Optical transmission module and endoscope

Abstract

To provide an optical transmitter module which can protect an optical fiber from damage, and an endoscope.SOLUTION: An optical transmitter module comprises an image sensor, a laser element, a laser driver circuit, an optical fiber, and a laminated substrate. The optical fiber is connected to the laser element, and at least a portion of the outer circumference of the optical fiber is covered by a protective member. An endoscope is provided with the optical transmitter module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an optical transmission module and an endoscope.

Background Art

[0002] An endoscope having an image sensor built in the tip of an insertion portion is known. In order to enable clear image observation, an image sensor with a high number of pixels is used. When a high-pixel image sensor is used in an endoscope, an optical transmission module is incorporated in the endoscope to transmit signals at high speed between the image sensor and the signal processing device, and an optical fiber is used for signal transmission.

[0003] An example of an optical transmission module using an optical fiber is described in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when a conventional optical transmission module is used in an endoscope, there is a problem that the optical fiber may be damaged by the bending operation of the endoscope. More specifically, the optical fiber may be crushed or broken.

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for increasing the optical coupling efficiency between a light emitting element and an optical fiber, but such a technique alone cannot prevent damage to the optical fiber.

[0007] This invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an optical transmission module and an endoscope that prevent damage to an optical fiber.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The optical transmission module according to the present invention is an optical transmission module including an image sensor, a laser element, a laser driver circuit, an optical fiber, and a laminated substrate, wherein the optical fiber is connected to the laser element, and at least a part of the outer periphery of the optical fiber is covered by a protective member.

[0009] The endoscope according to the present invention includes the above-described optical transmission module.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the optical transmission module and the endoscope of the present invention, damage to the optical fiber can be prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment. The endoscope system 1 may be what is called an electronic endoscope. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 1 is, for example, a system specialized for medical use, and includes an endoscope unit 10 and a processor 20.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope unit 10 includes an endoscope 11 and an operation unit 12. The endoscope 11 includes, in order from the tip, a rigid portion 11a that does not deform, a bending portion 11b that can actively bend according to an operation, and a flexible portion 11c that can passively deform. A user of the endoscope system 1 can control the operation of the endoscope 11 by operating the operation unit 12. For example, the bending portion 11b bends according to an operation on the operation unit 12. The bending portion 11b can be realized using a well-known mechanism incorporated in a general electronic endoscope. For example, the bending portion 11b is configured to bend by pulling an operation wire linked to a rotational operation of a knob included in the operation unit 12.

[0015] The endoscope 11 can insert the portion including the rigid portion 11a into an arbitrary body cavity in a living body, and can be inserted, for example, into a bronchus, a biliary tract, a pancreas, a hepatic duct region, a urinary organ region, and the like.

[0016] The processor 20 is a device that integrally includes a signal processing device that processes signals from the endoscope unit 10 and a light source device that irradiates light in a body cavity where natural light does not reach via the endoscope unit 10. As another embodiment, the signal processing device and the light source device may be configured separately.

[0017] A connector portion 13 is provided at the proximal end of the endoscope unit 10, and a connector portion 21 is provided on the processor 20. The connector portion 13 and the connector portion 21 have corresponding connection structures, and when these are connected, the endoscope unit 10 and the processor 20 are electrically and optically connected.

[0018] The processor 20 functions as a control device that controls the entire endoscope system 1, and can be configured, for example, using a computer including an arithmetic means and a storage means. Other functions and configurations of the endoscope unit 10 and the processor 20 (such as the function of acquiring an image in the body cavity, etc.) can be appropriately designed by those skilled in the art based on well-known techniques. For example, the processor 20 performs various calculations based on the unique information of the endoscope unit 10 and generates a control signal. Further, the processor 20 uses the generated control signal to control the operations and timings of various circuits in the processor 20 so that the endoscope unit 10 executes appropriate operations.

