side walls 915 to 918 of the exterior part main body 911 . The protruding portion 922 is a portion protruding from an outer edge portion of one plate surface of the base portion 921 in the normal direction of the plate surface. That is, the protruding portion 922 has the same rectangular frame shape as the end of the rectangular frame shape of the second exterior portion 92 side constituted by the four side walls 915 to 918 of the exterior portion main body 911. In addition, the protruding end portion of the protruding portion 922 is formed in a stepped shape corresponding to the end of the rectangular frame shape, so that it can be fitted into the end of the rectangular frame shape. Then, in a state in which the protruding portion 922 is fitted into the end of the rectangular frame shape, the second exterior portion 92 is fixed to the exterior portion main body 911 by welding between the protruding portion 922 and the end of the rectangular frame shape. That is, the second exterior portion 92 hermetically seals the second opening 9141 side of the exterior portion main body 911. 3, a plurality of nuts Nu are fixed by welding to the other plate surface of the second exterior portion 92 that is exposed to the outside.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the connector section 93 is configured as a hermetic connector. Specifically, the connector section 93 includes a cylindrical outer shell 931, a plate body 932 that closes the outer shell 931, and a plurality of conductive pins 933 that penetrate the front and back of the plate body 932, are attached to the plate body 932 in a mutually insulated state, and are electrically connected to the circuit board 12. Here, the outer shell 931 is configured of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, stainless steel, titanium, or a titanium alloy. The connector section 93 is fixed to the exterior body 911 by welding the outer shell 931 to the inner surface of the third opening 9152. That is, the connector section 93 hermetically seals the third opening 9152 side of the exterior body 911.

[0031] Here, one end of cable 8 is detachably connected to control device 5 via connector CN1 (FIG. 1), and the other end is detachably connected to connector portion 93 via connector CN2 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Cable 8 transmits signals, power, and the like between imaging device main body 6 and control device 5.

[0032] The optical system 10 guides the subject image emitted from the endoscope 23. More specifically, the optical system 10 forms the subject image on an imaging surface of the imaging unit 11. The imaging unit 11 includes an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) that receives the subject image formed by the optical system 10 and converts it into an electrical signal under the control of the control device 5. Then, the imaging unit 11 outputs an image signal obtained by imaging under the control of the control device 5. The optical system 10 and the imaging section 11 described above are housed in the exterior casing 9 in a state where they are aligned on the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23, as shown in FIG.

[0033] The circuit board 12 is electrically connected to the imaging unit 11, an operation board 132 constituting the operation unit 13, and the connector unit 93 (plurality of conductive pins 933). The circuit board 12 drives the imaging unit 11 based on a control signal output from the control device 5 and input via the cable 8 and the connector unit 93, and an operation signal output from the operation board 132. The circuit board 12 also processes an image signal output from the imaging unit 11, and transmits it to the control device 5 via the connector unit 93 and the cable 8.

[0034] The circuit board 12 described above is stored in the exterior casing 9 at a position away from the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23 and close to the connector section 93, as shown in Fig. 3. The center position O2 (Fig. 3) of the connector section 93 is located closer to the coupler 7 (endoscope 23) than the center position O1 (Fig. 3) of the exterior casing 9 in the direction along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. As a result, the center of gravity O (Figs. 1 and 3) of the endoscopic imaging device 3 is located at a position shifted from the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23, and is located closer to the coupler 7 than the center position O1.

[0035] The optical system 10, imaging section 11, and circuit board 12 described above are integrated into an internal unit 100, as shown in Fig. 5. When assembling the endoscopic imaging device 3, an operator inserts the internal unit 100 into the exterior body 911 from the second opening 9141 along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. Thereafter, the operator fixes the front exterior section 912, the second exterior section 92, and the connector section 93 to the exterior body 911 by welding them at the above-mentioned positions. In this way, the endoscopic imaging device 3 is assembled.

[0036] The operation unit 13 is a part that accepts operations by a user such as a doctor, etc. The operation unit 13 includes a button unit 131 and an operation board 132, as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the button unit 131 includes a button frame 1311 and a plurality of buttons 1312 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The button frame 1311 is composed of a rectangular plate having substantially the same planar size as the base 921, and is arranged in a stacked state on the second exterior part 92 along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the button frame 1311 is provided with a plurality of openings 1313 penetrating the front and back of the button frame 1311. The button frame 1311 is also provided with a plurality of recesses 1314 (FIG. 3) each recessed toward the second exterior part 92. Furthermore, the bottom of the recess 1314 is provided with an insertion hole 1315 (FIG. 3) through which a screw Sc is inserted. The multiple buttons 1312 are arranged in a state exposed to the outside via multiple openings 1313, and are portions that receive operations by a user such as a doctor (are pressed by the user).

[0037] The button unit 131 is then attached to the exterior casing 9 as described below. The worker fastens the screw Sc to the nut Nu through the insertion hole 1315 while sandwiching annular (rectangular frame-shaped) packing 133 (FIGS. 2 to 4) between the button frame 1311 and the outer surface of the second exterior part 92. This attaches the button unit 131 to the exterior casing 9. The packing 133 corresponds to a sealing member according to the present disclosure.

