JP2012005533A - Endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope apparatus deviating ultrasonic oscillation to improve the use efficiency, and efficiently removing stain on the outer surface of a transparent optical element.SOLUTION: The endoscope apparatus includes: an inserting portion inserted into a body cavity and having a distal end disposed with the optical element 32; an ultrasonic transducer 37 disposed in the inserting portion and generating an ultrasonic oscillation f; and a diffraction grating 40 disposed on the outer surface of the inserting portion or a side surface of the optical element 32 and deviating the ultrasonic oscillation f within an effective diameter d of the optical element 32. An oscillating surface of the ultrasonic transducer 37 is tilted relative to a grating surface of the diffraction grating 40 so that the interval is increased toward the effective diameter d of the optical element 32.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus that observes the inside of, for example, an internal organ of a living body or performs an operation on an operation part, and more particularly, to improve the observability by removing dirt attached to the surface of an optical system. The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus.

  In recent years, a surgical operation using an endoscope has been widespread for the purpose of minimally invasive medical treatment. In such an endoscopic operation, it is a problem to prevent a deterioration of the observation environment due to the adhesion of dirt and the occurrence of cloudiness to the observation window disposed at the distal end portion of the endoscope. .

  In endoscopes for digestive organs, water is fed to the lens at the distal end of the endoscope to remove fogging and dirt, but in nasal endoscopes in particular, it is sufficient to remove water drops after feeding water It may not be. Further, even in a surgical endoscope, the attached dirt may be blood or fat scattered by surgery, and the dirt may not be sufficiently removed by simple water supply.

  For example, an endoscope apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a transparent member provided facing an imaging optical system at the distal end of an insertion portion, a vibrator attached to the inner surface of the transparent member, and a transparent member And a diffraction grating for deflecting the ultrasonic vibration from the vibrator in the viewing field direction of the transparent member. In this conventional endoscope apparatus, the deflected ultrasonic vibration propagates from the vicinity of the outer periphery of the transparent member to the observation visual field direction of the imaging optical system at the center of the transparent member, and the water or dirt that obstructs the visual field in the observation visual field. The water and dirt can be removed from the observation visual field by acting.

JP 2009-254571 A

  However, in the conventional endoscope apparatus, since the ultrasonic vibration generated by the piezoelectric vibrator is incident on the diffraction grating-shaped groove from the vertical direction, the longitudinal direction of the grating (unevenness is formed). The propagation direction of the ultrasonic vibration is deflected by the transparent member in both directions orthogonal to (direction). Therefore, the conventional endoscope apparatus has a problem that the use efficiency of the deflected ultrasonic vibration is poor and the dirt cannot be efficiently removed.

  Therefore, the present application has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to deflect so that the use efficiency of ultrasonic vibration is improved, and to efficiently remove dirt on the outer surface of the transparent optical member. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscopic device that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is inserted into a body cavity and has an insertion portion in which an optical member is disposed at a distal end portion, and is disposed in the insertion portion to generate ultrasonic vibrations. An ultrasonic transducer; and a diffraction grating disposed on an outer surface of the insertion portion or a side surface of the optical member and deflecting the ultrasonic vibration within an effective diameter of the optical member. The vibration surface of the vibrator is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the grating surface of the diffraction grating so that the distance increases toward the effective diameter side of the optical member.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus that can be deflected so as to improve the use efficiency of ultrasonic vibrations and can efficiently remove dirt on the outer surface of a transparent optical member.

The perspective view which shows the whole structure of the electronic endoscope system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows the insertion part front-end | tip of an electronic endoscope similarly Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of an insertion part similarly The same block diagram showing the configuration of the endoscope system Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part similarly Sectional view showing the configuration of the observation window and piezoelectric vibrator The top view which shows the front end surface of the endoscope for demonstrating propagation of a diffracted wave similarly The top view which shows the front end surface of the endoscope of a 1st modification as well as an example of a structure of the diffraction grating formed in a glass plate The top view which shows the front end surface of the endoscope of a 2nd modification, and shows an example of a structure of the diffraction grating formed in a glass plate similarly Sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of the diffraction grating in which the cross section formed in the glass plate of a 3rd modification has a binary shape groove | channel similarly Sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of the diffraction grating in which the cross section formed in the glass plate different from FIG. 10 has a binary-shaped groove | channel Sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of the diffraction grating which has a blazed groove formed in the glass plate Sectional drawing showing an example of the configuration in which a member is embedded in the groove of the diffraction grating Sectional drawing which shows the observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part according to 2nd Embodiment, and shows an example of the arrangement structure of the diffraction grating arrange | positioned at an observation window, and a piezoelectric vibrator Sectional drawing which shows the observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of a modification, and shows an example of the arrangement structure of the diffraction grating arrange | positioned at an observation window, and a piezoelectric vibrator The observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part according to the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is shown, and an example of arrangement | positioning structure of the diffraction grating and piezoelectric vibrator arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part is shown. Cross section Sectional drawing which shows the observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of a modification, and shows an example of arrangement | positioning structure of the diffraction grating arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part, and a piezoelectric vibrator The observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part according to the 4th Embodiment of this invention is shown, and an example of arrangement structure of the diffraction grating and piezoelectric vibrator arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part is shown. Cross section The perspective view which shows the observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part similarly Sectional drawing which shows the observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of a 1st modification, and shows an example of the arrangement structure of the diffraction grating arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part, and a piezoelectric vibrator Sectional drawing which shows the observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of a 2nd modification, and shows an example of the arrangement structure of the diffraction grating arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part, and a piezoelectric vibrator The perspective view which shows the observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of a 3rd modification, and shows an example of the arrangement structure of the diffraction grating arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part. FIG. 23 shows an observation window disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and shows an arrangement configuration of a diffraction grating and a piezoelectric vibrator disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion. Cross section showing an example The perspective view which shows the observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of a 1st modification same as the above. Sectional drawing which shows the observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of a 2nd modification, and shows an example of the arrangement structure of the diffraction grating arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part, and a piezoelectric vibrator Sectional drawing which shows the observation window arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of a capsule type | mold endoscope, and shows an example of arrangement configuration of the diffraction grating and piezoelectric vibrator which are arrange | positioned at a housing | casing part

  Hereinafter, an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention will be described. In the following description, the drawings based on each embodiment are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the thickness ratio of each part, and the like are different from the actual ones. It should be noted that the drawings may include portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios between the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for example, an endoscope apparatus such as an upper endoscope and a lower endoscope for a digestive tract observation procedure that is a body cavity of a living body is illustrated. The present invention is not limited to the endoscope apparatus for gastrointestinal observation treatment, but can be applied to various endoscope apparatuses such as a rigid endoscope performing a laparoscopic surgical operation.

