Imaging unit and endoscope

Abstract

To provide an imaging unit, etc. that allow a sealing material only in a required and sufficient amount to be injected easily in a gap between a camera module and a storage chamber.SOLUTION: An imaging unit includes a camera module 5 and a frame member 11 for storing the camera module 5 in a storage chamber 12. The frame member 11 includes a first conduit line 21 provided with a first opening 21a facing the base end part of the camera module 5 and a second conduit line 22 provided with a second opening 22a at a position different from the position of the first opening 21a. A first width d1 of a first gap on the lateral face side between the camera module 5 and an inner wall of the storage chamber 12 is a second width d2 or more of a second gap on the base end side, and an effective diameter d3 of the second conduit line 22 is smaller than the second width d2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging unit formed by injecting a sealant into a gap between a camera module and a housing chamber, and an endoscope equipped with the imaging unit. [Background technology]

[0002] At the tip of the endoscope, a frame member is provided to fix and hold optical and imaging components such as a camera module and a light guide, as well as a channel tube for a treatment instrument channel.

[0003] For example, International Publication No. WO2013 / 031276 describes a configuration in which an imaging unit, a light guide bundle, and the like are built into a tip rigid section made of metal or hard resin provided at the tip of an endoscope.

[0004] By the way, when the frame member is formed using MID (Molded Interconnect Devices) technology, not only is moldability improved, but the wiring and electrodes are formed in the resin molded part, eliminating the need for separate wiring. This makes effective use of space and allows the diameter of the tip of the endoscope to be reduced.

[0005] When placing a camera module in the housing chamber of a frame member formed from an MID, the camera module terminal is electrically connected to the electrical contacts inside the housing chamber by soldering or the like, and the electrical connection parts are then sealed and protected with a sealing material.

[0006] At this time, the sealant is injected into the chamber from a side different from the tip side so that the sealant does not adhere to the tip surface of the camera module, which is the optical surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2013 / 031276 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, if the frame member is made of an opaque material, it is impossible to visually determine whether the gap between the housing chamber and the camera module has been sufficiently filled with the sealant, and it is also impossible to visually determine whether air remains in the housing chamber. Furthermore, when the endoscope is completed as a product, it is required that the sealant does not protrude to the outside and that the appearance is not impaired.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an imaging unit and an endoscope that make it easy to inject a necessary and sufficient amount of sealing material into the gap between the camera module and the housing chamber. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An imaging unit according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a camera module having an objective optical system and an imaging element, a storage chamber for accommodating the camera module, a first pipeline having a first opening communicating with the storage chamber facing the base end of the camera module, and a frame member having a second pipeline having a second opening communicating with the storage chamber at a position different from the first opening, wherein there is a gap between the camera module and an inner wall of the storage chamber, a first width of the first gap on the side of the camera module is equal to or greater than a second width of the second gap on the base end of the camera module, and an effective diameter of the second pipeline is smaller than the second width.

[0011] An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an insertion section to be inserted into a subject and an imaging unit provided at the tip of the insertion section, wherein the imaging unit comprises a camera module having an objective optical system and an imaging element, a storage chamber for accommodating the camera module, a first duct having a first opening communicating with the storage chamber facing the base end of the camera module, and a frame member having a second duct having a second opening communicating with the storage chamber provided at a position different from the first opening, wherein there is a gap between the camera module and an inner wall of the storage chamber, a first width of the first gap on the side surface side of the camera module is equal to or greater than a second width of the second gap on the base end side of the camera module, and an effective diameter of the second duct is smaller than the second width. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the imaging unit and endoscope of the present invention, it becomes easy to inject a necessary and sufficient amount of sealing material into the gap between the camera module and the housing chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the tip portion of the endoscope in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a frame member in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a configuration of a frame member in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of a frame member in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of an accommodation chamber of a frame member in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating a gap when a camera module is accommodated in an accommodating chamber in the first embodiment. [Figure 8]4 is a diagram showing some examples of cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the central axes of the first and second pipelines in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing one example of a shape of a cross section of a first pipeline in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing one example of the shape of a cross section of a first pipeline in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram for explaining an action when a sealant is injected into a gap between a camera module and an inner wall of a housing chamber in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the lid in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the storage chamber in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of a first pipe line and a second pipe line communicating with a storage chamber in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a modified example of the arrangement of the first pipe line and the second pipe line communicating with the storage chamber in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of a first pipe line and a second pipe line communicating with a storage chamber in a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of a first pipe line and a second pipe line communicating with a storage chamber in a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0015] In the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are appropriately designated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the drawings used in the following description, the scales of the elements may differ so that each element can be recognized on the drawing. The present invention is not limited to the number of elements, the shape of elements, the size ratio of elements, and the relative positional relationship of elements shown in the drawings. [First embodiment]

