TIP PART FOR A VISION DEVICE

Abstract

A tip part for an endoscope has a vision receptor having a vision sensor for providing an image from received light, a first lens, and a casing, the casing supporting the first lens so that the casing substantially maintains a position of the first lens in relation to the vision sensor; a first light source; an exterior housing; and a light shield positioned between the vision receptor and the first light source so as to prevent ingress of stray light from the first light source into the vision receptor by optically shielding the vision receptor; wherein the casing is formed integrally with the exterior housing so that the casing also substantially maintains the first lens in a position in relation to the exterior housing.

Claims

1. A tip part for an endoscope, said tip part comprising: a vision receptor having a vision sensor for providing an image from received light, a first lens, and a casing, the casing supporting the first lens so that the casing substantially maintains a position of the first lens in relation to another lens and/or in relation to the vision sensor; a first light source; an exterior housing formed in one-piece with the casing and accommodating the vision receptor and the first light source; a proximal or back end for connection to other parts of the endoscope; a distal or front end for receiving light received from the object; and a light shield positioned between the vision receptor and the first light source so as to prevent ingress of stray light from the first light source into the vision receptor by optically shielding the vision receptor.

2. The tip part of claim 1, wherein the casing and/or the light shield at least partially surround(s) the vision receptor.

3. The tip part of claim 1, wherein the light shield is separate from the casing.

4. The tip part of claim 1, wherein the light shield is a light shielding layer provided on the casing.

5. The tip part of claim 1, wherein the casing and the light shield are integrally formed or being in one piece.

6. The tip part of claim 1, wherein the exterior housing comprises an exterior surface positioned at the distal end of the tip part, wherein a distal end of the light shield is arranged substantially flush with the exterior surface.

7. The tip part of claim 1, wherein the exterior housing comprises a window comprising the exterior surface and being positioned at the distal end of the tip part, the window consisting essentially, potentially being of, a transparent material so that light received from the object can pass through the window to the vision receptor, and so that light emitted from the first light source can pass through the window to the exterior, the exterior surface being positioned at least partly in front of the vision receptor and the first light source.

8. The tip part of claim 6, wherein the exterior surface is substantially planar, and/or potentially having no lens effect.

9. The tip part of claim 6, wherein the exterior housing further comprises a side wall extending from the window along sides of the vision receptor and the first light source, the side wall and window being integrally formed or being in one piece.

10. The tip part of claim 1, wherein the window comprises a first material and the exterior housing comprises, a second material, the second material different than the first material, the window and exterior housing being integrally formed potentially by a two component moulding process.

11. The tip part of claim 1, wherein first lens is a wafer lens.

12. The tip part of claim 1, wherein the vision receptor comprises a lens stack having the first lens and a second lens, the lens stack being positioned inside the casing, the second lens being positioned successively in front of the first lens.

13. The tip part of claim 1, wherein the casing abuts the vision sensor and the first lens.

14. The tip part of claim 1, wherein the vision receptor and/or the tip part do(es) not comprise a separate, and potentially opaque, lens barrel or envelope configured to support the first lens or plurality of lenses.

15. An endoscope, comprising: a tip part according to claim 1.

16. A tip for an endoscope, comprising: a vision sensor; a first light source; a housing extending axially from a proximal end to a distal end and having an exterior wall extending proximally from a front wall, the housing accommodating the vision sensor and the first light source; a casing extending proximally from the front wall, the housing formed in one-piece with the casing; and a window comprising a transparent material and positioned at the distal end of the housing axially in front of the vision sensor.

17. The tip of claim 16, wherein the window is integrally formed with the housing.

18. The tip of claim 17, further comprising a light shield between the casing and the first light source.

19. A method of forming a tip part for an endoscope, the method comprising: providing: a vision sensor; a first light source; a housing extending axially from a proximal end to a distal end and having an exterior wall extending proximally from a front wall; a casing extending proximally from the front wall, the housing formed in one-piece with the casing; and a window comprising a transparent material and positioned at the distal end of the housing axially in front of the vision receptor; connecting the vision sensor and the first light source to a circuit board to form a circuit board assembly; inserting the circuit board assembly into the housing from the rear until the vision sensor abuts the casing; and bonding the circuit board assembly to the casing.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising inserting a light guide through the front wall in front of the first light source; and bonding the light guide to the housing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] The present disclosure will now be described in greater detail based on non-limiting exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings, on which:

