Ultrasound endoscope

Abstract

The present invention provides an ultrasonic endoscope capable of preventing an imaging element from being damaged even when an external power supply voltage is directly applied. The front end body (43) of the ultrasonic endoscope (10) is formed of a resin material, and the front end body (43) comprises: an illumination system (53) having an illumination metal base (156); a first fixing component (170) fixing the illumination metal base (156) to the front end body (43); a first insertion hole (172) for inserting the first fixing component (170); an observation system (55) having a lens barrel (160); a second fixing component (174) fixing the lens barrel (160) to the front end body (43); a second insertion hole (176) for inserting the second fixing component (174); and a conducting component (178) conducting the illumination metal base (156) and the lens barrel (160), wherein at least one of the illumination metal base (156), the lens barrel (160) and the conducting component (178) is grounded to the ground.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic endoscope, and more particularly to an ultrasonic endoscope having an observation system at a distal end portion of an insertion portion. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic endoscopes are used in the medical field. An imaging element and an ultrasonic transducer are integrally arranged at a distal end portion of an insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity of a subject.

[0003] Ultrasonic endoscopes use high voltage to drive the ultrasonic transducer, necessitating a tip made of resin. However, unlike metal tipping, when static electricity is applied to the tip, it cannot be dissipated. This can lead to damage to the imaging element due to static electricity. This problem can be addressed by, for example, providing a jumper wire to connect the lens barrel of the observation lens to a ground terminal on the substrate.

[0004] However, even with these countermeasures alone, if static electricity lands on the illumination metal base, the treatment instrument insertion channel, or the fluid nozzle, it can flow through the space between these components and the imaging element, potentially landing directly on the imaging element and damaging it. Consequently, to obtain bright endoscopic images, the observation system and illumination system are positioned close together, creating the possibility of static electricity flying from the illumination metal base to the imaging element.

[0005] In order to prevent static electricity from flying from the metal component disposed on the front end body to the imaging element, a component covering the imaging element or a component covering the lighting metal base or forceps tube is provided. As an endoscope in which a lens barrel and a lighting metal base are connected, Patent Document 1 below describes an endoscope having a first through-hole for inserting an observation system and a second through-hole for inserting an illumination system, and having a retaining frame formed of metal. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes an endoscope in which a first objective lens frame and an illumination lens frame are integrated using a continuous portion (conductive adhesive), thereby electrically connecting the first objective lens frame and the illumination lens frame.

[0006] Previous technical literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2014 / 208218

[0009] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2016 / 203830 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0011] As described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, by connecting the lens barrel and the lighting metal base to the ground, static electricity that falls on the lighting metal base can be prevented from being transferred to the imaging element. However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a retaining frame or a continuous portion is used, which may cause the diameter of the endoscope to increase. Moreover, when the diameter of the endoscope is required to be reduced, the use of a retaining frame, etc. is restricted. When a retaining frame, etc. is not used, jumpers are required to ground the lens barrel and the lighting metal base respectively, which increases the number of required components. In addition, when contacts are provided that extend from the lighting metal base and the lens barrel, the filling rate inside the endoscope increases, which may hinder the insertion and penetration of built-in objects.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope that prevents the diameter of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope from increasing and prevents damage to an imaging element even when static electricity is directly applied to the distal end portion.

[0013] Means for solving technical problems

[0014] To achieve the objectives of the present invention, an ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention includes a distal end portion having a distal end portion body formed of a resin material and provided on the distal end side of an insertion portion, and an ultrasonic transducer provided in the distal end portion body, wherein the distal end portion body includes: an illumination system having an illumination lens, an optical fiber, and a first metal member holding the illumination lens and the optical fiber; a first insertion hole through which the first metal member is inserted; a first fixing member that is conductive and fixes the first metal member inserted into the first insertion hole to the distal end portion body; a first insertion hole through which the first fixing member is inserted; an observation system having an observation lens, a second metal member that holds the observation lens, and a substrate on which an imaging element is mounted; a second insertion hole through which the second metal member is inserted; a second fixing member that is conductive and fixes the second metal member inserted into the second insertion hole to the distal end portion body; a second insertion hole through which the second fixing member is inserted; and a conducting member that conducts electricity between the first fixing member and the second fixing member, wherein at least one of the first metal member, the second metal member, and the conducting member is grounded to the ground.

[0015] One embodiment of the present invention is preferably as follows, that is, the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole are formed along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, the first insertion hole passes through the side of the front end body to the first insertion hole, and the second insertion hole passes through the side of the front end body to the second insertion hole.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the first fixing member and the second fixing member are screws, and the conductive member is a metal plate disposed on an outer periphery of the distal end body and having a contact surface with the screws.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the first fixing member and the second fixing member are conductive adhesives, and the conductive member is a metal plate disposed on an outer periphery of the distal end body and having a contact surface with the conductive adhesive.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the first fixing member and the second fixing member are compression springs, and the conductive member is a metal plate disposed on an outer periphery of the distal end body and having a contact surface with the compression springs.