[0016] 1 to 13 show a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an endoscope 1. FIG.

[0017] The endoscope 1 is a device for observing and treating a subject. The endoscope 1 includes a long, thin insertion section 2 that is inserted into the subject, an operation section 3 that is connected to the base end of the insertion section 2, and a universal cable 4 that extends from the operation section 3. The subject into which the insertion section 2 is inserted is assumed to be a living being such as a human or animal, but is not limited to this and may also be an inanimate object such as a machine or a building.

[0018] The insertion section 2 includes, in order from the tip to the base end, a tip section 2a, a curved section 2b, and a tubular section 2c.

[0019] The tip 2a is equipped with an observation system and an illumination system, and the illumination system irradiates the object with illumination light, and the observation system captures an image of the return light from the object. The configuration of the tip 2a will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0020] The bending section 2b is connected to the proximal end side of the distal end section 2a and is configured to be bendable in, for example, two directions or four directions, i.e., up, down, left, and right. When the bending section 2b is bent, the direction of the distal end section 2a changes, and the direction of observation by the observation system and the direction of illumination light irradiation by the illumination system change. The bending section 2b is also bent to improve the insertability of the insertion section 2 inside the subject.

[0021] The tubular portion 2c is a tubular portion that connects the base end of the bending portion 2b and the tip of the operation unit 3. The tubular portion 2c may be rigid so that the insertion portion 2 does not bend, or may be flexible so that the insertion portion 2 bends according to the shape of the subject being inserted. An endoscope with a rigid insertion portion is generally called a rigid endoscope, and an endoscope with a flexible insertion portion is generally called a flexible endoscope. For example, rigid endoscopes and flexible endoscopes in the medical field are defined in ISO8600-1:2015.

[0022] The operation section 3 is connected to the proximal end side of the insertion section 2 and is a section that is held by hand to perform various operations related to the endoscope 1. The operation section 3 includes, for example, a grip section 3a, a bending operation lever 3b, a plurality of operation buttons 3c, and a treatment instrument insertion port 7a that is a channel opening on the proximal end side of the treatment instrument channel 7 (see FIG. 2, etc.).

[0023] The grip portion 3a is a portion where the operator grips the endoscope 1 in the palm of his / her hand.

[0024] The bending operation lever 3b is an operation device for performing an operation to bend the bending portion 2b, for example, using the thumb of the hand holding the grip portion 3a.

[0025] The multiple operation buttons 3c include, for example, an air / liquid supply button, a suction button, and buttons related to imaging. The air / liquid supply button is a button for supplying air and liquid to the observation window at the tip of the camera module 5 (see FIG. 2, etc.) via an air / liquid supply channel (not shown) and for cleaning the observation window. The suction button is a button for performing an operation to suction liquid, mucous membrane, etc. from inside the subject via, for example, the treatment tool channel 7. The button related to imaging is, for example, a button switch for performing a release operation.

[0026] The treatment instrument insertion port 7a of the treatment instrument channel 7 is provided on the side surface on the distal end side of the gripping portion 3a. Various treatment instruments such as forceps are inserted into the treatment instrument channel 7 via the treatment instrument insertion port 7a.

[0027] The universal cable 4 extends from the side surface on the proximal end side of the operation section 3 and is connected to an endoscope processor and a light source device (not shown) via a connector 4a.

[0028] The endoscope processor transmits drive signals and power to the image sensor 5b in the distal end portion 2a via the signal cable 6, and receives image signals acquired by imaging the subject with the image sensor 5b. The light source device irradiates illumination light from the distal end surface of the distal end portion 2a toward the subject via a light guide (not shown) that constitutes an illumination system.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the tip portion 2a of the endoscope 1. As shown in FIG.

