Movable optical unit, optical adapter, endoscope device

Abstract

To provide a movable optical unit equipped with a structure capable of suppressing breakage or damage when subjected to impact from the outside and securing necessary impact resistance.SOLUTION: Provided is a movable optical unit 21 which is constituted so as to be swingable around an axis by an electric magnet 31, and comprises a fixed axis 28, a bearing 26 which the fixed axis is inserted through and which is polarized in a direction orthogonal to the major axis Ax of the fixed axis, a holding frame 22 which is disposed to be swingable around the fixed axis and which holds at least one optical member 24, 25, and a pair of arm members 23, 27 that extend in a direction orthogonal to the major axis of the fixed axis from the holding frame toward the outside. The pair of arm members are secured to the bearing in the state of sandwiching the bearing in a direction that runs along the major axis of the fixed axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an endoscopic device that includes a movable optical unit included in an optical device applied to an endoscopic device, an optical adapter that has an optical device including this movable optical unit and is attached to the tip of an insertion portion of the endoscopic device, and an optical device that includes the movable optical unit at the tip of the insertion portion. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, endoscope devices have been widely used in, for example, the medical field, the industrial field, etc. A typical endoscope device is configured to have an elongated tubular insertion section and a tip section provided at the tip of the insertion section.

[0003] Among these, medical endoscope devices are used by inserting an insertion section equipped with an imaging unit into, for example, a body cavity of a living organism. At that time, the imaging unit acquires images of lesions and the like inside organs and the like of the living organism. Then, a user of the endoscope device observes and examines the condition of the lesions and the like based on the images acquired using the endoscope device.

[0004] Furthermore, industrial endoscope devices are used by inserting an insertion section equipped with an imaging unit into equipment or machinery such as a jet engine or factory piping. In this case, the imaging unit acquires images of scratches, corrosion, etc. inside the target equipment or machinery. A user of the endoscope device then observes and inspects the condition of the scratches, corrosion, etc. based on the images acquired using the endoscope device.

[0005] Conventional endoscopes of this type are generally configured with an optical device, including an observation optical system for forming an optical image of an object to be observed on a predetermined light receiving surface, provided at the tip of the insertion section. Various optical devices used in conventional endoscopes have been proposed, including those with a mechanism for varying the optical characteristics of the observation optical system, as disclosed in, for example, JP 2015-210501 A.

[0006] The optical device of the endoscope apparatus disclosed in JP 2015-210501 A and the like includes a movable optical unit including a holding frame for holding an optical element, a shaft member made of a permanent magnet and rotatably holding the holding frame, and an electromagnetic drive unit for rotating the movable optical unit around the axis of the shaft member using an electromagnet. The electromagnetic drive unit is used to rotate the movable optical unit around the axis of the shaft member, thereby inserting or retracting the optical element into or from the optical path of the observation optical system. In this case, the holding frame is rotatable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation optical system.

[0007] With this configuration, the optical device can switch to an observation optical system having different optical characteristics when the optical element is inserted into the optical path of the observation optical system and when the optical element is removed from the optical path of the observation optical system.

[0008] On the other hand, for an optical device having such a configuration, a configuration different from that described in the above publication is also possible. For example, a bearing member configured to be rotatable about a fixed axis is provided, and this bearing member is configured with a permanent magnet. Then, this bearing member and the holding frame are configured as one unit. Even with such a configuration, the holding frame can be configured to be rotatable about the fixed axis using an electromagnetic drive unit, similar to the optical device described in the above publication.

[0009] In general, there is a constant demand for smaller and thinner endoscope devices. In addition, there is also a constant demand for lower costs. As endoscope devices become smaller and thinner, the various components that make up the endoscope device also become smaller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-210501 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] However, as the various components of an endoscope device are made smaller, stricter considerations are required regarding strength and precision. For example, as described above, when a bearing member made of a permanent magnet is integrally formed with a holding frame, adhesive bonding or the like is generally considered as a means for joining and integrating the bearing member and the holding frame. However, as the components are made smaller, it becomes difficult to ensure a sufficient bonding area for the bonding between the bearing member and the holding frame, and it may become impossible to ensure the necessary bonding strength.

[0012] In particular, the holding frame holds a relatively heavy optical element and is a movable element. For this reason, when the optical device is subjected to an external impact, a certain amount of stress is applied to the joint between the bearing element and the holding frame. It is well known that the larger the bonding area between the bearing element and the holding frame, the higher the bonding strength. Therefore, when adopting such a configuration, it is always necessary to devise a way to ensure a sufficient bonding area and sufficient bonding strength to obtain the required impact resistance.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a movable optical unit, an optical adapter, and an endoscope device that have a structure that can reduce breakage or damage when subjected to external impacts, etc., even if the components are miniaturized as a result of miniaturization, and can ensure the necessary impact resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, a movable optical unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a movable optical unit configured to be rotatable about an axis by an electromagnet, and includes a fixed shaft, a bearing through which the fixed shaft is inserted and which is polarized in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft, a holding frame which is rotatable about the fixed shaft and which holds at least one optical element, and a pair of arm members which extend outward from the holding frame in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft; the bearing has a first side surface and a second side surface perpendicular to the long axis at both ends in a direction along the long axis of the fixed shaft,The pair of arm members are The arm includes a first arm member and a second arm member, the first arm member abutting against the first side surface and the second arm member abutting against the second side surface. The bearing is joined to the fixed shaft in a state where the bearing is sandwiched in a direction along the long axis of the fixed shaft.

[0015] An optical adapter according to one aspect of the present invention is an optical adapter that is detachably attached to the distal end of an insertion section of an endoscope device, and includes a fixed shaft, a bearing through which the fixed shaft is inserted and which is polarized in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft, a holding frame that is rotatable around the fixed shaft and holds at least one optical member, and a pair of arm members that extend outward from the holding frame in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft; the bearing has a first side surface and a second side surface perpendicular to the long axis at both ends of the fixed shaft in a direction along the long axis, The pair of arm members The arm includes a first arm member and a second arm member, the first arm member abutting against the first side surface, and the second arm member abutting against the second side surface. The optical device includes a movable optical unit that is joined to the bearing while clamping the bearing in a direction along the long axis of the fixed shaft and is configured to be freely rotatable around the fixed shaft, and an electromagnetic drive unit that has an electromagnet that acts on the magnetic pole of the bearing and uses the electromagnet to rotate the bearing around the fixed shaft.

[0016] An endoscopic device according to one aspect of the present invention is an endoscopic device equipped with an optical device including a movable optical unit at the tip of an insertion section, and comprising: a fixed shaft; a bearing through which the fixed shaft is inserted and which is polarized in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft; a holding frame which is rotatable around the fixed shaft and holds at least one optical member; and a pair of arm members which extend outward from the holding frame in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft. the bearing has a first side surface and a second side surface perpendicular to the long axis at both ends of the fixed shaft in a direction along the long axis, The pair of arm members The arm includes a first arm member and a second arm member, the first arm member abutting against the first side surface, and the second arm member abutting against the second side surface.The optical device includes: a movable optical unit joined to the bearing while sandwiching the bearing in a direction along the long axis of the fixed shaft and configured to be rotatable around the fixed shaft; an electromagnetic drive unit having an electromagnet acting on the magnetic pole of the bearing and rotating the bearing around the fixed shaft by the electromagnet; an observation optical system that forms an optical image of an observation object on a predetermined light receiving surface; and an imaging element that receives the optical image formed by the observation optical system and performs predetermined photoelectric conversion; and by rotating the bearing around the fixed axis by the electromagnetic drive unit, the holding frame is rotated between a first position where the optical element is located on the optical axis of the observation optical system and a second position where the optical element is retracted from the optical axis of the observation optical system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a movable optical unit, an optical adapter, and an endoscopic device that have a structure that can reduce breakage or damage when subjected to external impacts, etc., even if the components are miniaturized as a result of miniaturization, and that can ensure the necessary impact resistance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus having an optical device including a movable optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention at the distal end of an insertion section. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an optical device including a movable optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention (when a holding frame is in a first position); [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an optical device including a movable optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention (when the holding frame is in a second position); [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an optical device including a movable optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a movable optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6]1A and 1B are diagrams showing a plan view and a cross section of an optical device including a movable optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and illustrating the operation of the optical device (when the holding frame is in a first position); [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a plan view and a cross section of an optical device including a movable optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and illustrating the operation of the optical device (when the holding frame is in a second position); [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an optical device including a movable optical unit according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a movable optical unit according to a first modified example of FIG. 8; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a part of a movable optical unit according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a movable optical unit according to a third modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the movable optical unit of FIG. 11; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an optical adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the optical adapter of FIG. 13; [Figure 15] Side view of the optical adapter in Figure 13 [Figure 16] A cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by

