Optical unit adjustment check method and adjustment jig

Abstract

To provide an optical unit adjustment method, an optical unit adjustment confirmation method, an adjustment jig, an optical unit, and an endoscope that can adjust the position of an integrated diaphragm with respect to the concave surface of each optical system.SOLUTION: The present invention provides an optical unit adjustment method, including: arranging diaphragm units having first and second aperture parts on a surface side of forming first and second concave surfaces of a lens unit comprising a first lens and a second lens and formed by the first and second concave surfaces arranged side by side; irradiating the first and second concave surfaces with Illumination light from the diaphragm units side; adjusting the position of the diaphragm units relative to the lens unit to the position where a first optical axis of the first lens passes through the first aperture part and a second optical axis of the second lens passes through the second aperture part, on the basis of reflected light of the illumination light reflected by the lens unit, the reflected light being observed in the first and second concave surfaces when viewed from the diaphragm unit side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical unit adjustment method, an optical unit adjustment confirmation method, an adjustment jig, an optical unit, and an endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, imaging devices have been proposed that use two optical systems to capture subject images formed by each system (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). These optical systems are composed of multiple lenses and apertures. For example, the optical system may include a concave lens that converts condensed light into parallel light, an aperture that adjusts the amount of light that passes through, and an imaging lens that forms an image on an imaging plane. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-245061 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, there are cases where an optical system is fabricated by fabricating an optical unit in which an aperture is attached to a lens having a concave surface, and assembling this optical unit with other optical members. In this case, if an aperture unit with an integrated aperture (aperture) is used in each optical system, it is necessary to attach the corresponding aperture to the concave surface of each optical system in an accurate position.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an optical unit adjustment method, an optical unit adjustment confirmation method, an adjustment jig, an optical unit, and an endoscope that can adjust the position of an integrated diaphragm relative to the concave surface of each optical system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention provides a lens unit comprising a first lens having a first concave surface portion formed thereon, and a second lens having a second concave surface portion formed thereon, the first and second concave surface portions being aligned, a first optical axis of the first lens passing through the first concave surface portion, and a second optical axis of the second lens passing through the second concave surface portion; an aperture unit having a first opening and a second opening is disposed on the side of the lens unit where the first and second concave surface portions are formed; illumination light is irradiated onto the first and second concave surface portions from the aperture unit side; and based on the reflected light of the illumination light reflected by the lens unit and observed within the first and second concave surface portions, respectively, as viewed from the aperture unit side, the position of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit is adjusted to a position where the first optical axis passes through the first opening and the second optical axis passes through the second opening.

[0007] In addition, the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, in the above invention, adjusts the position of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit based on a first straight line passing through the center of gravity of the area in which the reflected light is distributed in the first and second concave surface portions.

[0008] In addition, in the above invention, the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention adjusts the position of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit to a position where a second straight line perpendicular to the first straight line contacts a portion of the outer edge of either the first or second opening.

[0009] In addition, in the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, in the above invention, the first and second openings have hole shapes that form hollow spaces extending in a rectangular shape, and the position of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit is adjusted to a position where the second straight line coincides with one side that constitutes the outer edge of the rectangle.

[0010] In addition, in the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, in the above invention, the first and second openings have hole shapes that form hollow spaces extending in a circular shape, and the position of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit is adjusted to a position where the second straight line and the outer edge of the circle are in contact.

[0011] In addition, in the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, in the above invention, the opening size of the first opening is smaller than the size of the outer edge of the first concave portion, and the opening size of the second opening is smaller than the size of the outer edge of the second concave portion.

[0012] Further, in the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, in the above invention, the first and second lenses of the lens unit are integrated together.

[0013] Further, in the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, after adjusting the position of the diaphragm unit with respect to the lens unit, the diaphragm unit is fixed with respect to the lens unit.

[0014] In addition, in the above invention, the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention includes accommodating a portion of the lens unit in an adjustment jig, placing the aperture unit on the lens unit, and adjusting the position of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit, and the adjustment jig is provided with a reflection suppression section that suppresses light reflection.

[0015] In the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, in the above invention, the reflection suppressing portion is an anti-reflection film provided on the bottom surface of a housing portion that houses the lens unit.

[0016] Further, in the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, the reflection suppressing portion is a main body portion formed of a light-absorbing material.

[0017] In addition, in the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, in the above invention, the reflection suppression portion is a space forming portion that forms a space that separates the lens unit and the adjustment jig when the lens unit is accommodated in the adjustment jig.

[0018] Furthermore, in the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, in the above invention, a member is engaged with a through-hole formed in the diaphragm unit to adjust the position of the diaphragm unit relative to the lens unit.

[0019] In addition, the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention is such that, in the above invention, the aperture unit has two notches formed on either side of the first and second openings, the two notches are arranged in a straight line passing through the centers of gravity of the openings of the first and second openings, and the position of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit is adjusted by aligning the first straight line with the notches.

[0020] In addition, in the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, the position of the diaphragm unit relative to the lens unit is adjusted by applying a magnetic force of a magnetic body.

[0021] In addition, the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, in the above invention, involves engaging a rotating jig made of a magnetic material with the aperture unit, and applying the magnetic force of the magnetic material to the rotating jig to adjust the position of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit.

[0022] In the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, the magnetic body is positioned on the side of the diaphragm unit opposite to the side on which the rotation jig is disposed.

[0023] Further, in the method for adjusting an optical unit according to the present invention, the optical unit is provided at the tip of an insertion portion of an endoscope.

[0024] In addition, the method for checking the adjustment of an optical unit according to the present invention includes a lens unit having a first lens on which a first concave surface portion is formed and a second lens on which a second concave surface portion is formed, wherein the first and second concave surface portions are aligned, with a first optical axis of the first lens passing through the first concave surface portion and a second optical axis of the second lens passing through the second concave surface portion, and an aperture unit attached to the surface on which the first and second concave surface portions are formed and having a first opening and a second opening, and the method irradiates illumination light onto the first and second concave surface portions from the aperture unit side, and checks whether the position of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit is appropriate based on the reflected light of the illumination light reflected by the lens unit and observed within the first and second concave surface portions, respectively, as viewed from the aperture unit side.

[0025] In addition, the method for checking the adjustment of an optical unit according to the present invention is such that, in the above invention, the first and second openings have hole shapes that form hollow spaces extending in a rectangular shape, and whether the position of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit is appropriate is confirmed based on the angle formed by a first line segment connecting the centers of gravity of the reflected light observed within the first and second concave portions, respectively, and a second line segment parallel to the outer edge of each of the first and second openings that intersects with the first line segment.

