JP3190499B2 - Endoscope imaging device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope image pickup apparatus provided with an image pickup section having improved resistance when sterilized at high temperature and high pressure.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, optical endoscopes have been widely used in the medical field and the like. Since this optical endoscope needs to be observed with the naked eye from the eyepiece, an external TV camera as an endoscope imaging device having a built-in image sensor in the eyepiece of the optical endoscope is required. There is a case where it is used as an endoscope system in which an endoscope image can be displayed on a monitor by being mounted.

In particular, an endoscope to be inserted into a living body is used in a sufficiently sterilized state so as not to cause an infection or the like. After the endoscope is used, it is disinfected with a disinfecting solution (chemical solution) or the like. Conventionally, a TV camera is detached from a CCU for signal processing and subjected to chemical disinfection or gas sterilization.

For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 2-271823 discloses an electronic endoscope apparatus having a structure in which a waterproof cap is attached and cleaning can be performed.

[0005]

However, in disinfection using a disinfecting solution, it takes a considerable amount of time to sufficiently sterilize, so that it is substantially necessary to perform an endoscopic examination as compared with a case where sterilization can be performed in a short time. The usable time is reduced. For this reason, it is desired to have a structure that can be sterilized in high-temperature and high-pressure steam in a short time.

[0006] In this case, the image pickup section of the TV camera incorporates an image pickup device such as a CCD having low resistance to temperature and electronic components, and therefore, it is necessary to provide a sufficient heat insulating structure. However, even if it becomes possible to make the imaging unit a heat-insulating structure, the cable extending from the imaging unit uses conductors and is internally connected to a CCD or electronic components. The temperature of the CCD or the like rises due to the conducted heat.

In this case, it is conceivable that the cable has a heat insulating structure. However, if the entire cable has a heat insulating structure, there is a disadvantage that the cable becomes very difficult to use. Although the above publication has a humidity detecting means, the output of the detecting means does not interrupt heat conduction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and makes it unnecessary to provide a cable with a heat insulating structure, and has an endoscope having a function of effectively preventing heat from being transmitted to a CCD or the like via the cable. It is an object to provide a mirror imaging device.

[0009]

An image pickup unit having a built-in image pickup device for picking up an endoscope image, a cable connected to the image pickup unit and one end, and a cable connected to the other end of the cable. A control unit for performing signal processing on the image pickup unit, and a detachable connector, wherein the image pickup unit is a heat-insulating endoscope image pickup device except for a conductive portion inside the cable, and is provided with a temperature and pressure. And at least one of humidity, or a detecting means for detecting a non-imaging state, and a shutoff mechanism for shutting off a conduction section between the imaging section and the cable based on the detected information, so that at least high temperature In a sterilized condition such as high pressure, CC
The transmission of heat to the D side is blocked, and at the time of endoscopic inspection, the blocking is released and the state is set to a conductive state so that imaging can be performed.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 5 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an endoscope system having the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the first embodiment for the case of sterilization by an autoclave device, FIG. 3 shows the structure of a connector and a connector receiver, FIG. 4 shows the operation in the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 1 comprises a rigid endoscope 2 and a camera endoscope 5 comprising an external TV camera 4 attached to the rigid endoscope 2 via an adapter 3. And a light source device 6 for supplying illumination light to the rigid endoscope 2
A camera control unit (abbreviated as CCU) 7 for performing signal processing on the external TV camera 4, and a monitor 8 for displaying a video signal output from the CCU 7.
And an autoclave adapter 10 to which a connector 9a provided at the end of the camera cable 9 of the external TV camera 4 is detachably attached when sterilized by an autoclave device.

The rigid endoscope 2 has an elongated and rigid insertion portion 11, a large-diameter grip portion 12 connected to the rear end of the insertion portion 11, and a rear end of the grip portion 12. Eyepiece 1
3 and a base provided on the side of the grip portion 12. A light guide cable 15 is connected to the base, and a connector 16 provided at an end of the light guide cable 15.
Can be detachably connected to the light source device 6.