[0038] 3, the operation board 132 is attached to the outer surface of the second exterior part 92, and is covered with a button frame 1311 and a packing 133. Although not specifically shown in the drawings, a plurality of switch elements are mounted on the operation board 132 so as to correspond to the plurality of buttons 1312, respectively. The operation board 132 outputs an operation signal to the circuit board 12 in response to an operation of the button 1312 by a user such as a doctor. Here, the operation board 132 and the circuit board 12 are electrically connected to each other via a hermetic connector 134, as shown in FIG.

[0039] The mounting bush 14 includes a bush body 141 and a protruding portion 142 (see, for example, FIG. 13). The bushing body 141 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an inner diameter dimension that is substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension of the small diameter surface 9123. In addition, the inner peripheral surface of the bushing body 141 is provided with a thread groove. The protruding portion 142 has an annular shape and protrudes from the end of the outer circumferential surface of the bush body 141 on the coupler 7 side. The front exterior portion 912 and the mounting bush 14 are fixed to each other by fastening a thread groove provided on the small diameter surface 9123 with a thread groove provided on the inner circumferential surface of the bush body 141 .

[0040] The coupler 7 is a part that holds the endoscope 23, and has a cylindrical shape with a bottom into which the eyepiece part 232 can be fitted. The coupler 7 has an inner circumferential surface provided with a pressing portion 71 (see, for example, FIG. 9). The pressing portion 71 is movable in a direction approaching or separating from the central axis Ax3 (Figures 2 and 3) of the coupler 7, and abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the eyepiece portion 232 fitted into the coupler 7 to press the eyepiece portion 232 toward the bottom portion of the coupler 7. When the eyepiece 232 is fitted into the coupler 7, the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23 coincides with the central axis Ax3 of the coupler 7.

[0041] Further, a stepped through-hole 72 (see FIG. 13, for example) having an inner surface shape substantially identical to the outer surface shape of the mounting bush 14 is provided in the bottom portion of the coupler 7. For ease of explanation, in the following description, the peripheral portion of the through hole 72 on the outer surface of the coupler 7 will be referred to as a coupler-side sliding surface 73 (see, for example, FIG. 13). The coupler-side sliding surface 73 has an annular shape centered on the central axis Ax3 of the coupler 7.

[0042] The coupler 7 is then attached to the imaging device body 6 as shown below. That is, the operator inserts the front exterior part 912 into the through hole 72 with the coupler 7 in a position where the bottomed cylindrical opening is separated from the imaging device body 6. Then, the operator fixes the mounting bush 14 to the front exterior part 912 as described above. This causes the coupler 7 to be attached to the imaging device body 6. In this state, the central axis Ax3 of the coupler 7 approximately coincides with the central axis Ax2 of the front exterior part 912. Also, a specific clearance is provided between the casing side sliding surface 9101 and the coupler side sliding surface 73. Then, the coupler 7 is made rotatable about the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23 relative to the imaging device body 6.

[0043] Therefore, the imaging device body 6 is rotatable about the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23 relative to the eyepiece 232 of the endoscope 23 via the coupler 7. In addition, since the imaging device body 6 has its center of gravity O located at the above-mentioned position, it is configured to rotate about the optical axis Ax0 regardless of the rotation of the endoscope 23 in the resectoscope 2 about the optical axis Ax0 and to always assume a posture in which the center of gravity O is located below (vertically) relative to the optical axis Ax0.

[0044] According to the above-described first embodiment, the following effects are achieved. In the endoscopic imaging device 3 according to the first embodiment, the optical system 10 and the imaging section 11 are stored in the exterior casing 9 in a state where they are aligned on the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. That is, the optical system 10 is an optical system that guides a subject image traveling along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23 along the optical axis Ax0 to form an image on the imaging surface of the imaging section 11, and is not an optical system that employs a refractive optical system such as a prism as in the past. Therefore, no loss of optical performance occurs. Furthermore, in the endoscopic imaging device 3 according to the first embodiment, the first exterior part 91 has a first side wall 913 and a second side wall that intersect with the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23 and face each other, and of these, the second opening 9141 is provided in the second side wall. Therefore, when assembling the endoscopic imaging device 3, the worker can insert the internal unit 100 from the second opening 9141 into the exterior part main body 911 along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23, which is the short side direction of the exterior part main body 911. This can improve ease of assembly. As described above, according to the endoscope imaging device 3 of the first embodiment, loss of optical performance does not occur, and assembly can be improved.

[0045] Furthermore, in the endoscopic imaging device 3 according to the first embodiment, the circuit board 12 is stored in the exterior casing 9 at a position away from the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. Furthermore, the center position O2 of the connector portion 93 is located closer to the endoscope 23 than the center position O1 of the exterior casing 9 in the direction along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. As a result, the center of gravity O of the endoscopic imaging device 3 is located at a position shifted from the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23, and is located closer to the endoscope 23 than the center position O1. Therefore, the relative rotation of the imaging device body 6 and the coupler 7 around the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23 can be smoothly performed.

[0046] However, when the operation unit 13 is provided on the cable 8, the following first problem occurs. That is, when using the endoscope system 1, a user such as a doctor focuses his / her gaze on a target site to be treated with the resectoscope 2 while operating the resectoscope 2. For this reason, when a user such as a doctor wants to operate the operation unit 13, it is difficult to take his / her gaze off the target site, and therefore the user needs to search for the operation unit 13 provided on the cable 8 by feel, which is time-consuming.