[0078] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an endoscope in which a tip part according to the present disclosure is implemented,

[0079] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a tip part according to the present disclosure,

[0080] FIG. 2A shows a front view of a distal end of the tip part of FIG. 1B,

[0081] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the tip part along the line A-A of FIG. 2A,

[0082] FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the tip part along the line D-D of FIG. 2B,

[0083] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tip part according to the present disclosure,

[0084] FIG. 3B shows a front view of the second embodiment of FIG. 3A,

[0085] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of the tip part with a schematic first and second lens along the line B-B of FIG. 3A,

[0086] FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the tip part with a schematic first and second lens along the line C-C of FIG. 3A,

[0087] FIG. 5A shows a perspective of the tip part without a window according to the second embodiment,

[0088] FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the tip part along the line E-E of FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089] Turning first to FIG. 1A, an endoscope 1 exemplifying the vision device according to the present disclosure is shown. The endoscope 1 comprises a handle 2 at the proximal end of the endoscope 1, an insertion tube 3 extending towards the distal end of the endoscope 1 where it comprises an articulated bending section 4, which as the most distal segment has a distal tip part 5 according to the present disclosure. Though omitted for illustration purposes the articulated bending section 4 will normally be covered by a suitable sleeve, connected at least at its own distal end to the distal tip part 5, e.g. by means of an adhesive. The tip part 5 of the present disclosure is intended as a tip part 5 for a disposable endoscope 1 to be thrown away after use and low manufacturing costs is therefore an important issue.

[0090] FIG. 1B shows a first detailed embodiment of a tip part 5 configured to be incorporated in the endoscope shown in FIG. 1A. The tip part 5 has a proximal end 5a for connection to the insertion tube 3 of endoscope 1 and a distal end 5b for receiving light from an object (not shown) located in front of the tip part. The tip part 5 further comprises an exterior housing 8 including a front wall 8c having an exterior surface 10 positioned at the distal end 5b of the tip part 5, and an exterior side wall 8a extending from the front wall 8c along a proximal-distal axis PD of the tip part. The wall 8a and exterior surface 10 are integrally formed in one piece. The exterior housing 8 forms a barrier between the exterior of the tip part 5 and the interior of tip part 5. The exterior side wall 8a has a substantially cylindrical shell shape.

[0091] FIG. 2A shows the position of a first cross-sectional line A-A on the first embodiment of the tip part 5 of FIG. 1B.