By connecting the connector 16 of the light guide cable 15 to the light source device 6,
The illumination light transmitted by the light guide is supplied to the light guide in the rigid endoscope 2 and the illumination window at the distal end of the insertion portion 11 is irradiated with white light from a lamp (not shown) inside the light guide. From the front and illuminates the subject.

With the illumination light emitted from the illumination window,
The illuminated subject is formed into an image by an objective lens (not shown) provided at the distal end, and the formed image is transmitted to the eyepiece 13 side by a relay optical system, and can be magnified and observed through the eyepiece. ing.

A camera head 21 forming the external TV camera 4 is detachably attached to the eyepiece 13 via an adapter 3. FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment comprising an external TV camera 4 and an autoclave adapter 10. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a camera cable 9 is provided.
Except for the above, the camera head 21 and the autoclave adapter 10 having a built-in image sensor are heat-insulated.

That is, the camera head 21 is further housed in a metal outer case 22 and two heat insulating cases 23 and 24.
Are housed through an air layer to form a heat-insulating multilayer. The rear ends of the two cases 23 and 24 are fixed to a heat-insulating case fixing member 25, and a fixing member to which the outer case 22 is fixed is connected to the rear end of the case fixing member 25.

Outer case 22 and inner case 23
Cover glass 26 and infrared cut filter 2
7 is mounted in a liquid-tight manner, and a CCD 28 is mounted in a case 24 on the inside thereof. A screw is provided at the outer end of the outer case 22, and the adapter 3 is detachably mounted.

The lead on the back surface of the CCD 28 is an electric circuit 29
A signal transmission line (also referred to as a signal line) 33 is connected to a terminal on the rear side of the electric circuit 29 via contacts a and b of a relay switch 31, and the signal line 33 reaches the connector 9a. The contacts a and b actually represent a plurality of pairs of contacts, and the signal line 33 actually represents a plurality of signal lines.
A drive signal for driving the CCD 28 and a CCD output signal (video signal) captured by the CCD 28 are transmitted.

The coil 32 of the relay switch 31 is connected to the connector 9a via a switch disconnection control line 34 inserted through the camera cable 9 together with the signal line 33. Note that a seal member 35 is disposed so as to be in close contact with the cable 9 inside the camera head 21, and has a liquid-tight and air-tight structure.

On the other hand, the autoclave adapter 10 is formed of, for example, a double heat-insulating outer case 36 and an inner case 37, and has a heat-insulating multiple structure. A connector receiver 38 to which the connector 9a is connected is provided on the front surface of the autoclave adapter 10, and a switch disconnection control line 34 is connected to an internal disconnection switch control circuit 39.

The disconnection switch control circuit 39 includes a battery 42 housed in a heat-resistant battery case 41.
And the power required for the operation is supplied. The disconnection switch control circuit 39 is provided with heat insulating cases 36 and 37.
Via a packing 43 to retain the water-tight and gas-tight also connected to a sensor 44 which is mounted in an opening provided in,
In response to the signal output from the sensor 44, the disconnection switch control circuit 39 outputs a drive signal to the coil 32 and turns the contacts a and b ON or OFF.

FIG. 3 shows the connector 9a and the connector receiver 38.
The structure of is shown. A connector shell 43 serving as an exterior member of the connector 9a provided at an end of the camera cable 9 is tapered at a rear end side and has a substantially cylindrical shape with an opening at a front end side. An insulator fixing frame 44 is fixed, and an insulator 45 is fixed to the insulator fixing frame 44 with fixing screws 46.

The insulator fixing frame 44 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is provided with a fitting portion which is fitted near the front end of the connector shell 43, and is housed in a circumferential groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connector shell 43 at this fitting portion. The O-ring 47 has a water-tight and air-tight structure to prevent moisture or steam from entering from a fitting portion with the connector shell 43.