[0030] The distal end portion 2a is provided with a camera module 5, a signal cable 6, a treatment tool channel 7, a connection tube 8, an outer cover 9, and a frame member 11.

[0031] The frame member 11 is a molded component formed, for example, by MID (Molded Interconnect Devices) technology. MIDs are three-dimensional molded circuit components in which electrical circuit wiring is integrally formed on the surface of a three-dimensional molded product such as an injection-molded product. Unlike conventional two-dimensional circuits, MID technology allows circuit wiring to be formed on inclined surfaces, vertical surfaces, curved surfaces, through holes inside molded products, and the like.

[0032] The frame member 11 is formed by MID, for example, as follows: First, an opaque resin material containing a metal catalyst is heated and softened, and then injection pressure is applied to force the material into a mold to fill it, forming a three-dimensional resin molded product. Next, a laser beam is irradiated onto the surface of the resin molded product to pattern it and activate the metal catalyst, and electroless plating is applied to metallize only the activated parts, forming wiring.

[0033] The camera module 5 constitutes an observation system and includes an objective optical system 5a and an image sensor 5b. The objective optical system 5a forms an optical image on the image sensor 5b using return light from the subject irradiated with illumination light. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the optical axis O of the objective optical system 5a is parallel to the insertion direction A of the distal end 2a. The image sensor 5b includes an image sensor such as a CMOS or CCD, and captures the optical image formed by the objective optical system 5a and outputs an image signal.

[0034] The imaging element 5b is connected to a signal line 6a of the signal cable 6 via wiring in the frame member 11. The signal cable 6 is inserted through the insertion portion 2, the operation portion 3, and the universal cable 4.

[0035] The treatment instrument channel 7 has a channel tube 7c connected to the frame member 11, and a channel opening 7b that communicates with the channel tube 7c and is provided in the frame member 11. The channel tube 7c is inserted through the insertion section 2 and communicates with the treatment instrument insertion port 7a on the proximal end side.

[0036] The connection tube 8 is made of, for example, metal and has a cylindrical shape, and connects the frame member 11 at the tip end portion 2a to the bending link at the tip end of the plurality of bending links provided in the bending portion 2b.

[0037] The outer cover 9 covers the outer surface of the insertion portion 2 so that the inside of the insertion portion 2 is kept watertight and airtight.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of frame member 11. Fig. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of frame member 11. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of frame member 11.

[0039] The frame member 11 includes an accommodating chamber 12, a channel opening 7b, a channel tube connecting portion 13, a cable connecting portion 14, a fitting portion 15, and a plurality of insertion holes 16.

[0040] The accommodation chamber 12 accommodates the camera module 5. As described above, the channel opening 7b is the opening on the distal end side of the treatment instrument channel 7. The channel tube connection portion 13 is connected to the outer diameter side of the channel tube 7c. The cable connection portion 14 is connected to multiple signal lines 6a provided in the signal cable 6. The fitting portion 15 is fitted with the inner diameter side of the connection tube 8. The multiple insertion holes 16 are connected to the distal ends of light guides. The light guide is configured as, for example, a fiber bundle of optical fibers, and, like the signal cable 6, the insertion portion 2, the operation portion 3, and the universal cable 4 are inserted therethrough.

[0041] The accommodation chamber 12 is formed, for example, as a rectangular parallelepiped space, with an accommodation opening 12o for inserting the camera module 5 provided at the tip side, and the five surfaces other than the accommodation opening 12o serving as inner walls. The five inner walls of the accommodation chamber 12 include a back wall 12a, an upper wall 12b, a lower wall 12c, a right wall 12d, and a left wall 12e, as seen from the front view of Fig. 4. Note that the accommodation chamber 12 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be formed as a cylindrical or other shaped space.

[0042] 4, a plurality of electrical contacts 18a connected to the imaging element 5b are provided on the rear wall 12a of the accommodation chamber 12. The plurality of electrical contacts 18a are electrically connected to a plurality of electrical contacts 18b provided on the cable connection portion 14 via wiring formed in the frame member 11 by the MID. A plurality of signal lines 6a in the signal cable 6 are connected to the plurality of electrical contacts 18b.

