JP5830421B2

JP5830421B2 - Endoscope

Info

Publication number: JP5830421B2
Application number: JP2012067785A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 慶佑籏野; 素啓黒田
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 2012-03-23
Filing date: 2012-03-23
Publication date: 2015-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-23
Also published as: JP2013198566A

Description

本発明は、被検体内に挿入される挿入部を具備する内視鏡に関する。 The present invention relates to an endoscope including an insertion portion that is inserted into a subject.

近年、被検体内に挿入される内視鏡は、医療分野及び工業用分野において広く利用されている。内視鏡は、細長い挿入部を被検体内に挿入することによって、被検体内を観察することができる。 In recent years, endoscopes inserted into a subject have been widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. The endoscope can observe the inside of the subject by inserting an elongated insertion portion into the subject.

また、内視鏡の挿入部の挿入方向先端側（以下、単に先端側と称す）に設けられた先端部は、硬質な導電性の金属から構成された先端硬質部材を具備しており、先端硬質部材内に、被検体内を撮像する撮像ユニットが設けられている。 In addition, the distal end portion provided on the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope (hereinafter simply referred to as the distal end side) includes a distal end hard member made of a hard conductive metal. An imaging unit for imaging the inside of the subject is provided in the hard member.

尚、先端硬質部材内には、被検体内に処置具を供給する用の処置具挿通用管路や、被検体内に液体を供給する前方送水管路や、撮像ユニットの後述する観察窓に気体または液体を供給する送気送水管路等のそれぞれ既知の各種管路が形成されているとともに、照明用窓に照明光を供給するライトガイドが挿通されている。 In the distal end rigid member, a treatment instrument insertion conduit for supplying the treatment instrument into the subject, a forward water supply conduit for supplying the liquid into the subject, and an observation window described later of the imaging unit are provided. Various known conduits such as an air / water supply conduit for supplying gas or liquid are formed, and a light guide for supplying illumination light is inserted into the illumination window.

また、先端硬質部材の先端面には、撮像ユニットを構成する複数の対物レンズの内、最も先端側に位置する対物レンズ（観察窓）や、被検体内に対してライトガイドから伝達された照明光を供給する照明窓や、処置具挿通用管路の先端開口や、前方送水管路の先端開口や、送気送水管路の先端開口に装着されたノズル等が設けられている。 In addition, the distal end surface of the distal end rigid member has an objective lens (observation window) positioned closest to the distal end among a plurality of objective lenses constituting the imaging unit, and illumination transmitted from the light guide to the subject. An illumination window for supplying light, a tip opening of the treatment instrument insertion conduit, a tip opening of the front water supply conduit, a nozzle attached to the tip opening of the air / water supply conduit, and the like are provided.

ここで、特許文献１には、先端部の細径化を図るとともに、製造コストを低減させる他、内視鏡とともに高周波処置具を用いた場合における高周波や被検体内の静電気が先端硬質部材内の撮像ユニットに印加されてしまうことを防ぐ目的から、先端硬質部材に電気絶縁部材である樹脂を用いた構成が開示されている。 Here, in Patent Document 1, in addition to reducing the diameter of the distal end portion and reducing the manufacturing cost, high frequency and static electricity in the subject in the case of using a high frequency treatment tool together with an endoscope are not contained in the distal end hard member. In order to prevent the image pickup unit from being applied to the image pickup unit, a configuration using a resin that is an electrically insulating member as the hard end member is disclosed.

特開２００７−０８９８８８号公報JP 2007-089888 A

ところで、先端硬質部材が導電性の金属から構成されていた従来の撮像ユニットにおいては、該撮像ユニットを構成する導電性を有する部材、例えばレンズ枠と導電性の金属から構成された先端硬質部材とが接することにより、撮像ユニットがＧＮＤに接続される構成を有していた。 By the way, in the conventional imaging unit in which the tip hard member is made of a conductive metal, a conductive member constituting the imaging unit, for example, a lens frame and a tip hard member made of a conductive metal, Has a configuration in which the image pickup unit is connected to the GND.

ところが、特許文献１に示すように、先端硬質部材が電気絶縁部材から構成されていると、先端硬質部材にレンズ枠を接触させたとしても撮像ユニットをＧＮＤに接続することができず、撮像ユニットにおける先端部の先端面から露出した部位に、被検体内から上述した静電気や高周波等が印加されてしまうと撮像ユニットが故障してしまう可能性があった。 However, as shown in Patent Document 1, if the distal end hard member is composed of an electrically insulating member, the imaging unit cannot be connected to the GND even if the lens frame is brought into contact with the distal end hard member, and the imaging unit If the above-described static electricity, high frequency, or the like is applied from the inside of the subject to a portion exposed from the distal end surface of the distal end of the imaging unit, the imaging unit may break down.

本発明は、上記事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、先端硬質部材を電気絶縁部材から構成したとしても、撮像ユニットを確実にＧＮＤに接続することができる構成を有する内視鏡を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an endoscope having a configuration capable of reliably connecting an imaging unit to GND even if the distal end hard member is formed of an electrically insulating member. With the goal.