The insulator fixing frame 44 is provided with a projection projecting radially outward, and a projection projecting radially inward of the fixing ring 48 between the projection and the front end of the connector shell 43. Is rotatably sandwiched. A fixing screw is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the front end of the fixing ring 48 so as to be detachably attached to the connector receiver 38.

A contact pin 49 is inserted into each contact pin mounting hole of the insulator 45, and each contact pin 4
9 has its tip protruding from the surface of the insulator 45,
The rear end is held so as to protrude from the back surface of the insulator 45. The front end of the insulator fixing frame 44 projects forward from the contact pins 49 projecting from the surface of the insulator 45, thereby preventing the contact pins 49 from being deformed or broken.

At the rear end of each contact pin 49 protruding from the back surface of the insulator 45, a signal line exposed from the end of the camera cable 9 through the circular opening of the connector shell 43 is connected and fixed by soldering. In the vicinity of the circular opening of the connector shell 43, a cable stopper is attached so as to be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the camera cable 9 and to prevent the cable from coming off.

The connector shell 43 is also provided with an opening in the outer peripheral surface. A sealing resin 50 made of a material having a sealing function is filled in the connector shell 43 from the opening, and the end of the camera cable 9 is closed. Around the vicinity, around the soldered portion between the signal line and the contact pin 49, the gap between the contact pin 49 and the contact pin mounting hole, the fitting portion between the insulator 45 and the insulator fixing frame 44, the insulator fixing frame 4
4 and the connector shell 43 are hermetically sealed.

In this way, the connector 9a at the end of the camera cable 9 also has a structure having watertight and airtight functions. On the other hand, the connector receiver 38 to which the connector 9a is connected has a connector receiving outer case 51 fixed to the opening of the outer case 36 with screws 52, and has a liquid-tight and air-tight structure with an O-ring 53 interposed therebetween. This connector receiving exterior 51
An insulator 54 is attached to the inside of the switch.
Contact pin receiver 5 connected to contact pin 49 to which is connected
5 are provided.

An opening is also provided in the inner case 37 opposite to the opening in which the connector receiver 38 is mounted. The inner case 37 is connected to the connector receiving outer case 51 by packings 56a and 56b made of heat insulating resin, and is connected to the contact pin receiver 55. The cut signal line 57 is drawn to the disconnect switch control circuit 39 side. The periphery of the wire 57 connected to the contact pin receiver 55 is filled with a sealing resin 58 so as to maintain watertightness and airtightness.

The connector receiver 38 is not provided with a contact pin receiver connected to a contact pin 49 connected to the signal line 33. On the other hand, the signal line 3 is
There is a contact pin receiver connected to the contact pin 49 connected to 3.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the operation of FIG.
4A shows a state at normal temperature and normal pressure, and FIG. 4B shows a state at high temperature and high pressure. When the sensor 44 detects normal temperature and normal pressure, the disconnection switch control circuit 39 does not output a drive signal, and the contacts a and b are turned on as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the sensor 44 is at a high temperature (for example, a breaking temperature of electronic parts of 80 ° C.) or a high pressure (for example,
In a), the disconnection switch control circuit 39 outputs a drive signal to the coil 32 to open the contacts a and b of the relay switch 31. By opening the contacts a and b, heat is prevented from being transmitted to the CCD 28 in the camera head 21 via the signal line 33, and the components of the CCD 28 and the electric circuit 29 are prevented from being damaged or deteriorated by heat.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of this embodiment. FIG. 5A shows a case where a pressure detection sensor is used as the sensor 44, and FIG. 5B shows a case where a heat detection sensor (temperature sensor) is used as the sensor 44.
As in step S1, the connection of the autoclave adapter 10 is waited, and if it is connected, the power switch of the autoclave circuit is turned on. With this ON, the sensor 44
Is in the operating state, and the detection output is output to the disconnection switch control circuit 39.

The disconnection switch control circuit 39 determines whether the output value of the sensor 44 is 12 as shown in step S3.
It is determined whether the pressure is equal to or higher than the reference pressure value of 00 hPa. If the pressure value is equal to or higher than the reference pressure value, a drive signal is applied to the relay switch 31 to disconnect the contacts a and b to disconnect the camera cable 9 as shown in step S4. State.