[16] -

[16] in Figure 13 (when the holding frame is in the first position) [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view taken along line

[17] -

[17] in Figure 15 (with the holding frame in the first position) [Figure 18] A cross-sectional view taken along the line

[18] -

[18] in Figure 16 (when the holding frame is in the first position) [Figure 19] A cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross section along the plane indicated by

[16] -

[16] in Figure 13 (when the holding frame is in the second position) [Figure 20] A cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross section along the line

[17] -

[17] in Figure 15 (when the holding frame is in the second position) [Figure 21] Cross-sectional view taken along line

[21] -

[21] in Figure 19 (with the holding frame in the second position) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. The drawings used in the following description are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and scales of the components may be different for each component in order to show each component at a size that allows it to be recognized on the drawing. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments in terms of the number of components shown in the drawings, the shapes of the components, the size ratios of the components, the relative positional relationships of the components, and so on.

[0020] First, the overall configuration of an endoscope apparatus equipped with an optical device including a movable optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention at the distal end of an insertion section will be briefly described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus equipped with an optical device including a movable optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention at the distal end of an insertion section.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope device 1 includes an insertion section 2, a main body section 3, an operation section 4, and the like.

[0022] The insertion section 2 is formed into an elongated, flexible tubular shape as a whole. The base end of the insertion section 2 is connected to the main body section 3. The insertion section 2 is configured by sequentially connecting a tip section 6, a bending section 7, and a flexible tubular section 8 from the tip side.

[0023] Although not shown in detail, the tip portion 6 has a well-known basic configuration including a tip portion main body, an optical device, an imaging element and its driving circuit, an illumination optical system, and the like.

[0024] Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the optical device is provided inside the distal end 6 of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1. This optical device comprises an observation optical system including an observation window and multiple optical lenses. The optical device is equipped with a mechanism for varying the optical characteristics of the observation optical system by inserting or retracting a predetermined optical element into or from the optical path of the observation optical system. To this end, the optical device includes a movable optical unit consisting of an optical element and a holding frame that holds the optical element, and an electromagnetic drive unit that rotates the movable optical unit around a predetermined axis using an electromagnet. The configuration of the optical device will be described in more detail below.

[0025] The imaging element is a well-known electronic device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor), and the illumination optical system is made up of optical components such as an observation window, and illumination devices such as optical fibers or light-emitting elements and their drive circuits.

[0026] The tip of this tip section 6 is configured so that various types of optical adapters 40 can be attached as needed. In this case, the attachment and detachment direction of the optical adapter 40 is the direction shown by arrow X in Figure 1. The attachment and detachment direction shown by arrow X is a direction parallel to the insertion axis of the insertion section 2.

[0027] Various types of optical adapters 40 are available. For example, there are optical adapters for changing the field of view direction, such as a side-viewing optical adapter for ensuring a side field of view. There are also optical adapters that have the function of changing the focusing range by adding a predetermined optical member to the optical path of the observation optical system. There are also optical adapters (corresponding to the optical device including the movable optical unit of this embodiment; described in detail below) that change the optical characteristics of the observation optical system by inserting or retracting a predetermined optical member into or from the optical path of the observation optical system.

[0028] The bending section 7 is a tubular section that can actively perform bending motion in response to operation from the operation section 4. The tip of the bending section 7 is connected to the base end side of the tip section 6. The base end of the bending section 7 is connected to the tip of a flexible tube section 8. The base end of the flexible tube section 8 is connected to the main body section 3.

[0029] The basic configuration of the tip portion 6, bending portion 7, and flexible tube portion 8 that make up the insertion portion 2 is assumed to be the same as that of a conventionally known endoscope device, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0030] The main body 3 incorporates a central processing unit (CPU), ROM, RAM, control unit, image processing unit, light source, large-capacity storage device, display device 10, etc. The base end of the insertion section 2 is connected to the main body 3. The display device 10 of the main body 3 displays images acquired by an imaging element (not shown) of the tip section 6 as well as various other information.

[0031] The operation unit 4 is connected to the main body 3 via a cable 9. The operation unit 4 has various operation members, such as a joystick or push button type. For example, a user of the endoscope device 1 can bend the bending portion 7 of the insertion portion 2 in a desired direction by operating the joystick of the operation unit 4. In addition, the user of the endoscope device 1 can display a still image, a moving image, or the like in a predetermined format on the display device 10 by pressing a predetermined push button.

[0032] A user of the endoscope device 1 inserts the insertion portion 2 into an object to be inspected, such as a pipe, and positions the observation window of the tip portion 6 near the area to be inspected. As a result, the imaging element of the tip portion 6 of the insertion portion 2 in the endoscope device 1 acquires an image of the area to be inspected. The endoscopic image thus acquired is displayed on the display device 10. At the same time, the endoscopic image is recorded in a storage device as still image data or moving image data.

[0033] In the endoscopic device 1 shown in FIG. 1, a configuration in which the insertion section 2 and the main body section 3 are integrally formed is illustrated. However, this configuration is not limiting, and for example, the insertion section 2 and the main body section 3 may be configured to be detachable using a connector or the like. Furthermore, an endoscopic device of the type in which the insertion section 2 and the main body section 3 are separable may be configured as an endoscope in which the insertion section 2 and the operation section 4 are integrated, as a configuration different from the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. In this case, the endoscope may be configured to be detachable from a main body section having a display device. Furthermore, the endoscopic device may be of a type in which the insertion section 2, operation section 4, and display device 10 are integrated into an endoscope and the main end section.

[0034] Next, the configuration of a movable optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention and the configuration of an optical device including this movable optical unit will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 to 7. Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the appearance of an optical device including a movable optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Fig. 2 shows a state in which the holding frame of the movable optical unit is in a first position. Fig. 3 shows a state in which the holding frame of the movable optical unit is in a second position. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an optical device including a movable optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the movable optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] 6 and 7 show a plan view and a cross section of an optical device including a movable optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and illustrate the operation of the optical device. Of these, FIG. 6 shows a state in which the holding frame of the movable optical unit is in a first position. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the holding frame of the movable optical unit is in a second position. Note that reference numeral [6A] in FIG. 6 indicates a plan view taken along the arrow [6A] direction in FIG. 2. Reference numeral [6B] in FIG. 6 indicates a cross section taken along the line [6]-[6] in FIG. 6. Reference numeral [6C] in FIG. 6 indicates a plan view taken along the arrow [6C] direction in FIG. 2. Reference numeral [7A] in FIG. 7 indicates a plan view taken along the arrow [7A] direction in FIG. 3. Reference numeral [7B] in FIG. 7 indicates a cross section taken along the line [7]-[7] in FIG. 7. Reference numeral [7C] in FIG. 7 indicates a plan view taken along the arrow [7C] direction in FIG. 3.

[0036] In the following description, for example, with respect to each component of the optical device 20 shown in Fig. 4, the surface shown in Fig. 4 will be referred to as the front surface, and the surface not shown in Fig. 4 will be referred to as the rear surface.