[0043] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the accommodation chamber 12 of the frame member 11.

[0044] The frame member 11 further includes a first conduit 21 and a second conduit 22. The first conduit 21 includes an inner opening 21a (first opening) that communicates with the storage chamber 12 and an outer opening 21b that communicates with the outside of the frame member 11. The inner opening 21a that communicates with the storage chamber 12 is provided so as to face the base end of the camera module 5. The inner opening 21a is preferably provided at a position aligned with the inner wall of the storage chamber 12, and in this embodiment, is provided at a corner where the rear wall 12a and the upper wall 12b intersect. Specifically, the inner opening 21a opens at the base end of the upper wall 12b so as to be aligned with the rear wall 12a. The outer opening 21b of the first conduit 21 opens to a fitting portion 15 that is fitted with the connection tube 8.

[0045] The second conduit 22 has an inner opening 22a (second opening) that communicates with the storage chamber 12 and an outer opening 22b that communicates with the outside of the frame member 11. The inner opening 22a (second opening) of the second conduit 22 is provided at a position different from the inner opening 21a (first opening) of the first conduit 21. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the inner opening 22a (second opening) is provided on a surface (rear wall 12a) of the inner wall of the storage chamber 12 that is different from the surface (top wall 12b) on which the inner opening 21a (first opening) is provided. The outer opening 22b of the second conduit 22 opens at a corner of the base end surface 17 of the frame member 11 that is along the cable connection portion 14.

[0046] 6, the first conduit 21 is provided in a direction intersecting the direction of the optical axis O of the objective optical system 5a (insertion direction A) so as to communicate between the fitting portion 15 on the outer surface of the frame member 11 and the storage chamber 12. The second conduit 22 is provided along the direction of the optical axis O of the objective optical system 5a so as to communicate between the base end surface 17 of the frame member 11 and the storage chamber 12. Note that the first conduit 21 and the second conduit 22 are provided in portions of the frame member 11 that do not communicate with the treatment instrument channel 7 so as to prevent the sealant 24 (see FIGS. 10, 11, etc.) from spilling into the treatment instrument channel 7.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a gap when camera module 5 is housed in housing chamber 12. As shown in FIG.

[0048] The accommodation chamber 12 is formed to be larger than the outer shape of the camera module 5 so that a gap is formed between the camera module 5 and the inner wall of the accommodation chamber 12 when the camera module 5 is accommodated therein.

[0049] The width (first width) of the first gap between the side surfaces of the storage chamber 12 other than the rear wall 12a (upper wall 12b, lower wall 12c, right wall 12d, left wall 12e) and the side surfaces of the camera module 5 is defined as d1, and the width (second width) of the second gap between the rear wall 12a and the base end surface of the camera module 5 is defined as d2.

[0050] The effective diameter of the second pipe 22 is assumed to be d3. Here, the effective diameter is the diameter of a circle having the same area as the cross section of the second pipe 22 perpendicular to the pipe central axis.

[0051] In this case, the frame member 11 is configured so that the first width d1 is equal to or larger than the second width d2 and the effective diameter d3 is smaller than the second width d2, that is, d1≧d2>d3.

[0052] The first pipe 21 is a pipe for injecting a sealant 24 that seals the gap between the camera module 5 and the inner wall of the housing chamber 12. The second pipe 22 is a pipe for confirming that the injection of the sealant 24 into the gap has been completed.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing some examples of the shapes of the cross sections of the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22 perpendicular to the central axis of the pipes.

[0054] 8, the cross-sectional shapes of the pipes are shown as a circle in column A, an ellipse in column B, a rectangle in column C, and a hexagon in column D, but are not limited to these and may be any suitable polygon including a triangle, or a surface surrounded by any other closed curve. Note that the cross-sectional shapes of the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22 do not need to be the same or similar, and they may have cross-sectional shapes of different shapes.

[0055] Fig. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the shape of the cross section of the first pipe 21. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the shape of the cross section of the first pipe 21.

[0056] 9 and 10 has a cross-sectional shape of an elongated rectangle. Specifically, the width of the first conduit 21 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the conduit and perpendicular to the optical axis O of the objective optical system 5a is preferably greater than the width of the camera module 5 in the same direction and approximately the same as the width of the accommodation chamber 12 in the same direction. This allows the liquid sealant 24 to be filled not only along the top wall 12b, but also smoothly along the right wall 12d and the left wall 12e, and further along the bottom wall 12c due to gravity.