  FIGS. 1 to 13 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the electronic endoscope system, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the distal end of the insertion portion of the electronic endoscope. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the endoscope system, and FIG. 5 shows the configuration of an observation window disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the observation window and the piezoelectric vibrator, FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the distal end surface of the endoscope for explaining the propagation of the diffracted wave, and FIG. 8 is a first modification. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the diffraction grating formed on the glass plate, and FIG. 9 shows the tip surface of the endoscope of the second modification, and is formed on the glass plate. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a diffraction grating, and FIG. 10 shows a configuration of the diffraction grating having a binary-shaped groove formed on the glass plate of the third modification. FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an example, FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an example of the structure of a diffraction grating having a binary-shaped groove formed on a glass plate different from FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is a blazed shape formed on the glass plate. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a structure in which a member is embedded in the groove of the diffraction grating.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an electronic endoscope system (hereinafter simply referred to as an endoscope system) 1 according to the present embodiment includes an electronic endoscope apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as an endoscope) 2, The light source device 3, the video processor 4, and the color monitor 5 are electrically connected.

The endoscope 2 includes an insertion portion 9 and an operation portion 10 in which the insertion portion 9 is extended.
A universal cord 17 extending from 0 is connected to the light source device 3 via a scope connector 18. A coiled electric cable 19 is extended from the scope connector 18. An electrical connector unit 20 is provided at the other end of the electrical cable 19, and the electrical connector unit 20 is connected to the video processor 4.

The insertion portion 9 includes a distal end portion 6, a bending portion 7, and a flexible tube portion 8 that are connected in order from the distal end.
The distal end surface of the distal end portion 6 includes a distal end opening 31 of a treatment instrument channel, which will be described later, a transparent disk-shaped glass plate, an observation window 32 of an imaging optical member, and a transparent disk-shaped glass plate. A plurality of illumination windows 33 of the illumination optical member and an observation window cleaning nozzle 34 for supplying air and water toward the observation window 32 are disposed (see FIG. 2).

  On the back side of the observation window 32, an imaging unit 30 (described later) built in the distal end portion 6 is disposed. In addition, a light guide 43 (see FIG. 4) that transmits illumination light from the light source device 3 and is inserted into the universal cord 17 from the distal end portion 6 is provided on the back side of the plurality of illumination windows 33. ing. The outer surface of the observation window 32 is subjected to a hydrophobic coating process, a water repellent coating process, or a hydrophilic coating process.

  The observation window cleaning nozzle 34 is connected to a cleaning tube (not shown) that is inserted into the universal cord 17 from the distal end portion 6. These cleaning tubes are connected to the water supply tank 42 in which the cleaning water is stored, the pump 55 (see FIG. 4), the light source device 3, and the video processor 4 side. The observation window cleaning nozzle 34 is provided with a jet port 34a. The direction of the air outlet 34 a is regulated so that the direction of air supply / water supply is the central direction of the observation window 32. The central direction of the observation window 32 is the central direction (the direction of the optical axis O in FIG. 3) in a range defined by the effective optical diameter through which the photographing light captured by the imaging unit 30 passes.

  The operation unit 10 includes an anti-bending portion 11 from which the insertion portion 9 extends, a forceps port 12 disposed on a side portion on the lower side, an operation portion main body 13 that constitutes a grip portion in the middle portion, and an upper side. Mainly an imaging function (for example, a zooming function) composed of a bending operation unit 16 including two bending operation knobs 14 and 15 provided, an air / water supply control unit 21, a suction control unit 22, and a plurality of switches. And a plurality of switch sections 23 for operating the. The forceps port 12 of the operation unit 10 constitutes one opening of the treatment instrument channel 35 (see FIG. 3) that is mainly inserted into the insertion portion 9 up to the distal end opening of the distal end portion 6.

Next, the configuration of the distal end portion 6 of the endoscope 2 will be mainly described below based on FIG. 3 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the imaging unit 30 is disposed inside the distal end portion 6. The imaging unit 30 is fitted and disposed in the distal end rigid member 24 that is a rigid distal end main body, and is firmly fixed to the distal end rigid member 24 together with an adhesive by a set screw 27 that is a fixing member from the side surface direction.

  A tip cover 25 constituting the tip surface of the tip portion 6 is bonded and fixed so as to cover the tip portion of the tip rigid member 24. An observation window 32, two illumination windows 33, and an observation window cleaning nozzle 34 are fixed to the tip cover 25 with an adhesive or a screw.

  The distal end opening 31 that is a hole formed in the distal end cover 25 constitutes an opening of the treatment instrument channel 35 in the distal end portion 6. Also, a rubber tip insertion portion covering member 36 that integrally covers the outer periphery of the tip rigid member 24 and a plurality of bending pieces in the bending portion 7 so as to form the outer shape of the tip portion 6 and the bending portion 7 is provided. Is provided. The distal end outer peripheral portion of the distal end insertion portion covering member 36 is fixed to the distal end portion 6 by a pincushion bonding portion 29.

  Further, the distal end rigid member 24 cleans the imaging unit 30 and the treatment instrument channel 35, the light guide 43 (see FIG. 4) for guiding the illumination light, the observation window of the distal end portion 6, and the like, The above-described observation window cleaning nozzle 34 for supplying air into the inside, a conduit communicating with a cleaning tube (not shown), and an angle wire (not shown) for bending the bending portion 7 are disposed. .

  The members such as the observation window cleaning nozzle, the cleaning tube, the light guide 43, and the angle wire are well known in the art and will not be described in detail.

  The imaging unit 30 has an optical lens group unit including an objective lens, and a solid-state imaging device unit having a CCD, a CMOS, and the like. The lens closest to the object side of the objective lens of the optical lens group unit (or the most advanced lens of the objective lens) 30 a is disposed opposite to the back surface of the observation window 32.

Next, mainly the electrical configuration of the endoscope system 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the video processor 4 includes a control unit 51 that is a CPU, a power / video signal processing circuit 52, a piezoelectric vibrator excitation circuit 53, a pump control circuit 54, and a pump 55 that is a compressor. , And is configured.

  The control unit 51 is electrically connected to the power / video signal processing circuit 52, the piezoelectric vibrator excitation circuit 53, and the pump control circuit 54, and controls each circuit. The power / video signal processing circuit 52 is also electrically connected to the color monitor 5, receives the video signal from the imaging unit 30, processes the video, and outputs an endoscope image signal to the color monitor 5. The power supply / video signal processing circuit 52 is configured to transmit and receive various signals via the imaging unit 30 and the communication cable 46 when the electrical connector unit 20 is connected to the video processor 4.