[0019] One embodiment of the present invention is preferably as follows, that is, the first fixing component, the second fixing component and the conductive component are conductive adhesives, silver pastes or solders, and are an integrally molded product formed by connecting the conductive adhesives, silver pastes or solders filled in the first insertion holes and the second insertion holes using the conductive adhesives, silver pastes or solders arranged along the outer periphery of the front end body.

[0020] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the first fixing member, the second fixing member, and the conductive member are made of conductive rubber, and the first fixing member, the second fixing member, and the conductive member are integrally molded.

[0021] One aspect of the present invention preferably includes a cover having a pressing surface for pressing and fixing the conductive member to the distal end body.

[0022] One embodiment of the present invention is preferably as follows: the front end body has a fluid nozzle, a third fixing component having conductivity and fixing the fluid nozzle to the front end body, and a third insertion hole for inserting the third fixing component, and the conductive component has a contact surface that contacts the third fixing component.

[0023] One embodiment of the present invention is preferably as follows: the distal end body has a treatment instrument insertion channel, a fourth fixing component having conductivity and fixing the treatment instrument insertion channel to the distal end body, and a fourth insertion hole for inserting the fourth fixing component, and the conductive component has a contact surface that contacts the fourth fixing component.

[0024] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the grounding to the earth is a connection between a ground terminal provided on the substrate and the second metal member.

[0025] One embodiment of the present invention is preferably as follows, that is, the insertion portion has a metal ring group composed of multiple angle rings connected to the base end side of the front end body, the ultrasonic endoscope has a fifth fixing component that fixes the metal ring group to the front end body and has conductivity, and a fifth insertion hole for inserting the fifth fixing component, and grounding to the earth is the connection between the fifth fixing component and the second metal component.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, even if an external power supply voltage is directly applied to the distal end portion of an ultrasonic endoscope, damage to the imaging element can be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 This is a system configuration diagram of an endoscope device equipped with an ultrasonic endoscope.

[0029] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the ultrasonic endoscope.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a side sectional view of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion main body of the ultrasonic endoscope.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the distal end portion main body of the ultrasonic endoscope.

[0033] Figure 6 This figure explains the process of connecting the lighting metal base and the lens barrel.

[0034] Figure 7 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion main body according to the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion main body according to the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 9 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion main body according to the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 10 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion main body according to the fifth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 11 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion main body according to the sixth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 12 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the front end portion main body according to the seventh embodiment.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a diagram of the connection portion between the distal end portion and the bending portion of an ultrasonic endoscope. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is an overall view of an ultrasonic endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2It is a perspective view showing the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the ultrasonic endoscope. Figure 3 It is a side sectional view of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope. Figure 4 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion main body of the endoscope. Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the distal end portion main body of the ultrasonic endoscope.

[0043] The ultrasonic endoscope 10 includes an operating section 14 and an insertion section 12 connected to the operating section 14 and inserted into the body. A universal cord 16 is connected to the operating section 14. This universal cord 16 branches midway, with one branch detachably connected to an ultrasonic observation device 17 that generates ultrasonic tomographic images. The ultrasonic diagnostic images generated by the ultrasonic observation device 17 are displayed on a monitor 50. Furthermore, an LG connector 18 is provided at the distal end of the other universal cord 16. The LG connector 18 is detachably connected to a light source device 20, thereby transmitting illumination light to an illumination window 52 provided at the distal end of the insertion section 12. Furthermore, an electrical connector 24 is connected to the LG connector 18 via a cable 22, and this electrical connector 24 is detachably connected to a processor 26.

[0044] The operation portion 14 includes an air and water supply button 28 , a suction button 30 , a shutter button 32 , and a function switching button 34 , and also includes a pair of angle buttons 36 , 36 .

[0045] The insertion portion 12 is composed of a flexible portion 40, a curved portion 42, and a distal end portion 44 in this order from the operation portion 14. The flexible portion 40 is formed by covering the outer periphery of a spirally wound metal plate with a mesh, and has sufficient flexibility.