上記目的を達成するために本発明の一態様による内視鏡は、被検体内に挿入される挿入部を具備する内視鏡であって、前記挿入部の挿入方向の先端側に位置する先端部を構成する、電気絶縁部材から構成された先端硬質部材と、前記先端硬質部材内に設けられた、前記被検体を撮像する撮像ユニットと、前記先端硬質部材内または該先端硬質部材の外周に設けられた、ＧＮＤに導通された金属部材と、前記先端硬質部材内に設けられるとともに、該先端硬質部材の径方向において前記撮像ユニットの外周と前記金属部材との間に形成された間隙に変形された状態において挿入された、前記撮像ユニットにおける導電性を有する部材と前記金属部材とを当接させ電気的に導通させる変形自在な導電性部材と、を具備し、前記金属部材は、前記先端硬質部材内に設けられた少なくとも前記被検体内の被検部位を処置する処置具が挿通される管路である。
また、本発明の他態様による内視鏡は、被検体内に挿入される挿入部を具備する内視鏡であって、前記挿入部の挿入方向の先端側に位置する先端部を構成する、電気絶縁部材から構成された先端硬質部材と、前記先端硬質部材内に設けられた、前記被検体を撮像する撮像ユニットと、前記先端硬質部材内または該先端硬質部材の外周に設けられた、ＧＮＤに導通された金属部材と、前記先端硬質部材内に設けられるとともに、該先端硬質部材の径方向において前記撮像ユニットの外周と前記金属部材との間に形成された間隙に変形された状態において挿入された、前記撮像ユニットにおける導電性を有する部材と前記金属部材とを当接させ電気的に導通させる変形自在な導電性部材と、を具備し、前記金属部材は、前記先端硬質部材の外周に被覆された、前記挿入部において前記先端部の前記挿入方向基端側に位置する湾曲部を構成する湾曲管である。
また、本発明の他態様による内視鏡は、被検体内に挿入される挿入部を具備する内視鏡であって、前記挿入部の挿入方向の先端側に位置する先端部を構成する、電気絶縁部材から構成された先端硬質部材と、前記先端硬質部材内に設けられた、前記被検体を撮像する撮像ユニットと、前記先端硬質部材内または該先端硬質部材の外周に設けられた、ＧＮＤに導通された金属部材と、前記先端硬質部材内に設けられるとともに、該先端硬質部材の径方向において前記撮像ユニットの外周と前記金属部材との間に形成された間隙に変形された状態において挿入された、前記撮像ユニットにおける導電性を有する部材と前記金属部材とを当接させ電気的に導通させる変形自在な導電性部材と、を具備し、前記導電性部材は、細長に形成されており、一端側が前記間隙に変形された状態で挿入され、他端が前記先端硬質部材内に固定されている。
また、本発明の他態様による内視鏡は、被検体内に挿入される挿入部を具備する内視鏡であって、前記挿入部の挿入方向の先端側に位置する先端部を構成する、電気絶縁部材から構成された先端硬質部材と、前記先端硬質部材内に設けられた、前記被検体を撮像する撮像ユニットと、前記先端硬質部材内または該先端硬質部材の外周に設けられた、ＧＮＤに導通された金属部材と、前記先端硬質部材内に設けられるとともに、該先端硬質部材の径方向において前記撮像ユニットの外周と前記金属部材との間に形成された間隙に変形された状態において挿入された、前記撮像ユニットにおける導電性を有する部材と前記金属部材とを当接させ電気的に導通させる変形自在な導電性部材と、を具備し、前記導電性部材は、弾性変形可能な部材から構成されている。
また、本発明の他態様による内視鏡は、被検体内に挿入される挿入部を具備する内視鏡であって、前記挿入部の挿入方向の先端側に位置する先端部を構成する、電気絶縁部材から構成された先端硬質部材と、前記先端硬質部材内に設けられた、前記被検体を撮像する撮像ユニットと、前記先端硬質部材内または該先端硬質部材の外周に設けられた、ＧＮＤに導通された金属部材と、前記先端硬質部材内に設けられるとともに、該先端硬質部材の径方向において前記撮像ユニットの外周と前記金属部材との間に形成された間隙に変形された状態において挿入された、前記撮像ユニットにおける導電性を有する部材と前記金属部材とを当接させ電気的に導通させる変形自在な導電性部材と、を具備し、前記導電性部材は、塑性変形可能な部材から構成されている。 In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope according to an aspect of the present invention is an endoscope including an insertion portion that is inserted into a subject, and a distal end that is located on a distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion. A distal end rigid member made up of an electrically insulating member, an imaging unit provided in the distal end rigid member for imaging the subject, and the distal end rigid member or an outer periphery of the distal end rigid member. A metal member that is electrically connected to GND and provided in the distal end hard member and deformed into a gap formed between the outer periphery of the imaging unit and the metal member in the radial direction of the distal end hard member inserted in state, anda conductive member deformable to said metal member is brought into contact to electrically conductive with an electrically conductive member in the image pickup unit, wherein the metal member, the destination At least the provided in the rigid member is a pipe line treatment instrument for treating the subject site in the subject is inserted.
An endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention is an endoscope including an insertion portion that is inserted into a subject, and constitutes a distal end portion that is located on the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion. A hard tip member composed of an electrically insulating member, an imaging unit for picking up an image of the subject provided in the hard tip member, and a GND provided in the hard tip member or on the outer periphery of the hard tip member And a metal member that is electrically connected to the distal end hard member, and is inserted in a state of being deformed into a gap formed between the outer periphery of the imaging unit and the metal member in the radial direction of the distal end hard member. A deformable conductive member that contacts and electrically conducts the conductive member in the imaging unit, and the metal member is disposed on an outer periphery of the distal end hard member. Overturned a, a curved pipe that constitutes the bending portion positioned in the insertion direction proximal end side of the distal end portion at the insertion portion.
An endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention is an endoscope including an insertion portion that is inserted into a subject, and constitutes a distal end portion that is located on the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion. A hard tip member composed of an electrically insulating member, an imaging unit for picking up an image of the subject provided in the hard tip member, and a GND provided in the hard tip member or on the outer periphery of the hard tip member And a metal member that is electrically connected to the distal end hard member, and is inserted in a state of being deformed into a gap formed between the outer periphery of the imaging unit and the metal member in the radial direction of the distal end hard member. And a deformable conductive member that contacts and electrically conducts the conductive member in the imaging unit, and the conductive member is formed in an elongated shape. , Is inserted in a state where the end side is deformed into the gap, the other end is fixed to the distal end rigid member.
An endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention is an endoscope including an insertion portion that is inserted into a subject, and constitutes a distal end portion that is located on the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion. A hard tip member composed of an electrically insulating member, an imaging unit for picking up an image of the subject provided in the hard tip member, and a GND provided in the hard tip member or on the outer periphery of the hard tip member And a metal member that is electrically connected to the distal end hard member, and is inserted in a state of being deformed into a gap formed between the outer periphery of the imaging unit and the metal member in the radial direction of the distal end hard member. And a deformable conductive member that contacts and electrically conducts the conductive member and the metal member in the imaging unit, and the conductive member is made of an elastically deformable member. It has been made.
An endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention is an endoscope including an insertion portion that is inserted into a subject, and constitutes a distal end portion that is located on the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion. A hard tip member composed of an electrically insulating member, an imaging unit for picking up an image of the subject provided in the hard tip member, and a GND provided in the hard tip member or on the outer periphery of the hard tip member And a metal member that is electrically connected to the distal end hard member, and is inserted in a state of being deformed into a gap formed between the outer periphery of the imaging unit and the metal member in the radial direction of the distal end hard member. And a deformable conductive member that contacts and electrically conducts the conductive member and the metal member in the imaging unit, and the conductive member is made of a plastically deformable member. It has been made.

本発明によれば、先端硬質部材を電気絶縁部材から構成したとしても、撮像ユニットを確実にＧＮＤに接続することができる構成を有する内視鏡を提供することができる。 ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if a front-end | tip hard member is comprised from an electrically insulating member, the endoscope which has the structure which can connect an imaging unit to GND reliably can be provided.

本実施の形態の内視鏡を示す斜視図The perspective view which shows the endoscope of this Embodiment 図１の挿入部の先端部を図１中のII方向からみた平面図1 is a plan view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of FIG. 1 viewed from the II direction in FIG. 図２中のIII-III線に沿う挿入部の先端側を、一部を省略して概略的に示した断面図FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the distal end side of the insertion portion along the line III-III in FIG. 図３中のIV-IV線に沿う挿入部の先端部の断面図Sectional drawing of the front-end | tip part of the insertion part in alignment with the IV-IV line in FIG. 導電性部材を用いて、撮像ユニットと湾曲管の先端駒とを電気的に接続する構成を概略的に示す断面図Sectional drawing which shows schematically the structure which electrically connects an imaging unit and the front piece of a bending tube using a conductive member ジャンパ線を用いて、撮像ユニットと湾曲管の先端駒とを電気的に接続する構成を概略的に示す分解斜視図Exploded perspective view schematically showing a configuration for electrically connecting the imaging unit and the distal end piece of the bending tube using a jumper wire 図６のジャンパ線を湾曲管の先端駒に形成された溝に挟んだ状態でジャンパ線の基端を湾曲管の先端駒に形成された孔に嵌入させた状態を概略的に示す斜視図FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a state where the base end of the jumper wire is fitted into a hole formed in the distal end piece of the bending tube in a state where the jumper wire of FIG. 6 is sandwiched between grooves formed in the distal end piece of the bending tube. 先端硬質部材に導電性部材を用いた場合における撮像ユニットに静電気や高周波が印加されてしまうことを防ぐ構成を有する内視鏡の挿入部の先端側を概略的に示す断面図Sectional drawing which shows schematically the front end side of the insertion part of an endoscope which has a structure which prevents that static electricity and a high frequency will be applied to an imaging unit at the time of using a conductive member for a front-end | tip hard member. 先端硬質部材に電気絶縁部材を用いた場合における撮像ユニットに静電気や高周波が印加されてしまうことを防ぐ構成を有する内視鏡の挿入部の先端側を概略的に示す断面図Sectional drawing which shows schematically the front end side of the insertion part of an endoscope which has a structure which prevents that static electricity and a high frequency will be applied to an imaging unit at the time of using an electrically insulating member for a front-end | tip hard member. 図３の導電性部材の形状の変形例を示す、挿入部の先端側を一部を省略して概略的に示した断面図Sectional drawing which abbreviate | omitted one part and showed roughly the front end side of the insertion part which shows the modification of the shape of the electroconductive member of FIG. 図１０中のXI-XI線に沿う挿入部の先端部の断面図Sectional drawing of the front-end | tip part of the insertion part in alignment with the XI-XI line in FIG. 図１０、図１１とは異なる導電性部材の形状の別の変形例を示す、挿入部の先端部の断面図Sectional drawing of the front-end | tip part of an insertion part which shows another modification of the shape of the electroconductive member different from FIG. 10, FIG.

以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態を説明する。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

図１は、本実施の形態の内視鏡を示す斜視図、図２は、図１の挿入部の先端部を図１中のII方向からみた平面図、図３は、図２中のIII-III線に沿う挿入部の先端側を、一部を省略して概略的に示した断面図、図４は、図３中のIV-IV線に沿う挿入部の先端部の断面図である。 1 is a perspective view showing an endoscope according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction II in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the distal end side of the insertion portion along the line -III with a part omitted, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion along the line IV-IV in FIG. .

図１に示すように、内視鏡１は、被検体内に挿入される挿入部２と、該挿入部２の挿入方向Ｓの基端側（以下、単に基端側と称す）に設けられた操作部６と、該操作部６から延出されたユニバーサルコード７と、該ユニバーサルコード７の延出端に設けられたコネクタ８とを具備して主要部が構成されている。 As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 1 is provided on an insertion portion 2 to be inserted into a subject and a proximal end side (hereinafter simply referred to as a proximal end side) of the insertion portion 2 in the insertion direction S. The main part is composed of the operating part 6, the universal cord 7 extended from the operating part 6, and the connector 8 provided at the extending end of the universal cord 7.