  The piezoelectric vibrator excitation circuit 53 has a function of vibrating the piezoelectric vibrator 37 that is an ultrasonic vibrator of the endoscope 2, and is an electric power that outputs the vibration strength of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 under the control of the control unit 51. Variable control by quantity. The piezoelectric vibrator excitation circuit 53 is electrically connected to the piezoelectric vibrator 37 via the wiring 45 in a state where the electrical connector unit 20 is connected to the video processor 4.

  The pump control circuit 54 is electrically connected to the pump 55, and outputs an electric signal for controlling the driving of the pump 55 under the control of the control unit 51.

  The light source device 3 includes a light source 56 such as a halogen lamp and a light source control circuit 57 that drives the light source 56. The light source control circuit 57 is electrically connected to the control unit 51 of the video processor 4 and is controlled by the control unit 51. The light from the light source 56 is used as illumination light, and is transmitted to the illumination window 33 of the distal end portion 6 by the light guide 43 in a state where the scope connector 18 is connected to the light source device 3.

  The light guide 43 of this embodiment extends to the universal cable 17, and the light guide 43 is terminated at the scope connector 18. The wiring 45 and the communication cable 46 are connected to the electrical connector portion 20 via the electrical cable 19.

  That is, in the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, the light guide 43 is pulled out from the imaging unit 30 to the light source 56 of the light source device 3 including the light source control circuit 57 via the universal cable 17 and the electric cable 19. The wiring 46 is connected to the power / video signal processing circuit 52 of the video processor 4, and the wiring 45 drawn from the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is connected to the piezoelectric vibrator excitation circuit 53 constituting the vibration means of the video processor 4. It has a configuration.

Next, the observation window 32 which is an optical member disposed on the tip cover 25 and the piezoelectric vibrator 37 installed on the back side of the observation window 32 will be described below with reference to FIGS. .
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an inclined surface 32a is formed on the inner surface of the observation window 32 (the rear surface serving as the back surface) at a position that does not interfere with the observation field of view, and the rectangular piezoelectric vibration is formed on the inclined surface portion 32a. The child 37 is stuck with an adhesive. The observation window 32 is a part of the outer surface of the insertion portion 9.

  In FIG. 6, Lf indicates the outermost area of the observation visual field region. The observation visual field region is an optically effective region and is an inner region (right side of the drawing) than Lf. Here, the entire observation visual field region is represented by Lf. Shooting light incident on the imaging unit 30 (shooting light indicated by the optical axis O in FIG. 3) passes through the observation visual field region Lf. In the present embodiment, the inclined surface portion 32a is formed at a location that does not affect the observation visual field region Lf, that is, on the inner surface side of the observation window 32 that deviates outward from the optical effective diameter d in the observation window 32. Yes. The inclined surface portion 32a is spaced from the grating surface of the diffraction grating 40 provided on the outer surface (front surface) of the observation window 32 toward the optical effective diameter d side of the observation window 32 (separation distance). ) Is formed to have a predetermined angle θ. Alternatively, the inclined surface 32a and the grating surface of the diffraction grating are formed such that a virtual surface including the inclined surface portion 32a and a virtual surface including the grating surface of the diffraction grating intersect. Needless to say, the inclined surface portion 32a is formed so that the ultrasonic wave from the piezoelectric vibrator 37 reaches the grating surface of the diffraction grating. In the present embodiment, the slope portion 32 a is formed by cutting out a part of the outer periphery on the inner surface side of the observation window 32.

  From the piezoelectric vibrator 37, the wiring 45 electrically connected to the piezoelectric vibrator exciting circuit 53 of the video processor 4 is extended as described above, so that the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is electrically driven. It has become. That is, from the piezoelectric vibrator 37, a wiring 45 that supplies a voltage for excitation is drawn out in the root direction of the endoscope 2. Further, the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is fixed to a slope portion 32 a formed in the observation window 32. This fixing is not limited to fixing with an adhesive, but may be fixing with solder or the like. The piezoelectric vibrator 37 is driven at or near the resonance frequency to generate ultrasonic vibration f in the observation window 32.

  The imaging unit 30 is provided with an observation window 32 through which incident shooting light (shooting light indicated by the optical axis O in FIG. 3) passes. A diffraction grating 40 is provided in the observation window 32. The diffraction grating 40 has a plurality of linear grooves with a rectangular cross section, and the plurality of grooves are arranged in parallel. As described above, the ultrasonic vibration f is generated from the piezoelectric vibrator 37 attached to the inclined surface portion 32a. The diffraction grating 40 is formed at a position where the ultrasonic vibration f is input (surface position of the observation window 32). The diffraction grating 40 is formed on the peripheral side of the observation window 32, that is, on the outer surface side of the observation window 32, which is outside the observation visual field region Lf defined by the optical effective diameter d. Alternatively, the diffraction grating 40 is a region outside the optical effective diameter d of the optical window 32 and is formed at a position that does not block the observation field. As a result, the diffraction grating 40 is not taken into the observation image, so that the diffraction grating 40 does not interfere with the observation.

  The length in the longitudinal direction of the diffraction grating 40 (groove) is equal to or longer than the optical effective diameter d of the observation field region Lf in the observation window 32. The piezoelectric vibrator 37 has a vibrating surface area smaller than that of the diffraction grating 40 (diffractive surface area).

  In other words, the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is placed on the slope portion 32a of the observation window 32 so that the entire area A2 of the vibration surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is included in the area A1 in which the surface area of the diffraction grating 40 is projected onto the slope portion 32a. It is stuck. Here, particularly when the ultrasonic vibration f is a high-frequency vibration, the ultrasonic vibration f is strongly propagated in the normal direction of the mounting surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37, so the high-frequency ultrasonic vibration f is efficiently transmitted to the diffraction grating 40 in the observation window 32. Can be propagated to. Therefore, with such a configuration, it is possible to effectively use (diffract) the ultrasonic vibration f propagated efficiently over a wide range.

  The ultrasonic vibration f generated from the above-described piezoelectric vibrator 37 propagates mainly in a direction perpendicular to the vibration surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 (the inclined surface portion 32a of the observation window 32) and faces the vibration surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37. The incident light enters the diffraction grating 40 of the observation window 32. The ultrasonic vibrations incident on the diffraction grating 40 are diffracted (deflected) into diffraction waves Ф 1 and Φ 2 of bulk waves or surface acoustic waves (preferably surface acoustic waves) by the diffraction grating 40 and propagate through the observation window 32. To do.