[0046] The bending portion 42 is configured to bend remotely by rotating the angle knobs 36, 36 of the operating unit 14. For example, the bending portion 42 is configured by rotatably connecting multiple cylindrical angle rings via pins, and multiple operating wires are inserted into the angle rings and guided by the pins. Pushing and pulling the operating wires rotates the angle rings, thereby bending the bending portion 42. By bending the bending portion 42, the distal end 44 can be oriented in a desired direction.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, an ultrasonic transducer 94 having an ultrasonic transceiver surface is disposed on the outer circumference of the distal end portion body 43, which forms the distal end portion 44. Multiple ultrasonic vibrators 92 are arranged in parallel within this ultrasonic transducer for obtaining ultrasonic tomographic images. The ultrasonic transducer 94 radiates ultrasonic waves toward the observed area and receives echo signals. Furthermore, during ultrasonic tomographic examinations, a balloon (not shown) is attached to the outer circumference of the distal end portion 44 to cover the ultrasonic transducer 94.

[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the front end surface 45 of the front end body 43 is provided with an illumination window 52 and an observation window 54. An illumination system 53 is provided behind the illumination window 52, ​​and an observation system 55 is provided behind the observation window 54. The illumination system 53 is composed of an illumination lens (not shown), an optical fiber (not shown), and an illumination metal base 156 that holds the illumination lens and the optical fiber. In this embodiment, the illumination metal base 156 corresponds to the first metal component. The illumination lens is disposed inside the illumination metal base 156, and the optical fiber's output end is disposed behind it. The optical fiber is inserted through the insertion portion 12, the operating portion 14, and the universal cord 16, and its input end is disposed within the LG connector 18.

[0049] The observation system 55 consists of an observation lens (not shown), a lens barrel 160 that holds the observation lens, and a substrate 162 on which an imaging element 161 is mounted. In this embodiment, the lens barrel 160 corresponds to the second metal component. An observation window 54 is provided on the front end surface 45 of the front end portion 44. An imaging element 161, such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or CCD (Charge Coupled Device), is disposed behind the observation window 54 via the observation lens. A signal cable 164 is connected to the substrate 162 that supports the imaging element 161. The signal cable 164 is inserted through the insertion portion 12, the operating portion 14, and the universal cord 16, extending to the electrical connector 24 and connected to the processor 26. The observation image captured by the observation window 54 is formed on the light-receiving surface of the imaging element 161 and converted into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is then output to the processor 26 via the signal cable 164 and converted into a video signal. As a result, the observation image is displayed on the monitor 50 connected to the processor 26 .

[0050] A fluid nozzle 56 and a treatment instrument outlet 58 are provided on the front end surface 45 of the front end portion 44. The fluid nozzle 56 provided on the front end portion 44 is connected to a valve (not shown) operated by the air and water supply button 28. This valve is connected to the air and water supply connector 48 provided on the LG connector 18. An air and water supply mechanism (not shown) is connected to the air and water supply connector 48 to supply air and water. Therefore, by operating the air and water supply button 28, air or water is sprayed from the fluid nozzle 56 toward the observation window 54.

[0051] The treatment instrument outlet 58 provided in the distal end portion 44 communicates with the treatment instrument insertion portion 46 via the treatment instrument insertion channel 47. Therefore, by inserting a treatment instrument such as forceps from the treatment instrument insertion portion 46, the treatment instrument can be removed from the treatment instrument outlet 58. Furthermore, the treatment instrument outlet 58 communicates with a valve (not shown) operated by the suction button 30, which is connected to the suction connector 49 of the LG connector 18. Therefore, by connecting a suction mechanism (not shown) to the suction connector 49 and operating the suction button 30, a lesion or the like can be suctioned from the treatment instrument outlet 58.

[0052] Moreover, the front end portion 44 has a connecting passage 90 that opens to the internal space of the balloon mounted on the front end portion 44. The connecting passage 90 supplies or draws fluid to the internal space of the balloon. As the fluid, degassed water can be cited as an ultrasonic wave transmission medium. Degassed water is supplied into the balloon to inflate the balloon, thereby bringing it into contact with the observed part in the body. Thus, air is removed from the area between the observed part and the ultrasonic transducer, i.e., the ultrasonic wave scanning area, to prevent the attenuation of the ultrasonic wave or echo signal. In addition, when the insertion portion 12 is pulled out from the subject's body, the degassed water in the balloon is discharged from the connecting passage 90 to shrink the balloon.

[0053] Connecting path 90 and Figure 1 The balloon is connected to the operating portion 14 of the embodiment. A hose (not shown) is connected to the balloon air supply port 38, and a balloon control device (not shown) is connected via the hose. The balloon control device can supply or suck fluid to or from the balloon.

[0054] (Structure of the front end body)

[0055] <First Implementation>

[0056] Next, the structure of the distal end portion main body 43 constituting the distal end portion 44 will be described. In the ultrasonic endoscope 10 of this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 92 is driven by a high voltage, and therefore the distal end portion main body 43 is formed of a resin material.