[0019] Note that the endoscope unit 10 may be provided independently assuming that it is connected to an appropriate processor other than the processor 20.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a configuration example of the tip of the endoscope 11. Fig. 2 is a view (top view) of the tip of the endoscope 11 as seen from the tip side in the axial direction. In this specification, the "axial direction" and the "radial direction" respectively mean the axial direction and the radial direction of the endoscope 11. The endoscope 11 includes an optical transmission module 30.

[0021] The configuration of the optical transmission module 30 will be described later in relation to Figs. 3 and 4, etc. In Fig. 2, only the image sensor 31 of the optical transmission module 30 appears. The optical transmission module 30 is fixed in the endoscope 11 using a fixing member (for example, a rod 15). Note that the structure of the fixing member is not limited to that shown in Fig. 2 and can be appropriately designed by those skilled in the art.

[0022] The endoscope 11 includes an optical irradiation means 14. The optical irradiation means 14 is provided at the tip or near the tip of the endoscope 11. The optical irradiation means 14 is, for example, a light guide, and more specifically, can be configured using an optical fiber.

[0023] Although not shown in Fig. 2, the endoscope 11 may further include other configurations provided in known endoscopes. For example, it may include a forceps channel, an air supply tube, a water supply tube, a water jet tube, etc. In that case, corresponding openings and the like may be provided at the tip of the endoscope 11 shown in Fig. 2.

[0024] Figs. 3 and 4 show a configuration example of the optical transmission module 30. Fig. 3 is a view (side view) of the optical transmission module 30 seen from the radial direction, and Fig. 4 is a view (bottom view) of the optical transmission module 30 seen from the axial rear end side.

[0025] The optical transmission module 30 includes the above-described image sensor 31, a laser element 32, a laser driver circuit 33, at least one optical fiber 34 (two in this embodiment), a heat dissipation wiring 35, at least one electrical signal wiring 36, and a laminated substrate 37. The image sensor 31, the laser element 32, the laser driver circuit 33, the optical fiber 34, the heat dissipation wiring 35, and the electrical signal wiring 36 are mounted on the laminated substrate 37.

[0026] The image sensor 31 is connected to the laminated substrate 37 via solder 42. The laser element 32 and the laser driver circuit 33 are mounted on the laminated substrate 37 by die bonding and wire bonding, and are particularly connected to the laminated substrate 37 via a wire 39. The laser element 32 and the laser driver circuit 33 constitute an electro-optical conversion unit that converts an electrical signal output from the image sensor 31 into an optical signal.

[0027] The optical fiber 34 is connected to the laser element 32 and conveys the laser output from the laser element 32. The heat dissipation wiring 35 is connected to a ground potential pad 43 and discharges the heat of the optical transmission module 30 (for example, the heat generated by the image sensor 31) via the ground potential pad 43.

[0028] On the side surface of the multilayer substrate 37 (i.e., the plane parallel to the axis of the endoscope 11), cable wiring pads 41 are provided. In the example of FIG. 3, three cable wiring pads 41 are shown, but the number of cable wiring pads 41 may be one or more. Through this cable wiring pad 41, the electrical signal wiring 36 is connected to the multilayer substrate 37. For the convenience of illustration, in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4, only one electrical signal wiring 36 is shown, but there may be a plurality of electrical signal wirings 36. For example, one electrical signal wiring 36 may be connected to each cable wiring pad 41.

[0029] Passive components 40 (such as capacitors and resistors, etc.) may be connected to the multilayer substrate 37. The passive components 40 may be connected to the electrical signal wiring 36 via the multilayer substrate 37.

[0030] In this way, by using the mounting form with the multilayer substrate 37, each component can be arranged compactly, and the whole optical transmission module 30 can be miniaturized.

[0031] A coil 38, which is a protective member, is wound around the optical fiber 34, and the outer periphery of the optical fiber 34 is covered by the coil 38. The coil 38 is made of metal, for example, and can have a structure with sufficient strength to prevent damage to the optical fiber 34. When the optical transmission module 30 includes a plurality of optical fibers 34 as in this embodiment, a single coil 38 may cover the outer peripheries of the plurality of optical fibers 34, or a plurality of separate coils 38 may cover the outer peripheries of the respective optical fibers 34.