[0047] Furthermore, when the button unit 131 constituting the operation section 13 is provided on an outer surface of the exterior casing 9 other than the outer surface of the second exterior section 92, the following second problem occurs. That is, when the endoscope system 1 is used, a user such as a doctor holds the handle portion 25 of the resectoscope 2. In this state, when the button 1312 of the button unit 131 provided on an outer surface other than the outer surface of the second exterior portion 92 of the exterior casing 9 is pressed, a force is applied to the button unit 131, so that the position of the tip of the resectoscope 2 is shifted with the handle portion 25 as a fulcrum, and the treatment cannot be performed smoothly.

[0048] In contrast, in the endoscopic imaging device 3 of this embodiment 1, the button unit 131 is stacked on the second exterior part 92 along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23, and is fixed to the outer surface of the second exterior part 92 via a gasket 133. Therefore, the above-mentioned first and second problems do not occur.

[0049] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following, the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified. In the second embodiment, the configurations of the exterior casing 9 and the operation section 13 are changed from those of the endoscope imaging device 3 described in the first embodiment above. For ease of explanation, the endoscope imaging device 3 according to the second embodiment will be referred to as the endoscope imaging device 3A below. Also, the exterior casing 9 according to the second embodiment will be referred to as the exterior casing 9A. Furthermore, the operation section 13 according to the second embodiment will be referred to as the operation section 13A.

[0050] Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 are diagrams showing an endoscopic imaging device 3A according to embodiment 2. Specifically, Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the endoscopic imaging device 3A. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior casing 9A cut along a plane including the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the arrow E in Fig. 7. 6 to 8, in the exterior casing 9A, the shapes of the exterior body 911 and the second exterior part 92 are changed from those of the exterior casing 9 described in the above-mentioned first embodiment. For ease of explanation, the exterior body 911 according to the second embodiment will be referred to as an exterior body 911A below. Also, the second exterior part 92 according to the second embodiment will be referred to as a second exterior part 92A below.

[0051] In the exterior body 911A, the shape of the rectangular frame-like end portion on the second exterior part 92A side (upper side in Figure 7) composed of four side walls 915-918 is different from that of the exterior body 911 described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7 or 8, a rectangular frame-shaped first protruding portion 9111 is provided on the inner surface at the end of the rectangular frame, protruding from the inner surface and extending around the entire periphery of the edge portion of the second opening 9141 when viewed along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. The first protruding portion 9111 corresponds to the protruding portion according to the present disclosure. Also, as shown in Fig. 7 or 8, the tip portion of the rectangular frame-shaped first protruding portion 9111 is formed in a stepped shape such that the inner dimension of the rectangular frame is larger on the side away from the second opening 9141 than on the side close to the second opening 9141. In addition, on the inner surface of the rectangular frame-shaped end portion, at a position closer to the second opening 9141 than the first protrusion 9111, a rectangular frame-shaped engagement recess 9112 is provided that is recessed toward the outside of the rectangular frame, as shown in Figure 7 or Figure 8.

[0052] In the second exterior part 92A, the shapes of the base part 921 and the protruding part 922 are changed from those of the second exterior part 92A described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1. For convenience of explanation, the base part 921 according to the embodiment 2 will be referred to as the base part 921A below. Also, the protruding part 922 according to the embodiment 2 will be referred to as the protruding part 922A below. The base portion 921A is formed in a rectangular shape having an outer size smaller than the inner size of a rectangular frame formed by the protruding end of the first protruding portion 9111 when viewed along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope .

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the protrusion 922A includes a protrusion main body 9221 and a second protruding portion 9222. The protrusion main body 9221 has a rectangular frame shape protruding from an outer edge portion of one plate surface of the base 921A in the normal direction of the plate surface. As shown in Fig. 7, the length dimension in the protruding direction of the protrusion main body 9221 is longer than the length dimension on the second opening 9141 side than the first protrusion 9111 at the end of the rectangular frame shape on the second exterior part 92A side (upper side in Fig. 7) formed by the four side walls 915-918.

[0054] The second protrusion 9222 has a rectangular frame shape that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the tip portion of the rectangular frame-shaped protrusion main body 9221 toward the outside of the rectangular frame, and its tip portion is capable of fitting into the tip portion of the first protrusion 9111. Then, with the tip portion of the second overhanging portion 9222 fitted into the tip portion of the first overhanging portion 9111, the second exterior portion 92A is fixed to the exterior portion main body 911A by welding the tip portion of the second overhanging portion 9222 to the tip portion of the first overhanging portion 9111. In this state, the protruding portion main body 9221 faces the locking recess 9112. The protruding portion main body 9221 corresponds to a wall portion according to the present disclosure.

[0055] 6 to 8, in operation section 13A, the shape of button frame 1311 constituting button unit 131 is changed from that of operation section 13 described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1. For ease of explanation, hereinafter, button unit 131 and button frame 1311 according to embodiment 2 will be referred to as button unit 131A and button frame 1311A, respectively. The button frame 1311A includes a button frame main body 1316 (FIGS. 6 and 7) and a concealing portion 1317, as shown in FIGS.