  At this time, since the ultrasonic vibration f generated by the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is incident on the groove of the diffraction grating 40 from an oblique direction, it is diffracted by the asymmetrical intensity (vibration magnitude) in the groove of the diffraction grating 40 (left and right). The diffracted wave Φ1 and the diffracted wave Φ2 having asymmetric intensity are generated from the diffraction grating 40 as a boundary. The diffracted wave Φ1 is a diffracted wave in a direction in which the incident angle of the ultrasonic vibration f with respect to the diffraction grating 40 is an obtuse angle, and the diffracted wave Φ2 is a diffracted wave in a direction in which the incident angle is an acute angle. Is stronger than the diffracted wave Φ2.

  For this reason, the observation window 32 has an asymmetrical intensity (magnitude of vibration) with respect to the diffraction grating 40, that is, strong vibration due to the diffracted wave Φ1 having a large intensity toward the optical effective diameter d side that is the central direction. Occurs. In other words, since the grating surface of the diffraction grating 40 is arranged so as to be inclined by a predetermined angle θ with respect to the vibration surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 so that the interval is widened toward the center direction of the observation window 32, the diffraction wave Compared to Φ2, a stronger diffracted wave Φ1 travels toward the optical effective diameter d side, which is the central direction of the observation window 32. Further, the diffracted wave Φ2 generates unnecessary vibration in the observation window 32 that travels outside the optical effective diameter d of the observation window 32 (on the side opposite to the optical effective diameter d side).

  In the present embodiment, the grating period (groove period, pitch), which is a structural parameter of the diffraction grating 40, is determined by the speed of the surface acoustic wave diffracted (deflected) determined by the material of the observation window 32 and the diffraction grating 40. It is set to a desired value determined by the frequency of the incident ultrasonic vibration f and the incident angle of the incident ultrasonic vibration f with respect to the grating surface of the diffraction grating 40. Note that the desired value is the component of the diffracted wave Φ1 that diffracts (deflects) the ultrasonic vibration f by the diffraction grating 40 and travels toward the optical effective diameter d side that is the central direction of the observation window 32. It is a value that increases. The depth of the groove of the diffraction grating 40 is set to about 1/10 of the grating period.

Moreover, the components of the endoscope 2 are hermetically sealed between the components to be joined, and have a structure that can withstand sterilization with high-pressure steam.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the inner surface of the surface of the observation window 32 that faces the objective optical system of the imaging unit 30 is planar, but a part of this inner surface is convex or concave. A part of the imaging optical system may be configured. That is, the observation window 32 is not provided, the lens 30a closest to the object side of the objective lens of the imaging unit 30 is configured similarly to the observation window 32 described above, and the diffraction grating 40 and the piezoelectric vibrator 37 are provided in the objective lens 30a. May be.

  In the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, dirt such as mucous membrane and blood is present on the outer surface of the observation window 32 during the operation in which the insertion portion 9 is inserted into the digestive tract of a living body. When attached, a user who is a doctor operates a remote switch of switches provided in the operation unit of the endoscope 2. Then, an excitation signal is supplied to the piezoelectric vibrator 37 from the piezoelectric vibrator exciting circuit 53 of the video processor 4 in accordance with the control signal by the switch operation, and the ultrasonic vibration f (vibration due to the diffracted wave) is observed in the observation window. 32 occurs.

  Prior to this, the cleaning water H is supplied from the observation window cleaning nozzle 34 to the outer surface of the observation window 32 by the operation of the switches by the user. That is, air is supplied into the water supply tank 42 from the pump 55 that is a compressor, and the cleaning water H (see FIG. 6) in the water supply tank 42 is supplied into the endoscope 2. This washing water H flows out along the outer surface of the observation window 32. The jet nozzle 34 a of the observation window cleaning nozzle 34 ejects cleaning water H along the outer surface of the observation window 32 from the outside of the observation window 32 rather than the diffraction grating 40. Here, the positional relationship between the center of the observation visual field region Lf on the outer surface of the ejection port 34a and the observation window 32 is a relationship that faces the diffraction grating 40 therebetween. Therefore, the cleaning water H is ejected so as to pass through the diffraction grating 40 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the diffraction grating 40.

  The ultrasonic vibration f generated on the vibration surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 propagates in the observation window 32 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vibration surface. The ultrasonic vibration f reaches the diffraction grating 40 with a predetermined incident angle, is diffracted (deflected) by the diffraction grating 40, and generates diffracted waves Φ1 and Φ2 that propagate through the outer surface of the observation window 32. To do.

  At this time, toward the center side of the observation window 32 (the center side of the optical effective diameter d), a diffracted wave Φ1 of vibration larger than the diffracted wave Φ2 linearly diffracts in the lateral direction in the outer surface of the observation window 32. Propagate as.

  The direction of the grating vector that defines the traveling direction (propagation direction) of the diffracted waves Ф 1 and Φ 2 generated by the diffraction grating 40 is defined as the direction of periodicity of the diffraction grating 40. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, since the diffraction grating 40 has a configuration in which linear grooves are arranged in parallel, the diffraction grating 40 is in a direction orthogonal to the grooves, that is, opposite to each other across the diffraction grating 40. The diffracted waves Ф1 and Φ2 are propagated in the two traveling directions.

  When the diffraction grating 40 is provided on the outer surface of the observation window 32 as in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic vibration f that travels straight from the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is diffracted by the diffraction grating 40. Then, the diffracted wave 1 is linearly propagated toward the observation visual field region Lf side of the imaging unit 30 in the observation window 32. At this time, the diffracted wave 1 is a diffracted wave having a higher intensity than the unnecessary diffracted wave Φ2 that travels outside the observation visual field region Lf.

  In other words, the diffracted wave 1 propagates toward the observation visual field region Lf side having the optical effective diameter d in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the grooves of the diffraction grating 40. The diffracted wave 1 propagated in the central direction of the observation window 32 reaches the observation visual field region Lf defined by the optical effective diameter d on the outer surface of the observation window 32 and further passes therethrough. The diffracted wave 1 removes dirt such as mucous membrane adhering to the observation visual field region Lf by pushing it in the propagation direction together with the supply of the washing water. In addition, when the diffracted wave 1 is a surface acoustic wave, the vibration is concentrated on the surface of the observation window 32 and propagates. Therefore, the vibration is efficiently transmitted to the dirt adhered to the outer surface of the observation window 32 to remove the dirt. can do.