Thereafter, if the connection state of the autoclave adapter 10 is maintained, the state is maintained (step S5), and if the connection state is removed, step S6 is performed.
Turn off the power switch of the autoclave circuit as shown
And returns to step S1.

When operating with a temperature sensor, FIG.
It is determined whether or not the sensor output detected as in step S11 of (b) is equal to or higher than the destruction temperature of the electronic component. If the temperature is equal to or higher than this temperature, a drive signal is applied to the relay switch 31 and the process proceeds to step S12. The camera cable 9 as described above. FIG. 5B is a simplified view of FIG. 5A.

According to the first embodiment, the camera head 21 is provided with a heat insulating structure except for the camera cable 9 and a relay switch is provided for preventing heat from entering the CCD 28 by the signal line 33 of the camera cable 9 and entering the CCD 28. Since it is configured to be shut off at 31, even when sterilization is performed in high-temperature, high-pressure steam in the autoclave device, the camera cable 9 is shut off.
The heat can be effectively prevented from being transmitted to the CCD 28 side through the lead wire.

Accordingly, the resistance of the CCD 28 to heat can be improved as compared with the case of the camera head 21 in which the signal line 33 is not cut off, and the occurrence of destruction or deterioration due to heat can be prevented as compared with the conventional example.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration of an optical adapter 61 and a camera head 62 according to a modification of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the imaging optical system is housed on the optical adapter 3 side. In this modification, the imaging optical system 63 is housed on the camera head 62 side.

Also in this modification, the camera head 62 has three of the first, second and third covering members 64a, 64b, 64c.
It has a heavy coating structure. A cover glass 65a is hermetically bonded to the opening on the front surface of the first covering member 64a with a heat-resistant adhesive. Also, the second covering member 6
A cover glass 65b is also hermetically bonded to the opening on the front surface of 4b with an adhesive having heat resistance.

A part of the third covering member 64c is formed by a lens frame, and an image forming optical system is attached to the lens frame. A CCD 67 is arranged behind the imaging optical system via an optical filter. The lead on the back of the CCD 67 is connected to a substrate, and a U-shaped flexible substrate 68 is further connected to the substrate.

[0042] This is a rear end portion of the flexible substrate 68 is connected to the first fixed contact 7 6 of the relay switch 71 through a plurality of leads 70 yelling embedded in the insulating member 69, the rear end of the other movable contact 73 Is connected to a signal line in the camera cable 74.

Two control lines in the camera cable 74 are connected to a coil 75 forming a relay switch 71.
(See FIG. 7A). The periphery of the connection between the movable contact 73 and the signal line is filled with a sealing resin 76 to prevent moisture from traveling along the inside of the cable 74 and entering.

FIG. 7 shows the structure of the relay switch 71.
A plurality of fixed contacts 72 are fixed to the insulating frame on one end face side of the iron core of the coil 75, and a second contact is provided above each fixed contact 72.
Are attached. The movable contact 73 is positioned so that the distal end is located between the two fixed contacts 72 and 76.
Is arranged.

When the coil 75 is energized, the iron core is magnetized, attracts the movable contact 73 and comes into contact with the contact 72.
When not energized, it is urged upward by a spring or the like (not shown),
It is in contact with the upper contact 76. The contact 7 2 6
Is not connected . Other parts of this modified example have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the operation and effect thereof are also the same as those of the first embodiment.
This is almost the same as the embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a camera head 81 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This camera head 81 has the outer coating 8
2, an inner coating 83 is provided inside the inner coating 8.
3 has a multiple heat insulating coating structure in which an inner coating 85 in which a CCD 84 is accommodated is provided. A cover glass is provided in an opening on the front surface of the coatings 82 and 83, and a CCD 84 is housed inside the cover glass.