尚、コネクタ８が、既知の図示しない光源装置やビデオプロセッサ等に接続自在なことにより、内視鏡１は、周辺装置に接続自在となっている。 Since the connector 8 can be connected to a known light source device (not shown), a video processor, or the like, the endoscope 1 can be connected to a peripheral device.

挿入部２は、挿入方向Ｓの先端側（以下、単に先端側と称す）から順に、先端部３と湾曲部４と可撓管部５とを具備して主要部が構成されている。 The insertion portion 2 includes a distal end portion 3, a bending portion 4, and a flexible tube portion 5 in order from the distal end side in the insertion direction S (hereinafter simply referred to as the distal end side), and a main portion is configured.

湾曲部４は、操作部６に設けられた湾曲操作ノブ６ａ、６ｂにより、例えば上下左右の４方向に湾曲操作されるものであり、先端部３と可撓管部５との間に設けられている。 The bending portion 4 is operated by bending operation knobs 6 a and 6 b provided in the operation portion 6, for example, in four directions of up, down, left and right, and is provided between the distal end portion 3 and the flexible tube portion 5. ing.

図２に示すように、先端部３の先端面３ｓに、後述する複数のレンズ２２ａ〜２２ｃからなるレンズ２２（いずれも図３参照）の内、最も先端側に位置する、被検体内の被検部位を観察する観察窓２２ａが設けられている。尚、レンズ２２のレンズ数は３つに限定されない。 As shown in FIG. 2, on the distal end surface 3s of the distal end portion 3, a subject 22 in a subject that is located on the most distal end side among lenses 22 (see FIG. 3) composed of a plurality of lenses 22a to 22c described later. An observation window 22a for observing the inspection site is provided. The number of lenses 22 is not limited to three.

また、先端部３の先端面３ｓに、被検部位に向けて液体を供給する図示しない前方送水管路の先端開口８４と、金属部材である処置具挿通用管路４０を構成する金属から構成されたチャンネルパイプ４１（いずれも図３参照）の先端開口４０ｋと、例えば２つの照明窓８１、８２と、観察窓２２ａに気体または液体を供給することにより、観察窓２２ａに付着した汚れを除去する図示しない送気送水管路の先端開口に接続されたノズル８３とが設けられている。 Further, the distal end surface 3s of the distal end portion 3 is composed of a distal end opening 84 of a front water supply conduit (not shown) for supplying a liquid toward the test site and a metal constituting the treatment instrument insertion conduit 40 which is a metal member. By supplying gas or liquid to the tip opening 40k of the channel pipe 41 (both see FIG. 3), for example, two illumination windows 81 and 82, and the observation window 22a, dirt attached to the observation window 22a is removed. The nozzle 83 connected to the front-end | tip opening of the air / water supply pipe line which is not shown in figure is provided.

尚、チャンネルパイプ４１の先端開口４０ｋからは、操作部６に設けられた図示しない吸引操作釦の釦操作により、処置具挿通用管路４０を介して、体腔内の粘液等が選択的に回収される他、処置具挿入口６ｉ（図１参照）から挿入された各種処置具が、被検部位に向けて突出される。 In addition, from the distal end opening 40k of the channel pipe 41, mucus or the like in the body cavity is selectively collected via the treatment instrument insertion conduit 40 by operating a suction operation button (not shown) provided in the operation section 6. In addition, various treatment tools inserted from the treatment tool insertion port 6i (see FIG. 1) are projected toward the test site.

照明窓８１、８２は、上述した光源装置に接続されたコネクタ８から、ユニバーサルコード７内、操作部６内及び挿入部２内を介して先端部３内の照明窓８１、８２に近接する位置まで挿通されたライトガイド３５（図４参照）によって光源装置から供給された照明光を、被検部位に拡開照射するものである。 The illumination windows 81 and 82 are located close to the illumination windows 81 and 82 in the distal end portion 3 from the connector 8 connected to the above-described light source device through the universal cord 7, the operation portion 6, and the insertion portion 2. The illumination light supplied from the light source device is spread and irradiated to the test site by the light guide 35 (see FIG. 4) inserted up to.

図３に示すように、挿入部２の先端部３は、電気絶縁部材から構成された先端硬質部材２１を具備しており、先端硬質部材２１に、挿入方向Ｓに沿って複数の貫通孔２１ｈ１〜２１ｈ５（図２参照）が形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 3, the distal end portion 3 of the insertion portion 2 includes a distal end hard member 21 made of an electrically insulating member, and the distal end hard member 21 has a plurality of through holes 21h1 along the insertion direction S. To 21h5 (see FIG. 2) are formed.

図２に示すように、貫通孔２１ｈ１には、先端面３ｓ（２１ｓ）から観察窓２２ａが露出されるように、図３に示すように、被検体を撮像する撮像ユニット２０が挿通されている。 As shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 3, the imaging unit 20 for imaging the subject is inserted into the through hole 21h1 so that the observation window 22a is exposed from the distal end surface 3s (21s). .

また、２つの貫通孔２１ｈ２には、図２に示すように、先端面３ｓ（２１ｓ）から２つの照明窓８１、８２が露出されるように、２つの照明窓８１、８２と、各照明窓８１、８２に照明光を供給する上述したライトガイド３５が挿通されている。 In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the two illumination windows 81 and 82 and the respective illumination windows are exposed in the two through holes 21h2 so that the two illumination windows 81 and 82 are exposed from the front end surface 3s (21s). The above-described light guide 35 that supplies illumination light to 81 and 82 is inserted.

さらに、貫通孔２１ｈ３には、上述した送気送水管路が挿通されており、貫通孔２１ｈ４には、上述した前方送水管路が挿通されており、また、貫通孔２１ｈ５には、処置具挿通用管路４０のチャンネルパイプ４１が挿通されている。 Further, the above-described air / water supply conduit is inserted into the through hole 21h3, the above-described forward water supply conduit is inserted into the through hole 21h4, and a treatment instrument is inserted into the through hole 21h5. The channel pipe 41 of the common conduit 40 is inserted.

図３に示すように、処置具挿通用管路４０は、先端硬質部材２１の貫通孔２１ｈ５に挿通された金属から構成されたチャンネルパイプ４１と、該チャンネルパイプ４１の基端側の外周に、糸巻き等により先端側が嵌合固定された柔軟なチューブ４２とから主要部が構成されており、チャンネルパイプ４１及びチューブ４２の内部の空間に、処置具が挿通自在であるとともに吸引された液体や固体が通過可能な通路が形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 3, the treatment instrument insertion conduit 40 includes a channel pipe 41 made of metal inserted into the through hole 21h5 of the distal end hard member 21, and an outer periphery on the proximal end side of the channel pipe 41. The main part is composed of a flexible tube 42 fitted and fixed at the tip side by thread winding or the like, and the treatment tool can be inserted into the space inside the channel pipe 41 and the tube 42 and the sucked liquid or solid The passage which can pass is formed.

尚、処置具挿通用管路４０は、操作部６の処置具挿入口６ｉ（図１参照）において開口されている。また、チャンネルパイプ４１は、接触する湾曲管１２及びコネクタ８を介して上述したビデオプロセッサのＧＮＤ回路に導通している。 The treatment instrument insertion conduit 40 is opened at a treatment instrument insertion port 6i (see FIG. 1) of the operation unit 6. The channel pipe 41 is electrically connected to the above-described GND circuit of the video processor through the curved tube 12 and the connector 8 that are in contact with each other.

前方送水管路、送気送水管路は、挿入部２、操作部６及びユニバーサルコード７内に挿通されており、各管路の基端は、コネクタ８に設けられた図示しない口金に接続されている。 The front water supply pipe and the air / water supply pipe are inserted into the insertion portion 2, the operation portion 6, and the universal cord 7, and the base end of each pipe is connected to a base (not shown) provided in the connector 8. ing.

図３に示すように、撮像ユニット２０において、複数のレンズ２２ａ〜２２ｃから構成されたレンズ２２を保持する金属から構成されたレンズ枠２５の基端側の外周に、金属から構成された素子枠２６の先端側が固定されている。 As shown in FIG. 3, in the imaging unit 20, an element frame made of metal is provided on the outer periphery on the base end side of a lens frame 25 made of metal that holds the lens 22 made up of a plurality of lenses 22 a to 22 c. The distal end side of 26 is fixed.