[0056] The button frame body 1316 is configured as a rectangular plate having an outer size slightly larger than the outer size of the base 921A and smaller than the inner size of the rectangular frame formed by the protruding end of the first protruding portion 9111, when viewed along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. The button frame body 1316 is provided with an opening 1313, a recess 1314, and an insertion hole 1315 similar to those of the button frame 1311 described in the above-mentioned first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7. In the second embodiment, only one recess 1314 and one insertion hole 1315 are provided.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the concealing portion 1317 includes a concealing portion main body 1318 and a locking claw 1319. The concealment main body 1318 has a rectangular frame shape protruding in the normal direction of one of the plate surfaces from the outer edge portion of the button frame main body 1316. The length dimension of the concealment main body 1318 in the protruding direction is set to be substantially the same as the length dimension of the protruding main body 9221 in the protruding direction, as shown in FIG. A rectangular frame-shaped pressing portion 1310 that bulges outward from the rectangular frame is provided on the outer surface of this rectangular frame-shaped concealment main body 1318. The surface of the pressing portion 1310 on the protruding direction side of the concealment main body 1318 is formed of a flat surface that is approximately perpendicular to the protruding direction.

[0058] The locking claw 1319 has a rectangular frame shape that protrudes from the outer surface of the tip portion of the rectangular frame-shaped concealment main body 1318 toward the outside of the rectangular frame, and its tip portion fits into the locking recess 9112 so as to be able to lock into the locking recess 9112. In the second embodiment, the locking claws 1319 are provided around the entire circumference of the rectangular frame-shaped concealment main body 1318, but this is not limited thereto, and multiple locking claws may be provided at predetermined intervals around the entire circumference of the rectangular frame-shaped concealment main body 1318.

[0059] The button unit 131A is then attached to the exterior casing 9A as described below. The worker moves the button unit 131A so that the second exterior part 92A is inserted into the button frame 1311A from the upper side in FIG. 7 of the second exterior part 92A. Then, the worker holds the locking claw 1319 in the locking recess 9112 while sandwiching the packing 133 between the pressing part 1310 and the end of the rectangular frame shape on the second exterior part 92A side composed of the four side walls 915 to 918. The worker also fastens the screw Sc to the nut Nu through the insertion hole 1315. As a result, the button unit 131A is attached to the exterior casing 9A. In this state, the button unit 131A is stacked on the second exterior part 92A along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23, and conceals the connection part (welded part) between the tip part of the second protruding part 9222 and the tip part of the first protruding part 9111.

[0060] According to the above-described second embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved. In the endoscopic imaging device 3A of this embodiment 2, the second exterior part 92A is fixed to the exterior part main body 911A by welding between the tip portion of the second protrusion part 9222 and the tip portion of the first protrusion part 9111. Therefore, the welded portion is difficult to see from the outside, and the design of the endoscopic imaging device 3A can be improved.

[0061] In particular, the button unit 131A is stacked on the second exterior part 92A along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23, and conceals the connection part (welded part) between the tip portion of the second protrusion part 9222 and the tip portion of the first protrusion part 9111. Therefore, the welded portion cannot be seen from the outside, and the design of the endoscopic imaging device 3A can be further improved.

[0062] In the endoscopic imaging device 3A according to the second embodiment, the button unit 131A is locked in the locking recess 9112. As shown in FIG. This allows a significant reduction in the number of nuts Nu and screws Sc for fixing the button unit 131A to the second exterior part 92A. Note that, although the number of nuts Nu and screws Sc is one each in the second embodiment, the number is not limited to this and may be "0".

[0063] Further, the locking recess 9112 is provided at a position adjacent to the welded portion between the tip portion of the second protruding portion 9222 and the tip portion of the first protruding portion 9111. In other words, the locking recess 9112 reduces the heat capacity at the position adjacent to the welded portion. This results in a structure in which heat generated during welding of the welded portion is less likely to move toward the locking recess 9112, and the welded portion can be firmly welded.

[0064] In the endoscopic imaging device 3A according to the second embodiment, the second exterior portion 92A has a protrusion main body 9221 that faces the locking recess 9112 with a part of the button unit 131A interposed therebetween. Therefore, it is possible to suppress thermal deformation of the button frame 1311A by the protrusion main body 9221, and the locking claw 1319 can be prevented from easily coming off the locking recess 9112.

[0065] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure should not be limited to only the above-described first and second embodiments. 9 to 13 are diagrams showing a first modified example of the first and second embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the coupler 7 according to the first modified example, seen from the side where the eyepiece 232 is located. FIG. 10 is a view of the mounting bush 14 according to the first modified example, seen from the side where the eyepiece 232 is located along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mounting section 74 constituting the coupler 7 according to the first modified example, seen from the side where the eyepiece 232 is located. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the mounting section 74, seen from the side where the imaging device main body 6 is located. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connection portion between the coupler 7 according to the first modified example and the imaging device main body 6, cut along a plane including the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the coupler 7 and the mounting bush 14 according to the present modified example 1 shown in Figs. 9 to 13 may be adopted.

[0066] The coupler 7 according to the present first modification includes a mounting portion 74 and an operation ring 75, as shown in FIGS. The mounting part 74 is a part that holds the endoscope 23, and has a cylindrical shape with a bottom into which the eyepiece part 232 can be fitted. The mounting part 74 is made of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, stainless steel, titanium, or a titanium alloy. 9, 11, 12, 13, a through hole 72 is provided in the bottom portion of the mounting portion 74. The peripheral portion of the through hole 72 on the outer surface of the mounting portion 74 forms a coupler side sliding surface 73.