[0037] The movable optical unit 21 of the first embodiment of the present invention is an optical unit configured to be rotatable about an axis by an electromagnetic drive unit 31 (electromagnet). The movable optical unit 21 of this embodiment is a constituent unit included in an optical device equipped with a mechanism for varying the optical characteristics of an observation optical system, for example, in an endoscope device, by inserting or retracting an optical member into or from the optical path of the observation optical system.

[0038] That is, the optical device 20 is composed of the movable optical unit 21 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and an electromagnetic drive unit 31.

[0039] The movable optical unit 21 of this embodiment has a fixed shaft 28 (shown by a dotted line in Figure 5), a bearing 26 (not shown in Figure 2), a holding frame 22, and a pair of arm members 23, 27 (symbol 23 not shown in Figure 2).

[0040] The fixed shaft 28 is a shaft member that serves as the center of rotation of the holding frame 22. The fixed shaft 28 is journaled to a fixed portion (not shown) of the optical device 20. In this embodiment, for example, one end of the fixed shaft 28 is fixed to a part of the electromagnetic drive unit 31 (a yoke 32 described later), and the other end is fixed to a device body (for example, a distal end body of an endoscope device; not shown) to which the optical device 20 is applied. In this case, the fixed shaft 28 passes through a bearing 26, as described later. Note that the symbol Ax shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 indicates the central axis of the fixed shaft 28.

[0041] The bearing 26 is made of a permanent magnet formed in a substantially annular shape and having an insertion hole 26x (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The fixed shaft 28 is inserted through the insertion hole 26x of the bearing 26. In this case, the bearing 26 has two magnetic poles polarized in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixed shaft 28 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The symbols S and N on the bearing 26 shown in symbols [6C] in FIGS. 4 and 6 and symbol [7C] in FIG. 7 indicate the two magnetic poles of the bearing 26. In this embodiment, the S pole and N pole of the bearing 26 are arranged as shown.

[0042] The holding frame 22 is a member that holds the optical member. It is desirable to use a non-magnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel or brass for the holding frame 22. The reason for using a non-magnetic material for the holding frame 22 is to take into consideration the influence on the magnetic fields of the bearing 26 and the electromagnetic drive unit 31. In this embodiment, the holding frame 22 is integrally formed from a non-magnetic material by cutting or the like.

[0043] Here, the holding frame 22 in this embodiment is configured to hold multiple optical members, including one optical lens 24 as a first optical member and one diaphragm member 25 as a second optical member. The optical lens 24 is made of a transparent member having predetermined optical properties. Specific examples of the optical lens 24 that can be used include various optical lenses and parallel flat glass. The diaphragm member 25 is an aperture member that adjusts the amount of light that passes through. These optical members (24, 25) have the function of passing a light beam from an observation object and guiding it to the observation optical system of a predetermined device (e.g., an endoscope device) to which the optical device 20 is applied.

[0044] To this end, openings 22a and 22b (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 6) that hold the optical members (24, 25) and allow light beams to pass through are formed in the holding frame 22. Here, the distance between the center position of opening 22a and the central axis Ax of the fixed shaft 28 is set to be approximately the same as the distance between the center position of opening 22d and the central axis Ax of the fixed shaft 28.

[0045] Details will be described later, but this is a setting that allows the central positions of opening 22a (optical lens 24) and opening 22b (aperture member 25) to be selectively positioned at the same position (a position that coincides with the optical axis O of the observation optical system) by moving the central positions of opening 22a (optical lens 24) and opening 22b (aperture member 25) on concentric circles when holding frame 22 is rotated around fixed axis 28 (in the directions of arrows R1 and R2 in Figures 2 and 3).

[0046] 2 to 7 indicate the central axes of the optical members 24, 25. The symbol O indicates the optical axis of an observation optical system of a predetermined device (e.g., an endoscope device) to which the optical device 20 is applied (described in detail later). The central axes O1, O2 of the optical members 24, 25 are set substantially parallel to the central axis Ax of the fixed shaft 28.

[0047] The optical lens 24 held by the holding frame 22 is bonded while being disposed inside the opening 22d. When the optical lens 24 is bonded inside the opening 22d of the holding frame 22 in this manner, the optical lens 24 does not protrude to the outside from the opening 22d of the holding frame 22 in the direction of the central axis O1. In other words, the optical lens 24 is completely housed inside the opening 22d of the holding frame 22. For this reason, the maximum thickness of the optical lens 24 in the direction of the central axis O1 is formed to be thinner than the maximum thickness of the holding frame 22 in the same direction.

[0048] The holding frame 22 also has a pair of arm members 23, 27 extending outward. In this case, the pair of arm members 23, 27 extend outward from the holding frame 22 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the respective central axes (O1, O2) of the respective optical members (24, 25) held by the holding frame 22.

[0049] In this embodiment, at least one arm member 23 of the pair of arm members 23, 27 is formed integrally with the holding frame 22. The other arm member 27 is formed separately from the holding frame 22. Each of the pair of arm members 23, 27 is formed in a thin plate shape.

[0050] Hereinafter, arm member 23 formed integrally with holding frame 22 will be referred to as first arm member 23. Arm member 27 formed separately from holding frame 22 will be referred to as second arm member 27.

[0051] 4, first arm member 23 is formed flush with rear surface 22g of holding frame 22. Second arm member 27 is disposed flush with front surface 22f of holding frame 22. First arm member 23 and second arm member 27 are disposed facing each other at a predetermined distance in the direction along central axis Ax of fixed shaft 28.

[0052] Second arm member 27 is formed with a protruding tongue portion 27c (see FIG. 4) that protrudes radially outward. This protruding tongue portion 27c is adhesively joined to a joining portion 22c formed on a part of holding frame 22 using, for example, an adhesive.

[0053] Joint 22c is a flat surface with a predetermined area formed in a shape roughly similar to the shape of a portion (tip portion) of protruding tongue 27c of second arm member 27. Joint 22c also has a predetermined step that is lower than front surface 22f of holding frame 22. The step of joint 22c is set to a height equivalent to the plate thickness of second arm member 27.

[0054] With this configuration, protruding tongue portion 27c of second arm member 27 is adhesively joined to joint portion 22c on front surface 22f of holding frame 22, thereby integrating holding frame 22 and second arm member 27. At this time, the pair of arm members 23, 27 are positioned facing each other.

[0055] The pair of arm members 23, 27 each hold bearing 26 in the direction of central axis Ax of fixed shaft 28. In this case, front surface 23a of first arm member 23 and rear surface 26a of bearing 26 shown in Fig. 4 are adhesively joined using an adhesive or the like. Also, rear surface 27a of second arm member 27 and front surface 26b of bearing 26 shown in Fig. 4 are adhesively joined using an adhesive or the like.

[0056] Additionally, a step is formed on the outer circumferential edge of the rear surface 26a of the bearing 26 at the location where the front surface 23a of the first arm member 23 is adhesively joined. This step has a height equivalent to the plate thickness of the first arm member 23. Similarly, a step is formed on the outer circumferential edge of the front surface 26b of the bearing 26 at the location where the rear surface 27a of the second arm member 27 is adhesively joined. This step has a height equivalent to the plate thickness of the second arm member 27.

[0057] Furthermore, the portions of first arm member 23 and second arm member 27 where bearing 26 is disposed are formed to have a shape that is approximately similar to the outer diameter of bearing 26 .

[0058] With this configuration, when the front surface 23a of the first arm member 23 is adhesively joined to the rear surface 26a of the bearing 26, the rear surface 26a of the bearing 26 and the rear surface 23b of the first arm member 23 are formed to be approximately flush with each other. Similarly, when the rear surface 27a of the second arm member 27 is adhesively joined to the front surface 26b of the bearing 26, the front surface 26b of the bearing 26 and the front surface 27b of the second arm member 27 are formed to be approximately flush with each other.

[0059] At this time, the pair of arm members 23, 27 are adhesively joined in a state where predetermined surfaces of the pair of arm members 23, 27 are engaged with each other at the lower steps provided on the front surface 26b and the rear surface 26a of the bearing 26. This allows the bearing 26 to be positioned with respect to the pair of arm members 23, 27 with high precision.