[0057] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the action when the sealant 24 is injected into the gap between the camera module 5 and the inner wall of the accommodation chamber 12. In FIG.

[0058] Camera module 5 is inserted into accommodation chamber 12 through accommodation opening 12o, and the terminals of camera module 5 are electrically connected to electrical contacts 18a (see FIG. 4) inside accommodation chamber 12 by reflow soldering or the like. Thereafter, lid 26 is attached to the tip of accommodation chamber 12, and accommodation opening 12o is closed with lid 26.

[0059] The frame member 11 with the lid 26 attached is placed so that the outer opening 21b of the first pipe 21 is on the upper side in the direction of gravity g (see each column in FIG. 11).

[0060] With the storage port 12o closed with the lid 26, the sealant 24 is poured from the outer opening 21b of the first pipeline 21. The sealant 24 is an adhesive, epoxy resin, or the like that is poured in liquid form and hardens after pouring. Note that the liquid sealant 24 is generally viscous, and its speed of advancement varies depending on the width of the passage.

[0061] The sealant 24 injected from the first pipeline 21 travels through the first pipeline 21 and enters the storage chamber 12 (see column A in Figure 11), and then travels further into the gaps between the camera module 5 and the rear wall 12a, the upper wall 12b, the right wall 12d, and the left wall 12e (see column B in Figure 11).

[0062] At this time, the first width d1 of the first gap on the side surface (upper wall 12b, lower wall 12c, right wall 12d, left wall 12e) of the storage chamber 12 is equal to or greater than the second width d2 of the second gap on the rear wall 12a side, so the advancing speed of the sealing material 24 on the side surface is equal to or greater than the advancing speed of the sealing material 24 on the rear wall 12a side. Therefore, the sealing material 24 smoothly advances not only through the gap on the rear wall 12a side, but also through the gap on the upper wall 12b side, which is above the direction of gravity g.

[0063] As a result, the filling of the sealing material 24 on the side surface is carried out simultaneously with or earlier than the filling of the sealing material 24 on the rear wall 12a side, and the sealing material 24 advances, for example, through the gap on the side surface to the gap between the camera module 5 and the bottom wall 12c (see column C in Figure 11).

[0064] For any gap on the upper wall 12b, right wall 12d, left wall 12e, or lower wall 12c side, the advancement of the sealing material 24 in the insertion direction A is blocked at the position of the lid 26, thereby preventing the sealing material 24 from adhering to the tip surface of the camera module 5.

[0065] When the gap between the camera module 5 and the inner walls of the storage chamber 12 (rear wall 12a, upper wall 12b, lower wall 12c, right wall 12d, and left wall 12e) is filled with the sealant 24, the sealant 24 proceeds to the second pipeline 22 (see column D in Figure 11).

[0066] Since the effective diameter d3 of the second pipeline 22 satisfies d1≧d2>d3, the sealant 24 advances in the second pipeline 22 after the sealant 24 has filled the gap on the inner wall side of the storage chamber 12.

[0067] As described above, the frame member 11 is made of an opaque resin material, and it is not possible to visually confirm how the sealant 24 progresses inside the storage chamber 12. However, by visually confirming the sealant 24 at the outer opening 22b of the second pipeline 22, it is possible to confirm that the sealant 24 has finished sealing the gaps inside the storage chamber 12 at that point.

[0068] When it is confirmed that the sealing material 24 has flowed out from the outer opening 22b, the injection of the sealing material 24 from the first pipeline 21 is stopped.

[0069] Thereafter, the liquid sealing material 24 is allowed to solidify, and after solidification, the lid 26 is removed, thereby completing the attachment of the camera module 5 to the frame member 11.

[0070] In this way, the gap between the camera module 5 and the housing chamber 12 is sealed with the sealing material 24, and the soldered connection between the terminal of the camera module 5 and the electrical contact 18a (see FIG. 4) inside the housing chamber 12 is protected.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the lid 26. As shown in FIG.