[0032] By covering the optical fiber 34 with the coil 38, at least for the covered portion, when the endoscope performs a bending operation, the possibility of the optical fiber being damaged (such as being crushed or broken) can be reduced. For example, the coil 38 can relieve the radial pressure applied to the optical fiber 34 in the endoscope 11 and prevent the optical fiber 34 from being crushed.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows an example of the axial position of the coil 38. In the present embodiment, the coil 38 covers the outer periphery of the optical fiber 34 over the entire length of at least the bent portion 11b (i.e., the portion that can be actively bent according to the user's operation) of the endoscope 11. By doing so, the bending force applied to the optical fiber 34 due to the active bending of the endoscope 11 can be dispersed over a longer range, and the optical fiber 34 can be prevented from breaking.

[0034] Thus, in this embodiment, the coil 38 does not cover the entire outer periphery of the optical fiber 34, but only covers a part of the outer periphery. In particular, the portion of the rigid portion 11a where the core 34a of the optical fiber 34 is exposed (FIG. 3, i.e., the connection portion with the laser element 32) is not covered, and the portion on the rear end side (the processor 20 side) of the flexible portion 11c is also not covered.

[0035] The optical transmission module 30 includes a first cap member 50 made of glass. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first cap member 50 is disposed on the surface of the rear end side of the laminated substrate 37 and covers the laser element 32, the laser driver circuit 33, the ground potential pad 43, and the like.

[0036] A configuration example of the first cap member 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a displacement cross-sectional view of the first cap member 50 taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 4. The first cap member 50 has a first through hole 51, a recess 52, and a second through hole 53.

[0037] The first through hole 51 penetrates the first cap member 50 in the axial direction and is connected to the recess 52. The first through hole 51 accommodates at least a part of the optical fiber 34. Further, as shown in the figure, the first through hole 51 may accommodate at least a part of the coil 38. When the optical transmission module 30 includes a plurality of optical fibers 34 as in the present embodiment, a single first through hole 51 may accommodate a plurality of optical fibers 34, or a plurality of first through holes 51 may be provided, each accommodating one optical fiber 34.

[0038] The optical fiber 34 may have a diameter that changes along the axial direction. In the example of FIG. 6, the optical fiber 34 has a small-diameter portion where the core 34a is exposed and a large-diameter portion where the core 34a is covered by a cladding portion (not shown in FIG. 6) and a coating portion 34c. In such a case, the first through-hole 51 may have a stepped hole shape as shown in the figure, that is, the diameter may change along the axial direction according to the change in the diameter of the optical fiber 34.

[0039] The recess 52 is formed to open toward the surface (tip side) of the first cap member 50 facing the laminated substrate 37 and houses the laser driver circuit 33. In the example of FIG. 6, the recess 52 further houses the laser element 32 and the wire 39. The second through-hole 53 penetrates the first cap member 50 in the axial direction and houses at least a part of the heat dissipation wiring 35.

[0040] By providing the first through-hole 51, the recess 52, and the second through-hole 53 in the first cap member 50, the positioning of each object to be housed (optical fiber 34, laser element 32, laser driver circuit 33, heat dissipation wiring 35, etc.) becomes easy, and the manufacturability is improved. In particular, if the first through-hole 51 is configured to have a stepped hole shape as shown in FIG. 6, the positioning of the optical fiber 34 becomes even easier.

[0041] In this embodiment, the coil 38 covers the outer periphery of the boundary between the portion of the optical fiber 34 housed by the first cap member 50 and the portion of the optical fiber 34 not housed by the first cap member 50. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber 34 from being damaged at the boundary of the first cap member 50.

[0042] The optical transmission module 30 is sealed with a molding agent. FIG. 7 shows an example of sealing with the molding agent 61.

