Abstract: An electronic endoscope (2) of the type including: a distal end (14) including an illumination element and an electronic image acquisition member; a probe (12), one of the ends of which is connected to the distal end; and control elements (10) connected to the other end of the probe, characterized in that the probe includes a plastically malleable portion (20) suitable for preserving, under the effect of its own weight when the endoscope is in use, the shape which has been conferred on it by an operator, the malleable portion carrying the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an endoscope that comprises a telescope, an imaging means, an image sensor for converting optical images produced by the imaging means to electrical signals, and a circuit board for receiving and outputting the electrical signals, the imaging means, image sensor and circuit board being located in the telescope. In some embodiments, the endoscope includes a connector that electrically connects the image sensor and the circuit board to form a first assembly.

Abstract: A scope unit 2 including a control unit 3 and an insertion portion 4 is attached to a main unit 1 via a scope connector 5. An optical adaptor 8 is attached to a tip of the insertion portion 4. The CCD 31, HICs 32, 33, and the thermistor 34 are attached to the tip of the insertion portion 4. A liquid crystal module 36 is attached to the optical adaptor 8. A barrier circuit 64 limits energy supplied to these components in a circuit disposed in the scope unit 2. By disposing the barrier circuit 64 in the scope connector 5, the portion extending from the barrier circuit 64 to, i.e., the control unit 3, the insertion portion 4, and the optical adaptor 8 are of the explosion-proof construction. Thus, these can be used in a hazardous explosive location. Thus, an endoscope apparatus that can be used in combustible gas or dust can be provided.

Abstract: A video endoscope comprises an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, and a handpiece at the proximal end of the shaft, a distal end of the shaft being provided with a lens and, in the proximal direction from the lens, with an electronic image pickup. The image pickup is connected, via an electrical connection extending along the shaft, to an electrical connector piece arranged on the handpiece. The image pickup and the connector piece can rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The electrical connection comprises at least one flexible, elongate circuit board, which is able to twist about its longitudinal direction and has at least one conductor track.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for an electronic endoscope includes a bare chip of CCD, a circuit board with approximately the same thickness as the bare chip, and a conducting plate with no less than 1/4 width of the bare chip. The bare chip has terminals on the surface with an imaging surface. The terminals are arranged near the edge facing the rear end of an insertion section of the electronic endoscope. The circuit board has terminals on the surface near the edge facing the front end of the insertion section. These terminals are connected by wire bonding. The conducting plate is attached along one side of the rear surface of the CCD and the circuit board for electrical connection. A forceps channel is provided such that its outer circumference fits partially into a cut portion formed on the rear surfaces of the CCD and the circuit board by the conducting plate.

Abstract: An electric bending endoscope includes an elongate insertion portion provided with a bending portion, a drive unit, and an operation unit, wherein the drive unit and the operation unit respectively include a drive unit side electric contact portion and an operation unit side electric contact portion configured to be coupled to and separated from each other by moving the drive unit and the operation unit close to and apart from each other in a coupling and separation axial direction, and the drive unit and the operation unit includes a lock mechanism configured to lock and unlock the drive unit and the operation unit to and from each other with respect to the coupling and separating axial direction.

Abstract: An endoscope including an insertion portion, an operation portion, an image pickup device provided in the operation portion, an image display device connected to the operation portion and provided with a monitor portion, an image processing portion such as an image pickup device control circuit processing an image pickup signal of a portion to be inspected picked up by the image pickup device, a cylindrical rotating shaft formed by an electromagnetic wave shielding member such as metal, slidably engaged with the operation portion, for rotatably connecting the operation portion and the image display device to each other, and an image pickup cable inserted through the rotating shaft and electrically connecting the image pickup device control circuit and the image pickup device to each other.

Abstract: A snare device and methods of making and using the same. The snare device may include a sheath having a proximal end region, a distal end region, and a shaft slidably disposed therein. A handle may be coupled to the shaft and disposed adjacent the proximal end region. The snare device may also include a swivel disposed adjacent the distal end region of the sheath and coupled to the shaft and to a snare loop.