[0057] like Figure 4As shown, the distal end body 43 includes the lighting system 53 and the observation system 55, and has a first insertion hole 166 through which the lighting metal base 156 of the lighting system 53 is inserted, and a second insertion hole 168 through which the lens barrel 160 of the observation system 55 is inserted. Furthermore, the distal end body 43 has a first fixing member 170 that is electrically conductive and secures the lighting metal base 156, which is inserted through the first insertion hole 166 of the distal end body 43, to the distal end body 43; a first insertion hole 172 through which the first fixing member 170 is inserted; a second fixing member 174 that is electrically conductive and secures the lens barrel 160, which is inserted through the second insertion hole 168 of the distal end body 43, to the distal end body 43; and a second insertion hole 176 through which the second fixing member 174 is inserted. The first insertion hole 172 and the second insertion hole 176 are formed along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 12, and are respectively provided from the side surface of the distal end body 43 to the first insertion hole 166 and the second insertion hole 168. Thus, the outer peripheral surface of the lighting metal base 156 and the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel 160 can be pressed by the first fixing member 170 and the second fixing member 174 inserted from the side surface of the distal end body 43, thereby fixing them to the distal end body 43.

[0058] Furthermore, the distal end body 43 includes a conducting member 178 for conducting the first fixing member 170 and the second fixing member 174. The conducting member 178 includes a contact surface 178a for contacting the first fixing member 170 and a contact surface 178b for contacting the second fixing member 174. Figure 4 As shown, the conductive component 178 is arranged along the outer periphery of the front end body 43, the contact surface 178a contacts the outer end of the first fixing component 170, and the contact surface 178b contacts the outer end of the second fixing component 174, thereby conducting the lighting metal base 156 and the lens barrel 160.

[0059] And, as Figure 5 As shown, the lens barrel 160 is connected to the ground terminal 180 provided on the substrate 162 via a jumper 182. The ground terminal 180 is connected to the operating unit 14 via a jumper (not shown). Since the lighting metal base 156 and the lens barrel 160 are respectively connected via the first fixing member 170 and the second fixing member 174 through the conductive member 178, the lighting metal base 156, the lens barrel 160 and the conductive member 178 can be grounded to the ground. In addition, Figure 5 In the embodiment, the lens barrel 160 is grounded to the ground by connecting the lens barrel 160 to the ground terminal 180 using a jumper 182, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Alternatively, the lighting metal base 156 or the conductive member 178 may be connected to the ground terminal 180 to achieve grounding.

[0060] By grounding any one of the lens barrel 160, the lighting metal base 156, and the conductive member 178, static electricity that has fallen on the lighting system 53 or the observation system 55 can be discharged. According to this embodiment, since the lens barrel 160, the lighting metal base 156, and the conductive member 178 are conductive, static electricity that has fallen on the lighting system 53 or the observation system 55 can be discharged by grounding any one of them.

[0061] Figure 6 In the first embodiment, the first fixing member 170 and the second fixing member 174 are screws, and the conductive member 178 is a metal plate bent along the outer periphery of the distal end body 43 .

[0062] In the distal end body 43 of the ultrasonic endoscope 10, the lighting metal base 156 of the lighting system 53 is provided on both sides of the lens barrel 160 of the observation system 55 (see FIG. Figure 4 ).like Figure 6 As shown in the perspective view VIA, the lighting metal base 156 (reference Figure 4 ) by inserting into the first insertion hole 172 (reference Figure 4 ) is fixed to the front end body 43 by screws 184. Similarly, the lens barrel 160 (refer to Figure 4 ) by inserting into the second insertion hole 176 (reference Figure 4 ) is fixed to the front end body 43 by a screw 186.

[0063] Then, if Figure 6 As shown in the perspective view VIB of FIG. 1 , a metal plate 188 is arranged at a position where the first insertion hole 172 into which the screw 184 is inserted and the second insertion hole 176 into which the screw 186 is inserted are formed. The metal plate 188 has contact surfaces ( Figure 4 The lighting metal base 156 and the lens barrel 160 are connected by making the contact surfaces 178a, 178b contact with the screws 184, 186.

[0064] When the metal plate 188 is placed on the side of the front end body 43, Figure 6As shown in the perspective view VIC of the front end portion body 43, the metal plate 188 can be fixed to the front end portion body 43 by covering the cover 190 on the front end portion body 43. The cover 190 has a pressing surface (not shown) for pressing and fixing the metal plate 188 to the front end portion body 43. By pressing and fixing the metal plate 188 with the cover 190, the metal plate 188 can be reliably brought into contact with the screws 184 and 186, and the metal plate 188 can be fixed to the front end portion body 43. As shown in the oblique view VIB, the metal plate 188 can be a component that is bent along the outer periphery of the front end portion body 43. In addition, it can also be configured along the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion body 43 by pressing the flat plate-shaped component with the cover 190.