[0067] The through hole 72 is a circular hole centered on the central axis Ax3 of the mounting portion 74, and as shown in FIG. 11, has a stepped shape with a first hole 721 on the side where the eyepiece portion 232 is located (the front side of the paper in FIG. 11) and a second hole 722 on the side where the imaging device main body 6 is located (the back side of the paper in FIG. 11). The inner diameter dimension of the first hole 721 is larger than the inner diameter dimension of the second hole 722. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the step portion of the through hole 72 (the connection portion between the first and second holes 721 and 722) will be referred to as a step surface 723 (FIG. 11). Also, the step surface 723 and the annular portion constituting the second hole 722 will be referred to as a bushing engagement portion 724 (FIG. 11).

[0068] 11, the bushing engagement portion 724 is provided with a plurality of first cutout portions 7241 (four in this modified example 1) each cut out in a direction away from the central axis Ax3 of the mounting portion 74. That is, the bushing engagement portion 724 (step surface 723) is divided into a plurality of portions by the plurality of first cutout portions 7241 along the circumferential direction about the central axis Ax3 of the mounting portion 74. These first cutout portions 7241 are provided at positions that are rotationally symmetric about the central axis Ax3 of the mounting portion 74 (positions that are rotationally symmetric at 90° in the present first modification).

[0069] Similarly to the bushing engagement portion 724, the coupler side sliding surface 73 is divided into a plurality of portions by the above-mentioned plurality of first cutout portions 7241 along the circumferential direction centered on the central axis Ax3 of the mounting portion 74, as shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 13, the coupler side sliding surface 73 has a semicircular shape that bulges toward the casing side sliding surface 9101 when cut along a plane including the central axis Ax3 of the mounting portion 74. Similarly, the step surface 723 has a semicircular shape that bulges toward the protruding portion 142 when cut along a plane including the central axis Ax3 of the mounting portion 74.

[0070] 11 or 12, the mounting portion 74 is provided with a plurality of (three in this modified example 1) through holes 741 that each penetrate from the outer circumferential surface into the mounting portion 74 and in which a plurality of (three in this modified example 1) pressing portions 71 are disposed. These through holes 741 are provided at positions that are rotationally symmetric about the central axis Ax3 of the mounting portion 74 (positions that are rotationally symmetric at 120° in this modified example 1).

[0071] The operation ring 75 has an annular shape with its center coinciding with the central axis Ax3 of the mounting portion 74. This operation ring 75 is made of metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, etc. The operation ring 75 faces the outer circumferential surface of the mounting portion 74, and is attached to the mounting portion 74 so as to be rotatable about the central axis Ax3 of the mounting portion 74.

[0072] 10, the protruding portion 142 is provided with a plurality of second cutout portions 1421 (four in this first modification) each cut out in a direction approaching the central axis Ax4 of the mounting bush 14. That is, the protruding portion 142 is divided into a plurality of portions by the plurality of second cutout portions 1421 along the circumferential direction centered on the central axis Ax4 of the mounting bush 14. These second cutout portions 1421 are provided at positions that are rotationally symmetric about the central axis Ax4 of the mounting bush 14 (positions that are rotationally symmetric at 90° in the present first modification).

[0073] The coupler 7 according to the present modified example 1 is attached to the imaging device body 6 as described below. The operator inserts the front exterior part 912 into the through hole 72 with the coupler 7 in a position where the bottomed cylindrical opening of the mounting part 74 is separated from the imaging device body 6. Then, the operator fastens the screw groove provided on the small diameter surface 9123 to the screw groove provided on the inner circumferential surface of the bush body 141, thereby fixing the mounting bush 14 to the front exterior part 912. In this state, the central axis Ax3 of the mounting part 74 approximately coincides with the central axis Ax2 of the front exterior part 912. In addition, a specific clearance is provided between the casing side sliding surface 9101 and the coupler side sliding surface 73. Then, the coupler 7 is made rotatable about the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23 relative to the imaging device body 6.

[0074] Moreover, the endoscope 23 is connected to the coupler 7 according to the present modified example 1 as described below. After fitting the eyepiece 232 to the mounting portion 74, the operator rotates the operation ring 75 in a first direction about the central axis Ax3 of the mounting portion 74. As a result, the multiple pressing portions 71 move within the multiple through holes 741, respectively, and protrude into the mounting portion 74. Then, the multiple pressing portions 71 each come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the eyepiece 232. In other words, the fitted state is locked. Meanwhile, the endoscope 23 is removed from the coupler 7 as follows. The operator rotates the operation ring 75 in a second direction opposite to the first direction about the central axis Ax3 of the mounting portion 74. This allows the multiple pressing portions 71 to move toward the outside of the mounting portion 74 within the multiple through holes 741. That is, the above-mentioned locked state is released.