[0072] 12 is formed with a hole 26a large enough to insert the tip of the camera module 5. Then, with the tip of the camera module 5 inserted into the hole 26a, the sealant 24 is injected. This reliably prevents the sealant 24 from adhering to the tip surface of the camera module 5.

[0073] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the storage chamber 12. In FIG.

[0074] An inner flange 12f is provided at the tip end of each side surface (upper wall 12b, lower wall 12c, right wall 12d, left wall 12e) of the storage chamber 12, protruding from each side surface toward the camera module 5. If the width of the gap between the inner flange 12f and the camera module 5 is d4, the inner flange 12f is configured so that the width d4 is smaller than the effective diameter d3 of the second pipe line 22, that is, d1≧d2>d3>d4.

[0075] When the storage chamber 12 having such a configuration is used, the sealing material 24 does not overflow onto the tip side of the inner flange 12f when the sealing material 24 is visible at the outer opening 22b of the second pipeline 22. Therefore, it is possible to inject the sealing material 24 without using the lid 26 (however, in the configuration shown in FIG. 13, the sealing material 24 may be injected with the lid 26 in use).

[0076] Although the above description has been given of an example in which one first pipeline 21 and one second pipeline 22 are provided, a plurality of at least one of them may be provided.

[0077] According to the first embodiment, the frame member 11 is provided with a second pipeline 22 for confirming that the injection of the sealant 24 has been completed, separate from the first pipeline 21 for injecting the sealant 24. In this case, by providing the inner opening 21a (first opening) of the first pipeline 21 at a position aligned with the inner wall of the storage chamber 12, air inside the storage chamber 12 can easily escape when the sealant 24 is injected. Therefore, air is less likely to accumulate in the storage chamber 12 after sealing, enabling reliable sealing.

[0078] By sealing the gap with the sealant 24 without letting air in, heat generated when the imaging element 5b in the camera module 5 is driven can be released via the sealant 24. This suppresses the temperature rise of the imaging element 5b, reduces dark shot noise in the acquired endoscopic image, and improves image quality. It also reduces the impact of heat generated from the imaging element 5b on reflow soldering that connects the terminals of the camera module 5 and the electrical contacts 18a.

[0079] Furthermore, since the effective diameter d3 of the second conduit 22 is smaller than the first width d1 of the first gap on the side surface and the second width d2 of the second gap on the base end side, it is possible to inject only the necessary and sufficient amount of sealing material 24 into the gap between the camera module 5 and the storage chamber 12.

[0080] That is, by visually checking the sealing material 24 at the outer opening 22b of the second pipe line 22, it can be confirmed that the gap between the camera module 5 and the inner wall of the accommodating chamber 12 has been sufficiently sealed.

[0081] At this time, by using lid 26 that closes accommodation opening 12o or by providing inner flange 12f, it is possible to effectively prevent sealing material 24 from adhering to the tip surface of camera module 5. When lid 26 is used, by providing hole 26a large enough for the tip of camera module 5 to pass through, it is possible to more reliably prevent sealing material 24 from adhering to the tip surface of camera module 5.

[0082] Furthermore, since the first width d1 of the first gap on the side surface is equal to or greater than the second width d2 of the second gap on the base end side, the sealing material 24 can be sufficiently spread to the gap on the upper wall 12b side, which is above the gravity direction g.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, by making the width of the first pipe 21 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis O of the objective optical system 5a larger than the width of the camera module 5 in the same direction, the sealing material 24 can smoothly advance into the gaps on the right wall 12d side and the left wall 12e side.

[0084] Since the first conduit 21 is provided to communicate between the fitting portion 15 and the storage chamber 12, and the second conduit 22 is provided to communicate between the base end face 17 and the storage chamber 12, the outer opening 21b of the first conduit 21 and the outer opening 22b of the second conduit 22 are covered with the connecting tube 8 and the outer cover 9, as shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, when the endoscope is completed as a product, the outer openings 21b, 22b and the sealing material 24 are not visible from the outside, preventing damage to the appearance. [Second embodiment]

[0085] 14 and 15 show a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of a first pipeline 21 and a second pipeline 22 communicating with the storage chamber 12. In the second embodiment, parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate, and differences will be mainly described.