  That is, when the ultrasonic vibration f generated by the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is incident on the diffraction grating 40, the ultrasonic vibration f is propagated (deflected) as a stronger diffraction wave 1 in the direction of the photographing optical axis O. By this diffraction grating 40, even with high directivity and high frequency ultrasonic vibration f, the observation window region Lf having the effective optical diameter d of the imaging optical system of the imaging unit 30 in the observation window 32 can be efficiently used. It can be propagated as the diffracted wave 1. As a result, the dirt adhering to the outer surface of the observation window 32 is mixed with the cleaning water H, partly becomes mist-like, and part of it is washed away together with the cleaning water H, and the observation visual field region Lf in the observation window 32 It is possible to efficiently and reliably remove dirt over the entire surface.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the diffracted wave Φ1 propagating from the diffraction grating 40 to the observation visual field region Lf mainly propagates on the outer surface (front surface) of the observation window 32, and therefore, a large vibration is generated against dirt. The diffracted wave Φ1 acts to efficiently remove dirt.

  Further, the jet nozzle 34a of the observation window cleaning nozzle 34 is defined toward the center direction of the observation field region Lf having the optically effective diameter d, and is located outside the observation window 32 from the diffraction grating 40, that is, the observation field region Lf. From the opposite side, air is supplied to the observation visual field region Lf of the observation window 32 so as to pass through the diffraction grating 40. Therefore, since the air / water feeding direction is the same direction as the diffracted wave Φ1, dirt can be efficiently removed.

  As described above, in the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment, when the ultrasonic vibration f of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is incident on the diffraction grating 40, the diffracted wave Φ2 (outward from the observation visual field region Lf) travels. The diffracted wave Φ1 is efficiently generated so as to generate as much vibration as possible, and the diffracted wave Φ1 is observed in the observation field by the imaging unit 30 having the optical effective diameter d in the observation window 32. Since it can propagate so that it may advance to the area | region Lf side, the stain | pollution | contamination 101 in the outer surface of the observation window 32 facing the imaging unit 30 of the endoscope 2, especially the observation visual field area | region Lf can be removed efficiently. .

  Further, since the diffraction grating 40 is not taken into the observation image by forming the diffraction grating 40 outside the observation visual field region Lf in the observation window 32, the diffraction grating 40 does not interfere with the observation. As described above, since the diffracted wave Φ1 can be propagated throughout the observation visual field region Lf defined by the optical effective diameter d of the observation window 32, it adheres to the observation visual field region Lf of the observation window 32 together with the cleaning water H. Dirt can be removed. Furthermore, the diffraction grating 40 diffracts (deflects) the incident ultrasonic vibration f as a surface acoustic wave mainly propagated near the surface of the observation window 32 by optimizing the pitch, groove depth, and the like of the grating 40 to a predetermined value. The vibration due to the surface acoustic wave (diffracted wave Φ1) is concentrated and propagated on the outer surface of the observation window 32, and the dirt adhering to the observation window 32 can be efficiently removed.

(First modification)
Next, a first modification of the present embodiment will be described based on FIG.
In this modification, two diffraction gratings 40 are formed in the observation window 32 as shown in FIG. Also in these two diffraction gratings 40, the direction of the grating vector is the direction in which the diffraction wave 1 propagates. In this modification, each diffraction grating 40 is formed at a position where the direction of each grating vector passes through the center of the observation visual field region Lf defined by the optical effective diameter d in the observation window 32.

  With this configuration, strong vibration can be propagated through the entire observation visual field region Lf of the observation window 32 by the two diffracted waves Φ1 diffracted (deflected) from the two diffraction gratings 40. The effect of the present embodiment can be increased.

(Second modification)
Next, a second modification of the present embodiment will be described based on FIG.
In the present embodiment described above, the groove shape of the diffraction grating 40 is a straight line. In this case, the direction of the lattice vector is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the groove.

  On the other hand, in this modification, as shown in FIG. 9, the shape of the diffraction grating 40 groove is a curve when viewed from the upper surface side, more specifically, an arc shape. The direction of the curve (the direction of the arc) is convex toward the observation visual field region Lf. Thus, by making the grating of the diffraction grating 40 into an arc-shaped curve group, the diffraction grating 40 so that the diffracted wave 1 propagated on the observation visual field region Lf side on the outer surface of the observation window 32 is two-dimensionally diffused. It will be emitted from.

  In the case where the shape of the lattice is an arcuate curve, the lattice vector is in a direction perpendicular to the tangent to the groove curve. Since the direction of the grating vector is the direction in which the diffracted wave 1 propagates, the diffracted wave 1 propagates in a direction perpendicular to the tangent to the groove curve, that is, the diffracted wave 1 propagated to the observation visual field region Lf side is Radiated from the diffraction grating 40 so as to diffuse two-dimensionally. As a result, in addition to the effects of the present embodiment described above, vibration can be propagated to the entire observation visual field region Lf of the observation window 32 even if the area occupied by the diffraction grating 40 is smaller on the outer surface of the observation window 32. it can.

(Third Modification)
Next, a third modification of the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS.
Each groove of the diffraction grating 40 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, but as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, the cross-sectional shape of each groove is a so-called binary shape, as shown in FIG. A sawtooth shape (blazed shape), a sine wave shape not shown, or the like may be used. In particular, if the cross-sectional shape of each groove of the diffraction grating 40 is a blazed shape, the diffraction efficiency of a diffraction wave of a specific order is increased, and dirt can be efficiently removed.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, a member 40 a made of a material different from the material of the observation window 32 may be embedded in each groove of the diffraction grating 40 to planarize the surface of the diffraction grating 40. When dirt or cleaning water enters the grooves of the diffraction grating 40, the diffraction efficiency of the diffraction grating 40 changes, and the cleaning power deteriorates. However, if the member 40a is embedded in each groove of the diffraction grating 40 and the surface of the diffraction grating 40 is flattened, dirt or washing water does not enter each groove of the diffraction grating 40, and the diffraction efficiency does not change. Does not deteriorate. In addition, the endoscope 2 can be easily cleaned before and after use. That is, there is no step on the outer surface (surface) of the observation window 32, and there is an effect of preventing the cleaning power from being deteriorated and improving the cleaning sterilization property.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the endoscope system 1 of the present invention will be described in detail below based on FIG. 14 and FIG. FIGS. 14 and 15 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 shows an observation window disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and a diffraction grating disposed in the observation window. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement configuration of the piezoelectric vibrators. FIG. 15 shows an observation window arranged at the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the modification, and the arrangement arrangement of the diffraction grating and the piezoelectric vibrator arranged in the observation window. It is sectional drawing which shows an example.