On the back side of the CCD 84, a flexible substrate 86 is arranged in a U-shape.
The rear end of 6 is connected to a lead 87 embedded in an insulating member. Each lead 87 is connected to one terminal of a reed switch 88. The other terminal of each reed switch 88 is connected to a signal line of a camera cable 90 via a lead 89 embedded in an insulating member.

In this embodiment, a switch button 91 is provided on the side of the camera head 81 facing the reed switch 88 so as to be embedded. The structure of this part is shown in FIG.
(A). This switch button 91 is used for the outer cover 82.
A button 93 urged outward by a spring 92 is housed in a recess formed in the inner cover 83.

The button 93 is connected via an arm 94 to an internal magnet 96 made liquid-tight by a packing 95. This magnet 96 faces the reed switch 88 inside the inner cover 83. Then, when the button 93 is pressed as shown in FIG. 9B, the movable contact 97 of the reed switch 88 is attracted, and comes into contact with the fixed contact 98 to conduct.

When further pressing operation is performed in the state shown in FIG. 9B, the button 93 projects from the recess as shown in FIG. 9C, and the movable contact 97 also comes into contact with the fixed contact 98 by the urging force. Return to the position where it does not touch. That is, the switch button 91 has a toggle switch structure.

In this embodiment, at least when the sterilization is performed by the autoclave device, the state shown in FIG.
Conduction to the CD 84 side can be effectively prevented. On the other hand, when used for endoscopy, it is set in the state shown in FIG. 9B and used.

Although the effect of the second embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, this embodiment has an advantage that the autoclave adapter 10 can be made unnecessary. Also, a control line is not required, and this line can prevent the function of conducting heat inside the camera head.

FIG. 10 shows a camera head 101 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the camera head 101 has a structure in which, for example, a bimetal disconnection switch 102 is provided instead of the relay switch 88 which is turned on / off by operating the switch button 91.

The leads 87 connected to the flexible board 86 are connected to the pattern 105 of the board 104 attached to the board fixing member 103. This substrate 104 has a pattern 105 and a pattern 10 as shown in FIG.
A bimetal 107 to which a flexible substrate 106 that is in contact / non-contact with 5 is attached is attached at a fulcrum.

A contact portion 108 is provided on the flexible board 106 provided on the bimetal 107. The end of the flexible board 106 on the fulcrum side of the pattern is the connector 1.
09, and each contact pin is connected to a signal line of the camera cable 90. The bimetal 107 comes into contact with the pattern 105 at room temperature, and when the temperature reaches a temperature higher than room temperature, the pattern 105 as shown in FIG.
And non-contact state. Other configurations are almost the same as those of the second embodiment.

This embodiment has substantially the same effects as the second embodiment, and has the advantage that it is not necessary to manually operate the button switch 91. That is, in the state used in normal endoscopy, the disconnection switch 102
Is in the ON state, and can be used in the same manner as a normal camera head.

On the other hand, in an environment in which sterilization is performed in an autoclave device, the disconnection switch 102 is turned off as shown in FIG. 11 due to an increase in temperature, so that heat conduction is cut off. Therefore, the temperature of the CCD 84 and the like can be prevented from rising as compared with the conventional example in which the disconnection switch 102 is not provided.

FIG. 12 shows a structure near the scope adapter 111 in a modification of the third embodiment, and FIG. 13 shows an equivalent circuit for explaining the operation of the modification. In this modification, for example, the cover glass 11
The push switch 11 is provided with a recess at one place on the outer periphery of
4 are provided. A screw is provided outside the tip of the camera head 112, and a scope adapter 111 is detachably attached.

The scope adapter 111 is detachably connected to the eyepiece 116 of the rigid endoscope 115. The push switch 114 is housed in a recess so as to slightly protrude from the front surface of the cover glass 113, and
When 1 is attached to the eyepiece 116 of the rigid endoscope 115, the push switch 114 is pressed so that the switch contact is turned ON, and when it is detached, the push switch 114 is turned OFF. Is set to

As shown in FIG. 13, when turned on, current is supplied from the relay power supply to the coil 122 of the relay switch 121, the switch contacts a and b are turned on, and each signal line is electrically connected to the electric circuit 123 and the CCD 124. State.