また、レンズ枠２５は、例えば貫通孔２１ｈ１内において、図２に示すように先端が先端硬質部材２１の先端面２１ｓに露出するよう固定されている。 Further, the lens frame 25 is fixed, for example, in the through hole 21h1 so that the tip is exposed to the tip surface 21s of the tip hard member 21 as shown in FIG.

また、素子枠２６の基端側の内周に、レンズ２７や、撮像素子３０の撮像面を保護するカバーガラス２８が固定されている。 Further, a lens 27 and a cover glass 28 that protects the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 30 are fixed to the inner periphery on the base end side of the element frame 26.

尚、撮像素子３０からは、基板３１が延出されており、該基板３１に、コネクタ８、ユニバーサルコード７、操作部６、挿入部２内に挿通された図示しない信号ケーブルの先端が電気的に接続されているばかりか、各種電子部品が実装されている。 Note that a substrate 31 extends from the image pickup device 30, and the tip of a signal cable (not shown) inserted into the connector 8, the universal cord 7, the operation unit 6, and the insertion unit 2 is electrically connected to the substrate 31. As well as being connected to various electronic components.

信号ケーブルは、撮像素子３０によって撮像された被検部位の像の電気信号を、上述したビデオプロセッサへと伝達するものである。尚、その他の撮像ユニット２０の構成は周知であるため、説明は省略する。 The signal cable transmits the electrical signal of the image of the test site imaged by the image sensor 30 to the video processor described above. Since the configuration of the other imaging unit 20 is well known, description thereof is omitted.

先端硬質部材２１の外周面における基端側には、湾曲部４を構成する金属部材である円環状の湾曲管１２における先端駒１２ｓが固定されている。さらに、先端硬質部材２１の外周面における先端駒１２ｓの先端が固定された部位よりも先端側には、先端部３、湾曲部４、可撓管部５の外表面を構成する外皮１１の先端側が、先端駒１２ｓを覆うように、例えば糸巻き接着等により固定されている。 A distal piece 12 s in an annular curved tube 12 that is a metal member constituting the bending portion 4 is fixed to the proximal end side of the outer peripheral surface of the distal end hard member 21. Furthermore, the distal end of the outer skin 11 constituting the outer surface of the distal end portion 3, the bending portion 4, and the flexible tube portion 5 is located closer to the distal end side than the portion where the distal end of the distal end piece 12 s is fixed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end rigid member 21. The side is fixed by, for example, bobbin bonding so as to cover the tip piece 12s.

ここで、図３、図４に示すように、先端硬質部材２１内において、先端硬質部材２１の径方向Ｒにおける撮像ユニット２０の外周と処置具挿通用管路４０との間、具体的には、撮像ユニット２０の素子枠２６と処置具挿通用管路４０のチャンネルパイプ４１との間に、間隙５１が形成されている。 Here, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the distal end hard member 21, specifically, between the outer periphery of the imaging unit 20 and the treatment instrument insertion conduit 40 in the radial direction R of the distal end hard member 21. A gap 51 is formed between the element frame 26 of the imaging unit 20 and the channel pipe 41 of the treatment instrument insertion conduit 40.

具体的には、間隙５１は、図４に示すように、貫通孔２１ｈ１において撮像ユニット２０の外周と、貫通孔２１ｈ１に一部がはみ出したチャンネルパイプ４１との間に形成されている。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the gap 51 is formed between the outer periphery of the imaging unit 20 in the through hole 21h1 and the channel pipe 41 partially protruding from the through hole 21h1.

また、図３、図４に示すように、間隙５１に、変形自在な導電性部材５０の一端５０ｉ側が、素子枠２６とチャンネルパイプ４１とに挟まれることにより変形された状態で挿入されている。尚、導電性部材５０としては、例えば弾性変形または塑性変形可能であるとともに導電性を有する部材、例えば導電シリコーンゴムが挙げられる。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the one end 50 i side of the deformable conductive member 50 is inserted into the gap 51 in a deformed state by being sandwiched between the element frame 26 and the channel pipe 41. . Examples of the conductive member 50 include a member that can be elastically deformed or plastically deformed and has conductivity, such as conductive silicone rubber.

具体的には、貫通孔２１ｈ５にチャンネルパイプ４１が装着され、貫通孔２１ｈ１に導電性部材５０が挿入された状態で貫通孔２１ｈ１に撮像ユニット２０を装着すると、導電性部材５０の一端５０ｉ側が、素子枠２６とチャンネルパイプ４１とに挟まれることにより変形する。このことによって、一端５０ｉ側は、間隙５１に挿入されている。 Specifically, when the imaging pipe 20 is mounted in the through hole 21h1 with the channel pipe 41 mounted in the through hole 21h5 and the conductive member 50 inserted in the through hole 21h1, the one end 50i side of the conductive member 50 is It is deformed by being sandwiched between the element frame 26 and the channel pipe 41. As a result, the one end 50 i side is inserted into the gap 51.

導電性部材５０は、撮像ユニット２０における導電性を有する部材である素子枠２６と、チャンネルパイプ４１とに面接触することにより、素子枠２６とチャンネルパイプ４１とを電気的に導通させるものである。 The conductive member 50 electrically contacts the element frame 26 and the channel pipe 41 by making surface contact with the element frame 26 that is a conductive member in the imaging unit 20 and the channel pipe 41. .

導電性部材５０は、図４に示すように細長に形成されており、他端５０ｔが先端硬質部材２１の貫通孔２１ｈ１の内壁に当接して固定されている。他端５０ｔは、導電性部材５０が貫通孔２１ｈ１に挿入された際、貫通孔２１ｈ１の内壁に固定されることにより、一端５０ｉ側の位置がずれてしまうことがないよう、一端５０ｉ側を確実に素子枠２６とチャンネルパイプ４１とに挟まれる位置、即ち間隙５１へと位置させるものである。 As shown in FIG. 4, the conductive member 50 is formed in an elongated shape, and the other end 50 t is fixed in contact with the inner wall of the through hole 21 h 1 of the distal end hard member 21. When the conductive member 50 is inserted into the through hole 21h1, the other end 50t is fixed on the inner wall of the through hole 21h1 so that the position on the one end 50i side is not shifted. The position between the element frame 26 and the channel pipe 41, that is, the gap 51 is set.

尚、導電性部材５０は、他端５０ｔのみに限らず、例えば、一端５０ｉも先端硬質部材２１の貫通孔２１ｈ１の内壁に当接して固定されていても構わない。即ち、導電性部材５０の長手方向の両端が固定されていても構わない。この場合、間隙５１には、導電性部材５０の中途位置が変形された状態で挿入される。 The conductive member 50 is not limited to the other end 50t. For example, the one end 50i may be fixed in contact with the inner wall of the through hole 21h1 of the distal end hard member 21. That is, both ends in the longitudinal direction of the conductive member 50 may be fixed. In this case, the middle position of the conductive member 50 is inserted into the gap 51 in a deformed state.

また、図４に示すように、先端硬質部材２１には、導電性部材５０における変形された一端５０ｉ側の逃げ部である逃げ空間５９が形成されている。尚、逃げ空間５９は、間隙５１に連通している。 As shown in FIG. 4, the distal end hard member 21 is formed with a clearance space 59 that is a deformed clearance portion on the side of the one end 50 i of the conductive member 50. The escape space 59 communicates with the gap 51.

尚、その他の内視鏡の構成は、周知であるため説明は省略する。 The other endoscope configurations are well known and will not be described.

このように、本実施の形態においては、先端硬質部材２１内において、撮像ユニット２０の素子枠２６と処置具挿通用管路４０のチャンネルパイプ４１との間の間隙５１に対し、導電性部材５０の一端５０ｉ側が、金属から構成された素子枠２６と金属から構成されるとともにＧＮＤに導通するチャンネルパイプ４１とに挟まれることによって変形された状態で挿入されていると示した。 As described above, in the present embodiment, in the distal end hard member 21, the conductive member 50 is defined with respect to the gap 51 between the element frame 26 of the imaging unit 20 and the channel pipe 41 of the treatment instrument insertion conduit 40. It is shown that the one end 50i side is inserted in a deformed state by being sandwiched between an element frame 26 made of metal and a channel pipe 41 made of metal and conducting to GND.

このことによれば、先端部３の先端面３ｓに露出するレンズ枠２５に、静電気や高周波等が印加されてしまったとしても、レンズ枠２５は、素子枠２６、導電性部材５０、チャンネルパイプ４１を介してＧＮＤに導通されているため、静電気や高周波等が、撮像ユニット２０の基板３１に搭載された電子部品等に印加されてしまうことがない。 According to this, even if static electricity, high frequency, or the like is applied to the lens frame 25 exposed on the tip surface 3s of the tip part 3, the lens frame 25 is composed of the element frame 26, the conductive member 50, the channel pipe. Since it is electrically connected to GND via 41, static electricity, high frequency, or the like is not applied to electronic components or the like mounted on the substrate 31 of the imaging unit 20.