Abstract: An image pickup unit includes a board to which an image pickup device is electrically connected, the board is provided with a first terminal portion which includes a plurality of terminals and is used when a first endoscope is configured, and a second terminal portion which includes a plurality of terminals and is used when a second endoscope is configured, a folding portion is provided between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion of the board, when the board is used as an image pickup unit of the second endoscope, the board is folded at the folding portion, and a signal transmission member is connected to the second terminal portion, and at least one of a terminal size and a space between terminals in the second terminal portion is set to be larger than at least one of a terminal size and a terminal space in the first terminal portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film type endoscope using an imaging device. The endoscope includes an image photographing means and an object insertion means. The image photographing means includes a head housing to which an imaging device and an illumination means are mounted, and functions to photograph an image. The object insertion means includes an arc-shaped flexible thin foil, an insulating adhesive film, a circuit film and an insulating protective film which are layered and inserted into an interior of an object to be inspected. The object insertion means is connected at one end thereof to the image photographing means and connected at the other end to a transmission cable via a connector.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope according to the present invention has a video-scope that has a first image sensor and a second image sensor, and a light supplier that selectively irradiates white light and excitation-light on an observed portion. The electronic endoscope further has a first color filter that has spectral transmitting characteristics, such that light having a first wavelength range corresponding to blue color is transmitted, and a second color filter that has spectral transmitting characteristics, such that light having a second wavelength range corresponding to green and red colors is transmitted. The electronic endoscope has a first signal processor, a second signal processor, and a third signal processor. The first signal processor generates normal image video signals. The second signal processor generates narrow-band video signals. The third signal processor generates auto-fluorescent video signals.

Abstract: A portable, low power, low cost, endoscope having a removable probe with a miniature digital CCD imager, single white LED illuminator and an imaging lens on the distal end and a miniature multi pin connector on the proximal end; both ends connected with a multi trace flexible circuit hidden inside of the protecting flexible sleeve; and a full color LCD monitor and associated image signal processing electronics and powered by the small battery cells.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided that can reduce examination costs by realizing commonality of an operating unit by making an inserting unit and the operating unit attachable/detachable with respect to each other to enable the exchange of inserting units. The endoscope of this invention includes an operating unit, an inserting unit that can be detachably connected to the operating unit, and transmission and reception coils provided in the operating unit and the inserting unit, respectively, for sending and receiving signals in a non-contact manner between the operating unit and the inserting unit when the inserting unit is connected to the operating unit.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. The imaging device is provided in various configurations, and connections between the imaging device elements and a video display may be achieved by wired or wireless connections. A connector assembly located near the imaging device interconnects the imaging device to an image/power cable extending through the endoscope. The connector provides strain relief and stabilization for electrically interconnecting the imager to the cable. The connector also serves as the structure for anchoring the distal ends of steering wires extending through the body of the endoscopic device. The connector includes a strain relief member mounted over a body of the connector. The connector allows a steering wire capability without enlarging the profile of the distal tip of the endoscopic device.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an elongated insertion portion inserted into a lumen, an operation portion coupled with a proximal end portion of the insertion portion, and an imaging unit which is arranged in a distal end portion of the insertion portion and which is configured to acquire an endoscopic image. The endoscope includes an imaging unit attachment, portion which is provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion and detachably holds the imaging unit, an imaging unit insertion/removal portion which is provided in the operation portion and enables insertion/removal of the imaging unit with respect to the insertion portion, and an operating mechanism which includes a distal end portion fixed to the imaging unit and a proximal end portion extended to a imaging unit insertion/removal portion side, and which is configured to perform an attachment/detachment operation of the imaging unit on the imaging unit insertion/removal portion side.

Abstract: An capsule-type medical apparatus includes a sealed container; and a wiring board which is housed in the sealed container and on which a functional circuit performing a predetermined function while the capsule-type medical apparatus is inserted into a subject is mounted. The wiring board includes a plurality of comparatively rigid wiring board sections on which parts constituting the functional circuit are mounted, and a comparatively flexible wiring board section that connects the plurality of the rigid wiring board sections. The flexible wiring board is extended from a straight-line portion formed on the rigid wiring board sections, and the flexible wiring board section is folded so that the adjacent rigid wiring board sections oppose to each other.

Abstract: An image pick-up module, especially for an endoscope, comprises an electronic image sensor, a single-piece circuit board which is electrically bonded to the image sensor, with at least one cable leading away from the circuit board being further electrically bonded to the circuit board. The circuit board has at least three sections, with a first section and a second section extending in spaced relation one to the other and obliquely or crosswise to the image sensor and a third section being arranged between the first and the second section. In order to provide for strain relief of the at least one cable, it is proposed that the image sensor be arranged on one side of the circuit board opposite the third section.