On the other hand, when the rigid endoscope 115 is detached, as shown by the dotted line in FIG.
4 is turned off. In this case, no current is supplied from the relay power supply to the coil 122 of the relay switch 121, so that the switch contacts a and b are turned off, and each signal line is cut off from the electric circuit 123 and the CCD 124. Become.

In FIG. 12, the camera head 112 is formed of first, second, and third covering members 125, 126, and 127, and a relay switch 121 as shown in FIG. .

In such a configuration, when sterilization is performed by the autoclave device, the rigid endoscope 115 and the camera head 112 are separated from each other. In this case, the switch contacts a and b are used as described above. Is in an OFF state, and it is possible to effectively prevent heat from being conducted to the electric circuit 123 and the CCD 124 through each signal line.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. An endoscope imaging apparatus 131 of this embodiment includes a TV camera 134 in which a relay switch 133 is housed in an imaging unit 132, and a connector 136 attached to an end of a camera cable 135 extending from the imaging unit 132.
And a CCU 137 which is detachably connected.

The image pickup section 132 contains a CCD 138, an electronic circuit 139 connected to the CCD 138, and a relay switch 133 connected to the electronic circuit 139 and one contact a. This relay switch 133
Is connected to a signal line, and this signal line is connected to the connector 136. The coil 140 of the relay switch 133 is connected to the connector 136 via a control line.
Is connected to

The CCU 137 includes a video signal processing circuit 141, a power supply circuit 142 for supplying power to the video signal processing circuit 141, and a plug 1 connected to a commercial power supply.
43 includes a power transformer 145 connected via a power switch 144.

When the connector 136 is connected to the CCU 137, a drive current is supplied to the coil 140 from the power supply circuit 142 via a control line.
As shown in FIG. 14A, the contacts a and b of the relay switch 140 are turned off when no drive current is supplied to the coil 140.
It is set to be FF. Therefore, when the connector 136 is not connected to the CCU 137,
The contacts a and b are always turned off.

On the other hand, when the connector 136 is connected to the CCU 137 and the power switch 144 is turned on, a drive current is supplied to the coil 140 from the power supply circuit 142 in the CCU 137, and the contacts a and b are turned on.

That is, in this embodiment, the connector 136 is connected to the CCU 137 in the state used for endoscopic inspection, so that the contacts a and b are turned on and the video signal processing circuit 1 is turned on.
41 and the electronic circuit 139 are electrically connected. When the sterilization is performed in the autoclave device, the connector 136 is detached from the CCU 137, so that the contacts a and b are turned off, so that heat can be effectively prevented from being transmitted through the signal line.

FIG. 15 shows a TV according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows a camera 151 and a sterilization tray 152 in which the TV camera 151 is stored.

In this embodiment, the tray 152 is provided with a storage section 153 for storing the TV camera 151. The TV camera 151 is stored in the storage section 153, and the TV camera 151 is closed with a lid 154 and put into an autoclave device. As described above, by storing in the sterilization tray 152 and performing sterilization, it is possible to prevent the camera cable 155 and the like from being damaged by another scalpel or the like during sterilization.

Further, in this embodiment, a projection 159 is provided at a position corresponding to the position of the switch button 158 provided on the camera head 156 in the head storage section 157 which can be stored according to the outer shape of the camera head 156 in the tray 152. When the camera head 156 is stored in the head storage section 157, the switch button 158 is pressed by the projection 159 and the switch is turned off.

That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the switch button 158 of the camera head 156 is
59 against the spring 160, the pressing portion 16
1, the switch body 162 inside is pushed and the switch contact is turned off. When the switch contact is turned off, the signal line is cut off inside the camera head 156.