よって、先端硬質部材２１を電気絶縁部材から構成したとしても、撮像ユニット２０を確実にＧＮＤに接続することができる構成を有する内視鏡１を提供することができる。 Therefore, even if the distal end hard member 21 is formed of an electrically insulating member, the endoscope 1 having a configuration that can reliably connect the imaging unit 20 to the GND can be provided.

尚、以下、変形例を、図１０〜図１２を用いて示す。図１０は、図３の導電性部材の形状の変形例を示す、挿入部の先端側を一部を省略して概略的に示した断面図、図１１は、図１０中のXI-XI線に沿う挿入部の先端部の断面図、図１２は、図１０、図１１とは異なる導電性部材の形状の別の変形例を示す、挿入部の先端部の断面図である。 Hereinafter, modifications will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a modification of the shape of the conductive member of FIG. 3, with the distal end side of the insertion portion omitted, and FIG. 11 is a XI-XI line in FIG. Sectional drawing of the front-end | tip part of an insertion part in alignment with FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is sectional drawing of the front-end | tip part of an insertion part which shows another modification of the shape of the electroconductive member different from FIG. 10, FIG.

上述した本実施の形態における図３においては、導電性部材５０の断面形状は、矩形状に形成されているが、これに限らず、素子枠２６とチャンネルパイプ４１とを電気的に導通させることができるのであれば、円状等、どのような断面形状であっても構わないことは勿論である。 In FIG. 3 in the present embodiment described above, the cross-sectional shape of the conductive member 50 is formed in a rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto, and the element frame 26 and the channel pipe 41 are electrically connected. Needless to say, any cross-sectional shape such as a circular shape may be used.

具体的には、図１０、図１１に示すように、先端硬質部材２１内において、径方向Ｒにおける撮像ユニット２０の素子枠２６の外周とチャンネルパイプ４１との間に形成された間隙５１に、変形自在な導電性部材１５０の断面形状が円状を有する部位１５０ｂが変形された状態で挿入されていても構わない。 Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in the distal end hard member 21, a gap 51 formed between the outer periphery of the element frame 26 of the imaging unit 20 and the channel pipe 41 in the radial direction R, The deformable conductive member 150 may be inserted in a state where the portion 150b having a circular cross-sectional shape is deformed.

より具体的には、導電性部材１５０は、導電性部材５０と同様に、例えば弾性変形または塑性変形可能であるとともに導電性を有する部材、例えば導電シリコーンゴムから構成されており、間隙５１に挿入される断面形状が円状を有する部位１５０ｂと、該部位１５０ｂから延出する断面形状が矩形状を有する部位１５０ａとから主要部が構成されている。 More specifically, similarly to the conductive member 50, the conductive member 150 is made of a member that can be elastically deformed or plastically deformed and has conductivity, for example, conductive silicone rubber, and is inserted into the gap 51. The main part is composed of a portion 150b having a circular cross-sectional shape and a portion 150a having a rectangular cross-sectional shape extending from the portion 150b.

また、導電性部材１５０は、間隙５１に部位１５０ｂが挿入されて変形された状態において、部位１５０ａの延出端が先端硬質部材２１の基端面に形成された取り付け穴２１ｐに嵌入されて接着固定されている。 Further, the conductive member 150 is adhesively fixed by fitting the extension end of the portion 150a into the attachment hole 21p formed in the proximal end surface of the distal end hard member 21 in a state where the portion 150b is inserted into the gap 51 and deformed. Has been.

尚、図１０、図１１に示す構成においては、逃げ空間５９は、部位１５０ｂが変形後、該変形した部位が位置する空間、即ち、変形された部位１５０ｂの逃げ部を構成している。 In the configuration shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the relief space 59 constitutes a space where the deformed portion is located after the portion 150b is deformed, that is, a relief portion of the deformed portion 150b.

尚、導電性部材１５０の取り付け方法としては、貫通孔２１ｈ５にチャンネルパイプ４１が装着され、貫通孔２１ｈ１に導電性部材１５０が挿入され、部位１５０ａの延出端が取り付け穴２１ｐに接着固定された状態で貫通孔２１ｈ１に撮像ユニット２０を装着すると、部位１５０ａが、素子枠２６とチャンネルパイプ４１とに挟まれることにより変形する。このことによって、間隙５１に導電性部材１５０が挿入される。 As a method for attaching the conductive member 150, the channel pipe 41 is mounted in the through hole 21h5, the conductive member 150 is inserted into the through hole 21h1, and the extending end of the portion 150a is bonded and fixed to the attachment hole 21p. When the imaging unit 20 is mounted in the through hole 21h1 in the state, the portion 150a is deformed by being sandwiched between the element frame 26 and the channel pipe 41. As a result, the conductive member 150 is inserted into the gap 51.

以上のように、間隙５１の挿入される導電性部材は、断面が円状を有していても構わない。 As described above, the conductive member into which the gap 51 is inserted may have a circular cross section.

さらに、図１２に示すように、先端硬質部材２１内において、径方向Ｒにおける撮像ユニット２０の素子枠２６の外周とチャンネルパイプ４１との間に形成された間隙５１に、断面形状が三角状を有する変形自在な導電性部材２５０が変形された状態で挿入されていても構わない。 Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the cross-sectional shape is triangular in the gap 51 formed between the outer periphery of the element frame 26 of the imaging unit 20 in the radial direction R and the channel pipe 41 in the distal end hard member 21. The deformable conductive member 250 may be inserted in a deformed state.

より具体的には、導電性部材２５０は、導電性部材５０、１５０と同様に、例えば弾性変形または塑性変形可能であるとともに導電性を有する部材、例えば導電シリコーンゴムから構成されており、断面形状が三角状に形成されている。 More specifically, like the conductive members 50 and 150, the conductive member 250 is made of a member that can be elastically deformed or plastically deformed and has conductivity, for example, conductive silicone rubber, and has a cross-sectional shape. Is formed in a triangular shape.

尚、図１２に示す構成においては、逃げ空間５９は、導電性部材２５０が変形後、該変形した部位が位置する空間、即ち、導電性部材２５０の逃げ部を構成しているとともに、間隙５１に導電性部材２５０を押し込むためのスペースを構成している。 In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the escape space 59 constitutes a space where the deformed portion is located after the conductive member 250 is deformed, that is, the escape portion of the conductive member 250 and the gap 51. A space for pushing the conductive member 250 into is formed.

尚、導電性部材２５０の取り付け方法としては、貫通孔２１ｈ５にチャンネルパイプ４１が装着され、貫通孔２１ｈ１に導電性部材２５０が挿入された状態で貫通孔２１ｈ１に撮像ユニット２０を装着すると、導電性部材２５０が、素子枠２６とチャンネルパイプ４１とに挟まれることにより変形する。このことによって、間隙５１に導電性部材２５０が挿入される。 As a method for attaching the conductive member 250, if the channel pipe 41 is attached to the through hole 21h5 and the imaging unit 20 is attached to the through hole 21h1 with the conductive member 250 being inserted into the through hole 21h1, the conductive member 250 becomes conductive. The member 250 is deformed by being sandwiched between the element frame 26 and the channel pipe 41. As a result, the conductive member 250 is inserted into the gap 51.

以上のように、間隙５１の挿入される導電性部材は、断面が三角状を有していても構わない。 As described above, the conductive member into which the gap 51 is inserted may have a triangular cross section.

また、上述した本実施の形態においては、間隙５１は、素子枠２６とチャンネルパイプ４１との間に形成されているとし、間隙５１に挿入された導電性部材５０の一端５０ｉ側を介して、撮像ユニット２０のレンズ枠２５及び素子枠２６を、処置具挿通用管路４０のＧＮＤに導通されたチャンネルパイプ４１に電気的に接続する、即ち、ＧＮＤに接続すると示した。 Further, in the present embodiment described above, the gap 51 is formed between the element frame 26 and the channel pipe 41, and through the one end 50i side of the conductive member 50 inserted into the gap 51, It has been shown that the lens frame 25 and the element frame 26 of the imaging unit 20 are electrically connected to the channel pipe 41 that is electrically connected to the GND of the treatment instrument insertion conduit 40, that is, connected to the GND.

これに限らず、間隙５１は、レンズ枠２５とチャンネルパイプ４１との間に形成されていても構わない。 Not limited to this, the gap 51 may be formed between the lens frame 25 and the channel pipe 41.