[0092] Turning to FIG. 2B showing cross section A-A, the tip part 5 comprises a vision receptor 6 having a vision sensor (not shown) for providing an image from received light, a first lens (not shown), a printed circuit board 6e configured for processing the image, and a casing 8b. The casing 8b supports the first lens and maintains a position of the first lens in relation to another lens (not shown) and in relation to the vision sensor. The tip part 5 further comprises a first light source 7a, in the form of a light emitting diode, positioned behind a light guide 12. The light guide 12 may be arranged in a tube of the exterior housing and sealed to the exterior housing 8 by hardened glue. The tube forms a tubular cavity for the light guide and may be molded in one piece with the casing and the exterior housing, projecting inwardly from the front wall 8c of the exterior housing. Alternatively, the light guide 12 may be bonded to the bottom of the casing. Alternatively, the light guide 12 may be formed in a one-piece construct with the exterior housing. Reducing the number of parts reduces the cost of the single-use tip part by reducing assembly labor costs. Additionally, the one-piece construct eliminates the need to bond the light guide 12 to the tube or the exterior housing. The exterior housing 8 accommodates and surrounds the vision receptor 6 and the first light source 7a. The casing 8b is positioned between the vision receptor 6 and the first light source 7a and may be made of an opaque light shielding material so as to prevent ingress of stray light from the first light source 7a into the vision receptor 6 by optically shielding the vision receptor 6. A small gap between the lens barrel 6f of the vision receptor 6 and the casing 8b is filled with hardened glue preventing the vision receptor 6 from sliding in relation to the casing 8b and providing water tightness so as to seal off the printed circuit board 6e and other electronics in the tip part 5. The hardened glue may also perform the light shielding function, e.g. opaque glue. In one variation, the casing 8b and the exterior housing 8 are molded in one-piece. In another variation, the casing 8b, the exterior housing 8, and the light guide 12 are molded in one-piece. In variations including the lens barrel 6f, the vision receptor 6 may be attached to the printed circuit board 6e via the electrical connections of the vision sensor 6a and then inserted from the rear into the casing 8b, where it is bonded in place via the adhesive. The vision receptor 6/printed circuit board 6e assembly may be inserted forward until the circuit board 6e abuts the casing 8b. The lens 6b and the vision sensor 6a (not shown) may be fit into the lens barrel 6f to form the vision receptor 6, wherein the relationship between the lens 6b and the vision sensor 6a is fixed. Internal chamfers or slots may be provided in the lens barrel matching, at least in relevant part, the peripheral shape of the lens and vision sensor. A transparent window (not shown) may be bonded to the casing 8b at the front wall 8c or the lens barrel 6f, sealing the lens and image receptor therein. The window may part of the vision receptor 6. In another examples, the lens barrel is omitted from the vision receptor 6, and the printed circuit board 6e/vision sensor 6a are fit to the proximal end of the casing 8b in the manner previously described. The lens 6b is also fit to the casing 8b, but inserted from the front, therefore the casing 8b fixes the relationship between the lens 6b, and any additional lens, and the vision sensor 6a. Examples of lenses and windows fit to the casing or the front wall of the exterior housing are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0093] The first light source 7a is similarly connected to the printed circuit board 6e and inserted from the rear into the tubular cavity between the casing 8b and the exterior side wall 8a. In embodiments where the light tube 12 is not integrally formed in one-piece with the exterior housing, the light tube 12 may be inserted in the tubular cavity from the front and bonded to exterior housing or the casing.

[0094] Turning to FIG. 2C, the exterior housing 8 forms a barrier between the exterior of the tip part 5 and the interior of tip part 5. The casing 8b is formed integrally with the exterior housing 8 so that the casing 8b also substantially maintains the first lens in a position in relation to the exterior housing 8. The casing 8b supports the vision sensor of the vision receptor 6 so that the casing 8b maintains and fixes a position of the vision sensor of the vision receptor 6 in relation to the first lens. The casing 8b surrounds and encloses the first lens and the vision sensor of the vision receptor 6.

[0095] A second embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 3A. In the following, the differences between the first and the second embodiment will be discussed. Reference numerals will be the same for features present in the first and the second embodiment.

[0096] The second embodiment of a tip part 5 is, similarly to the first embodiment, configured to be incorporated in the endoscope shown in FIG. 1A.

[0097] The tip part 5 includes a window 9 positioned at the distal end 5b. The window 9 and the exterior housing 8 are integrally formed in one piece. A front view of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 3B.

[0098] Turning to FIG. 3B showing a front view of the second embodiment, the window 9 comprises a first light source zone 9a and a second light source zone 9b positioned directly in front of the associated light source 7a, 7b (see FIG. 5A) so as to allow light emitted from the light sources 7a, 7b to propagate outside of the tip part 5. Each light source zone 9a, 9b includes a substantially planar light reception end facing the associated light source 7a, 7b. The light source zones 9a, 9b extend from the exterior surface 10 of the window 9 to the associated light reception end.

[0099] The window 9 comprises a vision receptor zone 9c positioned directly in front of the first lens 6a of the vision receptor 6 so as to allow light to propagate from an object in front of the tip part 5 through the vision receptor zone 9c to the vision receptor 6. The vision receptor zone 9c includes a substantially planar abutment surface 9d facing the first lens 6a. The vision receptor zone 9c extends from the exterior surface 10 of the window 9 to the abutment surface 9d.