[0065] According to this embodiment, by connecting the lighting metal base 156 and the lens barrel 160 using the conductive member 178 and grounding one of them to the ground, a single jumper or other connecting wire for grounding can be used. Furthermore, by inserting the first fixing member 170 and the second fixing member 174 into the first insertion hole 172 and the second insertion hole 176 provided in the distal end body 43 of the ultrasonic endoscope 10, the lighting system 53 and the observation system 55 can be fixed. Furthermore, by connecting the first fixing member 170 and the second fixing member 174, the conductive member conventionally provided in the distal end body 43 can be used for conductive connection. Therefore, even when the diameter is reduced, damage to the imaging element due to static electricity can be prevented without affecting the filling amount of the contents.

[0066] Second Implementation Method

[0067] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end body 243 of the ultrasonic endoscope 210 according to the second embodiment. The ultrasonic endoscope 210 according to the second embodiment differs from the ultrasonic endoscope according to the first embodiment in that a conductive adhesive 234 is used as the first fixing member and the second fixing member.

[0068] In the ultrasonic endoscope 210 of the second embodiment, the lighting metal base 156 inserted through the first insertion hole 166 is fixed to the distal end body 243 by the conductive adhesive 234 filled in the first insertion hole 172. Similarly, the lens barrel 160 inserted through the second insertion hole 168 is fixed to the distal end body 243 by the conductive adhesive 234 filled in the second insertion hole 176.

[0069] By placing metal plate 188 as a conductive member on the side surface of distal end body 243 where first insertion hole 172 and second insertion hole 176 are formed, conductive adhesive 234 filling first insertion hole 172 and second insertion hole 176 is conducted. Metal plate 188 has contact surfaces 188a and 188b that contact conductive adhesive 234 filling first insertion hole 172 and second insertion hole 176, respectively.

[0070] With the metal plate 188 positioned on the side of the front end body 243, the cover is placed on the front end body 243 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, thereby pressing and fixing the metal plate 188 to the front end body 243. Furthermore, by pressing and fixing the metal plate 188, the metal plate 188 can be reliably brought into contact with the conductive adhesive 234.

[0071] According to the second embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope 210, by using the conductive adhesive 234 as the first and second fixing members, even when the first and second insertion holes 172 and 176 have limited space, the conductive adhesive 234 can be filled to secure the lighting metal base 156 and the lens barrel 160 to the distal end body. Furthermore, by bringing the conductive adhesive 234 into contact with the metal plate 188, electrical continuity can be achieved between the lighting metal base 156 and the lens barrel 160.

[0072] <<Third Implementation Method>>

[0073] Figure 8 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a distal end portion body 293 of an ultrasonic endoscope 260 according to a third embodiment. The ultrasonic endoscope 260 according to the third embodiment differs from the ultrasonic endoscopes according to other embodiments in that compression springs 284 and 286 are used as the first and second fixing members.

[0074] In the ultrasonic endoscope 260 of the third embodiment, compression springs 284 and 286 are inserted into the first insertion hole 172 and the second insertion hole 176 as the first and second fixing members. One end of the compression spring 284 inserted into the first insertion hole 172 contacts the lighting metal base 156 inserted through the first insertion hole 166. Furthermore, one end of the compression spring 286 inserted into the second insertion hole 176 contacts the lens barrel 160 inserted through the second insertion hole 168.

[0075] The other ends of the compression springs 284 and 286 are in contact with a metal plate 188 serving as a conductive member. The metal plate 188 has contact surfaces 188 a and 188 b that come into contact with the compression springs 284 and 286 .

[0076] With the metal plate 188 positioned on the side of the front end body 293, the cover is placed on the front end body 293 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, thereby pressing and fixing the metal plate 188. By pressing the compression springs 284, 286 from their other ends with the metal plate 188, the lighting metal base 156 and the lens barrel 160 can be fixed by the force of the pressed compression springs 284, 286.

[0077] According to the third embodiment, the compression springs 284 and 286 , the conductive lighting metal base 156 , and the lens barrel 160 are fixed by being pressed by the metal plate 188 , so that these components can be reliably brought into contact with each other by the return force of the compression springs 284 and 286 .

[0078] <<Fourth Implementation>>

[0079] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal end body 343 of the ultrasonic endoscope 310 according to the fourth embodiment. The ultrasonic endoscope 310 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that the first fixing member, the second fixing member, and the conductive member are formed of a conductive adhesive 334. While the following description uses a conductive adhesive, the adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material that exhibits fluidity during application and solidifies in the atmosphere. For example, silver paste or solder can be used as the silver paste. For example, a mixture of silver mixed with epoxy resin can be used.