[0060] Furthermore, the pair of arm members 23, 27 are formed with insertion holes 23x, 27x (see FIG. 4) having substantially the same diameter as the front surface 26b and rear surface 26a of the bearing 26. These insertion holes 23x, 27x are disposed at positions corresponding to the front surface 26b and rear surface 26a of the bearing 26, respectively, when the bearing 26 is sandwiched between the pair of arm members 23, 27 and adhesively joined.

[0061] With this configuration, when the bearing 26 is sandwiched between and adhesively joined to the pair of arm members 23, 27, an insertion hole is formed that communicates with the insertion hole 26x of the bearing 26 and the insertion holes 23x, 27x of the pair of arm members 23, 27. One end 28a of the fixed shaft 28 is inserted into this insertion hole. With this configuration, the bearing 26 and the pair of arm members 23, 27 are rotatable together around the fixed shaft 28 (in the directions of arrows R1 and R2 in FIGS. 2 and 3). Therefore, the holding frame 22 is also rotatable around the fixed shaft 28.

[0062] The electromagnetic drive unit 31 is composed of yokes 32, 33R, and 33L and a pair of coils 34R and 34L. The pair of coils 34R and 34L are formed by winding wires around the pair of yokes 33R and 33L, respectively. The pair of coils 34R and 34L are electrically connected by connecting wires (not shown). The pair of coils 34R and 34L are also electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) (the main body 3 of a predetermined device (e.g., the endoscope device 1) to which the optical device 20 is applied). As a result, the electromagnetic drive unit 31 controls the direction of current flow to the pair of coils 34R and 34L and the on / off state of current flow to the pair of coils 34R and 34L by a control unit (not shown).

[0063] As described above, the pair of coils 34R, 34L are provided on the pair of yokes 33R, 33L, respectively. The pair of yokes 33R, 33L are connected by the yoke 32. As a result, the pair of yokes 33R, 33L are configured as a pair of magnetic bodies.

[0064] With this configuration, the electromagnetic drive unit 31 functions as an electromagnet having a substantially U-shape as a whole. In other words, the electromagnetic drive unit 31 is configured as an electromagnet that acts on the magnetic poles of the bearing 26.

[0065] For example, when current is applied to the pair of coils 34R and 34L, the yokes 32, 33R, and 33L are magnetized. Changing the direction of current application to the pair of coils 34R and 34L reverses the polarity. When current is cut off from the pair of coils 34R and 34L, the magnetic force disappears. At this time, the magnetic force of the bearing 26 acts on the yokes 33R and 33L, which are magnetic bodies (as will be described in detail later).

[0066] As described above, the tip of the fixed shaft 28 is fixed to the yoke 32. The bearing 26 and the pair of arm members 23, 27 are rotatably inserted into the fixed shaft 28. This allows the bearing 26 to rotate freely in forward and reverse directions (R1 and R2 directions) around the fixed shaft 28. Therefore, the holding frame 22 integrated with the bearing 26 also rotates around the fixed shaft 28.

[0067] The electromagnetic drive unit 31 itself has a general structure that is constructed using conventionally known technology, and therefore further detailed description of the electromagnetic drive unit 31 will be omitted.

[0068] The operation of the optical device 20 including the movable optical unit 21 of this embodiment configured as described above will be briefly described below mainly with reference to FIGS.

[0069] First, when the current supply to the pair of coils 34R, 34L of the electromagnetic drive unit 31 is cut off, the magnetic force of the bearings 26 (permanent magnets) acts on the pair of yokes 33R, 33L (magnetic bodies).

[0070] For example, when the magnetic force of the bearing 26 acts on the pair of yokes 33R, 33L while the pair of coils 34R, 34L is not energized, the bearing 26 rotates around the fixed shaft 28. At the same time, the holding frame 22 also rotates around the fixed shaft 28.

[0071] Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the bearing 26 and the holding frame 22 rotate around the fixed shaft 28 in the direction of the arrow R1 as shown by the reference symbol [6A] in FIG.

[0072] Then, the holding frame 22 rotates a predetermined amount around the fixed shaft 28, and then the rotation is restricted by one yoke 33R.

[0073] Specifically, for example, a portion of the side surface of the holding frame 22 abuts against a portion of the side surface of one of the pair of yokes 33R, 33L, thereby restricting the rotation of the holding frame 22 around the fixed shaft 28. As a result, the rotation of the holding frame 22 is stopped at the position shown in FIG.

[0074] Even in this state, the magnetic force of the bearing 26 continues to act on the pair of yokes 33R, 33L, so that the retaining frame 22 is held in the predetermined position. At this time, the south pole and north pole of the bearing 26 are assumed to be arranged, for example, as shown by the symbol [6C] in FIG.

[0075] At this time, the holding frame 22 is positioned so that the central axis O1 of the optical lens 24 substantially coincides with the optical axis O of the observation optical system (not shown) of a predetermined device (e.g., an endoscope device 1; not shown) to which the optical device 20 is applied. The position of the holding frame 22 at this time (the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 6) is referred to as a first position.

[0076] That is, when the holding frame 22 is in the first position, the optical lens 24 held by the holding frame 22 is positioned on the optical axis O of the observation optical system (not shown). Furthermore, at this time, the central axis O1 of the optical lens 24 and the optical axis O of the observation optical system are substantially aligned. The state in which the holding frame 22 is in the first position is maintained by the action of the magnetic force of the bearings 26.

[0077] When the optical device 20 is in this state (the state shown in FIGS. 2 and 6), electricity is applied in a predetermined direction to the pair of coils 34R, 34L of the electromagnetic drive unit 31. This application of electricity magnetizes, for example, one yoke 33R to an S pole and the other yoke 33L to an N pole, as shown by the symbol [6C] in FIG.

[0078] As a result, the magnetic poles of the electromagnetic drive unit 31 act on the bearing 26, causing the N pole of the bearing 26 to attract the S pole of one of the yokes 33R (see symbol X1), and the S pole of the bearing 26 to attract the N pole of the other of the yokes 33L (see symbol X2). At the same time, the S pole of the bearing 26 and the S pole of one of the yokes 33R repel each other (see symbol X2), and the N pole of the bearing 26 and the N pole of the other of the yokes 33L repel each other (see symbol X1).

[0079] As a result, the bearing 26 rotates in the direction of arrow R2 indicated by reference symbol [6C] in Fig. 6. Accordingly, the holding frame 22 also rotates in the same direction (the direction of arrow R2), and the holding frame 22 moves to the position shown in Figs. 3 and 7.

[0080] 3 and 7, a portion of the retaining frame 22 abuts against a portion of the side surface of the other yoke 33L, restricting rotation of the retaining frame 22 in the direction of arrow R2 (see symbol [7A] in FIG. 7). After the state shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 is reached, power to the pair of coils 34R, 34L is cut off. This demagnetizes the pair of yokes 33R, 33L. However, because the magnetic force of the bearing 26 acts on the pair of yokes 33R, 33L at this time, the state shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 is maintained even when power to the pair of coils 34R, 34L is cut off.

[0081] At this time, the holding frame 22 is disposed at a position where the central axis O2 of the diaphragm member 25 substantially coincides with the optical axis O of the observation optical system (not shown) of a predetermined device (e.g., an endoscope device 1; not shown) to which the optical device 20 is applied. The position of the holding frame 22 at this time (the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 7) is referred to as the second position.

[0082] That is, when the holding frame 22 is in the second position, the diaphragm member 25 held by the holding frame 22 is positioned on the optical axis O of the observation optical system (not shown). Furthermore, at this time, the central axis O2 of the diaphragm member 25 and the optical axis O of the observation optical system are substantially aligned. The state in which the holding frame 22 is in the second position is maintained by the action of the magnetic force of the bearings 26.