[0100] The interior of the second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4A shows a cross section with mirror symmetry. The tip part 5 comprises a vision receptor 6 configured to provide an image from light received from an object to be investigated, such as a human body cavity. The vision receptor 6 includes a vision sensor 6a for providing an image from received light, a first lens 6b, a second lens 6c, a lens spacer 6d, a printed circuit board 6e for processing the image from the vision sensor, and a casing 8b. The lenses 6b, 6c are arranged successively in the casing. The lens spacer 6d is arranged between the lenses 6b, 6c to ensure that the lenses do not abut each other. The lenses 6b, 6c are arranged in front of the vision sensor 6a. The lenses 6b, 6c are shown with schematic geometry and are chosen according to the requirements of the vision sensor 6a. The vision receptor 6 may be assembled within the exterior housing 8 of the tip part 5 as described above.

[0101] The casing 8b is a lens barrel preferably made of an opaque, black material so as to prevent light from ingressing into the vision receptor 6. The casing 8b supports the vision sensor 6a and substantially maintains and fixes the position of the vision sensor 6a in relation to the first lens 6b and to the second lens 6c. The casing 8b extends along a side of the first lens 6b and the second lens 6c, and along an optical axis 6a of the lenses 6b, 6c.

[0102] The exterior housing 8 and the casing 8b are integrally formed and essentially consist of a light shielding material in the form of a black, opaque plastic polymer.

[0103] The tip part 5 further comprises a first light source 7a and a second light source 7b (see FIG. 5A) each being a light fibre abutting an interior surface of the window 9. The second light source 7b is provided similarly to the first light source 7a but on an opposite side of the vision receptor 6.

[0104] The window 9 is made of a transparent rigid polymer material. The window 9 comprises a planar exterior surface positioned directly in front of the vision receptor 6, the first light source 7a, and the second light source 7b, so that light received from the investigated object can pass through the window 9 to the vision sensor 6a of the vision receptor 6, and so that light emitted from the light sources 7a, 7b can pass through the window 9 to the outside of the tip part 5.

[0105] The exterior housing 8 and the window 9 are formed by a two component moulding process, so that the exterior housing 8 including the casing 8b consists essentially of the light shielding material and the window consists essentially of the transparent material.

[0106] The tip part further comprises an interior housing 14 positioned inside the exterior housing 8. The interior housing 14 does not provide sealing for the internal parts of the tip part 5. The interior housing 14 may provide a simple way of assembling some electronic parts of the tip part 5 prior to final assembly of the tip part.

[0107] Turning to FIG. 5A, the light shielding casing 8b comprises a distal casing end 8b′ positioned at the distal end 5b of the tip part 5. The distal casing end 8b′ forms a U-shape positioned between the first light source 7a and the second light source 7b and the vision receptor 6. In particular the distal casing end 8b′ is positioned between the first and second light source zones 9a, 9b and the vision receptor zone 9c, as best seen on FIG. 3A. The U-shaped distal casing end 8b′ extends through the window 9, as best seen in FIG. 3A, so that it is arranged substantially flush with the exterior surface 10 and forms part of the exterior surface 10. The U-shaped distal casing end 8b′ are thus embedded in the window 9, so as to provide a light shield for preventing internal reflections in the window 9 reaching the vision receptor 6.

[0108] Turning to FIG. 5B, the casing 8b surround and enclose the first lens 6b and the second lens 6c. The casing 8b is made of a light shielding material to provide a light shield between the vision receptor 6 and the light sources 7a, 7b.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0109] The following is a list of reference numerals used throughout this specification. [0110] 1 endoscope [0111] 2 handle [0112] 3 insertion tube [0113] 4 bending section [0114] 5 tip part [0115] 5a proximal end [0116] 5b distal end [0117] 6 vision receptor [0118] 6a vision sensor [0119] 6b first lens [0120] 6c second lens [0121] 6d spacer [0122] 6e printed circuit board [0123] 6a optical axis of vision receptor [0124] 6f lens barrel [0125] 7a first light source [0126] 7b second light source [0127] 8 exterior housing [0128] 8a exterior side wall [0129] 8b casing [0130] 8b′ distal end of casing [0131] 8c front wall [0132] 9 window [0133] 9a first light source zone [0134] 9b second light source zone [0135] 9c vision receptor zone [0136] 9d abutment surface [0137] 10 exterior surface [0138] 11a first optical well [0139] 11b second optical well [0140] 12 first light guide [0141] 13 tube [0142] 14 interior housing [0143] PD proximal-distal axis