In FIG. 15, the camera head storage section 157 is also provided with a shape restricting section for positioning the camera head 156 to be stored and restricting the camera head 156 from moving. Further, the enlarged view of the camera head 156 in FIG.
8 is provided. The switch button 158 is formed small so that it cannot be turned off even if a finger touches it.

Although the switch is turned off by the projection 159 in this embodiment, a magnet may be provided on the tray 152 to turn off the reed switch and the like. In this embodiment, when the camera head 156 is stored in the sterilization tray 152, the contact is turned off, and heat can be effectively prevented from being transmitted to the CCD through the signal line.

FIG. 17 shows a camera head 171 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment uses a camera head 17.
1 is covered with a cover glass at the front end opening of the exterior 172 forming the CCD 1, and a CCD 173 is disposed inside the interior. FIG.
Although a single covering structure is shown in the drawings, a double or triple covering structure may be used to further improve the heat insulating function.

On the back side of the CCD 173, a substrate 174 is provided.
Are arranged in the longitudinal direction, and the leading end of the pattern formed on the substrate 174 is connected to the CCD 173 by a lead wire.

The rear end of the pattern on the board 174 is connected to the signal line of the camera cable 175. The rear end of the exterior 172 is fixed to the cable buckle 176 with a sealing material interposed therebetween, and the outer periphery of the camera cable 175 inserted into the hole of the cable buckling 176 is also formed into a water-honey structure with the sealing material.

In this embodiment, a heat storage member 178 is attached to the substrate 174 via a heat insulating support member 177. The heat storage member 178 is formed of, for example, a bimetal, a shape memory alloy, or the like. When heated, the heat storage member 178 bends from the state shown by the solid line to contact the substrate surface as shown by the two-dot chain line, and conducts to the CCD 173 via the substrate 174. Heat storage member 1
The heat is stored on the side 78 to prevent the temperature of the substrate 174 and the CCD 173 from rising.

When the temperature drops, the state shown by the two-dot chain line returns to the state shown by the solid line, and the heat storage member 178
Move away from According to this embodiment, when sterilizing in an autoclave apparatus in high-temperature, high-pressure steam, the camera head 171 is insulated, but the cable 175 is not insulated and the cable 175 is a conductive member. CCD1 inside camera head 171 via (metal wire)
The heat storage member 178 can store the heat transmitted to the 73 side by conduction, and can prevent the temperature of the CCD 173 from rising, so that the CCD 173 can be prevented from being broken or deteriorated by heat.

Incidentally, for example, a structure in which the disconnection switch 102 shown in FIG. 11 is provided on the substrate 174 as shown by a dotted line may be used to more effectively prevent the temperature of the CCD 173 from rising. The disconnection switch 102 is provided in the middle of the pattern.
The pattern 4 and the pattern on the bimetal side are turned off.

FIG. 18 shows the structure of a heat storage member 181 according to a modification of the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 18A, a flexible pattern 184 is attached to a bimetal 182 via an insulating member 183.
The short circuit is reliably prevented from occurring by bringing the flexible pattern 184 into contact with the pattern of the substrate 174.

In FIG. 18B, a heat storage pattern portion 187 is also formed on a flexible substrate 186 provided on a bimetal. Further, the pattern 188 on the substrate 174 side is provided with a contact pattern portion 189 having a large contact area so as to increase the efficiency of heat conduction when contacting the flexible substrate 186.

In FIG. 18C, the heat storage is turned ON / OFF by a manual selection switch 191 provided on the exterior 172.
Can be selected and set. This switch 191
By pressing, the internal heat storage member 192 can be pressed and brought into contact with the substrate 172.

FIG. 19A shows the structure around the camera head 201 in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment has a double coating structure in which an inner coating 203 is provided inside an outer coating 202. A lens 204 is attached to a tip of the inner cover 203, and a CCD 205 is disposed behind the lens 204.

Each signal line 206 connected to a lead on the back surface of the CCD 205 is connected to a connector 208 attached to a covering fixing member 207. This connector section 208
, The signal line 206 and each cable core 211 of the camera cable 209 are connected.