[0075] According to the above-described first modification, in addition to the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments, the following effects are achieved. In this first modification, the coupler 7 is provided with the above-mentioned multiple first cutout portions 7241. Also, the mounting bush 14 is provided with the above-mentioned multiple second cutout portions 1421. Therefore, if the endoscopic imaging device 3 (3A) is immersed in cleaning liquid and the imaging device body 6 and the coupler 7 are rotated relatively around the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23, the cleaning liquid will flow in as shown below. That is, the cleaning liquid flows into spaces between the mounting bush 14 and the large diameter surface 721, the small diameter surface 722, and the step surface 723 through the first and second cutout portions 7241, 1421. Therefore, spaces between the mounting bush 14 and the large diameter surface 721, the small diameter surface 722, and the step surface 723 can be efficiently cleaned.

[0076] 14 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the second embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 14 corresponds to FIG. In the endoscopic imaging device 3A according to the above-mentioned second embodiment, the rotation restricting mechanism 15 according to the present modified example 2 shown in FIG. 14 may be employed. 14, a plurality of rotation restriction holes 76 are provided in the bottom portion of the coupler 7. The plurality of rotation restriction holes 76 are provided at positions that are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis Ax3 of the coupler 7. In the exterior main body 911A, a pair of support parts 9171, 9172 that support the rotation restricting mechanism 15 is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 917. The pair of support parts 9171, 9172 are arranged side by side on the outer surface of the side wall 917 in a direction along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23.

[0077] The rotation restricting mechanism 15 is switched to a rotation restricting state in which the relative rotation between the imaging device body 6 and the coupler 7 about the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23 is restricted, or a rotation allowing state in which the relative rotation is allowed, in response to an operation by a user such as a doctor. As shown in FIG. 14, the rotation restricting mechanism 15 includes a restricting pin 151, an operating lever 152, and a biasing member (not shown). The restriction pin 151 is a cylindrical pin that can be inserted into the rotation restriction hole 76, and is supported by a pair of support portions 9171, 9172 so as to be movable in the direction along the optical axis Ax0 of the endoscope 23. The operating lever 152 is a part that receives operation by a user such as a doctor, and is provided at the end of the regulating pin 151 away from the coupler 7, and is bent and extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extending direction of the regulating pin 151. The above-mentioned biasing member is constituted by a coil spring etc. The biasing member is provided in a state exposed to the outside from between the pair of support parts 9171, 9172, and constantly biases the restriction pin 151 towards the coupler 7 side.

[0078] FIG. 14 shows a state in which the rotation restricting mechanism 15 is set to the rotation permitted state. 14, a user such as a doctor rotates the operation lever 152 about the central axis of the restriction pin 151, whereby the restriction pin 151 moves together with the operation lever 152 toward the coupler 7 due to the biasing force of the biasing member described above. When the restriction pin 151 is inserted into the rotation restriction hole 76, the rotation restriction mechanism 15 is set to a rotation restricted state. When the operation lever 152 is rotated from this state to the position shown in FIG. 14, the restriction pin 151 moves together with the operation lever 152 in a direction away from the coupler 7 against the biasing force of the biasing member described above. When the restriction pin 151 comes out of the rotation restriction hole 76, the rotation restriction mechanism is set to a rotation permitted state.

[0079] According to the present modified example 2 described above, in addition to the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 2, the following effects are achieved. In the rotation restriction mechanism 15 according to the present modified example 2, the above-mentioned biasing member is exposed to the outside from between the pair of support portions 9171, 9172. Therefore, by immersing the endoscopic imaging device 3A in a cleaning liquid, the biasing member can be effectively cleaned with the cleaning liquid. The rotation restricting mechanism 15 according to the second modification may be adopted in the endoscope imaging device 3 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0080] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the endoscopic imaging device 3, 3A according to the present disclosure is used in a resectoscope 2, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and may be used in various other endoscopes (rigid endoscopes and flexible endoscopes). In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the operation board 132 constituting the operation unit 13, 13A is provided outside the exterior casing 9, 9A, but this is not limited to the above. For example, if the operation board 132 can detect a button operation by a user using a magnetic force, the operation board 132 may be provided inside the exterior casing 9, 9A. In this case, the hermetic connector 134 is not required.