[0083] Next, when the optical device 20 is in this state (the state shown in FIGS. 3 and 7), a current is applied in a predetermined direction (opposite to the state described above) to the pair of coils 34R, 34L of the electromagnetic drive unit 31. Then, as shown by the symbol [7C] in FIG. 7, one yoke 33R is magnetized to the north pole, and the other yoke 33L is magnetized to the south pole.

[0084] As a result, the magnetic poles of the electromagnetic drive unit 31 act on the bearing 26, causing the south pole of the bearing 26 to attract the north pole of one of the yokes 33R (see symbol X3), and the north pole of the bearing 26 to attract the south pole of the other yoke 33L (see symbol X4). At the same time, the north pole of the bearing 26 and the north pole of one of the yokes 33R repel each other (see symbol X4), and the south pole of the bearing 26 and the south pole of the other yoke 33L repel each other (see symbol X3).

[0085] As a result, the bearing 26 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 indicated by reference symbol [7C] in Fig. 7. Accordingly, the holding frame 22 also rotates in the same direction (the direction of arrow R1), and the holding frame 22 moves to the position shown in Figs. 2 and 6.

[0086] 2 and 6, a portion of the retaining frame 22 abuts against a portion of the side surface of the other yoke 33R, restricting rotation of the retaining frame 22 in the direction of arrow R2 (see symbol [6A] in FIG. 6). After the state shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 is reached, the current to the pair of coils 34R and 34L is cut off. This demagnetizes the pair of yokes 33R and 33L. However, because the magnetic force of the bearing 26 acts on the pair of yokes 33R and 33L at this time, the state shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 is maintained even when the current to the pair of coils 34R and 34L is cut off.

[0087] At this time, the holding frame 22 is positioned at a first position where the central axis O1 of the optical element 24 and the optical axis O of the observation optical system (not shown) of a specific device (e.g., an endoscope device 1; not shown) to which the optical device 20 is applied are approximately aligned, and this first position is maintained.

[0088] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the movable optical unit 21, which is configured to be freely rotatable around the fixed axis 28 by an electromagnet (electromagnetic drive unit 31), comprises the fixed axis 28, a bearing 26 through which the fixed axis 28 is inserted and which is made of a permanent magnet having two magnetic poles polarized in a direction perpendicular to the direction along the central axis Ax of the fixed axis 28, a holding frame 22 which is configured to be freely rotatable around the fixed axis 28 and which holds optical elements (optical lens element 24 and aperture element 25), and a pair of arm members 23, 27 extending outward from the holding frame 22, and the pair of arm members 23, 27 are configured to clamp the bearing 26 in a direction along the central axis Ax of the fixed axis 28.

[0089] In this manner, the movable optical unit 21, which holds a relatively heavy optical member (optical lens 24) and is equipped with the holding frame 22, which is a movable member, is configured to be joined while the bearing 26 is sandwiched between the pair of arm members 23, 27. With this configuration, in the movable optical unit 21 of this embodiment, the bearing 26 and the holding frame 22 are firmly fixed together by the pair of arm members 23, 27.

[0090] Therefore, even if a predetermined stress is applied to the joint between the bearing 26 and the holding frame 22 due to an external impact on the optical device 20, a higher joint strength can be ensured, and the required impact resistance can be obtained.

[0091] Furthermore, the maximum thickness of the optical lens 24 in the direction of the central axis O1 is formed to be thinner than the maximum thickness of the holding frame 22 in the same direction, so the optical lens 24 held by the holding frame 22 does not protrude from the surface of the holding frame 22 in the optical axis direction. In other words, the optical lens 24 is completely housed inside the opening 22d of the holding frame 22. With this configuration, when the holding frame 22 rotates, the optical lens 24 will not come into contact with other components around the holding frame 22, which will damage the surface of the optical lens 24.

[0092] Even if the adhesive area with bearing 26 becomes smaller due to the miniaturization of retaining frame 22 itself, a sufficient adhesive area can be secured because bearing 26 is sandwiched between pair of arm members 23, 27 and each of arm members 23, 27 is adhesively joined to bearing 26. Therefore, this makes it possible to secure high joining strength.

[0093] In the first embodiment described above, the holding frame 22 is configured to hold two optical members: one optical lens 24 (first optical member) and one diaphragm member 25 (second optical member). However, the configuration of the holding frame 22 is not limited to this example. For example, the second optical member may be an optical lens having different optical characteristics instead of the diaphragm member 25 described above. Furthermore, the optical member held by the holding frame 22 only needs to hold at least one optical member. Therefore, for example, the holding frame 22 may not be limited to the two optical members described above, but may be configured to insert or retract one optical member relative to the optical axis. Alternatively, a configuration may be considered in which two or more optical members are held in a holding section, and one of these optical members is appropriately switched and positioned on the optical axis.

[0094] In the first embodiment described above, adhesive bonding is used as an example of the means for joining the pair of arm members 23, 27 and the bearing 26. However, this is not limitative. Other means for joining the pair of arm members 23, 27 and the bearing 26 can also be used, for example, by crimping or ultrasonic welding.

[0095] In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the holding frame 22 was integrally formed by cutting a non-magnetic material. However, in order to further reduce the manufacturing cost while considering further miniaturization of the device, the above-mentioned configuration alone has its limitations. In particular, components such as the holding frame of the movable optical unit have complex shapes, so the manufacturing cost tends to increase as the device is made smaller. Therefore, it is considered to form the holding frame of the movable optical unit using a manufacturing method such as diffusion bonding.

[0096] Here, diffusion bonding is a method of joining parts by bringing them into close contact and applying pressure to the extent that plastic deformation occurs as little as possible at a temperature below the melting point of the base material, thereby achieving a metallic bond between the joining surfaces (JIS Z 3001-2).

[0097] A first modified example of this embodiment, which will be described next, is an example in which a holding frame in a movable optical unit is formed using diffusion bonding. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams showing a first modified example of the movable optical unit of the first embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an optical device including the movable optical unit of the first modified example. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the movable optical unit of the first modified example.

[0098] As shown in the figure, the configuration of the movable optical unit 21A of the first modified example and the basic configuration of the optical device 20A including this movable optical unit 21A are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above. In this modified example, the only difference is that the holding frame 22A is formed using diffusion bonding. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted, and only the configuration of the part (holding frame 22A) that is different from that of the first embodiment described above will be described below.

[0099] The holding frame 22A in the movable optical unit 21A of this modified example is formed using so-called diffusion bonding. Specifically, the holding frame 22A is formed by laminating and diffusion bonding thin metal (non-magnetic) plate members, in which a plurality of members formed into a predetermined shape by etching, for example, are arranged side by side.

[0100] In this case, first arm member 23A is formed integrally with holding frame 22A. First arm member 23A is formed integrally with holding frame 22A by thin plate member 22Aa (see FIG. 9) that is located furthest to the rear among the plurality of thin plate members that make up holding frame 22A. Furthermore, diaphragm member 25 is formed integrally with holding frame 22A by one thin plate member 22Ax (see FIG. 9) that is located in the middle of the plurality of thin plate members that make up holding frame 22A.

[0101] Furthermore, the portion of the holding frame 22A that holds the optical lens 24 is formed of multiple layers. At this time, the holding frame 22A is formed so that the overall thickness thereof is greater than the thickness of the optical lens 24 in the direction of the central axis O1.

[0102] Second arm member 27A is formed with a protruding tongue portion 27Ac (see FIG. 9) that protrudes radially outward. The rear surface of this protruding tongue portion 27Ac is adhesively joined to a joining portion formed on a part of the front surface of holding frame 22A using an adhesive or the like.