Abstract: An endoscope connector device comprises: a first cable of an endoscope, including a light guide for supplying illumination light and an electric wire for obtaining video signals from an image pickup device; a light guide connector connected to the first cable; and a second cable of the endoscope, including the electric wire led out of the light guide connector wherein the second cable is attached diagonally from the light guide connector at an angle ? within a range, of 0°<?<90° from a first cable side of an axial direction of the first cable.

Abstract: Disclosed are an endoscope and a system for controlling movement of the same. The system includes an elastic spring having a predetermined length, a camera mounted on an end of the elastic spring, a plurality of link bodies shaped to fit around the elastic spring and disposed to have a predetermined interval therebetween, a plurality of wires connected with the plurality of link bodies for allowing each of the plurality of link bodies to be connected with each other along a longitudinal direction of the elastic spring, a plurality of driving modules connected with an end of each of the plurality of wires for tightening or loosening each of the plurality of wires, and a control module electrically connected with the plurality of driving modules and the camera for driving the plurality of the driving modules and receiving visual information from the camera.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion portion includes an image pick-up assembly including an image pick-up unit and an image pick-up cable provided in order from the distal end portion to the proximal end side wherein the outer diameter of the image pick-up unit is larger than the outer diameter of the image pick-up cable, and a channel assembly arranged side by side with the image pick-up assembly and including a thin outer diameter portion and a thick outer diameter portion provided in order from the distal end portion to the proximal end side wherein a distal end portion of the thick outer diameter portion is arranged on more proximal end side than a proximal end portion of the image pick-up unit.

Abstract: An endoscope electric connection device accommodated within a scope connector for connecting an electronic endoscope and an external apparatus, the device including a first band having a first contact portion to which a signal line of a transmission cable for transmitting an image signal from an image pickup unit of the electronic endoscope is connected and a second contact portion to which a ground line of the transmission cable is connected, a second band having a third contact portion connecting to a connector for electrically connecting to the external apparatus and having flexibility, and a transmitting portion provided in the first band and second band for electrically connecting the first contact portion and second contact portion to the third contact portion, wherein the transmitting portion can keep electric connection between the first contact portion and second contact portion and the third contact portion even with the second band bent.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope has an insert section to be introduced into a human body cavity. A distal portion of the insert section contains a CCD and a printed circuit board to which the CCD is bonded. In the insert section, a cable bundle being a bundle of coaxial cables extends. Each coaxial cable consists of a signal line, insulation surrounding the signal line, a braided wire surrounding the insulation, and an insulating jacket. The cylindrical braided wire is stranded into a single line, and is soldered as a ground line to a ground terminal of the printed circuit board. The signal line is pulled out of the coaxial cable with a length longer than the ground line. The signal line is soldered to an input/output terminal of the printed circuit board with a larger sag than the ground line.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus includes: an image pickup apparatus mounted at a distal end portion of an insertion portion; an operation portion provided consecutively at the insertion portion, with a frame member incorporated therein; and an electrical cable extended from the operation portion for connection with an external device. In the electronic endoscope apparatus, the frame member has a circuit board portion which establishes electrical connection between shields of the insertion portion and the electrical cable, and on which various electronic parts for exchanging signals with the image pickup apparatus are mounted. In spite of the arrangement of the image pickup apparatus that can acquire high-quality images at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, a size of the apparatus, in particular, a diameter of the insertion portion, can be prevented from being increased.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided with a prism unit, two solid image pickup devices, two FPCs electrically connected to the solid image pickup devices and on which an electronic component is mounted, respectively, and two communication cables for supplying power to the electronic components through the FPCs and carrying out signal transmission/receiving with the solid image pickup devices, in which a first communication cable and a second communication cable are arranged adjacently and disposed so that a line connecting a center of the first communication cable to a center of the second communication cable is in a diagonal direction of an incident face of the second solid image pickup device in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis O of an objective lens unit.