[0026] In addition, in the method for checking the adjustment of an optical unit according to the present invention, in the above invention, a through hole is formed in the aperture unit at a position different from the first and second openings, and based on the position of the lens unit through the through hole, it is checked whether or not the aperture unit is floating relative to the lens unit.

[0027] Furthermore, the adjustment jig of the present invention is an optical unit including a lens unit having a first lens on which a first concave surface portion forming a concave surface is formed, and a second lens on which a second concave surface portion is formed, wherein the first and second concave surface portions are aligned, and a first optical axis of the first lens passes through the first concave surface portion, and a second optical axis of the second lens passes through the second concave surface portion, and an aperture unit attached to the surface on which the first and second concave surface portions are formed and having a first opening and a second opening, and is an adjustment jig for adjusting the positions of the lens unit and the aperture unit, and includes a storage portion that stores a portion of the lens unit, and a reflection suppression portion that suppresses reflection of light that has passed through the lens unit.

[0028] In the adjusting jig according to the present invention, in the above invention, the reflection suppressing portion is an anti-reflection film provided on the bottom surface portion of the container portion.

[0029] In the adjustment jig according to the present invention, in the above invention, the reflection suppressing portion is a main body portion formed of a light-absorbing material.

[0030] In addition, in the adjustment jig of the present invention, in the above invention, the reflection suppression portion is a space forming portion that forms a space that separates the lens unit and the adjustment jig when the lens unit is housed in the adjustment jig.

[0031] The optical unit of the present invention also includes a lens unit having a first lens on which a first concave surface portion is formed, and a second lens on which a second concave surface portion is formed, the formation surfaces of the first and second concave surface portions being located on the same plane, and an aperture unit attached to the formation surface side of the first and second concave surface portions, the aperture unit having a first opening and a second opening that expose the first and second concave surface portions, and the aperture unit has a through hole formed at a position different from the first and second openings and penetrating in the same direction as the openings.

[0032] Furthermore, the endoscope according to the present invention is an endoscope having an insertion section to be introduced into a subject, and an optical unit at the tip of the insertion section that guides observation light into the subject, the optical unit having a first lens on which a first concave surface portion is formed and a second lens on which a second concave surface portion is formed, the optical unit having the forming surfaces of the first and second concave surface portions located on the same plane, and an aperture unit attached to the forming surfaces of the first and second concave surface portions, the aperture unit having a first opening and a second opening that expose the first and second concave surface portions, the aperture unit having a through hole formed at a position different from the first and second openings and penetrating in the same direction as the outer opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the position of the integrated diaphragm relative to the concave surface of each optical system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an optical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view (part 1) illustrating a method for manufacturing the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a second cross-sectional view illustrating the method for manufacturing the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a microscope apparatus used in manufacturing the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (part 3) illustrating the method for manufacturing the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view (part 1) illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view (part 2) illustrating the method for manufacturing the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view (part 3) illustrating the method for manufacturing the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view (part 4) illustrating the method for manufacturing the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for checking the adjustment of an optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view for explaining a method for checking the adjustment of the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an adjusting jig according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an adjusting jig according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an adjusting jig according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the configuration of the diaphragm unit of the optical unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the aperture unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the configuration of an aperture unit of an optical unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the configuration of an aperture unit of an optical unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a plan view showing the configuration of an aperture unit of an optical unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an optical unit according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an optical device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] (Embodiment) 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an optical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The optical device 100 shown in the figure forms two optical systems (a first optical system 101 and a second optical system 102). The optical device 100 includes a first optical unit 110 and a second optical unit 120.

[0037] The first optical section 110 has the optical unit 1 and a first holding section 111. The first holding section 111 holds the optical unit 1 and is connected to the second optical section 120.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an optical unit according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an optical unit according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Optical unit 1 has a lens unit 11 and an aperture unit 12.

[0039] Lens unit 11 is optically transparent and cylindrical. Lens unit 11 has two concave surface portions (first concave surface portion 11a and second concave surface portion 11b) on one of two flat surface portions that make up the cylinder. First concave surface portion 11a and second concave surface portion 11b are spherically recessed inward on the forming surface of lens unit 11 where first concave surface portion 11a and second concave surface portion 11b are formed.

[0040] The aperture unit 12 has a light-blocking property and is disk-shaped. The aperture unit 12 covers the concave portion-forming surface of the lens unit 11. The aperture unit 12 has openings (first opening 12a and second opening 12b) formed therein that penetrate in the plate thickness direction. In the optical unit 1, the first opening 12a exposes a part of the first concave surface 11a, and the second opening 12b exposes a part of the second concave surface 11b. In the first embodiment, the first opening 12a and the second opening 12b form openings that form the outer edge of a rectangle, and are described as forming tapered holes in which the size of the opening on one side in the penetration direction is different from the size of the opening on the other side.

[0041] The size of the outer edge (opening) on ​​the smaller side of first opening 12a is smaller than the range of the outer edge (forming area) of first concave surface portion 11a. Similarly, the size of the outer edge (opening) on ​​the smaller side of second opening 12b is smaller than the range of the outer edge (forming area) of second concave surface portion 11b. Therefore, for example, when diaphragm unit 12 is attached to lens unit 11, the outer edge of first concave surface portion 11a is hidden when viewed from first opening 12a.

[0042] The second optical unit 120 has a first lens group 121, a second lens group 122, and a second holding unit 123. The second holding unit 123 holds the first lens group 121 and the second lens group 122, and is connected to the first holding unit 111.

[0043] The first lens group 121 and the second lens group 122 are configured using, for example, a plurality of lenses, an aperture, and a spacing ring.

[0044] In the optical unit 1, the first concave surface 11a of the lens unit 11, the first opening 12a of the diaphragm unit 12, and the first lens group 121 are arranged on the axis N1, and form a first optical system 101. In the optical unit 1, the second concave surface 11b of the lens unit 11, the second opening 12b of the diaphragm unit 12, and the second lens group 122 are arranged on the axis N2, and together they form the second optical system . Hereinafter, the axis N1 may be referred to as the optical axis N1 of the first optical system 101, and the axis N2 may be referred to as the optical axis N2 of the second optical system .

