Patent ID: 6030339
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: A61B,G02B

Abstract:
An imaging assembly for endoscopes, comprising:a first unit to be freely detachably attached to an eyepiece unit of an optical endoscope, said first unit includingan optical system located inside said first unit,a first housing having a distal first housing opening to oppose an optical device in said eyepiece unit and a proximal first housing opening, andan electric circuit which generates an electric signal and is disposed in the first housing, wherein said distal first housing opening is hermetically sealed with a first optical device so that the optical system and electric circuit can withstand autoclaving where high-temperature and high-pressure steam is used for sterilization;a second unit includingan imaging unit which includes a solid-state imaging device for photoelectrically converting an optical image formed through said optical system, anda second housing, wherein said imaging unit is sealed hermetically in said second housing, said second housing having a distal second housing opening opposed to said optical system which is sealed hermetically with a second optical device so that the imaging unit can withstand autoclaving;a connection member for connecting said first and second units so that they can be easily separated from each other;a third optical device which hermetically seals said proximal first housing opening of said first housing;a first electric connector having a plurality of first electric contacts hermetically sealed around the circumference of said proximal first housing opening to withstand autoclaving and coupled to said electric circuit; anda second electric connector formed around said distal second housing opening and facing said connection member, said second electric connector having a plurality of second electric contacts which are freely detachably attached to said first electric contacts of said first electric connector and having a waterproof structure.