[0043] A cylindrical second cap member 60 is attached to the optical transmission module 30. The second cap member 60 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical shape, but may be a through cylindrical shape without a bottom. The second cap member 60 is made of, for example, resin, but the material is arbitrary. The second cap member 60 is arranged so as to cover the entire image sensor 31, the laminated substrate 37, and the first cap member 50 from the tip side of the optical transmission module 30, and a molding agent 61 is filled inside the second cap member 60. Thereby, the fixing of each component to the laminated substrate 37 becomes more reliable. Note that the molding agent 61 may or may not be filled up to the inside of the first cap member 50 (that is, the first through hole 51, the recess 52, and the second through hole 53).

[0044] In particular, the molding agent 61 fixes at least a part of the optical fiber 34. Thus, the sealing structure using the molding agent 61 can prevent the optical fiber 34 from coming out of the laser element 32.

[0045] The whole including the second cap member 60 and the molding agent 61 can be arranged inside the non-deformable rigid portion 11a.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the coil 38 covers the outer periphery of the boundary between the portion of the optical fiber 34 fixed by the molding agent 61 and the portion of the optical fiber 34 not fixed by the molding agent 61. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber 34 from being damaged at the boundary of the molding agent 61.

[0047] Note that in the portion not fixed by the molding agent 61, the optical fiber 34 can rotate and move axially with respect to other structures inside the endoscope 11 via the coil 38. For this reason, the friction between the optical fiber 34 and other structures when the endoscope 11 bends is reduced, and the movement (for example, bending operation or straight movement) of the endoscope 11 can be performed smoothly.

[0048] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 is obtained by changing the protective member from the coil 38 to a tube in Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the description of the parts common to Embodiment 1 may be omitted.

[0049] Fig. 8 shows a configuration example of the optical fiber 34 and the tube 44 according to Embodiment 2. At least a part of the outer periphery of the optical fiber 34 is covered by the tube 44. The axial range of the portion of the optical fiber 34 covered by the tube 44 can be the same as the axial range of the portion of the optical fiber 34 covered by the coil 38 in Embodiment 1.

[0050] The optical fiber 34 includes a core 34a, a cladding portion 34b, and a coating portion 34c. The tube 44 is a member different from the coating portion 34c of the optical fiber 34 and is disposed on the further outer peripheral side of the coating portion 34c.

[0051] The material and the like of the tube 44 can be arbitrarily designed, but it is preferable that the material and the structure have sufficient strength to prevent damage to the optical fiber 34. The tube 44 may be made of resin, for example.

[0052] Also in Embodiment 2, since the optical fiber 34 is covered by the tube 44, at least for the covered portion, when the endoscope performs a bending operation, the possibility that the optical fiber is damaged (for example, crushed or broken) can be reduced. For example, the tube 44 can relieve the radial pressure applied to the optical fiber 34 in the endoscope 11 and prevent the optical fiber 34 from being crushed.

[0053] Also, in the portion not fixed by the molding agent 61, the optical fiber 34 can rotate and move axially with respect to other structures inside the endoscope 11 via the tube 44. Therefore, the friction between the optical fiber 34 and other structures when the endoscope 11 bends is reduced, and the movement (for example, bending operation or straight movement) of the endoscope 11 can be performed smoothly.

[0054] [Other Embodiments] Embodiments 1 and 2 may be combined. That is, the optical fiber 34 may be covered with the tube 44, and the coil 38 may be wound around the outer periphery thereof, or the coil 38 may be wound around the optical fiber 34, and the outer periphery thereof may be covered with the tube 44.

[0055] The first cap member 50 may be omitted. Also, the second cap member 60 and the molding agent 61 may be omitted. Even in these cases, the coil 38 or the tube 44 can prevent the optical fiber 34 from being damaged.

[0056] The protective member may have a structure other than the coil 38 or the tube 44, and may be, for example, mesh-shaped.

[0057] The endoscope system 1 or the endoscope 11 is not limited to the configurations and functions described in this specification, and may include known endoscope configurations and functions.