  In the description of the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment, the components described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the configuration and operation is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, an example of the arrangement configuration of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 and the diffraction grating 40 arranged in the observation window 32 of the endoscope 2 will be described below.

  First, in the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the diffraction grating 40 is formed on the side surface of the observation window 32, and the diffraction grating 40 has a predetermined angle so that the piezoelectric vibrator 37 has a predetermined angle. A sloped portion 32a is formed on the inner surface side of the observation window 32 so that the vibration surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is adhered so that the ultrasonic vibration f is incident.

  The inclined surface portion 32 a has a predetermined distance (separation distance) from the grating surface of the diffraction grating 40 formed on the side surface of the observation window 32 in the direction of the optical effective diameter d of the observation window 32. The observation window 32 is formed by cutting away a part of the inner surface of the observation window 32. The vibration surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is adhered to the inclined surface portion 32a.

  Further, the observation window 32 of the present embodiment constitutes the most object-side lens of the objective lens in the endoscope 2, and has a corner portion R where the outer surface serving as the distal end surface and the side peripheral surface serving as the side surface meet. It is composed.

  Even in such a configuration, since the ultrasonic vibration f is incident on the groove of the diffraction grating 40 from an oblique direction from the piezoelectric vibrator 37, it is diffracted (deflected) by the asymmetric vibration magnitude in the groove of the diffraction grating 40. The diffracted wave Φ1 traveling toward the outer surface of the observation window 32 on the direction side where the incident angle of the ultrasonic vibration f becomes an obtuse angle is generated as a strong vibration.

  Then, the diffracted wave Φ1 travels to the outer surface of the observation window 32 via a corner portion R bent from the side surface of the observation window 32, and is an observation field of view defined by the optical effective diameter d in the observation window 32. Propagated to the region Lf side.

  Thereby, the arrangement configuration of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 and the diffraction grating 40 in the observation window 32 in the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment has the same effect as that of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a slope portion 32b is formed at a position that does not interfere with the observation field of view of the outer surface of the observation window 32 and is out of the imaging field of view in the imaging unit 30, and is diffracted by this slope portion 32b. The lattice 40 may be formed.

  The inclined surface portion 32 b is formed on the outer surface side of the observation window 32 that is outside the optical effective diameter d in the observation window 32 through which the imaging light incident on the imaging unit 30 passes. The inclined surface portion 32 b has a predetermined angle θ so that the interval (separation distance) increases with respect to the vibration surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 toward the optical effective diameter d of the observation window 32. The observation window 32 is formed by cutting out a part of the outer periphery on the outer surface side.

  In this configuration, the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is at a position that does not interfere with the observation visual field on the outer surface of the observation window 32 so that the ultrasonic vibration f is incident on the diffraction grating 40 at a predetermined angle, and the imaging unit A vibration surface is attached to the inner surface at a position outside the imaging field of view at 30.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the endoscope system 1 of the present invention will be described in detail below based on FIG. 16 and FIG. 16 and 17 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 shows an observation window disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, which is disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement configuration of the diffraction grating and the piezoelectric vibrator, FIG. 17 shows an observation window arranged at the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the modification, and the diffraction grating arranged at the distal end portion of the insertion portion; It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the arrangement configuration of a piezoelectric vibrator.

  In the description of the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment, the configuration described in the first embodiment is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the description of the configuration and operation is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the piezoelectric vibrator 37 and the diffraction grating 40 are disposed on the distal end cover 25 that is the distal end portion of the insertion portion 9 of the endoscope 2. The observation window 32 constitutes the most object side lens of the objective lens in the endoscope 2.

  First, in the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a diffraction grating 40 is formed on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 25, and the piezoelectric vibrator 37 has a predetermined angle with respect to the diffraction grating 40. An inclined surface portion 25a is formed on the inner surface of the tip cover 25 so that the vibration surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is adhered to the ultrasonic vibration f.

  The inclined surface portion 25a is spaced apart from the diffraction surface of the diffraction grating 40 formed on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 25 toward the optical effective diameter d side of the observation window 32 (separation distance). The tip cover 25 is formed by cutting out a part of the inner surface with a predetermined angle θ. And the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is affixed on this slope part 25a.

The diffraction grating 40 is preferably formed in the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion of the surface of the observation window 32. Further, the tip surface of the tip cover 25 and the outer surface of the observation window 32 are continuously located on the same plane without a step. Good.

  Even in such a configuration, since the ultrasonic vibration f is incident on the groove of the diffraction grating 40 from an oblique direction from the piezoelectric vibrator 37, it is diffracted (deflected) with an asymmetric intensity by the groove of the diffraction grating 40. Asymmetry intensity with respect to 40, that is, the direction in which the incident angle of the ultrasonic vibration f becomes an obtuse angle, the diffracted wave Φ1 traveling toward the observation visual field region Lf defined by the optical effective diameter d in the observation window 32 is strong. It occurs as vibration.

  Thereby, the arrangement configuration of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 and the diffraction grating 40 on the distal end cover 25 in the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment requires an optical accuracy in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment. It is not necessary to form the diffraction grating 40 and the inclined surface portion (32a) in the observation window 32 to be formed.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the diffraction grating 40 is formed on the outer periphery of the tip cover 25, and the ultrasonic vibration f of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is incident on the diffraction grating 40 with a predetermined angle. As described above, a slope portion 25 a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tip cover 25 to which the vibration surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is adhered.

  The inclined surface 25a is also spaced apart from the diffraction surface of the diffraction grating 40 formed on the outer periphery of the tip cover 25 toward the optical effective diameter d of the observation window 32 (separation distance). The tip cover 25 is formed by cutting out a part of the inner surface with a predetermined angle θ. And the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is affixed on this slope part 25a.

  The tip cover 25 is formed with a corner R where an outer surface serving as a tip surface and a side peripheral surface serving as a side surface meet. Therefore, the diffracted wave Φ1 travels to the outer surface (tip surface) of the tip cover 25 via the corner portion R bent from the side peripheral surface of the tip cover 25, and the optical effective diameter of the observation window 32 is reached. It propagates to the observation visual field region Lf defined by d without being substantially attenuated.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the endoscope system 1 of the present invention will be described in detail below based on FIG. 18 to FIG. 18 to 22 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 shows an observation window disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and diffraction that is disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an observation window disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the distal end portion of the insertion portion according to the first modification. FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing an example of the arrangement configuration of the diffraction grating and the piezoelectric vibrator arranged at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and FIG. 21 shows the distal end portion of the insertion portion according to the second modified example. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement configuration of the diffraction grating and the piezoelectric vibrator arranged at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and FIG. 22 shows the distal end portion of the insertion portion according to the third modified example. It is a perspective view which shows the arrange | positioned observation window and shows an example of the arrangement configuration of the diffraction grating arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part of an insertion part.