この場合、間隙５１に挿入されレンズ枠２５とチャンネルパイプ４１とに挟まれて変形された状態の導電性部材５０の一端５０ｉ側を介して、撮像ユニット２０のレンズ枠２５及び素子枠２６は、ＧＮＤに導通されたチャンネルパイプ４１に電気的に接続される。 In this case, the lens frame 25 and the element frame 26 of the imaging unit 20 are inserted through the one end 50i side of the conductive member 50 inserted into the gap 51 and deformed by being sandwiched between the lens frame 25 and the channel pipe 41. It is electrically connected to the channel pipe 41 conducted to GND.

さらに、間隙５１は、撮像ユニット２０と、他の金属部材との間に形成されていてもよく、例えば、撮像ユニット２０とＧＮＤに導通する湾曲管１２の先端駒１２ｓとの間に形成されていても良く、この位置に形成された間隙に、導電性部材５０の一端５０ｉ側が、例えば素子枠２６と先端駒１２ｓとに挟まれることにより変形された状態で挿入されていても良い。 Further, the gap 51 may be formed between the imaging unit 20 and another metal member. For example, the gap 51 is formed between the imaging unit 20 and the distal end piece 12s of the bending tube 12 that conducts to GND. Alternatively, the one end 50i side of the conductive member 50 may be inserted into the gap formed at this position in a deformed state by being sandwiched between the element frame 26 and the tip piece 12s, for example.

このことによっても、撮像ユニット２０は、導電性部材５０を介して湾曲管１２に電気的に接続されるため、撮像ユニット２０をＧＮＤに接続することができる。 Also by this, since the imaging unit 20 is electrically connected to the bending tube 12 via the conductive member 50, the imaging unit 20 can be connected to GND.

尚、他の金属部材は、先端駒１２ｓに限定されず、先端硬質部材２１内に設けられたＧＮＤに導通する金属部材であって、撮像ユニット２０との間に間隙５１が形成できる位置に設けられていればどのような部材であっても構わない。 The other metal member is not limited to the tip piece 12 s but is a metal member that conducts to GND provided in the tip hard member 21, and is provided at a position where a gap 51 can be formed with the imaging unit 20. Any member may be used as long as it is provided.

また、上述した本実施の形態においては、貫通孔２１ｈ２に、ライトガイド３５と照明窓８１、８２が設けられた構成を示したが、これに限らず、ライトガイドを用いずに、先端部３の先端面３ｓにＬＥＤ等の発光素子が設けられた構成であっても構わないということは云うまでもない。 In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the light guide 35 and the illumination windows 81 and 82 are provided in the through hole 21h2 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the distal end portion 3 is not used without using the light guide. It goes without saying that a light emitting element such as an LED may be provided on the front end surface 3s.

図５は、導電性部材を用いて、撮像ユニットと湾曲管の先端駒とを電気的に接続する構成を概略的に示す断面図、図６は、ジャンパ線を用いて、撮像ユニットと湾曲管の先端駒とを電気的に接続する構成を概略的に示す分解斜視図、図７は、図６のジャンパ線を湾曲駒の先端駒に形成された溝に挟んだ状態でジャンパ線の基端を湾曲管の先端駒に形成された孔に嵌入させた状態を概略的に示す斜視図である。 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration in which the imaging unit and the distal piece of the bending tube are electrically connected using a conductive member. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging unit and the bending tube using jumper wires. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a configuration for electrically connecting the tip piece of the jumper wire, and FIG. 7 shows the base end of the jumper wire in a state where the jumper wire of FIG. 6 is sandwiched between grooves formed in the tip piece of the bending piece. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the state fitted in the hole formed in the front-end | tip piece of a bending tube.

ところで、撮像ユニット２０を湾曲管１２の先端駒１２ｓに電気的に接続する本実施の形態とは異なる他の構成としては、撮像ユニット２０の素子枠２６にジャンパ線の先端を半田やビス等によって電気的に接続し、基端を先端駒１２ｓに半田やビス等によって電気的に接続する構成や、素子枠２６と先端駒１２ｓとの間に形成された径方向Ｒの空間に導電性の接着剤を充填する構成等が考えられるが、これらの構成では半田作業やビス取り付け作業や接着作業が必要となるため、組立性が悪いといった問題があった。 By the way, as another configuration different from the present embodiment in which the imaging unit 20 is electrically connected to the tip piece 12s of the bending tube 12, the tip of the jumper wire is connected to the element frame 26 of the imaging unit 20 with solder, screws, or the like. Electrically connected and the base end is electrically connected to the tip piece 12s by solder, screws, or the like, or conductive adhesive in the space in the radial direction R formed between the element frame 26 and the tip piece 12s. Although the structure etc. which fill with an agent can be considered, since these operations require soldering work, screw mounting work and bonding work, there is a problem that the assemblability is poor.

そこで、図５に示す構成においては、例えば素子枠２６と先端駒１２ｓとの間に、一端が弾性力を以て素子枠２６に接触し、他端が弾性力を以て先端駒１２ｓに接触する、板バネ等の弾性部材７０を設けた。 Therefore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 5, for example, between the element frame 26 and the tip piece 12s, a leaf spring in which one end contacts the element frame 26 with an elastic force and the other end contacts the tip piece 12s with an elastic force. An elastic member 70 such as is provided.

このような構成によれば、先端硬質部材２１に撮像ユニット２０を組み付け、該撮像ユニット２０が組み付けられた先端硬質部材２１を、弾性部材７０を介して先端駒１２ｓに組み付けるのみの容易な組み立て作業により、撮像ユニット２０を容易にＧＮＤに導通させることができる。 According to such a configuration, the imaging unit 20 is assembled to the distal end hard member 21, and the assembling operation is simply performed by assembling the distal end rigid member 21 assembled with the imaging unit 20 to the distal end piece 12 s via the elastic member 70. Thus, the imaging unit 20 can be easily conducted to GND.

また、ジャンパ線を用いる場合には、図６、図７に示すように、撮像ユニット２０に先端が固定されたジャンパ線８０の中途位置を、先端駒１２ｓの先端において、挿入方向Ｓの後方に向かうに従い溝幅が狭くなるよう形成されたＶ字状の溝１２ｖに挟み込み、基端を、先端駒１２ｓに形成された孔１２ｈに嵌入させることにより固定する構成であっても良い。尚、溝１２ｖにジャンパ線８０の中途位置が挟み込まれることにより、撮像ユニット２０のＧＮＤへの導通を確保することができる。 When using jumper wires, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the middle position of the jumper wire 80 whose tip is fixed to the imaging unit 20 is located behind the insertion direction S at the tip of the tip piece 12s. A structure may be adopted in which the base end is fixed by being inserted into a hole 12h formed in the distal end piece 12s by being sandwiched in a V-shaped groove 12v formed so that the groove width becomes narrower as it goes. In addition, since the midway position of the jumper wire 80 is sandwiched in the groove 12v, it is possible to ensure conduction of the imaging unit 20 to GND.

また、この際、ジャンパ線８０の中途位置及び基端は、先端駒１２ｓの外周に被覆される外皮１１によって、外皮と先端駒１２ｓの外周との径方向Ｒの間に挟み込まれて固定されるため、それぞれ溝１２ｖ、孔１２ｈから抜けてしまうことが防止されている。 At this time, the midway position and the base end of the jumper wire 80 are sandwiched and fixed between the outer skin and the outer periphery of the tip piece 12s in the radial direction R by the outer skin 11 covered on the outer periphery of the tip piece 12s. For this reason, it is prevented from coming out of the groove 12v and the hole 12h, respectively.

このような構成によれば、ジャンパ線８０の中途位置を溝１２ｖに挟み、基端を孔１２ｈに嵌入させるのみのビス固定や半田等を用いない作業により、容易にジャンパ線８０の中途位置及び基端を固定することができることから組立性が向上し、また、ジャンパ線８０を介して容易かつ確実に撮像ユニット２０をＧＮＤに導通させることができる。 According to such a configuration, the intermediate position of the jumper wire 80 can be easily set by the operation of sandwiching the middle position of the jumper wire 80 in the groove 12v and not using screw fixing, soldering, or the like only for fitting the base end into the hole 12h. Since the base end can be fixed, the assemblability is improved, and the image pickup unit 20 can be electrically connected to the GND via the jumper wire 80.

