Ultrasonic endoscope and method of assembling an ultrasonic endoscope

Abstract

Provided is an ultrasonic endoscope and an assembly method for an ultrasonic endoscope that can ensure the strength and durability of the distal end portion of the endoscope. An ultrasonic endoscope (1) that has a front end body block assembly (260) that mounts an ultrasonic transducer (50), an observation optical system (40), and an illumination optical system (44), and a channel block assembly (70) that mounts a channel through which an instrument is inserted, the ultrasonic endoscope (1) having a first load receiving structure (110) that receives a load from the front end body block assembly (260) by the channel block assembly (70), and a second load receiving structure (120) that receives a load from the channel block assembly (70) by the front end body block assembly (260). Also provided is an assembly method for the ultrasonic endoscope (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an ultrasonic endoscope and an assembly method of an ultrasonic endoscope, and particularly relates to an ultrasonic endoscope having a guide outlet for guiding a treatment instrument at a distal end of an insertion portion and an assembly method of an ultrasonic endoscope. BACKGROUND

[0002] As the ultrasonic endoscope, there is known an endoscope provided with an electronically scanning type ultrasonic transducer at a distal end of an insertion portion. Also, while acquiring an ultrasonic image of a lesion portion using the ultrasonic transducer, a treatment instrument such as a puncture needle is punctured to the lesion portion through a treatment instrument insertion channel from a guide outlet at the distal end, and a cell tissue or the like of the lesion portion is collected.

[0003] Also, the ultrasonic endoscope is provided with an observation optical system and an illumination optical system in addition to the ultrasonic transducer, and can also perform observation based on an optical image. Before the puncture needle is punctured while approaching the body wall, the puncture needle can be reliably guided to a target portion by performing observation using the optical image.

[0004] As such an ultrasonic endoscope, for example, in Patent Literature 1 described below, there is described an ultrasonic endoscope in which an endoscope observation portion and an ultrasonic transducer are attached to a distal hard portion of an insertion portion, and a treatment instrument channel is opened at a position between the endoscope observation portion and the ultrasonic transducer. In Patent Literature 2, there is described an ultrasonic endoscope in which an ultrasonic examination mechanism and an endoscope observation mechanism are provided in a distal structure portion of an insertion portion, and a treatment instrument guide portion for guiding a treatment instrument is provided between the ultrasonic examination mechanism and the endoscope observation mechanism.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-135937

[0008] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-276422 SUMMARY

[0009] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] In the ultrasonic endoscope, as an ultrasonic safety standard, the distal end portion is required to be insulated. Therefore, the distal end portion main body is required to be made of a resin assembly, and the strength and durability of the distal end portion are required to be improved. In particular, an ultrasonic endoscope for a bronchus is required to be thin in diameter at the distal end, and it is limited to improve the strength and durability by thickening the wall of the assembly.

[0011] Also, in the ultrasonic endoscope, the puncture needle has tenacity, and a force received when the puncture needle is punctured into the biological tissue is applied to the assembly that holds the treatment instrument guide outlet, and a force received when the ultrasonic vibrator contacts the bronchial wall surface is applied to the assembly of the ultrasonic vibrator, and since the directions of the loads are different, the strength and durability that do not break at the front end portion for either load are required.

[0012] Also, in the structure of the front end portion, the assembly of the ultrasonic vibrator cable or the observation optical system, which is an expensive assembly, and the assembly of the guide outlet, which is a high-frequency exchange assembly, are different components, and it is required to reduce the repair cost by providing a structure that can be assembled and disassembled.

[0013] In the ultrasonic endoscope described in Patent Document 1, the front end assembly is divided into two, but since it is divided into two assemblies, there is a problem of weak strength against the load in the peeling direction applied from the front end of the endoscope. Also, although the front end assembly is fixed with a screw, since the residual stress of the resin assembly and the shape of the rib such as the shape of a screw tap are required, there is a problem in the reduction of the diameter of the front end portion.

[0014] In the ultrasonic endoscope described in Patent Document 2, since the ultrasonic vibrator, the observation optical system, the illumination optical system, and the treatment instrument channel are mounted on the integral front end assembly, even if a load is applied to the front end portion, the possibility of assembly peeling is small. However, since all are integrally formed, even if the treatment instrument guide outlet deteriorates due to the reaction force of the puncture needle, it is necessary to replace all, and there is a problem in the repairability.

[0015] The present application was completed in view of such a situation, and aims to provide an ultrasonic endoscope and an assembly method of an ultrasonic endoscope that ensure strength and durability by dispersing the reaction force against the load applied to the front end portion of the endoscope to the assemblies that constitute the front end portion, and improve repairability.