[0086] In the first embodiment, the first duct 21 is provided to communicate between the fitting portion 15 on the outer surface of the frame member 11 and the storage chamber 12, and the second duct 22 is provided to communicate between the base end surface 17 of the frame member 11 and the storage chamber 12. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the arrangement of the first duct 21 is the same as in the first embodiment, but the second duct 22 is also provided to communicate between the fitting portion 15 on the outer surface of the frame member 11 and the storage chamber 12, similar to the first duct 21.

[0087] That is, in the configuration example shown in Figure 14, the second duct 22 is located slightly further towards the tip than the first duct 21, which is located in a position aligned with the rear wall 12a, and connects the fitting portion 15 on the outer surface of the frame member 11 to the storage chamber 12.

[0088] 15 is a plan view showing a modified example of the arrangement of the first pipe line 21 and the second pipe line 22 communicating with the storage chamber 12. As shown in FIG.

[0089] In the configuration example shown in Figure 14, the positions of the first pipeline 21 and the second pipeline 22 in the direction of the optical axis O (insertion direction A) are different, but in the configuration example shown in Figure 15, the positions of the first pipeline 21 and the second pipeline 22 in the left-right direction perpendicular to the optical axis O are different.

[0090] Specifically, the first pipeline 21 is provided at the corner where the rear wall 12a and the left wall 12e of the storage chamber 12 intersect, and the second pipeline 22 is provided at the corner where the rear wall 12a and the right wall 12d of the storage chamber 12 intersect.

[0091] As in the first embodiment, the first duct 21 and the second duct 22 are provided in a portion of the frame member 11 that does not communicate with the treatment instrument channel 7.

[0092] According to the second embodiment, effects similar to those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved, and a sensor or camera, etc., can be placed adjacent to the device that injects the sealant 24 from the first pipeline 21 to confirm that the sealant 24 has flowed out from the second pipeline 22. [Third embodiment]

[0093] 16 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of the first pipe line 21 and the second pipe line 22 that communicate with the storage chamber 12. In the third embodiment, parts that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate, and differences will be mainly described.

[0094] In the third embodiment, the arrangement of the second pipeline 22 is the same as in the first embodiment, but the first pipeline 21, like the second pipeline 22, is also arranged to connect the base end surface 17 of the frame member 11 to the storage chamber 12.

[0095] That is, the first pipe line 21 is provided, for example, above the second pipe line 22 so as to connect the inner wall 12a of the accommodation chamber 12 and the base end surface 17 of the frame member 11.

[0096] Specifically, the first pipe 21 is provided at the corner where the rear wall 12a and the top wall 12b of the storage chamber 12 intersect, so that the inner opening 21a opens at a position aligned with the top wall 12b.

[0097] The first duct 21 and the second duct 22 are provided in a portion of the frame member 11 that does not communicate with the treatment instrument channel 7, as in the first and second embodiments.

[0098] According to the third embodiment, it is possible to achieve substantially the same effects as the first and second embodiments described above. [Fourth embodiment]

[0099] 17 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of the first pipe line 21 and the second pipe line 22 that communicate with the storage chamber 12. In the fourth embodiment, parts that are the same as those in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate, and differences will be mainly described.

[0100] In the fourth embodiment, the arrangement of the first pipeline 21 is the same as in the third embodiment, but the second pipeline 22 is arranged to connect the fitting portion 15 on the outer surface of the frame member 11 to the storage chamber 12, as in the second embodiment.

[0101] As in the first to third embodiments, the first duct 21 and the second duct 22 are provided in a portion of the frame member 11 that does not communicate with the treatment instrument channel 7.

[0102] According to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to achieve substantially the same effects as the first to third embodiments described above.

[0103] In the first, second, and fourth embodiments, at least one of the first conduit 21 and the second conduit 22 is provided in a direction intersecting the optical axis O of the objective optical system 5a so as to communicate between the outer surface of the frame member 11 and the storage chamber 12. In the first, third, and fourth embodiments, at least one of the first conduit 21 and the second conduit 22 is provided along the optical axis O of the objective optical system 5a so as to communicate between the base end surface 17 of the frame member 11 and the storage chamber 12.