  In the description of the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment, the configuration described in the first embodiment is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the description of the configuration and operation is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the piezoelectric vibrator 37 and the diffraction grating 40 are disposed on the distal end cover 25 that is the distal end portion of the insertion portion 9 of the side-view endoscope 2. An observation window 32 is provided on the side surface of the distal end portion of the endoscope 2, and these observation windows 32 constitute the most object-side lens of a plurality of super-wide-angle objective lenses.

  In the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a plurality of diffraction gratings 40 corresponding to the plurality of observation windows 32 are formed on the side surface (side peripheral surface) of the distal end cover 25. ing. In correspondence with each of the diffraction gratings 40, a plurality of slope portions 25 a are formed closer to the base end side than the plurality of observation windows 32. The vibration surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is adhered to the inner surface of the tip cover 25 so that the ultrasonic vibration f of the corresponding piezoelectric vibrator 37 is incident on each of the plurality of slope portions 25a with a predetermined angle. ing.

  These slope portions 25a have a larger distance (separation distance) toward the optical effective diameter d side of the observation window 32 with respect to the diffraction surface of the diffraction grating 40 formed on the outer peripheral portion of the tip cover 25 in the vicinity. As described above, a part of the inner peripheral surface of the tip cover 25 is cut out at a predetermined angle θ. And the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is affixed on each of these slope parts 25a.

  Each diffraction grating 40 is preferably formed in the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion of the surface of the corresponding observation window 32. Furthermore, the tip surface of the tip cover 25 and the outer surface of the observation window 32 are continuously located in the same plane without a step. It is good to do.

  Even in such a configuration, since each ultrasonic vibration f from each piezoelectric vibrator 37 is incident on the corresponding groove of the diffraction grating 40 from an oblique direction, it is diffracted to an asymmetric intensity by the groove of each diffraction grating 40. (Deflected) and asymmetric intensity with respect to the diffraction grating 40, that is, the direction in which the incident angle of the ultrasonic vibration f becomes an obtuse angle, toward the observation visual field region Lf defined by the optical effective diameter d in the observation window 32 The traveling diffracted wave Φ1 is generated as a strong vibration.

  As described above, also in the super-wide-angle endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, the arrangement of the piezoelectric vibrators 37 and the diffraction gratings 40 on the distal end cover 25 is different from that of the first embodiment. The same effect is produced.

(First modification)
In this modification, a direct viewing observation window 32 is provided on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 25 constituting the distal end portion of the insertion portion 9, and the side view side exposed around the side portion of the distal end cover 25 is A configuration of a direct-viewing type endoscope provided with a lens 39 that also serves as an observation window is illustrated.

  In the direct-viewing endoscope according to this modification, as shown in FIG. 20, a diffraction grating 40 is formed on the entire outer surface (side peripheral surface) of the tip cover 25, and a predetermined angle is set on the diffraction grating 40. The slope portion 25a where the vibration surface of the ring-shaped piezoelectric vibrator 37 is attached to the entire inner periphery of the tip cover 25 so that the ultrasonic vibration f of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is incident is used for side view. It is formed closer to the base end side than the objective lens 39.

  The inclined surface portion 25a is spaced from the diffraction surface of the diffraction grating 40 formed on the entire circumference of the side surface of the tip cover 25 so that the distance (separation distance) increases toward the optical effective diameter d side of the observation window 32. It has a predetermined angle θ and is cut out along the inner periphery of the tip cover 25. A ring-shaped piezoelectric vibrator 37 is attached to the slope portion 25a.

  By adopting such a configuration, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained even in the direct-viewing endoscope by the arrangement configuration of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 and the diffraction grating 40 on the tip cover 25 described above. Play. Here, as in the third embodiment, the tip cover 25 is also formed with a corner R where the outer surface serving as the tip surface and the side peripheral surface serving as the side surface meet, and the diffracted wave. Φ1 advances to the outer surface of the tip cover 25 via a corner portion R curved from the side peripheral surface of the tip cover 25, and the observation field region Lf defined by the optical effective diameter d of the observation window 32 Propagated to the side without substantial attenuation.

(Second modification)
As shown in FIG. 21, the diffraction grating 40 is formed on the entire outer surface (side circumferential surface) of the tip cover 25, and the inclined surface portion 25 a is formed inside the tip cover 25 on the tip side of the side-view objective lens 39. It is good also as a structure which formed in the side surface (inner peripheral surface) whole periphery and the piezoelectric vibrator 37 was affixed on the slope part 25a.

  With such a configuration, the diffracted wave Φ1 travels toward the direct viewing observation window 32 that requires more visibility and efficiently removes dirt on the observation window 32 due to strong vibrations, compared to the direct viewing observation window 32. Thus, the diffracted wave Φ2 weaker than the diffracted wave Φ1 travels toward the side-view objective lens 39 whose visibility is inferior, and the observation window 32 is cleaned by weak vibration.

  Here, as in the third embodiment, the tip cover 25 is also formed with a corner R where the outer surface serving as the tip surface and the side peripheral surface serving as the side surface meet, and the diffracted wave. Φ1 advances to the outer surface of the tip cover 25 via a corner portion R curved from the side peripheral surface of the tip cover 25, and the observation field region Lf defined by the optical effective diameter d of the observation window 32 Propagated to the side without substantial attenuation.

(Third Modification)
As shown in FIG. 22, in the case of a side-view endoscope provided with a side-view objective lens 39, the traveling direction of the diffracted wave Φ <b> 1 (lattice vector direction) is directed to the surface of the side-view objective lens 39. The diffraction grating 40 is placed on the outer peripheral portion of the distal end cover 25 on the proximal end side of the side-view objective lens 39 so that the longitudinal direction is relative to the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 9 so as to advance in a spiral around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 9. You may arrange | position diagonally with a predetermined angle. With such a configuration, the diffraction grating 40 and the piezoelectric vibrator 37 that generates the ultrasonic vibration f in the diffraction grating 40 can be reduced.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the endoscope system 1 of the present invention will be described in detail below based on FIG. 23 to FIG. FIG. 23 to FIG. 26 relate to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 23 shows an observation window disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and diffraction that is disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement configuration of the lattice and the piezoelectric vibrator, FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an observation window arranged at the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the first modified example, and FIG. 25 is a diagram of the second modified example. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an arrangement configuration of a diffraction grating and a piezoelectric vibrator arranged at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, showing an observation window disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion.