［付記］
以上詳述した如く、本発明の実施形態によれば、以下の如き構成を得ることができる。即ち、
（１）被検体内に挿入される挿入部を具備する内視鏡であって、
前記挿入部の挿入方向の先端側に位置する先端部を構成する、電気絶縁部材から構成された、または導電性部材から構成され外表面に電気絶縁部材が被覆された先端硬質部材と、
前記先端硬質部材において、前記先端部の先端面から前記挿入方向の前方に前記挿入方向の先端が突出するよう設けられた、ＧＮＤに導通された除電部材と、
を具備することを特徴とする内視鏡。 [Appendix]
As described in detail above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following configuration can be obtained. That is,
(1) An endoscope including an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject,
The distal end hard member that constitutes the distal end portion located on the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion, is composed of an electrically insulating member, or is composed of a conductive member and is coated with an electrically insulating member on the outer surface;
In the distal end hard member, a static elimination member connected to GND, provided so that the distal end in the insertion direction protrudes forward from the distal end surface of the distal end portion in the insertion direction;
An endoscope comprising:

（２）前記除電部材は、針状部材から形成されていることを特徴とする付記１に記載の内視鏡。 (2) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the static eliminating member is formed of a needle-like member.

ところで、近年、被検体内に挿入される内視鏡は、医療分野及び工業用分野において広く利用されている。内視鏡は、細長い挿入部を被検体内に挿入することによって、被検体内を観察することができる。 Incidentally, in recent years, endoscopes inserted into a subject have been widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. The endoscope can observe the inside of the subject by inserting an elongated insertion portion into the subject.

尚、先端硬質部材内には、被検体内に処置具を供給する用の処置具挿通用管路や、被検体内に液体を供給する前方送水管路や、撮像ユニットの観察窓に気体または液体を供給する送気送水管路等のそれぞれ既知の各種管路が形成されているとともに、照明用窓に照明光を供給するライトガイドが挿通されている。 In the distal end rigid member, a treatment instrument insertion conduit for supplying a treatment instrument into the subject, a forward water supply conduit for supplying a liquid into the subject, an observation window of the imaging unit, gas or Various known conduits such as an air / water supply conduit for supplying liquid are formed, and a light guide for supplying illumination light is inserted into the illumination window.

また、先端硬質部材の先端面には、観察窓や、被検体内に対してライトガイドから伝達された照明光を供給する照明窓や、処置具挿通用管路の先端開口や、前方送水管路の先端開口や、送気送水管路の先端開口に装着されたノズル等が設けられている。 Further, on the distal end surface of the distal end rigid member, an observation window, an illumination window that supplies illumination light transmitted from the light guide to the inside of the subject, the distal end opening of the treatment instrument insertion conduit, the front water supply tube A nozzle or the like attached to the front end opening of the passage or the front end opening of the air / water supply conduit is provided.

ここで、特開２００７−０８９８８８号公報には、先端部の細径化を図るとともに、製造コストを低減させる他、内視鏡とともに高周波処置具を用いた場合における高周波や被検体内の静電気が先端硬質部材内の撮像ユニットに印加されてしまうことを防ぐ目的から、先端硬質部材に電気絶縁部材である樹脂を用いた構成が開示されている。 Here, in JP 2007-089888 A, in addition to reducing the diameter of the tip and reducing the manufacturing cost, there are high frequency and static electricity in the subject when a high frequency treatment instrument is used together with an endoscope. For the purpose of preventing application to the imaging unit in the distal end hard member, a configuration using a resin that is an electrical insulating member for the distal end hard member is disclosed.

また、特開平９−０９０２４３号公報には、内視鏡とともに高周波処置具を用いた場合における高周波や被検体内の静電気が先端硬質部材内の撮像ユニットに印加されてしまうことを防ぐ目的から、導電性の金属から構成された先端硬質部材の外表面を電気絶縁部材である樹脂カバーを用いて覆った構成が開示されている。 JP-A-9-090243 discloses a technique for preventing high frequency and static electricity in a subject from being applied to an imaging unit in a distal end rigid member when a high frequency treatment tool is used together with an endoscope. The structure which covered the outer surface of the front-end | tip hard member comprised from the electroconductive metal using the resin cover which is an electrical insulation member is disclosed.

ところで、特開２００７−０８９８８８号公報及び特開平９−０９０２４３号公報に開示された構成を用いたとしても、先端硬質部材内の撮像ユニットを完全に絶縁することはできないといった問題があった。 However, even if the configurations disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-089888 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-090243 are used, there is a problem that the imaging unit in the distal end hard member cannot be completely insulated.

これは、先端硬質部材内に設けられる各種部材は、電気絶縁部材ばかりではないことから、先端硬質部内に設けられた導電性部材を介して、先端部の外表面の電気絶縁層を回避した静電気や高周波が撮像ユニットに印加されてしまうためである。 This is because the various members provided in the tip hard member are not only electrically insulating members, and therefore, the static electricity that avoids the electric insulating layer on the outer surface of the tip portion through the conductive member provided in the tip hard portion. This is because a high frequency is applied to the imaging unit.

よって、撮像ユニットに、静電気や高周波等が印加されてしまうと、撮像ユニットが故障してしまう可能性があった。 Therefore, if static electricity, high frequency, or the like is applied to the imaging unit, the imaging unit may break down.

本付記は、上記事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、先端硬質部内の撮像ユニットに静電気や高周波が印加されてしまうことを確実に防ぐことができる構成を有する内視鏡を提供することを目的とする。 This supplementary note has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope having a configuration that can reliably prevent static electricity and high frequency from being applied to the imaging unit in the hard tip portion. And

以下、本付記の目的を実現する構成を、図８、図９を用いて示す。図８は、先端硬質部材に導電性部材を用いた場合における撮像ユニットに静電気や高周波が印加されてしまうことを防ぐ構成を有する内視鏡の挿入部の先端側を概略的に示す断面図、図９は、先端硬質部材に電気絶縁部材を用いた場合における撮像ユニットに静電気や高周波が印加されてしまうことを防ぐ構成を有する内視鏡の挿入部の先端側を概略的に示す断面図である。 Hereinafter, a configuration for realizing the object of this appendix will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the distal end side of an insertion portion of an endoscope having a configuration that prevents static electricity and high frequency from being applied to the imaging unit when a conductive member is used as the distal end hard member. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the distal end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope having a configuration that prevents static electricity and high frequency from being applied to the imaging unit when an electrically insulating member is used as the distal hard member. is there.

尚、以下、図８、図９においては、説明を簡略化するため、上述した本実施の形態に対して異なる箇所のみを説明する。 In the following, in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, only different points from the above-described embodiment will be described in order to simplify the description.

図８に示すように、先端硬質部材２１が金属部材等の導電性部材から構成されている場合には、先端硬質部材２１の外表面である外周面及び先端面２１ｓに、電気絶縁部材から構成されたカバー部材３８が被覆されている。 As shown in FIG. 8, when the distal end hard member 21 is composed of a conductive member such as a metal member, the outer peripheral surface and the distal end surface 21 s which are the outer surfaces of the distal end rigid member 21 are composed of an electrically insulating member. The covered cover member 38 is covered.

尚、カバー部材３８は、先端面２１ｓにおいて、前方送水管路の先端開口８４と、チャンネルパイプ４１の先端開口４０ｋと、２つの照明窓８１、８２と、観察窓２２ａと、ノズル８３とを避けた位置に被覆されている。 The cover member 38 avoids the front end opening 84 of the front water supply conduit, the front end opening 40k of the channel pipe 41, the two illumination windows 81 and 82, the observation window 22a, and the nozzle 83 on the front end surface 21s. It is covered in the position.

また、先端硬質部材２１またはカバー部材３８には、先端部３の先端面３ｓから挿入方向Ｓの前方に、先端６０ｓが突出するよう、除電部材６０が接着剤等によって固定されている。 Further, the static elimination member 60 is fixed to the distal end hard member 21 or the cover member 38 with an adhesive or the like so that the distal end 60 s projects forward from the distal end surface 3 s of the distal end portion 3 in the insertion direction S.

除電部材６０は、図８に示すように、例えば挿入方向Ｓに沿って細長な針状部材から形成されており、基端から延出するリード線６１を介してＧＮＤに導通している。 As shown in FIG. 8, the charge removal member 60 is formed of, for example, an elongated needle-like member along the insertion direction S, and is electrically connected to GND via a lead wire 61 extending from the proximal end.

尚、除電部材６０は、図８においては、径方向Ｒにおいて、チャンネルパイプ４１の先端開口４０ｋと観察窓２２ａとの間の位置から前方に突出しているが、これに限らず、その他の位置から先端面３ｓよりも前方に突出していても良い。 In FIG. 8, in the radial direction R, the static elimination member 60 protrudes forward from a position between the tip opening 40k of the channel pipe 41 and the observation window 22a. You may protrude ahead from 3 s of front end surfaces.