[0080] In the ultrasonic endoscope 310 of the fourth embodiment, the lighting metal base 156 inserted through the first insertion hole 166 is fixed to the distal end body 243 by the conductive adhesive 334 filled in the first insertion hole 172. Similarly, the lens barrel 160 inserted through the second insertion hole 168 is fixed to the distal end body 243 by the conductive adhesive 234 filled in the second insertion hole 176.

[0081] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic endoscope 310 of the fourth embodiment, a conductive adhesive 334 is used as a conductive member. The conductive adhesive 334 is applied along the outer periphery of the distal end body 243 and filled in the first insertion hole 172 and the second insertion hole 176. The conductive adhesive 334 is connected to the conductive adhesive 334 filled in the first insertion hole 172 and the second insertion hole 176, thereby establishing electrical connection between the lighting metal base 156 and the lens barrel 160. Thus, a one-piece molded product can be manufactured in which the first fixing member, the second fixing member, and the conductive member are integrally molded using the conductive adhesive 334.

[0082] According to the fourth embodiment, by integrally forming the first fixing member, the second fixing member, and the conducting member using the conductive adhesive 334, reliable conduction can be achieved between the lighting metal base 156 and the lens barrel 160. Furthermore, by forming the first fixing member and the second fixing member using the conductive adhesive 334, even if the diameters of the first insertion hole 172 and the second insertion hole 176 are small, they can be fixed to the distal end body 343 by filling them with the conductive adhesive 334.

[0083] Implementation Method 5

[0084] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion body 393 of the ultrasonic endoscope 360 ​​according to the fifth embodiment. The ultrasonic endoscope 360 ​​according to the fifth embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that the first fixing portion, the second fixing portion, and the conductive member are made of conductive rubber and are integrally formed as a one-piece molded product.

[0085] In the ultrasonic endoscope 360 ​​of the fifth embodiment, a conductive rubber member 384 is used as the first fixing portion, the second fixing portion, and the conductive member. A support portion 384a disposed along the outer periphery of the distal end body 393 includes a first protrusion 384b that is inserted into the first insertion hole 172 and a second protrusion 384c that is inserted into the second insertion hole 176. The heights of the first protrusion 384b and the second protrusion 384c are greater than the depths of the first insertion hole 172 and the second insertion hole 176, respectively. Thus, after the integrally molded conductive rubber member 384 is disposed on the distal end body 393 and then pressed and secured with a cover, the first protrusion 384b contacts the lighting metal base 156, securing the distal end body 393. Similarly, the second protrusion 384c contacts the lens barrel 160, securing the lens barrel 160 to the distal end body 393.

[0086] According to the fifth embodiment, by integrally molding the first fixing member, the second fixing member, and the conductive member, reliable electrical conduction can be achieved between the lighting metal base 156 and the lens barrel 160. Furthermore, by using the conductive rubber 384, the lighting metal base 156 and the lens barrel 160 can be reliably fixed by the expansion and contraction of the rubber.

[0087] Sixth Implementation Method

[0088] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal end portion body 443 of the ultrasonic endoscope 410 according to the sixth embodiment. In the ultrasonic endoscope 410 according to the sixth embodiment, the conductive member 428 has a contact surface 428a that contacts the first fixing member 170, a contact surface 428b that contacts the second fixing member 174, and a contact surface 428c that contacts the third fixing member 436 that fixes the fluid nozzle 56 to the distal end portion body 443.

[0089] A fluid nozzle 56 is provided on the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44 of the ultrasonic endoscope 410. The proximal end of the fluid nozzle 56 communicates with the operating portion 14. The distal end portion body 443 of the ultrasonic endoscope 410 includes a third fixing member 436 for fixing the fluid nozzle 56 to the distal end portion body 443, and a third insertion hole 438 for inserting the third fixing member 436. The conductive member 428, having contact surfaces 428a, 428b, and 428c, contacts the first fixing member 170, the second fixing member 174, and the third fixing member 436, thereby providing electrical continuity between the illumination metal base 156, the lens barrel 160, and the fluid nozzle 56. Furthermore, by grounding any of the illumination metal base 156, the lens barrel 160, the fluid nozzle 56, and the conductive member 428, static electricity applied to the fluid nozzle 56 can be prevented from flowing through the space between the fluid nozzle 56 and the imaging element 161 and thereby being applied to the imaging element 161.

[0090] In addition, the conductive member 428 can be configured in the same manner as in the first to fifth embodiments. Furthermore, the third fixing member 436 can also be configured in the same manner as in the first to fifth embodiments. Figure 11 In the description, the conductive member 428 is described as a single member that contacts the first fixing member 170, the second fixing member 174, and the third fixing member 436. However, the conductive member may be composed of multiple members as long as electrical conduction is achieved between the members. For example, a conductive member that contacts the third fixing member 436 may contact conductive members that contact the first fixing member 170 and the second fixing member 174, thereby providing electrical conduction between the lighting metal base 156, the lens barrel 160, and the fluid nozzle 56.