  In the description of the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment, the configuration described in the first embodiment is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the description of the configuration and operation is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, an example of the arrangement configuration of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 and the diffraction grating 40 disposed in the observation window 32 that is the distal end portion of the insertion portion 9 of the endoscope 2 will be described below. A negative meniscus lens convex on the object side constitutes the most object side lens of the fish-eye objective lens.

  As in the present embodiment, the observation window 32 that is a negative meniscus lens convex toward the object side has a predetermined angle between the outer surface and the inner surface of the observation window 32 as shown in FIG. That is, the angle of the observation window 32 with respect to the plane perpendicular to the observation optical axis O increases as the object-side surface (the apex of the outer surface) moves away from the observation optical axis O. When the grating 40 is provided, if the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is disposed on the inner surface of the observation window 32, the ultrasonic vibration f from the piezoelectric vibrator 37 enters the diffraction grating 40 obliquely. In FIG. 23, a piezoelectric vibrator 37 is disposed on the chamfered portion of the lens.

  For this reason, when the diffraction grating 40 is formed in the observation window 32, the vibration surface is bonded to the inner surface of the observation window 32 without providing the slope portion described above, so that the vibration surface is the diffraction grating 40. The diffractive surface is configured to have a predetermined angle θ so that an interval (separation distance) increases toward the optical effective diameter d side of the observation window 32.

(First modification)
Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the observation window 32 which is a negative meniscus lens convex toward the object side may be formed, and of course, a slope portion 32a to which the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is attached may be formed.

(Second modification)
Further, as shown in FIG. 25, a diffraction grating 40 is provided on the side surface of the observation window 32, and an inclined surface portion 32a is formed on the diffraction grating 40 so that the ultrasonic vibration f from the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is incident obliquely. Also good. The observation window 32 is formed with a corner portion R where the outer surface serving as the tip surface and the side peripheral surface serving as the side surface meet, and the diffracted wave Φ1 diffracted (deflected) by the diffraction grating 40 is curved. It propagates through the formed corner R to the observation visual field region Lf defined by the optical effective diameter d of the observation window 32 without being substantially attenuated.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the present invention can also be applied to a capsule endoscope apparatus, and a diffracted wave Φ1 is applied to an observation visual field region Lf defined by an optical effective diameter d of a dome-shaped observation window 61. Is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the casing 62 so that the vibration surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 37 is adhered so that the ultrasonic vibration f is obliquely incident on the diffraction grating 40. The portion 62 a may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing portion 62. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement configuration of the diffraction grating and the piezoelectric vibrator arranged in the housing portion, showing the observation window arranged at the distal end portion of the capsule endoscope.

  The endoscope system 1 of each embodiment described above may have a configuration in which the configurations described in the second to fifth embodiments are combined with the first embodiment as a basic configuration.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the technical configuration for generating the vibration for cleaning the surface of the observation window 32 has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the insertion portion of the endoscope 2 is configured in a similar configuration. 9 can be applied as a technical configuration for generating vibrations for cleaning the surface of the optical member provided in 9, for example, the illumination window 33.

  The invention described in each of the above-described embodiments is not limited to the embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements.

  For example, even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, the described requirements can be deleted if the stated problem can be solved and the stated effect can be obtained. The configuration can be extracted as an invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic endoscope system 2 ... Electronic endoscope 3 ... Light source device 4 ... Video processor 5 ... Color monitor 6 ... Tip part 7 ... Bending part 8 ... Flexible tube part 9 ... Insertion part 10 ... Operation part 11 ... part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Forceps port 13 ... Operation part main body 14,15 ... Bending operation knob 16 ... Bending operation part 17 ... Universal cord 18 ... Scope connector 19 ... Electric cable 20 ... Electric connector part 21 ... Air supply / water supply control part 22 ... Suction control part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 23 ... Switch part 24 ... Tip rigid member 25 ... Tip cover 27 ... Set screw 29 ... Pincushion adhesion part 30 ... Imaging unit 30a ... Lens 31 on the most object side among objective lenses ... Tip opening part 32 ... Observation window 32a ... Slope part 33 ... Illuminating window 34 ... Observation window cleaning nozzle 34a ... Jet port 35 ... Treatment instrument channel 36 ... Tip insertion portion covering member 37 ... Piezoelectric vibrator 40 ... Diffraction grating 42 ... Water supply tank 43 ... La Guide 45 ... wiring 46 ... communication cable 51 ... control unit 52 ... video signal processing circuit 53 ... piezoelectric vibrator excitation circuit 54 ... pump control circuit 55 ... pump 56 ... light source 57 ... light source control circuit d ... optical effective diameter f ... Ultrasonic vibration Lf ... Observation field O ... Imaging optical axis [Phi] 1, [Phi] 2 ... Diffraction wave

Claims (7)

An insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity and an optical member is disposed at a tip portion;
An ultrasonic transducer disposed in the insertion portion and generating ultrasonic vibration;
A diffraction grating disposed on an outer surface of the insertion portion or a side surface of the optical member, and deflecting the ultrasonic vibration within an effective diameter of the optical member;
Comprising
An endoscope apparatus, wherein a vibration surface of the ultrasonic transducer is arranged to be inclined with respect to a grating surface of the diffraction grating so that a gap is widened toward the effective diameter side of the optical member.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the diffraction grating is disposed outside the effective diameter of the optical member.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the diffraction gratings are provided so that the ultrasonic vibration is deflected over the entire effective area on the outer surface of the optical member defined by the effective diameter. .   Inclined so that an interval is widened toward the effective diameter side of the optical member with respect to the grating surface of the diffraction grating, and the inclined surface to which the vibration surface of the ultrasonic transducer is attached is the insertion portion, or The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope apparatus is formed on an inner surface of the optical member.   The ultrasonic transducer is arranged in the insertion portion so that a projection area obtained by projecting the vibration surface of the ultrasonic transducer is entirely included in the grating surface of the diffraction grating. The endoscope apparatus according to 1. A cleaning nozzle having a spout for ejecting fluid to the outer surface of the optical member;
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning nozzle is disposed on a side opposite to the effective diameter side of the optical member with the diffraction grating as a boundary.   2. The jet outlet is disposed so as to face the optical member so that the fluid is jetted toward the center of the effective area of the outer surface of the optical member defined by the effective diameter. The endoscope apparatus described in 1.

Images