[0103] The joint of the holding frame 22A is formed by cutting out a portion of the thin plate member 22Az (see FIG. 9) at the frontmost position of the holding frame 22A. In other words, the step at the joint of the holding frame 22A corresponds to the thickness of one thin plate member. The plate thickness of the second arm member 27A is set to be approximately equal to the step at the joint, i.e., the plate thickness of the thin plate member 22Az at the frontmost position of the holding frame 22A. The protruding tongue portion 27Ac of the second arm member 27A is adhesively joined to the joint of the holding frame 22A, thereby integrating the holding frame 22A and the second arm member 27A. At this time, the front surfaces of the second arm member 27A and the holding frame 22A are approximately flush with each other. The first arm member 23A and the second arm member 27A are arranged opposite each other. The other configurations are approximately the same as those of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the operation of the optical device 20A including the movable optical unit 21A of the first modified example configured in this manner is exactly the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

[0104] As described above, according to the first modified example, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, in the first modified example, since the holding frame 22A is formed by diffusion bonding, it is possible to obtain various effects as described below.

[0105] First, by using diffusion bonding in combination with micro-shape processing by etching, it is possible to form the holder frame 22A with a complex shape with high precision and at low cost. Also, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the holder frame 22A while ensuring the necessary sufficient strength.

[0106] For example, first arm member 23A can be formed integrally with holding frame 22A with high precision. Also, diaphragm member 25 can be formed from a single thin plate, which allows for a thinner diaphragm member 25. Because diaphragm member 25 can be formed thin in this way, flare, ghosting, and the like that may occur due to the structure of diaphragm member 25 can be suppressed.

[0107] On the other hand, by forming the portion that holds the optical lens 24 with multiple layers, the relatively heavy optical lens 24 can be more firmly fixed and held by the holding frame 22A. At the same time, by forming the thickness of the holding frame 22A to be thicker than the thickness of the optical lens 24 in the direction of the central axis O1, the optical lens 24 can be placed within the holding frame 22A without protruding outward from the holding frame 22A. This reliably prevents the optical lens 24 from coming into contact with other components around the holding frame 22A when the holding frame 22A rotates.

[0108] Next, a second modified example of this embodiment will be described. The movable optical unit of the second modified example of this embodiment is another example in which the holding frame is formed using diffusion bonding, similar to the first modified example described above. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the movable optical unit of the first embodiment of the present invention. In detail, Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a part of the movable optical unit of the second modified example.

[0109] As shown in the figure, the basic configuration of movable optical unit 21B of the second modified example is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment and first modified example described above. In this modified example, holding frame 22B is formed using diffusion bonding, and only the configuration of the pair of arm members 23B, 27B and holding frame 22B is different. Therefore, components similar to those of the first embodiment and first modified example described above are given the same reference numerals and detailed description is omitted. Only the configuration of the parts that are different from those of the first embodiment and first modified example described above will be described below.

[0110] In this modification, first arm member 23B is formed integrally with the frame portion using two thin plate members 22Ba and 22Bb (see FIG. 10) arranged on the rearmost side of holding frame 22B. Second arm member 27B is formed with the same plate thickness as two thin plate members 22Bx and 22By (see FIG. 10) arranged on the frontmost side of holding frame 22B.

[0111] To this end, the joints of the holding frame 22B are formed by cutting out portions of the frontmost thin plate members 22Bz, 22By (see FIG. 10) of the holding frame 22B. In other words, the step at the joints of the holding frame 22B corresponds to the thickness of two thin plate members. The thickness of the second arm member 27B is set to be approximately equal to the step at the joints, i.e., the thickness of the two thin plate members 22Bz, 22By on the front side of the holding frame 22B. The protruding tongue portion 27Bc of the second arm member 27B is adhesively bonded to the joints of the holding frame 22B, integrating the holding frame 22B and the second arm member 27B. At this time, the front surfaces of the second arm member 27B and the holding frame 22B are approximately flush with each other. The first arm member 23B and the second arm member 27B are arranged opposite each other. Other configurations are approximately the same as those of the first embodiment and the first modified example described above. Furthermore, the operation of the optical device (not shown) including the movable optical unit 21B of the second modified example configured in this manner is exactly the same as that of the first embodiment and the first modified example described above.

[0112] As described above, the second modified example can provide the same effects as the first embodiment and modified example 1. Furthermore, in the second modified example, the pair of arm members 23B, 27B are formed to have the same thickness as the two thin plate members, so that a higher strength for holding the bearing 26 can be ensured.

[0113] Next, a third modified example of this embodiment will be described. Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams showing a third modified example of the movable optical unit of the first embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Figure 11 is a perspective view of the movable optical unit of the third modified example. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the movable optical unit of the third modified example in a state where the holding frame and bearing are separated (state before assembly). Note that the fixed shaft is not shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0114] As shown in the figure, the basic configuration of movable optical unit 21C of the third modified example is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment and the first and second modified examples described above. Movable optical unit 21C of the third modified example differs from the first embodiment and the first and second modified examples described above in that a pair of arm members (first arm member 23C and second arm member 27C) are integrally formed with holding frame 22C. Therefore, components similar to those of the first embodiment and the first and second modified examples described above are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted, and only the configuration of the parts that differ from those of the first embodiment and the first and second modified examples described above will be described below.

[0115] In this modified example, first arm member 23C protrudes outward from the rearmost portion of holding frame 22C and is formed integrally with holding frame 22C. Second arm member 27C protrudes outward from the frontmost portion of holding frame 22C and is formed integrally with holding frame 22C. Here, first arm member 23C and second arm member 27C are formed in a plate shape with a predetermined thickness. First arm member 23C and second arm member 27C are arranged opposite each other with a predetermined distance between them.

[0116] The bearing 26C is formed with a protrusion 26Cc that protrudes radially outward. The thickness of the protrusion 26Cc in the direction along the central axis Ax of the bearing 26C (a fixed shaft inserted into the bearing 26C; not shown) is set to be approximately equal to or slightly narrower than the distance between the first arm member 23C and the second arm member 27C. The protrusion 26Cc is formed to have a step that is one step lower than the front surface 26b and the rear surface 26a of the bearing 26C. Therefore, when the protrusion 26Cc is sandwiched between the first arm member 23C and the second arm member 27C, the rear surface 26a of the bearing 26C and the rear surface of the first arm member 23C are set to be approximately flush with each other. The front surface 26b of the bearing 26C and the front surface of the second arm member 27C are also set to be approximately flush with each other.

[0117] Then, as shown in the figure, protrusion 26Cc of bearing 26C is sandwiched and adhesively joined between first arm member 23C and second arm member 27C. This state is shown in FIG. 11. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment and the first and second modified examples described above. Furthermore, the operation of an optical device (not shown) including movable optical unit 21C of the third modified example configured in this manner is exactly the same as those of the first embodiment and the first and second modified examples described above.

[0118] As described above, the third modified example can provide the same effects as the first embodiment and the first and second modified examples. Furthermore, in the second modified example, the pair of arm members 23C, 27C are integrally formed with the holding frame 22C, thereby ensuring higher strength for holding the bearing 26. At the same time, because the pair of arm members 23C, 27C are integral with the holding frame 22C, the number of parts can be reduced, which simplifies assembly and contributes to lower costs.

[0119] In the configuration of the third modified example, the pair of arm members 23C, 27C sandwich only the protrusions 26Cc, which are part of the front surface 26b and rear surface 26c of the bearing 26C. This configuration therefore ensures a larger area for the side surface of the bearing 26C, i.e., the surface facing the yokes 33R, 33L. This ensures a stronger magnetic effect from the bearing 26C.

[0120] The configuration of the holding frame 22C in the third modified example can also be formed using diffusion bonding, similar to the first and second modified examples described above.

[0121] Incidentally, in the first embodiment and the first to third modifications described above, the optical device applied to the endoscope device 1 and the movable optical unit included in this optical device are exemplified.

[0122] However, the optical device and movable optical unit having such a configuration can also be applied in exactly the same way to an optical adapter that is attached to the tip of the insertion portion of an endoscope device.

[0123] Therefore, the second embodiment of the present invention described below is an example of applying an optical device including the movable optical unit of the first embodiment described above to an optical adapter attached to the tip of the insertion portion of an endoscopic device.