[0091] Seventh Implementation Method

[0092] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion body 493 of the ultrasonic endoscope 460 according to the seventh embodiment. In the ultrasonic endoscope 460 according to the seventh embodiment, the conductive member 478 has a contact surface 478a that contacts the first fixing member 170, a contact surface 478b that contacts the second fixing member 174, and a contact surface 478c that contacts the fourth fixing member 486 that fixes the treatment instrument insertion channel 47 to the distal end portion body 493.

[0093] A treatment instrument outlet 58 is provided on the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44 of the ultrasonic endoscope 460. The proximal end of the treatment instrument outlet 58 communicates with the treatment instrument insertion portion 46 via the treatment instrument insertion channel 47. The ultrasonic endoscope 460 includes a fourth fixing member 486 in the distal end portion body 493 for fixing the treatment instrument insertion channel 47 to the distal end portion body 493, and a fourth insertion hole 488 for inserting the fourth fixing member 486. The conductive member 478, having contact surfaces 478a, 478b, and 478c, contacts the first fixing member 170, the second fixing member 174, and the fourth fixing member 486, thereby providing conductive communication between the lighting metal base 156, the lens barrel 160, and the treatment instrument insertion channel 47. Then, by grounding any one of the lighting metal base 156, the lens barrel 160, the treatment instrument insertion channel 47 and the conductive component 478 to the ground, static electricity that falls on the treatment instrument insertion channel 47 can be prevented from flowing in the space between it and the imaging element 161 and falling on the imaging element 161.

[0094] In addition, the conductive member 478 can be configured in the same manner as in the first to fifth embodiments. Furthermore, the fourth fixing member 486 can also be configured in the same manner as in the first to fifth embodiments. Figure 12 In the description, the conductive member 478 is described as a single member that contacts the first fixing member 170, the second fixing member 174, and the fourth fixing member 486. However, the conductive member may be composed of multiple members as long as electrical conduction is achieved between the members. For example, a conductive member that contacts the fourth fixing member 486 may contact conductive members that contact the first fixing member 170 and the second fixing member 174, thereby electrically conducting the lighting metal base 156, the lens barrel 160, and the treatment instrument insertion channel 47.

[0095] Furthermore, in the sixth and seventh embodiments, the method of connecting the lighting metal base 156, the lens barrel 160 and the fluid nozzle 56 or the treatment instrument insertion channel 47 is described, but the lighting metal base 156, the lens barrel 160, the fluid nozzle 56 and the treatment instrument insertion channel 47 may all be connected.

[0096] Implementation Example 8

[0097] Figure 13This is a diagram of the connection portion between the front end portion 44 and the curved portion 42 of the ultrasonic endoscope 510. The ultrasonic endoscope 510 of the eighth embodiment connects a metal ring group 522 composed of a plurality of angle rings 520 connected to the base end side of the front end portion body 543 to the fifth fixing member 536 fixed to the front end portion body 543, thereby grounding the lens barrel 160 to the ground. The connection between the lens barrel and the fifth fixing member 536 can be made through a jumper wire (not shown). In the front end portion body 543, as in the front end portion bodies of the ultrasonic endoscopes of the first to seventh embodiments described above, the lighting metal base 156 and the lens barrel 160 are connected. In addition, it can also be connected to the fluid nozzle 56 or the treatment instrument insertion channel 47.

[0098] The insertion section 12 has a fifth fixing member 536 on the distal end of the metal ring assembly 522, which secures the metal ring assembly 522 and the distal end body 543, and a fifth insertion hole 538 into which the fifth fixing member 536 is inserted. The metal ring assembly 522 is connected to the operating section 14 via a jumper wire (not shown), thereby grounding the lens barrel 160 to the ground. By connecting the lens barrel 160 and the fifth fixing member 536, static electricity that falls on the lighting metal base 156, the lens barrel 160, the fluid nozzle 56, or the treatment instrument insertion channel 47 can be discharged to the ground via the metal ring assembly 522 provided on the curved portion 42.