[0081] Note that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) A device comprising: a coupler for holding an endoscope that captures and emits an image of a subject; an exterior casing connected to the coupler, extending along a first axis intersecting an optical axis of the endoscope, the exterior casing having an outer dimension along the first axis larger than an outer dimension along the optical axis of the endoscope; an optical system for guiding the image of the subject; and an imaging unit for imaging the image of the subject via the optical system, the exterior casing having a first side wall and a second side wall intersecting the optical axis of the endoscope, a first opening being provided in the first side wall, and a second opening being provided in the second side wall that is farther away from the coupler than the first side wall. an optical system and an imaging unit for an endoscope, the optical system and the imaging unit being stored within the exterior casing in a state aligned on the optical axis of the endoscope such that the subject image guided from the optical system is captured by the imaging unit; a first exterior part having a third opening provided in a third side wall intersecting the first axis; a second exterior part connected to the first exterior part and sealing the second opening side of the first exterior part; and a connector part connected to the first exterior part and sealing the third opening side of the first exterior part, the connector part being connected to a cable that transmits an image signal output from the imaging unit; (2) The imaging device for endoscopes described in (1) above, wherein the second opening has a larger opening area than the third opening, and the optical system and the imaging unit can be stored in the outer casing through the second opening. (3) The imaging device for endoscopes described in (1) or (2), wherein the first side wall and the second side wall have opposing surfaces, and the first opening and the second opening are provided on the opposing surfaces. (4) An imaging device for an endoscope described in any one of (1) to (3), further comprising a circuit board for processing image signals output from the imaging unit, the circuit board being stored within the outer casing at a position away from the optical axis of the endoscope. (5) An imaging device for endoscopes as described in any one of (1) to (4), further comprising a button unit having a button that accepts operation by a user and an annular sealing member, the button unit being fixed to the outer surface of the second exterior part via the sealing member in a state where it is stacked on the second exterior part along the optical axis of the endoscope. (6) An imaging device for endoscopes as described in any one of (1) to (5), wherein the first exterior portion has an annular protrusion protruding from the inner surface of each side wall connected to the second side wall and extending around the entire edge portion of the second opening when viewed along the optical axis of the endoscope, and the outer edge portion of the second exterior portion is connected to the protrusion to seal the second opening side of the first exterior portion. (7) The imaging device for endoscopes described in (6) above, further comprising a button unit having a button that accepts operation by a user, the button unit being fixed to the outer surface of the second exterior part while being stacked on the second exterior part along the optical axis of the endoscope, and concealing the connection portion between the second exterior part and the protrusion part. (8) An imaging device for endoscopes as described in (7) above, wherein an inner surface of each side wall connected to the second side wall is provided with a locking recess located closer to the second opening than the protrusion and in which the button unit is locked. (9) The imaging device for endoscopes according to (8), wherein the second exterior portion has a wall portion facing the locking recess with a part of the button unit interposed therebetween. (10) An endoscope that captures and emits an image of a subject, and an endoscopic imaging device that is connected to the endoscope and captures the image of the subject emitted from the endoscope, the endoscopic imaging device comprising: a coupler that holds the endoscope; an exterior casing that is connected to the coupler and extends along a first axis that intersects with an optical axis of the endoscope, the exterior casing having an outer dimension along the first axis that is larger than an outer dimension along the optical axis of the endoscope; an optical system that guides the image of the subject; and an imaging unit that captures the image of the subject via the optical system, the exterior casing having a first side wall and a second side wall that intersect with the optical axis of the endoscope, a first opening being provided in the first side wall, and a front opening being provided in the front opening. an imaging system comprising: a first exterior part having a second opening provided in the second side wall that is farther from the coupler than the first side wall and a third opening provided in a third side wall that intersects the first axis; a second exterior part connected to the first exterior part and sealing the second opening side of the first exterior part; and a connector part connected to the first exterior part and sealing the third opening side of the first exterior part, and to which a cable that transmits an image signal output from the imaging unit is connected, wherein the optical system and the imaging unit are stored within the exterior casing in a state where they are aligned on the optical axis of the endoscope so that the subject image guided from the optical system is captured by the imaging unit. (11) The imaging system described in (10), wherein the second opening has a larger opening area than the third opening, and the optical system and the imaging unit can be stored in the outer casing through the second opening. (12) The imaging system described in (10) or (11), wherein the first side wall and the second side wall have opposing surfaces, and the first opening and the second opening are provided in the opposing surfaces. (13) The imaging system according to any one of (10) to (12), wherein the endoscope is an endoscope used in a resectoscope, and the coupler and the outer casing are connected so as to be capable of relative rotation around the optical axis of the endoscope. (14) The imaging system according to (13), wherein the center position of the connector portion is located closer to the endoscope than the center position of the outer casing in a direction along the optical axis of the endoscope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Endoscope system 2 Resectoscope 3,3A Imaging device for endoscope 4 Display device 5. Control device 6. Imaging device body 7 Coupler 8 Cable 9,9A Outer casing 10 Optical system 11 Imaging unit 12 Circuit Board 13,13A Operation section 14,14B Mounting bush 15 Rotation restriction mechanism 21 Sheath 22 Guide tube 23 Endoscopy 24 Resect electrode parts 25 Handle 71 Pressing part 72 Through hole 73 Coupler side sliding surface 74 Mounting part 75 Operation Ring 76 Rotation control hole 91 First Exterior Part 92,92A Second exterior part 93 Connector part 100 Internal Unit 131,131A Button unit 132 Operation board 133 Gasket 134 Hermetic Connector 141 Bush body 142 Overhang 151 Regulatory pin 152 Operating lever 221 Mounting material 222 Water supply port 231 Insertion part 232 Eyepiece 251 Fixing Ring 252 Slider 253 Spring parts 721 First Hole 722 Second Hole 723 Step surface 724 Bush locking part 741 Through hole 910 Sliding members 911, 911A Exterior body 912 Front exterior part 913 First side wall 915 Third Sidewall 916~918 Side wall 919 Recess 921,921A Base 922,922A Protrusion 931 Outer Wall 932 Plate 933 Conductive Pin 1310 Pressing part 1311,1311A Button frame 1312 Button 1313 Opening 1314 Recess 1315 Insertion hole 1316 Button frame body 1317 Cover-up Department 1318 Concealment Body 1319 Locking claw 1421 Second notch 2321 Light Guide 2322 Light Source Connector 2521 High Frequency Power Cord 2522 Power Connector 2523 Finger rest member 7241 First notch 9101 Casing side sliding surface 9111 First extension 9112 Locking recess 9121 Optical elements 9122 Large diameter surface 9123 Small diameter surface 9131 First opening 9141 Second Opening 9151 Bulge 9152 Third Opening 9171,9172 Support part 9221 Projection body 9222 Second extension Ax0 optical axis Ax1 First axis Ax2~Ax4 Center axis CN1,CN2 connector Nut O center of gravity O1,O2 center position Sc Screw

