Endoscope having a circuit board

Abstract

The present invention relates to an endoscope including an object, which is to be supplied with electric current, in an endoscope head of the endoscope, and a circuit board for the object to be supplied with electric current. The circuit board extends from the object, which is to be supplied with electric current, in the distal direction of the endoscope head.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An endoscope comprising:
 an electronic component positioned in an endoscope head; and   a circuit board radially surrounding the electronic component in a closed ring and configured to provide electrical current to the electronic component, the circuit board extending from the electronic component in the distal direction of the endoscope head.   
     
     
         2 . The endoscope according to  claim 1 , wherein the electronic component is arranged on the circuit board. 
     
     
         3 . The endoscope according to  claim 1 , wherein the circuit board extends to a location distally from the electronic component. 
     
     
         4 . The endoscope according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the circuit board is folded, and   at least a portion of the circuit board is located proximally from the electronic component.   
     
     
         5 . The endoscope according to  claim 1 , wherein the electronic component is an image sensor that captures an image. 
     
     
         6 . The endoscope according to  claim 1 , further comprising a lens arranged on the distal side of the electronic component, wherein the circuit board at least partially surrounds the lens. 
     
     
         7 . The endoscope according to  claim 6 , the circuit board protrudes beyond the lens in the distal direction. 
     
     
         8 . The endoscope according to  claim 7 , wherein the circuit board forms an optical shield between the lens and a light source provided on the distal end of the endoscope head, to shield light irradiation of the light source to the lens. 
     
     
         9 . The endoscope according  claim 1 , wherein the circuit board comprises:
 a main section for the electronic component; and   an edge section connected to the main section at a folded edge including an end portion on the side opposite the main section, wherein the end portion is folded such that it contacts the main section to form an electronic shield.   
     
     
         10 . The endoscope according to  claim 1 , wherein the edge section and the main section form a closed circle in cross-section, and extend around the lens. 
     
     
         11 . The endoscope according to  claim 1 , wherein the circuit board forms a housing of the endoscope head.