Abstract: An endoscopic system is composed by connecting an endoscope and peripheral equipment. The endoscope has an endoscope main body, and an imaging unit, which is slender imaging optics. The endoscope is constructed so that the endoscope main body and imaging unit are freely connectable and separable. The endoscope main body has an insertion part which is inserted into an abdominal cavity, a branch member, which is a middle end of the endoscope main body, and provided in a proximal end portion of the insertion part, a first extension part provided in the proximal end portion of the branch member, a main body operation unit provided in a proximal end portion of the first extension part, a universal cord, and a connection unit, which is provided in a proximal end portion of the universal cord, and is connected to the peripheral equipment.

Abstract: An endoscopic image pickup device includes a sheath functioning as insertion section which is inserted in a body cavity, a camera head body which is coupled to a proximal end portion of the sheath in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the sheath, is rotatable about the axis of the sheath as a rotational axis, and has a center of gravity below the rotational axis, and a remote control section which is provided at a position with an extension below the camera head body. With this structure, even if an endoscope is rotated about the axis of the sheath of the endoscope, the camera head body is always kept in a constant attitude by its own weight. In addition, blurring of an image can be prevented at a time of capturing a still image by the operation of the remote control section.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope having an image pickup device, a control unit, signal lines, a first earth electric wire, a light guide and a scope connector. The scope connector is formed by collecting a first electric contact, a first non-contact power transmitting portion serving as a non-contact electromagnetic induction and coupling device, a first non-contact signal transmitting portion, and a first illumination light transmitting portion.

Abstract: A rotary self-propelled endoscope, including: a tubular outer shaft having an elongated insertion section main body with a distal end portion which is rotatable around a longitudinal axis and has at least partially a surface formed to have a helical configuration; an inner shaft which is rotatably inserted through the outer shaft and is coupled to the distal end portion of the insertion section main body; and a motor unit which causes the inner shaft to rotate around the longitudinal axis from the proximal end side.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endoscope, particularly a bronchoscope, incorporating one or more multifunctional component made of a material that is multifunctional. The endoscopes of this invention comprise at least one multifunctional component having more than one function wherein the functions were previously performed separately by individual components.

Abstract: An endoscope according to the present invention includes: an elongated insertion portion inserted in an examination object; an LED which is provided in a distal end portion of the insertion portion and is driven by supply of electric power; an image pickup portion which is provided in the distal end portion on a rear end side in the insertion direction than the LED, and which picks up an image of the examination object; a power supply line for power supply, a distal end in an insertion direction of which is positioned in the distal end portion on a rear end side in the insertion direction than the image pickup portion, and which is inserted in the insertion portion.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided capable of performing excellent observation for a long time by preventing decrease in light amount and generation of image noise caused by heat generated by an LED illumination even in a case where a distal-end adapter configured of the LED illumination is arranged at the distal end portion of the insertion unit. One end portion of a heat-radiating member configured of a plurality of elongated wires is arranged in the vicinity of a light emitting device, on the other hand, the other end portion of the heat-radiating member is arranged at a predetermined position on a proximal end side of an insertion unit, and a binding member for binding the wires of the heat-radiating member is provided on a side in the vicinity of the light emitting device of the heat-radiating member.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus includes: an electronic endoscope having a power amplifier for transmitting by radio or by cable an image pickup signal obtained from an image sensor; and a low noise amplifier for receiving the image pickup signal transmitted by radio and by cable. The apparatus further includes: a processor unit for producing a video signal from the image pickup signal; and a cable connection detection circuit for changing gain of the power amplifier or gain of the low noise amplifier, upon detecting a connection of a cable between the electronic endoscope and the processor unit, for transmitting the image pickup signal by cable.

Abstract: A miniature endoscope with an imaging arrangement associated with its distal tip portion includes an image sensor chip with a two-dimensional array of light-sensitive pixels and a lens arrangement deployed for focusing light from a field of view onto the image sensor chip so as to generate an image of a scene viewed from the distal tip portion. The lens arrangement is preferably directly affixed to the image sensor chip by a quantity of transparent adhesive. Use of bidirectional communication along data lines to the image sensor chip allows use of only four wires connecting to the chip. These and other features allow miniaturization of the endoscope to a diameter of about 2 millimeters while still generating color images of high dynamic range.