また、除電部材６０は、複数設けられていてもよく、さらに前方送水管路の先端開口８４と、チャンネルパイプ４１の先端開口４０ｋと、２つの照明窓８１、８２と、観察窓２２ａと、ノズル８３とを囲むように、または観察窓２２ａのみを囲むように周状に形成されていても構わない。 Further, a plurality of static elimination members 60 may be provided, and further, the front end opening 84 of the front water supply conduit, the front end opening 40k of the channel pipe 41, the two illumination windows 81 and 82, the observation window 22a, the nozzle 83, or may be formed in a circumferential shape so as to surround only the observation window 22a.

また、除電部材６０は、棒状部材から形成されていても構わない。即ち、除電部材６０の形状は針状に限定されない。 Moreover, the static elimination member 60 may be formed from the rod-shaped member. That is, the shape of the charge removal member 60 is not limited to a needle shape.

尚、以上の図８に示す除電部材６０の構成は、図９に示すように、先端硬質部材２１が電気絶縁部材から構成されている場合であっても同様である。 The configuration of the charge removal member 60 shown in FIG. 8 is the same even when the distal end hard member 21 is made of an electrical insulating member as shown in FIG.

このような構成によれば、被検体内の静電気または高周波等は、撮像ユニット２０に印加される前に、先端部３の先端面３ｓから前方に突出するＧＮＤに導通された除電部材６０に印加されるため、そもそも撮像ユニット２０に静電気または高周波等が印加されてしまうことがない。即ち、除電部材６０は、既知の避雷針と同様の作用を有する。 According to such a configuration, static electricity, high frequency, or the like in the subject is applied to the static elimination member 60 that is electrically connected to GND protruding forward from the distal end surface 3 s of the distal end portion 3 before being applied to the imaging unit 20. Therefore, no static electricity or high frequency is applied to the imaging unit 20 in the first place. That is, the static elimination member 60 has the same function as a known lightning rod.

よって、先端硬質部材２１内の撮像ユニット２０に静電気や高周波が印加されてしまうことを確実に防ぐことができる構成を有する内視鏡を提供することができる。 Therefore, the endoscope which has the structure which can prevent reliably that static electricity and a high frequency will be applied to the imaging unit 20 in the front-end | tip hard member 21 can be provided.

尚、以下、変形例を示す。
除電部材６０の先端６０ｓは、先端部３の先端面３ｓよりも前方に突出しているため、被検体内を先端６０ｓによって傷付けてしまうことがないよう、球状に形成されていても良い。 Hereinafter, modifications will be described.
Since the tip 60s of the static elimination member 60 protrudes forward from the tip surface 3s of the tip 3, the subject 60 may be formed in a spherical shape so as not to be damaged by the tip 60s.

また、除電部材６０は、図８に示すカバー部材３８にインサート成形されていても構わないし、図９に示すように、先端硬質部材２１が電気絶縁部材から構成されている場合、先端硬質部材２１にインサート成形されていても構わない。 Moreover, the static elimination member 60 may be insert-molded in the cover member 38 shown in FIG. 8, and when the distal end hard member 21 is made of an electrical insulating member as shown in FIG. Insert molding may be used.

さらに、先端６０ｓを凹状にしてもよく、また、図９に示すように先端硬質部材２１から挿入方向Ｓの前後に除電部材６０が抜けてしまうことを防ぐため、除電部材６０にフランジ部６０ｆが形成されていても構わない。 Furthermore, the tip 60s may be concave, and the static elimination member 60 has a flange portion 60f in order to prevent the static elimination member 60 from coming out of the distal end hard member 21 in the insertion direction S as shown in FIG. It may be formed.

尚、フランジ部６０ｆは、上述した各貫通孔２１ｈ１〜２１ｈ５に露出していても構わない。 The flange portion 60f may be exposed in the above-described through holes 21h1 to 21h5.

１…内視鏡
２…挿入部
３…先端部
３ｓ…先端面
４…湾曲部
１２…湾曲管（金属部材）
２０…撮像ユニット
２１…先端硬質部材
２６…素子枠（撮像ユニットの導電性を有する部材）
４０…処置具挿通用管路（金属部材）
５０…導電性部材
５０ｉ…導電性部材の一端
５０ｔ…導電性部材の他端
５１…間隙
５９…逃げ空間（逃げ部）
６０…除電部材
１５０…導電性部材
２５０…導電性部材
Ｒ…径方向
Ｓ…挿入方向 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Insertion part 3 ... Tip part 3s ... Tip surface 4 ... Bending part 12 ... Bending pipe (metal member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Imaging unit 21 ... Hard tip member 26 ... Element frame (member which has electroconductivity of imaging unit)
40 ... Pipe for treatment instrument insertion (metal member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... Conductive member 50i ... One end of a conductive member 50t ... The other end of a conductive member 51 ... Gap 59 ... Escape space (escape part)
60 ... Static elimination member 150 ... Conductive member 250 ... Conductive member R ... Radial direction S ... Insertion direction

Claims

An endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject,
A distal end hard member made of an electrically insulating member, which constitutes a distal end portion located on the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion;
An imaging unit provided in the distal end rigid member for imaging the subject;
A metal member connected to GND provided in the distal end rigid member or on the outer periphery of the distal end rigid member;
Conductivity in the imaging unit provided in the distal end hard member and inserted in a deformed state in a gap formed between the outer periphery of the imaging unit and the metal member in the radial direction of the distal end hard member A deformable conductive member that brings the metal member into contact with and electrically conducts,
Equipped with,
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the metal member is a duct through which a treatment tool for treating at least a test site in the subject provided in the distal end hard member is inserted .

An endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject,
A distal end hard member made of an electrically insulating member, which constitutes a distal end portion located on the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion;
An imaging unit provided in the distal end rigid member for imaging the subject;
A metal member connected to GND provided in the distal end rigid member or on the outer periphery of the distal end rigid member;
Conductivity in the imaging unit provided in the distal end hard member and inserted in a deformed state in a gap formed between the outer periphery of the imaging unit and the metal member in the radial direction of the distal end hard member A deformable conductive member that brings the metal member into contact with and electrically conducts,
Comprising
The endoscope , wherein the metal member is a bending tube that covers an outer periphery of the distal end hard member and constitutes a bending portion that is located on the proximal side in the insertion direction of the distal end portion in the insertion portion. .

An endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject,
A distal end hard member made of an electrically insulating member, which constitutes a distal end portion located on the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion;
An imaging unit provided in the distal end rigid member for imaging the subject;
A metal member connected to GND provided in the distal end rigid member or on the outer periphery of the distal end rigid member;
Conductivity in the imaging unit provided in the distal end hard member and inserted in a deformed state in a gap formed between the outer periphery of the imaging unit and the metal member in the radial direction of the distal end hard member A deformable conductive member that brings the metal member into contact with and electrically conducts,
Comprising
The conductive member is formed in an elongated shape,
An endoscope, wherein one end side is inserted in a state of being deformed into the gap, and the other end is fixed in the distal end hard member .

A space communicating with at least the gap is formed in the distal end hard member,
The endoscope according to claim 3 , wherein the space constitutes an escape portion on the one end side of the deformed conductive member.

An endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject,
A distal end hard member made of an electrically insulating member, which constitutes a distal end portion located on the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion;
An imaging unit provided in the distal end rigid member for imaging the subject;
A metal member connected to GND provided in the distal end rigid member or on the outer periphery of the distal end rigid member;
Conductivity in the imaging unit provided in the distal end hard member and inserted in a deformed state in a gap formed between the outer periphery of the imaging unit and the metal member in the radial direction of the distal end hard member A deformable conductive member that brings the metal member into contact with and electrically conducts,
Comprising
The endoscope, wherein the conductive member is formed of a member that can be elastically deformed .

An endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject,
A distal end hard member made of an electrically insulating member, which constitutes a distal end portion located on the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion;
An imaging unit provided in the distal end rigid member for imaging the subject;
A metal member connected to GND provided in the distal end rigid member or on the outer periphery of the distal end rigid member;
Conductivity in the imaging unit provided in the distal end hard member and inserted in a deformed state in a gap formed between the outer periphery of the imaging unit and the metal member in the radial direction of the distal end hard member A deformable conductive member that brings the metal member into contact with and electrically conducts,
Comprising
The endoscope, wherein the conductive member is made of a plastically deformable member .