[0124] The endoscope device to which the optical adapter of this embodiment is attached is assumed to have substantially the same configuration as the endoscope device 1 described in Fig. 1, but in a form that excludes the optical device including the movable optical unit described in the first embodiment. However, in the following description, when referring to each component of the endoscope device, the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 1 will be used.

[0125] Figures 13 to 21 are views showing an optical adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Figure 13 is a perspective view of the optical adapter according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the optical adapter according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a side view of the optical adapter according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by

[16] -

[16] in Fig. 13. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line

[17] -

[17] in Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line

[18] -

[18] in Fig. 16. Note that Figs. 13 to 18 show a state in which the holding frame of the movable optical unit is in the first position.

[0127] 19 to 21 show a state in which the holding frame of the movable optical unit is in the second position. Here, Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a cross-section along the plane indicated by

[16] -

[16] in Fig. 13. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a cross-section along the line

[20] -

[20] in Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view along the line

[21] -

[21] in Fig. 19. Note that Figs. 13 to 21 show a state in which the optical adapter of this embodiment is attached to the tip of the insertion section of an endoscopic device.

[0128] First, the configuration of the optical adapter of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0129] The optical adapter 40 of this embodiment is an optical adapter configured to be detachably attached to the distal end 6 of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope device 1 shown in Fig. 1. This optical adapter 40 is equipped with the optical device 20 including the movable optical unit 21 of the above-described embodiment. When this optical adapter 40 is attached to a predetermined position on the distal end 6 of the endoscope device 1, the observation optical system of the endoscope device 1 can be switched between a state in which it focuses in a first focusing range (far point) and a state in which it focuses in a second focusing range (near point).

[0130] As shown, the optical adapter 40 of this embodiment is mainly composed of a tip cover 41, an adapter main body 42, a connecting member 43 (not shown in Figure 18), and an optical device 20 (not shown in Figures 13 and 15).

[0131] The tip cover 41 is provided at a location on the tip side of the optical adapter 40. Fixed inside the tip cover 41 are optical members (41a, 41b; see FIGS. 16 and 17) that will constitute part of the observation optical system of the endoscope device 1 when the optical adapter 40 is attached to a predetermined position on the tip portion 6 of the endoscope device 1. The optical axes of these optical members (41a, 41b) are located at positions that substantially coincide with the optical axis O of the observation optical system of the endoscope device 1 when the optical adapter 40 is attached to a predetermined position on the tip portion 6 of the endoscope device 1.

[0132] In the optical adapter 40 of this embodiment, the optical members provided in the tip cover 41 include an observation window member 41a (not shown in FIGS. 15 and 18) fixed to the tip surface of the tip cover 41, and an optical lens 41b having predetermined optical characteristics fixed to the rear of the optical axis of the observation window member 41a. The observation window member 41a is a transparent optical member that functions as an opening window that guides a light beam from an object to be observed into the optical adapter 40. The shape of the optical member provided in the optical adapter 40 is not limited to this shape, and any appropriate predetermined shape can be adopted.

[0133] The tip cover 41 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape as a whole. As described above, the observation window member 41a is fixed to the tip surface of the tip cover 41. The tip surface of the tip cover 41 is also provided with an illumination opening 41d that emits illumination light forward. An illumination light guide 41e (see FIGS. 16 and 19) is provided behind the illumination opening 41d. A light guide (not shown) is disposed within this illumination light guide 41e.

[0134] The base end surface of the tip cover 41 is connected to the tip surface of the adapter body 42 .

[0135] Furthermore, inside the tip cover 41, a space 41c (see FIG. 16) is formed for accommodating part of the optical device 20 (specifically, part of the electromagnetic drive unit 31).

[0136] The adapter body 42 is a main component of the optical adapter 40. The optical device 20 is disposed on the front side of the adapter body 42. To this end, the adapter body 42 is formed on the front side with an axial hole 42a, a beam opening 42b, and a holding frame movable space 42c (see FIG. 14). Of these, the axial hole 42a is a hole portion that pivotally supports one end of the fixed shaft 28 of the optical device 20. The beam opening 42b is an opening portion that allows passage of a beam from an observation object that is guided into the optical adapter 40 through the observation window member 41a. The holding frame movable space 42c is a space that accommodates the movable optical unit 21 of the optical device 20 and allows movement of the holding frame 22 when the movable optical unit 21 rotates about the fixed shaft 28 (axial hole 42a) as a central axis.

[0137] An illumination light guide path 42e (see FIGS. 16 and 19) is formed in the adapter body 42. A light guide (not shown) is disposed within this illumination light guide path 42e. When the tip cover 41 is attached to the front surface of the adapter body 42, the illumination light guide path 41e of the tip cover 41 is connected to the illumination light guide path 42e of the adapter body 42.

[0138] Furthermore, when the optical adapter 40 is attached to the front surface of the tip portion 6, the illumination light guide path 42e is connected to a light guide path 6e provided inside the tip portion 6. A light guide (not shown) is provided inside the light guide path 6e. This light guide is a light guide member that guides illumination light emitted from a light source device provided inside the main body 3 to the tip of the tip portion 6.

[0139] The connecting member 43 is a member for connecting the adapter main body 42 and the tip of the tip section 6 of the insertion section 2 and for attaching the optical adapter 40 to a predetermined position (tip portion) of the tip section 6. The connecting member 43 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with both axial ends open. The optical adapter 40 is detachably attached to the tip of the tip section 6 of the insertion section 2 through a predetermined connecting means provided on the connecting member 43. Note that the connecting means between the connecting member 43 and the tip of the tip section 6 of the insertion section 2 is assumed to employ a known technology employed in conventional optical adapters and the like, and detailed illustrations and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0140] The optical device 20 has the same configuration as that exemplified in the first embodiment described above. That is, the optical device 20 is composed of a movable optical unit 21 and an electromagnetic drive unit 31. As described above, one end of the fixed shaft 28 of the movable optical unit 21 is fixed to the shaft hole 42a of the adapter main body 42. Also, as described above, the tip of the fixed shaft 28 is fixed to the yoke 32 of the electromagnetic drive unit 31. The fixed shaft 28 is inserted into the bearing 26 of the movable optical unit 21. Then, by controlling the energization of the electromagnetic drive unit 31, the movable optical unit 21 rotates around the central axis Ax of the fixed shaft 28. Then, the central axes O1, O2 of the optical lens 24 or the diaphragm member 25 held by the holding frame 22 are selectively positioned to substantially coincide with the optical axis O of the observation optical system of the endoscope device 1.

[0141] Inside the tip portion 6, there are disposed a basic observation optical system 45 of the endoscope device 1, an image sensor 46 (and an electric circuit unit including a drive circuit and a signal processing circuit; not shown) that receives an optical image formed by the observation optical system 45 and performs signal processing such as photoelectric conversion to generate predetermined image data, etc. The basic internal configuration of the tip portion 6 is a general configuration that is configured using conventionally well-known technology, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0142] With this configuration, for example, when the endoscope device 1 is used alone (when the optical adapter 40 is not attached), the observation optical system 45 functions by itself and has predetermined optical characteristics. Then, the observation optical system 45 forms an optical image of a predetermined observation object on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 46.

[0143] Furthermore, when the optical adapter 40 of this embodiment is attached to the endoscope device 1, in addition to the original observation optical system 45 provided at the tip portion 6, the optical members (41a, 41b) provided in the optical adapter 40 and one of the optical members (24, 25) included in the optical device 20 are arranged side by side on the optical axis O to form an observation optical system having different predetermined optical characteristics. Then, this observation optical system (45+41a, 41b+24 or 25) having different predetermined optical characteristics forms an optical image of a predetermined observation object on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 46.

[0144] In the optical device 20 included in the optical adapter 40 of this embodiment, when the optical lens 24 is positioned on the optical axis O of the observation optical system (i.e., when the holding frame 22 is positioned at the first position; see FIGS. 13 to 18), the optical device 20 is set to focus within a predetermined range (far point) beyond a predetermined distance, for example, beyond about 15 mm (first focusing range) from the front surface of the optical adapter 40. In this case, the amount of light passing through the observation optical system can be increased, allowing a brighter image to be acquired.