In this embodiment, as shown in the enlarged view, the thickness of the connector portion 208 on the signal line 206 side is made smaller than the thickness of the cable core wire 211 to increase the thermal resistance so that heat is hardly transmitted to the camera head 201 side. are doing.

FIG. 19B shows a camera head 221 according to a modification of the seventh embodiment. In this modified example, an isolation wall 222 is provided in the connector section 208 in FIG.
The signal line 206 is connected to the cable core 211 via the thin pattern 224 of the PCB 223. The operation and effect of this modification are almost the same as those of the seventh embodiment. In the camera head 231 of the second modification shown in FIG.
Terminal plates 233 and 234 are provided on both sides of the 2, and a thin signal line 235 connects between them. The operation and effect of this modification are almost the same as those of the seventh embodiment.

For example, in the first embodiment and the like, it has been described that the sensor detects the temperature or the pressure. However, in order to detect the environment of the autoclave processing, the humidity is detected and the switch is turned off. Is also good.

[0090]

As described above, according to the present invention, an imaging section having an imaging element for capturing an endoscope image, a cable connected to the imaging section and one end, An endoscope image pickup device provided at the other end and having a detachable connector in a control unit for performing signal processing on the image pickup unit, wherein the image pickup unit has a heat insulating structure except for a conductive portion inside the cable. A detecting means for detecting at least one of temperature, pressure, and humidity, or a non-imaging state, and a shutoff mechanism for shutting off a conductive part between the imaging unit and the cable based on the detected information. Therefore, when sterilizing with an autoclave device, it has a function that can effectively prevent the transfer of heat to the image sensor and the like via the conducting part of the cable, and the image sensor and the like are destroyed by heat or the characteristics are deteriorated Can prevent There is an effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope system including a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the structure of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a structure of a connector and a connector receiver.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the structure of a camera head according to a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view and a side view showing the structure of a relay switch inside the camera head.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the structure of a camera head according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the structure of a switch button provided on the camera head.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the structure of a camera head according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing a bimetal disconnection switch inside the camera head.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure around an adapter according to a modification of the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit for explaining the operation of FIG. 13;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a TV camera and a sterilization tray according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view for explaining the operation of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing the structure of a camera head according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a heat storage mechanism and the like in a modification of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing the structure of a camera head according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope system 2 ... Rigid endoscope 3 ... Adapter 4 ... External TV camera 5 ... Camera endoscope 7 ... CCU 9 ... Camera cable 9a ... Connector 10 ... Autoclave adapter 13 ... Eyepiece 21 ... Camera head 22 ... Exterior case 28 ... CCD 31 ... Relay switch 32 ... Coil 33 ... Signal line 34 ... Control line 38 ... Connector receiver 39 ... Disconnect switch control circuit 41 ... Battery 44 ... Sensor a, b ... Contact

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Shinkichi Tanizawa 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside the O-Limpus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Tatsuno 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo O-Limpus Optics (72) Inventor Masao Uehara 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo O-limpus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masahiro Hagiwara 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo O-limpus Optics Within Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hideki Koyanagi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Kogyo Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-5-42103 (JP, A) JP-A-1- 234812 (JP, A) JP-A-57-49426 (JP, A) JP-A-1-284226 (JP, A) JP-A-2-271823 (JP, A) JP-A-1-299571 (JP, A) JP-A-55-34804 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 1/00-1/32 G02B 23/24 H01L 27 / 14,2 9/76

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An image pickup unit having an image pickup element for picking up an endoscope image; a cable connected to the image pickup unit at one end; and an image pickup unit provided at the other end of the cable. A detachable connector is provided in a control unit that performs signal processing on the endoscope, and the imaging unit is an endoscope imaging device having a heat-insulating structure except for a conduction unit inside the cable, and includes a temperature, a pressure, and a humidity. An endoscope imaging apparatus, comprising: at least one detection unit that detects a non-imaging state; and a blocking mechanism that blocks a conduction unit between the imaging unit and a cable based on the detected information. .