[0016] Means for solving the technical problem

[0017] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the ultrasonic endoscope of this invention has an ultrasonic transducer at its front end. The ultrasonic endoscope comprises: a front main block assembly for mounting the ultrasonic transducer, an observation optical system, and an illumination optical system; and a channel block assembly for mounting a channel through which a treatment instrument can be inserted. The ultrasonic endoscope has: a first load-bearing structure having a first supported surface disposed on the front main block assembly and a first support surface disposed on the channel block assembly and opposite to the first supported surface, wherein the first supported surface is supported by the first support surface and the channel block assembly bears the load from the front main block assembly; and a second load-bearing structure having a second supported surface disposed on the channel block assembly and a second support surface disposed on the front main block assembly and opposite to the second supported surface, wherein the second supported surface is supported by the second support surface and the front main block assembly bears the load from the channel block assembly.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the front-end main block assembly preferably comprises: an ultrasonic block assembly having a first supported surface and mounting an ultrasonic transducer; and an optical system block assembly having a second supported surface and mounting an observation optical system and an illumination optical system. The ultrasonic endoscope has: a third load-bearing structure having a third supported surface disposed on the optical system block assembly and a third supporting surface disposed on the ultrasonic block assembly and opposite to the third supported surface, wherein the ultrasonic block assembly bears the load from the optical system block assembly by supporting the third supported surface through the third supporting surface.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the third supported surface and the third supporting surface are preferably orthogonal to the scanning surface of the ultrasonic transducer and parallel to the surface orthogonal to the long axis direction of the front end.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably at least one of the third supported surface and the third supporting surface has a groove for filling with sealing material.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, the optical system block assembly preferably has a first guide portion capable of slidably configuring the channel block assembly.

[0022] In one aspect of the invention, the ultrasonic block assembly preferably has a second guide portion capable of slidably configuring the optical system block assembly.

[0023] In one aspect of the present invention, the front-end main block assembly is preferably formed of resin, and the channel block assembly is preferably formed of metal.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the second supported surface is preferably formed by a pair of flange surfaces extending outward from opposite sides of the channel block assembly.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the front-end main block assembly preferably has a locking portion having a first supported surface, and the channel block assembly has a locking portion having a first supported surface and capable of locking with the locking portion, and is assembled to the front-end main block assembly by the locking portion and the locking portion locking with each other.

[0026] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to provide a locking portion on either the engaging portion or the engaging portion, and to provide a locking portion on the other side, wherein the locking portion restricts the sliding movement of the engaging portion relative to the engaging portion by locking with the locking portion.

[0027] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the assembly method of the ultrasonic endoscope involved in this invention is an assembly method of an ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic transducer at the front end. The assembly method of the ultrasonic endoscope includes: a first load-bearing structure forming step, forming a first load-bearing structure having a structure in which a front end main body block assembly for mounting the ultrasonic transducer, observation optical system and illumination optical system is supported on a channel block assembly for mounting a treatment instrument; and a second load-bearing structure forming step, forming a second load-bearing structure having a structure in which the channel block assembly is supported on the front end main body block assembly.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, the front-end main body block assembly preferably includes an ultrasonic block assembly for mounting an ultrasonic transducer and an optical system block assembly for mounting an observation optical system and an illumination optical system. A first load-bearing structure supports the ultrasonic block assembly on the channel block assembly, and a second load-bearing structure supports the channel block assembly on the optical system block assembly. The assembly method of the ultrasonic endoscope includes a third load-bearing structure forming step, forming a third load-bearing structure that supports the optical system block assembly on the ultrasonic block assembly.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to perform the first load-bearing structure forming process and the third load-bearing structure forming process after performing the second load-bearing structure forming process.

[0030] Invention Effects

[0031] According to the present invention, the load applied to the front end of the ultrasonic endoscope can be distributed to the components constituting the front end, thereby ensuring the strength and durability of the front end. Furthermore, it can reduce repair costs in the event of damage. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is an overall view of an ultrasonic endoscope.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a 3D view of the front-end hardware.

[0034] Figure 3 It is an exploded 3D view of the front-end hardware.

[0035] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the front rigid part.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a sectional view of the front rigid section, and an enlarged view of the first load-bearing structure.

[0037] Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view of the front rigid part cut along line VI-VI.

[0038] Figure 7 From along Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the cross-section of a VI-VI wire cut.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the assembly method of an endoscope.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the assembly method of an endoscope.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the assembly method of an endoscope.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the front-end rigid part in other embodiments.

[0043] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An exploded perspective view of the front rigid section is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The ultrasonic endoscope and its assembly method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] [Overall structure of an ultrasonic endoscope]

[0046] Figure 1 This is an overall view of the ultrasonic endoscope 1. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasonic endoscope 1 (hereinafter referred to as "endoscope 1") consists of an operating part 10 for the surgeon to hold and perform various operations, an insertion part 12 for insertion into the patient's body cavity, and a universal plug 14. The endoscope 1 is connected via the universal plug 14 to system components such as a processor device and a light source device (not shown) that constitute the endoscope system.