[0058] This disclosure includes the following specific matters. [Specific Matter 1] An optical transmission module including an image sensor, a laser element, a laser driver circuit, an optical fiber, and a laminated substrate, wherein the optical fiber is connected to the laser element, and at least a part of the outer periphery of the optical fiber is covered by a protective member. Optical transmission module. [Specific Matter 2] The optical transmission module includes a cap member made of glass, the cap member has a through hole for accommodating at least a part of the optical fiber, and the protective member covers the outer periphery of the boundary between the part of the optical fiber accommodated by the cap member and the part of the optical fiber not accommodated by the cap member. The optical transmission module according to Specific Matter 1. [Specific Matter 3] At least a part of the optical fiber is fixed by a molding agent, The protective member covers the outer periphery of the boundary between the portion of the optical fiber fixed by the molding agent and the portion of the optical fiber not fixed by the molding agent. The optical transmission module according to Specific Item 1 or 2. [Specific Item 4] The optical transmission module includes a plurality of the optical fibers. A single protective member covers the outer peripheries of the plurality of optical fibers. The optical transmission module according to any one of Specific Items 1 to 3. [Specific Item 5] The protective member is a coil. The optical transmission module according to any one of Specific Items 1 to 4. [Specific Item 6] The protective member is a tube and is a member different from the coating portion of the optical fiber. The optical transmission module according to any one of Specific Items 1 to 4. [Specific Item 7] An endoscope including the optical transmission module according to any one of Specific Items 1 to 6. [Specific Item 8] The protective member covers the outer periphery of the optical fiber over at least the entire length of the bent portion of the endoscope. The endoscope according to Specific Item 7.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0059] 1... Endoscope system 10... Endoscope unit 11... Endoscope 11a... Rigid portion 11b... Bent portion 11c... Flexible portion 12... Operation unit 13... Connector unit 14... Light irradiation means 15... Rod 20... Processor 21... Connector unit 30... Optical transmission module 31... Image sensor 32... Laser element 33... Laser driver circuit 34…Optical fiber 34a…Core 34b…Cladding portion 34c…Coating portion 35…Heat dissipation wiring 36…Electrical signal wiring 37…Laminated substrate 38…Coil (protective member) 39…Wire 40…Passive components 41…Cable wiring pad 43…Ground potential pad 44…Tube (protective member) 50…First cap member (cap member) 51…First through hole (through hole) 52…Recess 53…Second through hole 60…Second cap member 61…Molding agent

Claims

1. An optical transmission module comprising an image sensor, a laser element, a laser driver circuit, an optical fiber, and a laminated substrate, wherein the optical fiber is connected to the laser element mounted on the laminated substrate, at least a part of the outer periphery of the optical fiber is covered by a protective member extending along the optical fiber, at least a part of the optical fiber is fixed to the laminated substrate by a molding agent, the protective member covers the outer periphery of the boundary between the portion of the optical fiber fixed by the molding agent and the portion of the optical fiber not fixed by the molding agent, the optical transmission module includes a cap member disposed to cover the laser element on the surface of the laminated substrate on which the laser element is mounted, the cap member has a through hole for accommodating at least a part of the side of the optical fiber connected to the laser element, the outside of the cap member is covered by the molding agent, Optical transmission module.

2. The optical transmission module according to claim 1, wherein the cap member is made of glass.

3. The protective member according to claim 1, which covers the outer periphery of the boundary between the portion of the optical fiber accommodated by the cap member and the portion of the optical fiber not accommodated by the cap member. Optical transmission module according to claim 1.

4. The optical transmission module includes a plurality of the optical fibers, a single protective member covers the outer peripheries of the plurality of optical fibers, Optical transmission module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The optical transmission module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protective member is a coil.

6. The optical transmission module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protective member is a tube and is a member different from the coating portion of the optical fiber.

7. An endoscope comprising the optical transmission module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein the protective member covers the outer periphery of the optical fiber over the entire length of at least the bent portion of the endoscope.

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