[0045] The optical axis of the lens unit 11 (first optical axis N 11 and the second optical axis N 21 ) corresponds to a straight line extending from the center of curvature of the surface on the concave side of the first concave surface portion 11a and the second concave surface portion 11b and perpendicular to the surface on the opposite side, and in this embodiment, coincides with the optical axes N1 and N2. The lens unit 11 has different optical axes (first optical axis N 11 and the second optical axis N 21 ) pass through the first concave surface portion 11a and the second concave surface portion 11b, respectively, and the two lenses (first and second lenses) that form the optical paths of the optical axes N1 and N2 are integrated into one structure.

[0046] Next, the fabrication of the optical unit 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 11. Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 5 to 7 are cross-sectional views illustrating the method for manufacturing the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 8 to 11 are plan views illustrating the method for manufacturing the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] First, the lens unit 11, on which the first concave surface portion 11a and the second concave surface portion 11b are formed, is placed on an adjustment jig 200 for fabricating the optical unit 1 (step S101: see FIG. 5). The adjustment jig 200 has a storage portion 201 that stores a portion of the lens unit 11. The storage portion 201 has a hole shape that holds the portion of the lens unit 11 opposite to the side where the concave surface portion is formed. It is preferable that the storage portion 201 holds the lens unit 11 without any gaps. The depth of the storage portion 201 is, for example, greater than the distance in the stacking direction between the lens unit 11 and the aperture unit 12 when stacked (the thickness of the optical unit 1). In addition, the storage portion 201 has a groove formed therein for passing a member (e.g., tweezers) through which the optical unit 1 can be removed after position adjustment.

[0048] After the lens unit 11 is accommodated in the adjustment jig 200, the aperture unit 12 is placed on the concave portion forming surface P1 of the lens unit 11 (step S102: see FIG. 6). At this time, an adhesive is applied between the lens unit 11 and the aperture unit 12, at least partially excluding the concave portion and the opening. This adhesive is applied to the lens unit 11 in liquid form, for example, and hardens by heat, light, or the like. At this point, the adhesive is not yet hardened. Also, a first opening 12a and a second opening 12b are formed in advance in the aperture unit 12.

[0049] When the aperture unit 12 is placed on the lens unit 11 housed in the adjustment jig 200, the adjustment jig 200 restricts movement of the lens unit 11 on a plane parallel to the mounting surface of the aperture unit 12. In other words, when the aperture unit 12 is placed in this state, it is free to rotate relative to the lens unit 11 only about an axis perpendicular to the mounting surface (here, an axis parallel to the optical axis and passing through the center of the lens unit). In FIG. 6, the wall surface of the housing portion 201 of the adjustment jig 200 functions to restrict the movement of the aperture unit 12. However, if, for example, the depth of the housing portion 201 is smaller than the thickness of the optical unit 1, this may be achieved by a plurality of protrusions or the like extending from the outer edge of the housing portion 201 and sandwiching the aperture unit 12.

[0050] The lens unit 11 on which the diaphragm unit 12 is mounted is set together with the adjustment jig 200 in the microscope device (step S103).

[0051] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a microscope apparatus used in manufacturing an optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The microscope apparatus 500 shown in Fig. 7 includes a microscope 510 having, for example, an epi-illumination optical system and an observation optical system, an image processing device 520 that visualizes an image acquired by the microscope 510, and a display device 530 that displays the image generated by the image processing device 520. The observation optical system is composed of optical members such as lenses and an image sensor. In the microscope apparatus, an observation image formed by the optical members is captured by the image sensor, and the generated image is displayed on the display device 530.

[0052] Thereafter, illumination light is irradiated onto the first concave surface portion 11a and the second concave surface portion 11b from the diaphragm unit 12 side (step S104: see FIG. 8). The illumination light passes through the first opening portion 12a and the second opening portion 12b and reaches the first concave surface portion 11a and the second concave surface portion 11b.

[0053] At this time, light reflected from lens unit 11 (reflected light R1, R2) is observed as a point within the concave portion (see FIG. 9). This light is light reflected by first concave portion 11a, second concave portion 11b, or the bottom of the lens unit (the surface opposite to the concave portion forming side). Note that FIG. 7 shows an example of an image displayed on a display device in which the positions of first opening 12a and second opening 12b of diaphragm unit 12 are misaligned with respect to lens unit 11.

[0054] In the image processing device 520, a first straight line L1 passing through the reflected light R1 and R2 reflected by each concave surface portion is generated by image processing (step S105: see FIG. 8).

[0055] Thereafter, the image processing device 520 generates a second straight line L2 that is perpendicular to the first straight line L1 through image processing (step S106: see FIG. 10).

[0056] After generating the first and second straight lines, the display device 530 displays the generated first straight line L1 and second straight line L2 superimposed on the image of the lens unit 11 and the aperture unit 12 (step S107).

[0057] While checking the displayed image, the creator of optical unit 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "creator") rotates aperture unit 12 until the linear portion of the outer edge of the opening (second opening 12b in this case) coincides with or is parallel to second line L2 (step S108: see FIG. 11). At this time, aperture unit 12 rotates, for example, around an axis that passes through the center of gravity and is perpendicular to the opening formation surface.

[0058] When the aperture unit 12 is rotated to a position where the straight portion of the outer edge of the opening coincides with or is parallel to the second straight line L2 (see FIG. 12), the aperture unit 12 is positioned relative to the lens unit 11.

[0059] After the aperture unit 12 is positioned relative to the lens unit 11, the adhesive is cured to fix the aperture unit 12 to the lens unit 11 (step S109). By fixing the aperture unit 12 to the lens unit 11, the optical unit 1 is fabricated.

[0060] Next, we will explain how to check the adjustment of the manufactured optical unit 1. In this adjustment check, we check whether the positional relationship between the lens unit 11 and the aperture unit 12 of the optical unit 1 is appropriate when the optical unit 11 and the aperture unit 12 are fixed together. Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the aperture unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] First, the fabricated optical unit 1 is set in a microscope (for example, the microscope 510 shown in FIG. 7) (step S201). At this time, the optical unit 1 may be set in the microscope by itself, or may be assembled to other members.

[0062] Then, illumination light is irradiated toward the optical unit 1, and the image processing device 520 generates a first line segment connecting the centers of the two reflected lights (step S202).Then, the image processing device 520 generates second line segments corresponding to the straight line portions of the outer edges of each opening of the aperture unit 12 (step S203).

[0063] 14 is a plan view showing the configuration of the aperture unit of the optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image processing device 520 calculates the first line segment S connecting the centers of the reflected light R1 and R2. 11 Furthermore, the image processing device 520 generates a first line segment S 11 A second line segment S extends along the straight line that intersects with 21 , S 22 are generated respectively.