Abstract: An inserting portion has, at the proximal end thereof, an operating portion having a bending lever for bending operation. The operating portion has, on the front end side thereof, a grip portion gripped by an operator. The grip portion has therein a plate frame as an internal structure for ensuring predetermined strength. At the notch portion formed by partly notching the frame, an image pick-up unit is mounted to form an optical image transmitted by image guiding fibers to a CCD via a relay optical system. The image pick-up unit is fixed to the frame via an attaching member. Thus, predetermined strength is assured and the image pick-up unit is compactly accommodated with simple structure. A predetermined image pick-up function using the image pick-up unit is held without the action of high tension to the image guiding fibers by mounting a bending portion to the image guiding fibers.

Abstract: The invention is an imager assembly for a miniature camera head. The assembly comprises an imaging sensor having conductive leads; an objective lens system placed on top of the sensor; circuitry, mounted beneath the imaging sensor, for driving the sensor and amplifying the electrical signals; and conductive wires electrically linking the internal components of the assembly and for linking the assembly to remote locations. The conductive leads are bent and the circuitry and conductive wires are arranged and mounted such that the dimensions in a plane parallel to the sensor plane of the camera head are approximately equal to or less than the dimensions in the plane of the sensor. The circuitry is capable of delivering signals produced by the imaging sensor for further processing and the components of the imager, except for the imaging surface of the sensor and the objective lens system, are encapsulated by an isolating material.

Abstract: A laryngoscope for wireless image transmission has a handle and a blade. The handle has a power device and a terminal connecting to the power device. The blade is mounted detachably on the handle and has a camera with LED and a contact connecting to each other. A wireless transmitter connects to the camera with LED to send the image. The blade is inserted into the mouth of the patient to lean against the patient's tongue. The throat can be lighted by the camera with LED and the image can be transferred wirelessly to a screen.

Abstract: An endoscope has an insertion portion and a tip unit detachably attached to a distal end of the insertion portion. The insertion portion is configured to be inserted into an object, and has a signal cable and a first optical fiber extending therethrough. The tip unit has a second optical fiber optically connected to the first optical fiber, and an actuator electrically connected to the signal cable. The actuator vibrates the second optical fiber so as to scan light irradiated from the second optical fiber over an observed area.

Abstract: A video imaging system including an endoscopic device, a camera, a camera control unit and a light source, the camera coupled to the camera control unit and light source via a single cable connection. The cable is advantageously provided as a pair of wires and a light guide where image data and camera information is transmitted over the pair of wires from the camera to the camera control unit, the data and information being multiplexed on the pair of wires; and command signals are sent from the camera control unit to the camera, the command signals based on the received camera information for control of the camera.

Abstract: A method for assembling an endoscope that includes an imaging subassembly inside an insertion tube having distal and proximal ends. The method includes coupling the imaging subassembly to a plurality of wires, which have respective first and second ends, by fixing the first ends of the wires to the imaging subassembly. A connector is coupled to the wires by fixing the second ends of the wires to the connector. After coupling the imaging subassembly and the connector to the wires, the imaging subassembly is installed in the insertion tube by passing the connector through the insertion tube from the distal end of the insertion tube to the proximal end. After passing the connector through the insertion tube, the connector is inserted in a receptacle.

Abstract: A medical endoscope including a stem (1) receiving in its distal end part (3) a video camera (30), the end part (3) being pivotably adjustable relative to the main part (2) of the stem (1) and connecting lines (27, 31) running in the stem (1) from a proximal end region to the end part (3), wherein the main part (2) and the end part (3) are enclosed in sealing manner by rigid stem tubes (5, 8) which are supported in an abutting and sealing manner in a joint (4) by means of a hollow axle (16, 18) running perpendicularly to the stem parts (2, 3), the hollow axle being crossed by the connecting lines (27, 31) in the inside spaces of the stem parts (2, 3).

Abstract: A hard distal component formed at the distal part of an inserting section and a leading bending piece included in a bending section are joined using a substantially cylindrical hard joint pipe. Build-in components including an imaging device that is a CCD are placed in the joint pipe. An adhesive is poured into the surroundings of the built-in components in the joint pipe, whereby the built-in components are locked. Thus, the structure of the distal component is simplified and the surroundings thereof are made thinner.