Claims

1. a coupler for holding an endoscope that captures and emits an image of a subject; an exterior casing connected to the coupler, extending along a first axis intersecting an optical axis of the endoscope, the exterior casing having an outer dimension along the first axis larger than an outer dimension along the optical axis of the endoscope; an optical system that guides the subject image; an imaging unit that captures the subject image via the optical system, The outer casing includes: a first exterior portion having a first side wall and a second side wall intersecting an optical axis of the endoscope, the first side wall being provided with a first opening, the second side wall being provided with a second opening that is farther away from the coupler than the first side wall is, and a third side wall being provided with a third opening, the first exterior portion being provided with a third side wall intersecting the first axis; a second exterior part connected to the first exterior part and sealing the second opening side of the first exterior part; a connector portion connected to the first exterior portion to seal the third opening side of the first exterior portion and to which a cable for transmitting an image signal output from the imaging portion is connected, The optical system and the imaging unit include An endoscopic imaging device that is housed within the exterior casing and aligned on the optical axis of the endoscope so that the subject image guided from the optical system is captured by the imaging section.

2. The second opening is The opening area is larger than that of the third opening, The optical system and the imaging unit include The image pickup device for endoscopes according to claim 1 , which is capable of being housed in the exterior casing through the second opening.

3. The first side wall and the second side wall are having opposing surfaces, The first opening and the second opening are The imaging device for an endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging device is provided on the mutually opposing surfaces.

4. A circuit board for processing an image signal output from the imaging unit is further provided. The circuit board includes: The imaging device for an endoscope according to claim 1 , which is housed in the exterior casing at a position spaced apart from an optical axis of the endoscope.

5. a button unit having a button for accepting an operation by a user; and an annular sealing member. The button unit includes: The imaging device for endoscopes according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging device is laminated on the second exterior part along the optical axis of the endoscope and fixed to the outer surface of the second exterior part via the sealing member.

6. The first exterior portion includes: an annular projection is provided protruding from an inner surface of each side wall connected to the second side wall and extending around an entire periphery of an edge portion of the second opening when viewed along an optical axis of the endoscope; The second exterior portion includes: The imaging device for endoscopes according to claim 1 , wherein an outer edge portion of the second exterior portion is connected to the protruding portion to seal the second opening side of the first exterior portion.

7. The device further includes a button unit having a button for accepting an operation by a user, The button unit includes: The imaging device for endoscopes described in claim 6, which is stacked on the second exterior part along the optical axis of the endoscope, fixed to the outer surface of the second exterior part, and conceals the connection portion between the second exterior part and the protrusion part.

8. The inner surface of each side wall connected to the second side wall includes: The imaging device for endoscopes according to claim 7 , further comprising a locking recess for locking the button unit, the locking recess being located closer to the second opening than the protruding portion.

9. The second exterior portion includes: The image pickup device for endoscopes according to claim 8 , further comprising a wall portion facing the locking recess with a part of the button unit therebetween.

10. an endoscope that captures and emits an image of a subject; an endoscope imaging device that is connected to the endoscope and captures the subject image emitted from the endoscope, The endoscopic imaging device includes: a coupler for holding the endoscope; an exterior casing connected to the coupler, extending along a first axis intersecting an optical axis of the endoscope, the exterior casing having an outer dimension along the first axis larger than an outer dimension along the optical axis of the endoscope; an optical system that guides the subject image; an imaging unit that captures the subject image via the optical system, The outer casing includes: a first exterior portion having a first side wall and a second side wall intersecting an optical axis of the endoscope, the first side wall being provided with a first opening, the second side wall being provided with a second opening that is farther away from the coupler than the first side wall is, and a third side wall being provided with a third opening, the first exterior portion being provided with a third side wall intersecting the first axis; a second exterior part connected to the first exterior part and sealing the second opening side of the first exterior part; a connector portion connected to the first exterior portion to seal the third opening side of the first exterior portion and to which a cable for transmitting an image signal output from the imaging portion is connected, The optical system and the imaging unit include An imaging system that is housed within the exterior casing and aligned on the optical axis of the endoscope so that the subject image guided from the optical system is captured by the imaging unit.

11. The second opening is The opening area is larger than that of the third opening, The optical system and the imaging unit include The imaging system according to claim 10 , which can be housed in the exterior casing through the second opening.

12. The first side wall and the second side wall are having opposing surfaces, The first opening and the second opening are The imaging system according to claim 10 , wherein the imaging elements are provided on the opposing surfaces.

13. The endoscope includes: An endoscope used in resectoscopes. The coupler and the outer casing are The imaging system according to claim 10 , wherein the endoscope is connected to be relatively rotatable about an optical axis of the endoscope.

14. The center position of the connector portion is The imaging system according to claim 13 , wherein the imaging portion is located closer to the endoscope than a center position of the exterior casing in a direction along the optical axis of the endoscope.

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