[0064] The image processing device 520 calculates the first line segment S 11 and the second line segment S 21 , S 22The image processing device 520 calculates the angle between the first line segment S 11 and the second line segment S 21 The angle θ1 between the first line segment S 11 and the second line segment S 22 The angle θ2 between the two is calculated.

[0065] Thereafter, the display device 530 displays the calculated angles θ1 and θ2. The creator checks the displayed angles θ1 and θ2 and determines whether there is any misalignment between the lens unit 11 and the aperture unit 12. Note that angles suitable for the optical unit 1 are set to, for example, 90° or 90°±several degrees (e.g., 3°).

[0066] In step S204, an example has been described in which the calculated angles θ1 and θ2 are displayed on the display device 530. However, the image processing device 520 may be configured to compare the angles θ1 and θ2 with a preset threshold value (for example, the above-mentioned appropriate angle) to determine whether the positional relationship between the lens unit 11 and the aperture unit 12 is appropriate. In this case, the determination result is displayed on the display device 530. The calculated angles θ1 and θ2 may be displayed together with the determination result. Here, confirmation of whether the positional relationship between the lens unit 11 and the aperture unit 12 is appropriate includes both a determination by the manufacturer based on the displayed angles and a determination by the image processing device 520 based on the calculated angles.

[0067] In the first embodiment described above, a first straight line L1 passing through reflected light R1 and R2 reflected via the first concave surface portion 11a and the second concave surface portion 11b, and a second straight line L2 perpendicular to the first straight line L1, are used to adjust the position (rotational adjustment) of the diaphragm unit 12 relative to the lens unit 11. According to the first embodiment, the position of the opening of the diaphragm unit 12 is adjusted using reflected light observed at each concave surface portion, so that the position of the integrated diaphragm can be accurately adjusted relative to the concave surface of each optical system.

[0068] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, whether or not the positions of the lens unit 11 and the aperture unit 12 are appropriate is confirmed using reflected light reflected from the lens unit 11 (each concave surface portion) in the manufactured optical unit 1. According to the first embodiment, the position of the aperture unit 12 relative to the lens unit 11 is confirmed using reflected light observed at each concave surface portion through which light passes during actual use, so it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether or not the aperture unit 12 is in an appropriate position in the optical unit 1.

[0069] (First Modification of First Embodiment) Next, Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of an adjustment jig according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Modification 1 differs from adjustment jig 200 according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the adjustment jig used when fabricating the optical unit 1. Modification 1 has the same configuration as Embodiment 1, except that adjustment jig 200 is replaced with adjustment jig 200A. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same configuration as in the above-described Embodiment 1.

[0070] The adjustment jig 200A has a housing portion 201 that houses a portion of the lens unit 11, and an anti-reflection film 202 that is provided on the bottom of the housing portion 201 and prevents reflection of light. The anti-reflection film 202 is formed using, for example, a light-absorbing material. When the lens unit 11 and the diaphragm unit 12 are placed on the adjustment jig 200A, the anti-reflection film 202 is located on the opposite side of the diaphragm unit 12 from the lens unit 11. Therefore, illumination light that passes through the opening of the diaphragm unit 12 and the recess of the lens unit is incident on the anti-reflection film 202. The anti-reflection film 202 absorbs the incident light and suppresses reflection.

[0071] In this first modification, too, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the first modification, the anti-reflection film 202 suppresses reflection of incident light, and therefore light reflected by the adjustment jig 200A is suppressed. Therefore, most of the light components contained in the reflected light are light reflected by the lens unit 11, and the position of the aperture unit 12 can be adjusted using the reflected light from the lens unit 11. As a result, according to the first modification, the position of the aperture unit 12 relative to the lens unit 11 can be adjusted with even higher accuracy.

[0072] (Modification 2 of Embodiment 1) Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an adjustment jig according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the second modification, the configuration of the adjustment jig used when fabricating the optical unit 1 differs from that of the adjustment jig 200 according to the first embodiment. The first modification has the same configuration as the first embodiment except that the adjustment jig 200 is replaced with the adjustment jig 200B. The same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0073] The adjustment jig 200B has a housing portion 201 that houses a part of the lens unit 11. The main body portion of the adjustment jig 200B is formed using, for example, a light-absorbing material. Therefore, illumination light that passes through the opening of the diaphragm unit 12 and the recess of the lens unit is incident on the adjustment jig 200B. The adjustment jig 200B absorbs the incident light and suppresses reflection.

[0074] In the present modified example 2, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment 1 can be obtained. Furthermore, in the modified example 2, the adjustment jig 200B suppresses reflection of incident light, and therefore the light reflected by the adjustment jig 200B is suppressed. As a result, most of the light components contained in the reflected light are light reflected by the lens unit 11, and the position of the aperture unit 12 can be adjusted using the reflected light from the lens unit 11. As a result, according to the present modified example 2, the position of the aperture unit 12 relative to the lens unit 11 can be adjusted with even higher accuracy.

[0075] (Third Modification of First Embodiment) Next, Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of an adjustment jig according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Modification 3 differs from adjustment jig 200 according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the adjustment jig used when fabricating the optical unit 1. Modification 1 has the same configuration as Embodiment 1, except that adjustment jig 200 is replaced with adjustment jig 200C. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same configuration as in the above-described Embodiment 1.

[0076] The adjustment jig 200C has a housing portion 201 that houses a part of the lens unit 11, and a space forming portion 203 that forms a space continuous with the housing portion 201. The opening of the space forming portion 203 is smaller in size than the housing portion 201. The size of the opening of the space forming portion 203 is set to a size that includes illumination light that passes through the lens unit 11 and the diaphragm unit 12, for example. The space forming portion 203 forms a space that separates the bottom surface of the adjustment jig 200C from the surface of the illumination light irradiation region (here, for example, the concave portion forming region) of the lens unit 11.

[0077] The lens unit 11 is supported on a step 204 formed by the accommodation portion 201 and the space forming portion 203. Illumination light that passes through the opening of the diaphragm unit 12 and the recess of the lens unit 11 enters the space forming portion 203 and is reflected and scattered at the bottom of the space forming portion 203.

[0078] In the present modified example 3, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment 1 can be obtained. Furthermore, in the modified example 3, the space forming portion 203 moves the reflection position of light in the adjustment jig 200C away from the lens unit 11, thereby suppressing light from being reflected and re-entering the lens unit 11. Therefore, most of the light components contained in the reflected light are light reflected by the lens unit 11, and the position of the aperture unit 12 can be adjusted using the reflected light from the lens unit 11. As a result, according to the present modified example 3, the position of the aperture unit 12 relative to the lens unit 11 can be adjusted with even higher accuracy.