[0104] In any of the first to fourth embodiments, first pipe 21 is provided so that inner opening 21a opens at the corner where back wall 12a and upper wall 12b of storage chamber 12 intersect, assuming that first pipe 21 will be on the upper side in the direction of gravity g when sealing material 24 is injected into the gap between camera module 5 and the inner wall of storage chamber 12. This allows liquid sealing material 24 to smoothly flow into the gap within storage chamber 12 by gravity.

[0105] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the components can be modified and embodied in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various aspects of the invention can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all of the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. In this way, it goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Endoscope 2...Insertion section 2a...Tip 2b...Bend 2c...Tubular part 3...Operation unit 3a...Gripping part 3b...Bending control lever 3c...Operation buttons 4...Universal cable 4a...Connector 5...Camera module 5a...Objective optical system 5b...Image sensor 6...Signal cable 6a...Signal line 7...Treatment tool channel 7a...Treatment tool insertion port 7b...Channel opening 7c...Channel tube 8...Connecting tube 9…Outer skin 11...Frame member 12…Containment Room 12a…Back wall 12b…Top wall 12c…Lower wall 12d...Right wall 12e…Left wall 12f...inner flange 12o...accommodation entrance 13...Channel tube connection part 14...Cable connection part 15...Mating part 16...Through hole 17...Proximal surface 18a, 18b...Electrical contacts 21...First pipeline 21a…Inner opening 21b…Outside opening 22...Second pipeline 22a...Inner opening 22b…Outside opening 24...Sealing material 26…Lid 26a…hole A...Insertion direction O…Optical axis d1...first width d2...second width d3...effective diameter d4...width g…Gravity direction

Claims

1. a camera module including an objective optical system and an image sensor; a frame member including: a housing chamber that houses the camera module; a first conduit having a first opening that communicates with the housing chamber and faces a base end of the camera module; and a second conduit having a second opening that communicates with the housing chamber and is provided at a position different from that of the first opening; Equipped with An imaging unit characterized in that there is a gap between the camera module and an inner wall of the storage chamber, a first width of a first gap on the side surface of the camera module is equal to or greater than a second width of a second gap on the base end side of the camera module, and an effective diameter of the second conduit is smaller than the second width.

2. 2. The imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is provided at a position where one end thereof is aligned with the inner wall of the storage chamber.

3. 2. The imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the first pipe is a pipe for injecting a sealant that seals the gap.

4. 2. The imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the width of the first pipe in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the objective optical system is larger than the width of the camera module in the same direction.

5. the second pipe is a pipe for confirming that the injection of the sealant into the gap has been completed, 4. The imaging unit according to claim 3, wherein the second opening is provided on a surface of the inner wall of the storage chamber that is different from a surface on which the first opening is provided.

6. the housing chamber has a housing opening at a tip end thereof for inserting the camera module; 4. The imaging unit according to claim 3, wherein the sealing material is injected in a state where the receiving opening is closed with a lid.

7. 7. The imaging unit according to claim 6, wherein the cover has a hole formed therein that is large enough to allow the tip of the camera module to pass through.

8. 2. The imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first duct and the second duct is arranged in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction of the objective optical system so as to connect the outer surface of the frame member and the storage chamber.

9. 2. The imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first duct and the second duct is provided along the optical axis direction of the objective optical system so as to connect the base end surface of the frame member and the storage chamber.

10. 2. The imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein a cross section of at least one of the first pipe line and the second pipe line is an ellipse including a circle.

11. 2. The imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein a cross section of at least one of the first pipe line and the second pipe line is polygonal.

12. an insertion section to be inserted into a subject; an imaging unit provided at the tip of the insertion portion; Equipped with The imaging unit a camera module including an objective optical system and an image sensor; a frame member including: a housing chamber that houses the camera module; a first conduit having a first opening that communicates with the housing chamber and faces a base end of the camera module; and a second conduit having a second opening that communicates with the housing chamber and is provided at a position different from that of the first opening; and an endoscope characterized in that there is a gap between the camera module and an inner wall of the storage chamber, a first width of the first gap on the side surface of the camera module is equal to or greater than a second width of a second gap on the base end side of the camera module, and an effective diameter of the second conduit is smaller than the second width.

13. 13. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein one end of the first opening is provided at a position aligned with the inner wall of the storage chamber.

Images