Abstract: An imaging system includes: an optical-system holding member for holding an optical system to form an optical image of a subject; an imaging-device holding member for holding an imaging device to obtain the optical image formed by the optical system; a case for hermetically enclosing the optical-system holding member and the imaging-device holding member; a hermetic connector for hermetically sealing the case, the hermetic connector being electrically connected to the imaging device; a power generator for generating a driving force to move either of the optical-system holding member and the imaging-device holding member; and a driving-force transfer member for connecting the power generator and either the optical-system holding member or the imaging-device holding member to transfer the driving force of the power generator to either the optical-system holding member or the imaging-device holding member.

Abstract: System for producing a stereoscopic image of an object, and displaying the stereoscopic image, the system including a capsule and a control unit, the capsule including a sensor assembly, a processor connected to the sensor assembly, a capsule transceiver connected to the processor, a light source, and a power supply for supplying electrical power to the capsule transceiver, the processor, the light source and to the sensor assembly, the control unit including a control unit transceiver, and an image processing system connected to the control unit transceiver, wherein, the sensor assembly detects the stereoscopic image, the processor captures the stereoscopic image, the capsule transceiver transmits the stereoscopic image to the control unit transceiver and the image processing system processes the stereoscopic image.

Abstract: An endoscopic visualization apparatus has a first imaging system and at least one second imaging system, a first image field being covered by the first imaging system, and a second image field being covered by the second imaging system. The first imaging system and the second imaging system are arranged in a common housing. The first imaging system and the second imaging system are significantly different with regard to at least one optical parameter, and the first image field and the at least one second image field overlap one another only partially.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image pick-up device and an endoscope in which a lens member and a solid-state image pick-up device are prevented from exposure to water vapor during autoclave sterilization, and in which the diameter of an insertion portion is narrow, a rigid tip end portion is short, and assembly is performed easily. The image pick-up device of the present invention comprises an image pick-up unit for capturing an optical image obtained from incident light entering an internal cavity of a frame, and outputting an image signal of the optical image, wiring extending from the image pick-up unit in an opposite direction to the direction in which the incident light enters, this wiring being capable of transmitting the image signal, and a substrate which is disposed in the internal cavity of a frame, has holes for engaging with the wiring, one surface of which is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the frame, and which is formed of a member having a light-transmitting property.

Abstract: A connector assembly for an endoscope apparatus, which includes a plug removably insertable in a receptacle, is disclosed. The plug has a molded body incorporating a light cable and an electrical connector in a fixed spatial relationship within the molded body.

Abstract: An outer-coating layer of a signal cable is sandwiched and is fixed between a rear end portion of a cylindrical member and a step portion of the inner diameter of a substrate fixing portion. A slip stop fixes the outer-coating layer in the pull-out direction. An electro-magnetic shielding layer is fixed by a fixing nut and is sandwiched and is fixed between a side end portion of a camera head portion in a pipe member and a step portion of the inner diameter of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An imaging unit for endoscopes including optical elements for forming an optical image; an imaging device for photoelectrically converting the optical image; a hermetic seal member having at least said optical element and the imaging device incorporated therein; and an imaging device driver making it possible to arbitrarily adjust the position of the imaging device relative to the optical element from outside the hermetic seal member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image pick-up device and an endoscope in which a lens member and a solid-state image pick-up device are prevented from exposure to water vapor during autoclave sterilization, and in which the diameter of an insertion portion is narrow, a rigid tip end portion is short, and assembly is performed easily. The image pick-up device of the present invention comprises an image pick-up unit for capturing an optical image obtained from incident light entering an internal cavity of a frame, and outputting an image signal of the optical image, wiring extending from the image pick-up unit in an opposite direction to the direction in which the incident light enters, this wiring being capable of transmitting the image signal, and a substrate which is disposed in the internal cavity of a frame, has holes for engaging with the wiring, one surface of which is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the frame, and which is formed of a member having a light-transmitting property.

Abstract: An endoscope capable of being autoclaved in accordance with the present invention includes an insertion unit, an internal endoscope space, and contents. The insertion unit has a soft member, which is made of a soft polymeric material, as at least part of a casing thereof. The internal endoscope space includes the internal space of the insertion unit that is formed at a first sealing level at which the internal space is sealed in a watertight manner relative to an outside. The contents include at least one hermetically sealed unit composed of a plurality of airtight partition members and formed at a second sealing level higher than the first sealing level by joining the meeting portions of the airtight partition members using an airtight joining material. All or part of the airtight partition members is stowed in the internal endoscope space.