[0079] In the third modification, the anti-reflection film 202 may be provided on the bottom surface of the space forming portion 203 (the surface opposite to the lens unit 11 side).

[0080] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 18 and 19. Fig. 18 is a plan view showing the configuration of an aperture unit of an optical unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment includes an aperture unit 12A instead of the aperture unit 12 of the first embodiment. The second embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment except that the aperture unit 12 is replaced with the aperture unit 12A. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0081] The aperture unit 12A is light-blocking and has a disk shape. The aperture unit 12A covers the concave portion-forming surface of the lens unit 11. The aperture unit 12A has openings (first opening 12a and second opening 12b) that penetrate in the plate thickness direction, and a through-hole 12c that penetrates in the same direction (plate thickness direction) as the openings but at a different position from the openings. The through-hole 12c penetrates in the plate thickness direction and is formed at a position that is off the optical path of light guided by the lens unit 11. Note that FIG. 15 shows an example in which the through-hole 12c is formed on the outer edge side of the aperture unit 12A, equidistant from the first opening 12a and the second opening 12b, but the position is not limited to this. The size of the opening of the through-hole 12c is set to a size that ensures an adhesive margin with the lens unit 11.

[0082] When the optical unit is manufactured, when the aperture unit 12A is rotated relative to the lens unit 11 (step S108), a jig is inserted into the through-hole 12c to rotate the aperture unit 12A.

[0083] 19 is a diagram illustrating the effect of the aperture unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In an optical unit fabricated using aperture unit 12A, part of the surface of lens unit 11 can be seen through through-hole 12c. A fabricator can determine whether aperture unit 12A is properly attached to lens unit 11 by looking through through-hole 12c and checking the gap between aperture unit 12A and lens unit 11. For example, if aperture unit 12A is floating relative to lens unit 11, the distance to lens unit 11 that can be seen from through-hole 12c will be large.

[0084] The second embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment, and by forming a through hole 12c in the aperture unit 12A, the manufacturer can easily adjust the position of the aperture unit 12A without directly touching the aperture unit 12A.

[0085] In the second embodiment, the through-hole 12c of the aperture unit 12A penetrates in the plate thickness direction, but it may have a groove shape recessed in the surface opposite to the lens unit 11 side.

[0086] (Embodiment 3) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the configuration of an aperture unit of an optical unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment includes an aperture unit 12B instead of the aperture unit 12 of the first embodiment. The third embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment except that the aperture unit 12 is replaced with the aperture unit 12B. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0087] The aperture unit 12B is light-blocking and has a disk shape. The aperture unit 12B covers the concave portion-forming surface of the lens unit 11. The aperture unit 12B has openings (first opening 12a and second opening 12b) that penetrate in the plate thickness direction, and notches 12d and 12e. The notches 12d and 12e have a stepped shape formed by cutting out part of the outer edge of the disk shape, and constitute part of the outer edge of the aperture unit 12B. The aperture unit 12B, in which the notches 12d and 12e are formed, has a shape of the opening-forming surface that is symmetrical with respect to a mirror plane that passes between the first opening 12a and the second opening 12b.

[0088] When the optical unit is manufactured, when the diaphragm unit 12B is rotated relative to the lens unit 11 (step S108), a jig is engaged with the notch 12d or 12e and the diaphragm unit 12B is rotated. If a straight line coinciding with the radial portion of the step of the cutouts 12d, 12e passes through the center of the first opening 12a and the second opening 12b, the position of the diaphragm unit 12B can be adjusted by aligning the radial portion of the step with the first straight line L1 shown in Fig. 9. When performing this position adjustment, generation of the second straight line L2 in step S106 can be omitted.

[0089] The third embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment, and by forming the cutouts 12d and 12e in the aperture unit 12B, the manufacturer can easily adjust the position of the aperture unit 12B without directly touching the aperture unit 12B.

[0090] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the configuration of an aperture unit of an optical unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment includes an aperture unit 12C instead of the aperture unit 12 of the first embodiment. The fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment except that the aperture unit 12 is replaced with the aperture unit 12C. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0091] The aperture unit 12C has a light-blocking property and is disk-shaped. The aperture unit 12C covers the concave portion-forming surface of the lens unit 11. The aperture unit 12C has openings (first opening 12a and second opening 12b) that penetrate in the plate thickness direction, and notches 12d and 12f. The notches 12d and 12f have a stepped shape formed by cutting out part of the outer edge of the disk, and form part of the outer edge of the aperture unit 12C. The aperture unit 12C, in which the notches 12d and 12f are formed, has a shape of the opening-forming surface that has two-fold symmetry.

[0092] When the optical unit is manufactured, when the diaphragm unit 12C is rotated relative to the lens unit 11 (step S108), a jig is engaged with the notch 12d or 12f and the diaphragm unit 12C is rotated. As with the aperture unit 12B, if a straight line coinciding with the radial portion of the step of the notch portions 12d and 12f passes through the center of the first opening 12a and the second opening 12b, the position of the aperture unit 12C can be adjusted by aligning the radial portion of the step with the first straight line L1 shown in Figure 9.

[0093] The fourth embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment, and by forming the cutouts 12d and 12e in the aperture unit 12C, the manufacturer can easily adjust the position of the aperture unit 12C without directly touching the aperture unit 12C.

[0094] Furthermore, according to embodiment 4, the aperture unit 12C in which the cutouts 12d and 12f are formed has a shape of the opening formation surface that has two-fold symmetry, so that the front and back of the aperture unit 12C attached to the lens unit 11 can be confirmed by the orientation of the cutouts 12d and 12f without checking the size of the opening.

[0095] (Embodiment 5) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is a plan view showing the configuration of an aperture unit of an optical unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment includes an aperture unit 12D instead of the aperture unit 12 of the first embodiment. The fifth embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment except that the aperture unit 12 is replaced with an aperture unit 12B. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0096] The aperture unit 12D is light-blocking and has a disk shape. The aperture unit 12D covers the concave portion-forming surface of the lens unit 11. The aperture unit 12D has openings (first opening 12a and second opening 12b) that penetrate in the plate thickness direction, and notches 12g and 12h. The notches 12g and 12h have a stepped shape formed by cutting out part of the outer edge of the disk shape, and form part of the outer edge of the aperture unit 12B. The aperture unit 12D, in which the notches 12g and 12h are formed, has a shape of the opening-forming surface that is symmetrical with respect to the mirror plane that passes between the first opening 12a and the second opening 12b.