[0145] Furthermore, when the diaphragm member 25 is positioned on the optical axis O of the observation optical system (i.e., when the holding frame 22 is positioned at the second position; see FIGS. 19 to 21), the lens is set to focus within a close range from the front surface of the optical adapter 40, for example, within a near point range of about 5 mm to 18 mm (second focusing range). In this case, the diaphragm member 25 narrows the amount of light passing through the observation optical system, thereby enabling a deeper observation depth to be obtained.

[0146] Generally, when focusing on a near point using an optical system, the observation depth tends to be shallow. Taking this into consideration, when focusing on a near point (when the holding frame 22 is placed in the second position), the amount of light is narrowed by the diaphragm member 25. This sets the observation depth deep. Therefore, it becomes possible to observe an object at a near point with a deeper observation depth.

[0147] In this way, the optical adapter 40 of this embodiment is configured so that, when attached to the tip of the tip portion 6 of the endoscopic device 1, the optical adapter 40 controls the flow of electricity to the electromagnetic drive unit 31 to rotate the movable optical unit 21, and selectively position either the optical lens 24 or the aperture member 25 on the optical axis O of the observation optical system, thereby switching the focus range.

[0148] The operation of optical device 20 applied to optical adapter 40 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, movable optical unit 21 included in optical device 20 applied to optical adapter 40 of this embodiment is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, and the configurations of the first to third modified examples described above can also be applied in the same way.

[0149] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining the disclosed multiple constituent elements. For example, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effects of the invention can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in one embodiment, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as the invention. Furthermore, constituent elements from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The present invention is not limited by specific embodiments other than as limited by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1...Endoscopic device 2...Insertion section 3...Main body 4...Operation unit 6...Tip 6e…Light guide path 7...Bend 8...Flexible tube section 9…Cable 10…Display device 20,20A…Optical device 21, 21A, 21B, 21C... Movable optical unit 22, 22A, 22B, 22C...Holding frame 22c...Joint part 22f...Front of the retaining frame 22g...Rear surface of the holding frame 23, 23B, 23C...First arm member 23x, 26x, 27x...Through holes 24...Optical lens (optical component) 25...Aperture member (optical member) 26,26C...Bearings 26Cc…Protrusion 27, 27B, 27C...Second arm member 27a...Rear surface of second arm member 27b...Front of second arm member 27c, 27Ac, ​​27Bc...Protruding tongue part 28…Fixed axis 28a...One end of the fixed shaft 31...Electromagnetic drive unit 32, 33R, 33L...York 34R, 34L... Coil 40...Optical adapter 41...Tip cover 41a... Observation window member 41b...Optical lens 41c…space 41d...Illumination opening 41e,42e…Lighting light guide path 42...Adapter body 43...Connecting member 45...Observation optical system 46...Image sensor Ax: Central axis of fixed shaft O: Optical axis of the observation optical system O1: Central axis of the first optical member O2: Central axis of the second optical element

Claims

1. A movable optical unit configured to be rotatable around an axis by an electromagnet, A fixed axis and a bearing through which the fixed shaft is inserted and which is polarized in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixed shaft; a holding frame that is rotatable around the fixed axis and holds at least one optical member; a pair of arm members extending outward from the holding frame in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft; Equipped with the bearing has a first side surface and a second side surface at both ends in a direction along the major axis of the fixed shaft, the first side surface and the second side surface being perpendicular to the major axis; The pair of arm members includes a first arm member and a second arm member, and is joined to the bearing in a state in which the first arm member abuts against the first side surface and the second arm member abuts against the second side surface, sandwiching the bearing in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the fixed shaft. A movable optical unit characterized by:

2. the pair of arm members are formed by a plate-shaped first arm member formed integrally with the holding frame and a plate-shaped second arm member formed separately from the holding frame, The second arm member is integrated with the holding frame by adhesive bonding.

2. The movable optical unit according to claim 1.

3. The bearing is made of a ring-shaped magnet member having an insertion hole, and when joined to the pair of arm members, the fixed shaft is inserted through the insertion hole, allowing the holding frame to rotate freely around the fixed shaft.

3. The movable optical unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the holding frame holds a plurality of the optical members, The holding frame rotates around the fixed axis to selectively position one of the plurality of optical members at a predetermined position.

4. The movable optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical element is a lens.

5. The plurality of optical members are a first optical member made of parallel flat glass and a second optical member made of an aperture member having an aperture opening.

5. The movable optical unit according to claim 4.

6. The bearing is made of a ring-shaped magnet member and has a protrusion that protrudes radially outward from an outer circumferential surface, The pair of arm members are formed integrally with the holding frame and are joined to the bearing in a state in which the protrusion is sandwiched between the arm members in a direction along the long axis of the fixed shaft.

2. The movable optical unit according to claim 1.

7. the holding frame is formed by diffusion bonding, At least one of the pair of arm members is integrally formed with the holding frame by a part of the diffusion bonding.

2. The movable optical unit according to claim 1.

8. An optical adapter configured to be detachably attached to a tip end of an insertion section of an endoscope device, a movable optical unit comprising: a fixed shaft; a bearing through which the fixed shaft is inserted and which is polarized in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft; a holding frame which is rotatable around the fixed shaft and which holds at least one optical element; and a pair of arm members which extend outward from the holding frame in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft, the bearing having a first side surface and a second side surface which are perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft at both ends in the direction along the long axis of the fixed shaft, the pair of arm members including a first arm member and a second arm member, the first arm member abutting against the first side surface and the second arm member abutting against the second side surface, and joined to the bearing in a state in which the bearing is sandwiched in the direction along the long axis of the fixed shaft; an electromagnetic drive unit having an electromagnet acting on a magnetic pole of the bearing, the electromagnet causing the bearing to rotate around the fixed axis; An optical adapter comprising an optical device having the following:

9. the holding frame further includes a diaphragm member that regulates the amount of transmitted light of the light beam from the observation object, When the holding frame is placed at a first position, a first focusing range is set in which an optical image of an observation object located at a distance farther than a predetermined distance is formed; When the holding frame is disposed at the second position, the diaphragm member is disposed on the optical axis of the observation optical system, thereby setting a second focusing range in which an optical image of an observation object closer than that of the first focusing range is formed.

9. The optical adapter according to claim 8.

10. An endoscope apparatus provided with an optical device including a movable optical unit at the distal end of an insertion section, an optical device comprising: a fixed shaft, a bearing through which the fixed shaft is inserted and which is polarized in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft, a holding frame which is rotatable around the fixed shaft and which holds at least one optical element, and a pair of arm members which extend outward from the holding frame in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft, the bearing having a first side surface and a second side surface which are perpendicular to the long axis of the fixed shaft at both ends in the direction along the long axis of the fixed shaft, the pair of arm members including a first arm member and a second arm member, the first arm member abutting against the first side surface and the second arm member abutting against the second side surface, and joined to the bearing in a state where the bearing is sandwiched in the direction along the long axis of the fixed shaft, the optical device comprising: a fixed shaft; an observation optical system that forms an optical image of an object to be observed on a predetermined light receiving surface; an imaging element that receives an optical image formed by the observation optical system and performs a predetermined photoelectric conversion; Equipped with The holding frame is rotated between a first position where the optical member is positioned on the optical axis of the observation optical system and a second position where the optical member is retracted from the optical axis of the observation optical system by rotating the bearing around the fixed axis using the electromagnetic drive unit. An endoscope apparatus characterized by:

11. the holding frame further includes a diaphragm member that restricts the amount of light transmitted through the light beam from the observation object, When the holding frame is placed at the first position, a first focusing range is set in which an optical image of an observation object located at a distance farther than a predetermined distance is formed; When the holding frame is disposed at the second position, the diaphragm member is disposed on the optical axis of the observation optical system, thereby setting a second focusing range in which an optical image of an observation object closer than that of the first focusing range is formed. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 10 .

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