[0099] Explanation of symbols

[0100] 10, 210, 260, 310, 360, 410, 460, 510 - Ultrasonic endoscope, 12 - Insertion portion, 14 - Operation portion, 16 - Universal cord, 17 - Ultrasonic observation device, 18 - LG connector, 20 - Light source device, 22 - Cable, 24 - Electrical connector, 26 - Processor, 28 - Air and water supply button, 30 - Suction button, 32 - Shutter button, 34 - Function switching button, 36 - Angle button, 38 - Balloon air supply port, 40 - Soft portion, 42 - Bending portion, 43, 243, 29 3, 343, 393, 443, 493, 543 - front end body, 44 - front end, 45 - front end surface, 46 - treatment instrument insertion portion, 47 - treatment instrument insertion channel, 48 - air and water supply connector, 49 - suction connector, 50 - monitor, 52 - lighting window, 53 - lighting system, 54 - observation window, 55 - observation system, 56 - fluid nozzle, 58 - treatment instrument outlet, 90 - connecting path, 92 - ultrasonic vibrator, 94 - ultrasonic transducer, 156 - lighting metal base, 160 - lens Lens barrel, 161-imaging element, 162-substrate, 164-signal cable, 166-first insertion hole, 168-second insertion hole, 170-first fixing component, 172-first insertion hole, 174-second fixing component, 176-second insertion hole, 178, 428, 478-conducting components, 178a, 178b, 428a, 428b, 428c, 478a, 478b, 478c-contact surface, 180-ground terminal, 182-jumper, 184, 186-screw, 188-metal Plate, 188a, 188b-contact surface, 190-cover, 234, 334-conductive adhesive, 284-compression spring, 286-compression spring, 293-front end body, 384-conductive rubber, 384a-support portion, 384b-first protrusion, 384c-second protrusion, 436-third fixing component, 438-third insertion hole, 486-fourth fixing component, 488-fourth insertion hole, 520-angle ring, 522-metal ring group, 536-fifth fixing component, 538-fifth insertion hole.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoscope comprising a distal end portion, the distal end portion comprising: a distal end portion body provided on the distal end side of an insertion portion and formed of a resin material; and an ultrasonic transducer provided in the distal end portion body. The front end body comprises: An illumination system comprising an illumination lens, an optical fiber, and a first metal component for holding the illumination lens and the optical fiber; a first insertion hole for inserting the first metal component therethrough; a first fixing member that fixes the first metal member inserted into the first insertion hole to the front end body and has conductivity; a first insertion hole for inserting the first fixing member; An observation system comprising an observation lens, a second metal member for holding the observation lens, and a substrate on which an imaging element is mounted; a second insertion hole for inserting the second metal component therethrough; a second fixing member that fixes the second metal member inserted into the second insertion hole to the front end body and has conductivity; a second insertion hole for inserting the second fixing member; and a conducting component for conducting the first fixing component and the second fixing component, At least one of the first metal member, the second metal member, and the conductive member is grounded.

2. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The first insertion hole and the second insertion hole are formed along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion. The first insertion hole extends from a side surface of the distal end body to the first insertion hole, and the second insertion hole extends from a side surface of the distal end body to the second insertion hole.

3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The first fixing member and the second fixing member are screws, The conductive member is a metal plate that is disposed on an outer periphery of the distal end body and has a contact surface that contacts the screw.

4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The first fixing member and the second fixing member are conductive adhesives. The conductive member is a metal plate that is disposed on an outer periphery of the distal end body and has a contact surface that contacts the conductive adhesive.

5. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The first fixing member and the second fixing member are compression springs. The conductive member is a metal plate that is disposed on an outer periphery of the distal end body and has a contact surface that contacts the compression spring.

6. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The first fixing member, the second fixing member and the conducting member are conductive adhesive, silver paste or solder. The conductive adhesive, the silver paste or the solder filled in the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole are connected by the conductive adhesive, the silver paste or the solder arranged along the outer periphery of the front end body.

7. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The first fixing member, the second fixing member, and the conductive member are made of conductive rubber, and are integrally molded.

8. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The ultrasonic endoscope includes a cover having a pressing surface for pressing and fixing the conductive member to the distal end portion body.

9. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The front end body includes a fluid nozzle, a third fixing member having conductivity and fixing the fluid nozzle to the front end body, and a third insertion hole into which the third fixing member is inserted. The conductive member has a contact surface that contacts the third fixing member.

10. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The distal end body includes a treatment instrument insertion channel, a fourth fixing member having conductivity and fixing the treatment instrument insertion channel to the distal end body, and a fourth insertion hole into which the fourth fixing member is inserted. The conductive member has a contact surface that contacts the fourth fixing member.

11. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The grounding to the ground is achieved by connecting a ground terminal provided on the substrate and the second metal member.

12. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The insertion portion includes a metal ring group consisting of a plurality of angle rings connected to the base end side of the distal end body. The ultrasonic endoscope includes a fifth fixing member having conductivity and fixing the metal ring group to the distal end body, and a fifth insertion hole for inserting the fifth fixing member. The grounding to the ground is the connection between the fifth fixing member and the second metal member.

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