[0097] When the optical unit is manufactured, when the diaphragm unit 12D is rotated relative to the lens unit 11 (step S108), a jig is engaged with the notch 12g or 12h and the diaphragm unit 12D is rotated. If a straight line passing through the deepest parts of the cutouts 12g and 12h passes through the centers of the first opening 12a and the second opening 12b, the position of the aperture unit 12D can be adjusted by aligning this deepest part with the first straight line L1 shown in Fig. 9. When performing this position adjustment, generation of the second straight line L2 in step S106 can be omitted.

[0098] The fifth embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment, and by forming the cutouts 12g and 12h in the aperture unit 12D, the manufacturer can easily adjust the position of the aperture unit 12D without directly touching the aperture unit 12D.

[0099] (Embodiment 6) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment will be described assuming that the aperture unit 12 of the first embodiment is formed from a magnetic material. The sixth embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, except that the aperture unit 12 is made from a magnetic material. The same components as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0100] In the sixth embodiment, when rotating the aperture unit 12 relative to the lens unit 11 during fabrication of the optical unit 1 (step S108), first, the magnet 300 is placed on the side of the lens unit 11 opposite the aperture unit 12 side. Because the aperture unit 12 is made of a magnetic material, the magnetic force (attractive force) of the magnet 300 acts on the aperture unit 12. In this state, when the magnet 300 is rotated, the aperture unit 12 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the magnet 300. By rotating the magnet 300, the fabricator can adjust the relative positions of the lens unit 11 and the aperture unit 12 without touching the aperture unit 12.

[0101] The sixth embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment, and by forming the aperture unit 12 from a magnetic material and allowing the magnetic force of the magnet 300 to act on the aperture unit 12, the manufacturer can easily adjust the position of the aperture unit 12 without directly touching the aperture unit 12.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the sixth embodiment, the aperture unit 12 is attracted to the lens unit 11 by the magnetic force of the magnet 300, so that the adhesive can be cured in a state in which the aperture unit 12 is pressed against the lens unit 11. As a result, the lens unit 11 and the aperture unit 12 can be fixed together while preventing gaps from occurring between them.

[0103] (Embodiment 7) Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 24 and 25. Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 25 is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment includes an aperture unit 12E instead of the aperture unit 12 of the first embodiment. Except for replacing the aperture unit 12 with the aperture unit 12E, the seventh embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those of the first and sixth embodiments described above.

[0104] The aperture unit 12E is light-blocking and has a disk shape. The aperture unit 12E covers the concave portion-forming surface of the lens unit 11. The aperture unit 12E is formed with openings (first opening 12a and second opening 12b) that penetrate in the plate thickness direction, and through-holes 12i that penetrate in the plate thickness direction. Two through-holes 12i are formed. The through-holes 12i are formed at positions that face each other with respect to the first opening 12a and the second opening 12b.

[0105] In the seventh embodiment, when rotating the aperture unit 12E relative to the lens unit 11 during fabrication of the optical unit 1 (step S108), first, a rotation jig 310 is attached to the aperture unit 12E. The rotation jig 310 is made of a magnetic material and has two protrusions 311 that are inserted into the through holes 12i. When the rotation jig 310 is attached to the aperture unit 12E, the protrusions 311 are inserted into the through holes 12i, respectively.

[0106] The position of the second straight line L2 displayed by the display device 530 can be moved according to the position of the rotation jig 310. For example, the position can be moved to match the outer edge that is aligned with the second straight line L2.

[0107] Thereafter, magnet 300 is placed on the side of lens unit 11 opposite to aperture unit 12E. Because rotation jig 310 is made of a magnetic material, a magnetic force (attractive force) of magnet 300 acts on it. Due to the magnetic force, rotation jig 310 presses aperture unit 12E against lens unit 11. In this state, when magnet 300 is rotated, rotation jig 310 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of magnet 300. When rotation jig 310 rotates, projection 311 engages with through-hole 12i, causing aperture unit 12E to rotate. By rotating magnet 300, the fabricator can adjust the relative positions of lens unit 11 and aperture unit 12E without touching aperture unit 12E.

[0108] The seventh embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment, and by forming the rotation jig 310 from a magnetic material and applying the magnetic force of the magnet 300 to the rotation jig 310 to press the aperture unit 12E against the lens unit 11, the manufacturer can easily adjust the position of the aperture unit 12E without directly touching the aperture unit 12E.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the seventh embodiment, the adhesive can be hardened in a state in which the aperture unit 12E is pressure-bonded to the lens unit 11 by pressing the rotation jig 310. As a result, the lens unit 11 and the aperture unit 12E can be fixed together while suppressing the occurrence of a gap between them.

[0110] (Embodiment 8) Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 26 and 27. Fig. 26 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 27 is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The optical unit according to the sixth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the first, sixth and seventh embodiments described above.

[0111] In the eighth embodiment, when rotating the aperture unit 12 relative to the lens unit 11 during fabrication of the optical unit 1 (step S108), first, a rotation jig 320 is attached to the aperture unit 12. The rotation jig 320 has a main body 321 made of a magnetic substance, and a high-friction portion 322 made of a high-friction material and bonded to the main body 321. When the rotation jig 320 is attached to the aperture unit 12, the high-friction portion 322 comes into contact with the aperture unit 12.

[0112] As in the seventh embodiment, the position of the second straight line L2 displayed by the display device 530 can be moved according to the position of the rotation jig 310. For example, the position can be moved to match the outer edge that is aligned with the second straight line L2.

[0113] Thereafter, magnet 300 is placed on the side of lens unit 11 opposite to the aperture unit 12. Because main body 321 of rotation jig 320 is formed of a magnetic material, the magnetic force (attractive force) of magnet 300 acts on it. Due to the action of the magnetic force, main body 321 presses aperture unit 12 against lens unit 11 via high-friction portion 322. At this time, high-friction portion 322 is pressed against aperture unit 12. In this state, when magnet 300 is rotated, rotation jig 320 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of magnet 300. When rotation jig 320 rotates, aperture unit 12 rotates due to the pressure of high-friction portion 322. By rotating magnet 300, the fabricator can adjust the relative positions of lens unit 11 and aperture unit 12 without touching aperture unit 12.

[0114] The eighth embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment, and in addition, main body 321 of rotation jig 320 is formed from a magnetic material, and high friction portion 322 is provided on the aperture unit 12 side of main body 321 to be pressed against aperture unit 12. Thereafter, the magnetic force of magnet 300 is applied to rotation jig 320 to press aperture unit 12 against lens unit 11, allowing the manufacturer to easily adjust the position of aperture unit 12 without directly touching it.

[0115] Furthermore, according to the eighth embodiment, the adhesive can be hardened in a state in which the aperture unit 12 is pressure-bonded to the lens unit 11 by pressing the rotation jig 320. As a result, the lens unit 11 and the aperture unit 12 can be fixed together while preventing the occurrence of a gap between them.

[0116] (Embodiment 9) Next, a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 28. Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an optical unit according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The ninth embodiment includes an aperture unit 12F instead of the aperture unit 12 of the first embodiment. The ninth embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment except that the aperture unit 12 is replaced with the aperture unit 12F. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0117] The aperture unit 12F is light-blocking and has a disk shape. The aperture unit 12F covers the concave portion-forming surface of the lens unit 11. The aperture unit 12F has openings (first opening 12j and second opening 12k) that penetrate in the plate thickness direction. The first opening 12j and second opening 12k form openings that form circular outer edges and form tapered holes in which the opening size on one side in the penetration direction is different from the opening size on the other side.

[0118] An optical unit using the aperture unit 12F is fabricated in the same manner as in embodiment 1. Note that the configurations according to embodiments 2 to 8 may also be employed.

[0119] In the ninth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the position (rotational adjustment) of the aperture unit 12F relative to the lens unit 11 is performed using a first straight line L1 passing through the reflected light R1 and R2 reflected by the first concave surface portion 11a and the second concave surface portion 11b, and a second straight line L2 perpendicular to the first straight line L1. At this time, the position of the aperture unit 12F is adjusted, for example, to a position where the outer edge of the opening is tangent to the second straight line L2. In the ninth embodiment, even if the opening of the aperture unit 12F is circular, the reflected light can be confirmed in the same way as a rectangular opening. According to the ninth embodiment, the position of the opening of the aperture unit 12F is adjusted using the reflected light observed at each concave surface, so that the position of the integrated aperture can be accurately adjusted relative to the concave surface of each optical system.

[0120] (Embodiment 10) Next, a tenth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 29 and 30. Fig. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an optical device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. An optical device 100A according to the tenth embodiment includes a first optical unit 110A instead of the first optical unit 110 of the first embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0121] 29 forms two optical systems (a first optical system 101 and a second optical system 102). The optical device 100A includes a first optical section 110A and a second optical section 120.

[0122] The first optical section 110A has the optical unit 1A and a first holding section 111 A. The first holding section 111 A holds the optical unit 1A and is connected to the second optical section 120.

[0123] The optical unit 1A includes a lens unit 11 and an aperture unit 12G.

[0124] The aperture unit 12G is light-blocking and has a disk shape. The aperture unit 12 is smaller than the concave surface of the lens unit 11 and covers a part of the concave surface. The aperture unit 12G has openings (first opening 12a and second opening 12b) that penetrate through the plate thickness direction. The side surface of the aperture unit 12G abuts against the first holding portion 111A.

[0125] In the optical unit 1A, the first concave surface 11a of the lens unit 11, the first opening 12a of the diaphragm unit 12G, and the first lens group 121 are arranged on the axis N1, and form the first optical system 101.

[0126] Next, the fabrication of the optical unit 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 30. Fig. 30 is a diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing an optical unit according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The optical unit 1A is fabricated in accordance with the flowchart shown in Fig. 4.

[0127] In the tenth embodiment, first, the lens unit 11 is fixed to the first holding part 111A, and then the aperture unit 12G is placed on the lens unit 11. Then, the first holding part 111A is placed on the adjustment jig 200D. The adjustment jig 200D houses the first holding part 111A in a manner that the aperture unit 12G is exposed to the outside. The aperture unit 12G is only allowed to rotate relative to the lens unit 11 because the movement of its sides is restricted by the first holding part 111A. Thereafter, the position of the aperture unit 12G is adjusted in accordance with steps S104 to S109, and the optical unit 1A is fabricated.

[0128] The tenth embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment, and by forming the cutouts 12g and 12h in the aperture unit 12G, the manufacturer can easily adjust the position of the aperture unit 12G without directly touching the aperture unit 12G.

[0129] (Embodiment 11) Next, an eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 31. Fig. 31 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The eleventh embodiment shows an application example of an optical device 100 including the optical unit described above. The eleventh embodiment includes an endoscope 402 that is introduced into a subject and captures an image of the inside of the subject's body to generate an image signal of the inside of the subject, an information processing device 403 that performs predetermined image processing on the image signal captured by the endoscope 402 and controls each unit of the endoscope system 1, a light source device 404 that generates illumination light for the endoscope 402, and a display device 405 that displays an image of the image signal after image processing by the information processing device 403.

[0130] The endoscope 402 comprises an insertion section 406 that is inserted into the subject, an operating section 407 that is located at the base end of the insertion section 406 and is held by the surgeon, and a flexible universal cord 408 that extends from the operating section 407.

[0131] The insertion section 406 is realized using a light guide made of an illumination fiber, an electric cable, an optical fiber, or the like. The insertion section 406 has a tip section 406a incorporating an imaging device, a freely bendable bending section 406b equipped with a bending tube described later, and a flexible tube section 406c provided on the proximal end side of the bending section 406b. The tip section 406a is provided with an illumination section that illuminates the inside of the subject via an illumination lens, an observation section that images the inside of the subject, and an opening that communicates with a treatment tool channel. An endoscope tip frame described later is disposed at the tip section 406a.

[0132] The operation unit 407 has a bending knob 407a for bending the bending portion 406b in the up-down and left-right directions, a treatment tool insertion portion 407b into which a treatment tool such as a biological forceps or a laser scalpel is inserted into the body cavity of the subject, and a plurality of switches 407c for operating peripheral devices such as the information processing device 403, the light source device 404, the air supply device, the water supply device, the gas supply device, and the bending tube. The treatment tool inserted from the treatment tool insertion portion 407b passes through a treatment tool channel provided inside and emerges from an opening at the tip of the insertion portion 406.

[0133] The universal cord 408 is configured using a light guide made of illumination fiber, a cable, etc. The universal cord 408 is branched at its base end, with one branched end being a connector 408a and the other branched end being a connector 408b. The connector 408a is detachable from a connector of the information processing device 403. The connector 408b is detachable from the light source device 404. The universal cord 408 transmits illumination light emitted from the light source device 404 to the tip end 406a via the connector 408b and a light guide made of illumination fiber. The universal cord 408 also transmits image signals captured by an imaging device (described later) to the information processing device 403 via the cable and the connector 408a.

[0134] The information processing device 403 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal output from the connector 408 a and controls the entire endoscope system 400 .

[0135] The light source device 404 is configured using a light source that emits light, a condenser lens, etc. Under the control of the information processing device 403, the light source device 404 emits light from the light source and supplies the light to the endoscope 402 connected via a connector 408b and a light guide made up of an illumination fiber of the universal cord 408 as illumination light for the inside of the subject, which is the object of the examination.

[0136] The display device 405 is configured using a display using liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence), etc. The display device 405 displays various information including images that have been subjected to predetermined image processing by the information processing device 403 via a video cable 405a. The surgeon can observe a desired position inside the subject and determine symptoms by operating the endoscope 402 while viewing the image (in-vivo image) displayed by the display device 405.

[0137] The optical device 100 is provided, for example, at the distal end 406a, takes in and guides observation light, and forms an optical image on an imaging surface of an imaging device (image sensor) provided at the distal end 406a. The information processing device 403 generates an in-vivo image based on, for example, an image signal acquired from the imaging device. At this time, the optical device 100 forms structural images having parallax with respect to each other, and a stereoscopic image or a parallax image is generated in the information processing device 403.

[0138] Although the embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above, the present invention should not be limited to only the above-described embodiments. The present invention can include various embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

[0139] In the above-described first to eleventh embodiments, the lens unit 11 of the optical unit 1 is described as having a configuration in which the first and second lenses are integrated and have the first concave surface portion 11a and the second concave surface portion 11b as a single optical member. However, the first lens having the first concave surface portion 11a and the second lens having the second concave surface portion 11b may be separate. In this case, the first lens and the second lens are aligned to form the lens unit, and the aperture unit is placed on the first and second lenses. At this time, the forming surfaces of the first concave surface portion and the second concave surface portion are positioned on the same plane. Thereafter, the position of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit is adjusted in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example has been described in which the forming surfaces of the first concave surface portion 11a and the second concave surface portion 11b of the lens unit 11 are aligned on the same plane, but it is sufficient that the aperture unit 12 is positioned on a surface including each forming surface, and the forming surfaces may be shifted from each other or non-parallel to each other within a range that does not affect the optical system.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, an example has been described in which the image processing device 520 generates the first and second straight lines by performing image processing on the image acquired by the microscope 510. However, it is not limited to image processing; for example, it is possible to place a transparent sheet on which the first and second straight lines are drawn on the aperture unit, align the position of the reflected light with the first straight line, and then adjust the position of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit.

[0141] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the manufacturer adjusts the position of the aperture unit 12 while checking the image acquired by the microscope 510, but the information processing device 403 or the image processing device 520 may be configured to automatically rotate the aperture unit 12 based on the position of the aperture unit 12 detected by image processing. Specifically, one example of a configuration is one in which the lens unit 11 is placed on the adjustment jig 200, the aperture unit 12 is placed on the lens unit 11, and then the lens unit 11 is installed on the microscope 510, and then the rotation jig 310 is controlled to automatically adjust the position of the aperture unit 12.

[0142] The optical unit adjustment method, optical unit adjustment confirmation method, adjustment jig, optical unit, and endoscope according to the present invention described above are useful for adjusting the position of an integrated diaphragm relative to the concave surface of each optical system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1. 1A Optical Unit 11 Lens unit 11a First concave part 11b Second concave part 12, 12A~12G Aperture unit 12a 1st opening 12b 2nd opening 12c, 12i through hole 12d~12h Notch 100, 100A optical device 101 1st optical system 102 Second optical system 110, 110A 1st optical section 111 1st holding part 120 2nd optical department 121 First lens group 122 Second lens group 123 Second holding part 200, 200A~200C adjustment jig 201 Storage Unit 202 Anti-reflection coating 203 Space formation part 204 Multilayered section 300 Magnets 310, 320 Rotation Jig 311 Convex part 321 Main body 322 High friction part 400 Endoscopy System 402 Endoscope 403 Information Processing Equipment 404 Light source device 405, 530 display device 406 Insertion part 407 Operation section 408 Universal Code 500 Microscope equipment 510 Microscope 520 Image Processing Device

Claims

1. an optical unit including a lens unit having a first lens on which a first concave surface portion forming a concave surface is formed and a second lens on which a second concave surface portion is formed, the first and second concave surface portions being aligned, a first optical axis of the first lens passing through the first concave surface portion and a second optical axis of the second lens passing through the second concave surface portion; and an aperture unit attached to the surface on which the first and second concave surface portions are formed and having first and second apertures in the shape of holes that form a hollow space extending in a rectangular shape, irradiating illumination light onto the first and second concave surface portions from the aperture unit side; whether or not the position of the diaphragm unit relative to the lens unit is appropriate is confirmed based on the angle formed by a first line segment connecting the centers of gravity of the reflected light of the illumination light reflected by the lens unit and observed within the first and second concave surface portions as viewed from the diaphragm unit side, and a second line segment parallel to the outer edge of each of the first and second openings that intersects with the first line segment; How to check the alignment of the optical unit.

2. an adjustment jig for adjusting the positions of a lens unit and an aperture unit in an optical unit including a first lens having a first concave surface portion formed thereon and a second lens having a second concave surface portion formed thereon, the first and second concave surface portions being aligned, a first optical axis of the first lens passing through the first concave surface portion, and a second optical axis of the second lens passing through the second concave surface portion; and an aperture unit attached to the surface on which the first and second concave surface portions are formed, the aperture unit having a first opening and a second opening, a housing portion that houses a part of the lens unit; a reflection suppression unit that suppresses reflection of light that has passed through the lens unit; An adjustment jig comprising:

3. The reflection suppression portion is an anti-reflection film provided on the bottom surface of the housing portion. The adjustment jig according to claim 2 .

4. The anti-reflection portion is a main body portion formed of a light-absorbing material. The adjustment jig according to claim 2 .

5. the reflection suppression portion is a space forming portion that forms a space that separates the lens unit from the adjustment jig when the lens unit is accommodated in the adjustment jig. The adjustment jig according to claim 2 .

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