[0047] The operating unit 10 is equipped with various operating components operated by the surgeon, such as the angle lever 16 and the suction button 22.

[0048] Furthermore, the operation unit 10 is provided with a device insertion channel 23 for inserting into the insertion unit 12 (see reference). Figure 4 Insert the treatment device into the treatment device inlet 24.

[0049] The insertion part 12 extends from the front end of the operation part 10 and is formed as a narrow and elongated strip. The insertion part 12 is composed of a flexible part 30, a curved part 32 and a front rigid part 34 as the front end part, in sequence from the base end side to the front end side.

[0050] The flexible portion 30 occupies most of the area from the base end of the insertion portion 12 and has flexibility to bend in any direction. When the insertion portion 12 is inserted into the body cavity, the flexible portion 30 bends along the insertion path into the body cavity.

[0051] The bending part 32 is bent in the up-down direction (R2 direction) by rotating the bending rod 16 of the operating part 10 in the R1 direction. By bending the bending part 32, the front rigid part 34 can be oriented in the desired direction.

[0052] Regarding the front-end hardware part 34, details will be provided later. Figures 2 to 4 The device includes: an observation optical system 40 and an illumination optical system 44 for capturing observation images within the body cavity; an ultrasonic transducer 50 for acquiring ultrasonic images; and an outlet 52 for discharging a treatment device inserted from the treatment device inlet 24.

[0053] For details regarding the universal cord 14, please refer to the following section. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The signal cables 54 and 56, and the light guide 58 are shown. A connector (not shown) is provided at the end of the universal plug 14. This connector connects to the standard system components of the endoscope system, including the processor and light source. Thus, the system components supply the endoscope 1 with the power, control signals, and illumination light required for its operation. Conversely, observation image data acquired by the observation optical system 40 and ultrasound image data acquired by the ultrasound transducer 50 are transmitted from the endoscope 1 to the system components. Furthermore, the observation images and ultrasound images transmitted to the system components are displayed on a monitor, allowing the surgeon or other personnel to observe them.

[0054] Furthermore, the structure of the operation unit 10 is not limited to... Figure 1 As shown, a pair of bend knobs are provided instead of bend lever 16. By rotating the pair of bend knobs, the bending part 32 can be bent in the vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, an air supply and water supply button can be provided on the operation part 10. By operating the air supply and water supply button, air or other gases and cleaning liquids can be supplied to the front rigid part 34.

[0055] [Structure of the front-end rigid part]

[0056] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the front-end rigid part 34. Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the front-end rigid part 34. Figure 4 This is a sectional view of the front rigid section 34.

[0057] Furthermore, the Z direction in the figure is parallel to the major axis 38 of the front rigid part 34 (insertion part 12). The Z(+) direction side of the Z direction in the figure is the front end side of the front rigid part 34, and the Z(-) direction side is the base end side of the front rigid part 34. The Y direction in the figure is perpendicular to the Z direction, and in this embodiment, it is the up-down direction in each figure. The Y(+) direction side, which is one direction of the Y direction, is the up direction in the figure, and the Y(-) direction side, which is the other direction of the Y direction, is the down direction in the figure. The X direction in the figure is perpendicular to both the Z and Y directions.

[0058] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the front-end rigid part 34 is composed of an ultrasonic block assembly 60, a channel block assembly 70, and an optical system block assembly 80 (especially referencing...). Figure 3 In the front-end rigid part 34, when the various components are assembled, from the front end side of the front-end rigid part 34 toward the base end side, it includes an ultrasonic mounting part 34a, an outlet forming part 34b, and a main body part 34c (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 4 ).

[0059] The ultrasonic block assembly 60 is formed of an insulating material, such as a resin material like polysulfone or polyetherimide. The ultrasonic block assembly 60, from its front end to its base end, includes an ultrasonic mounting portion 34a and an optical system block assembly mounting portion 62. Furthermore, the ultrasonic mounting portion 34a and the optical system block assembly mounting portion 62 are integrally formed.

[0060] Viewed from the X-direction side, an ultrasonic transducer 50 is mounted on the ultrasonic mounting section 34a in a forward-leaning (tilted) position relative to the major axis 38 towards the Y (-) direction. This ultrasonic transducer 50 is convex, and has ultrasonic transceiver surfaces where ultrasonic transducers that receive and transmit ultrasonic waves are arranged in a curved manner along the major axis 38. Data for generating an ultrasonic image of the observed region is acquired through this ultrasonic transducer 50. Furthermore, the number of ultrasonic transducers constituting the ultrasonic transducer 50 is not limited.

[0061] Furthermore, when viewing the front rigid portion 34 from the X-direction side, the optical system block assembly mounting portion 62 extends from the region on the Y(-) direction side of the base end of the ultrasonic mounting portion 34a toward its base end side [Z(-) direction side]. Additionally, a engaged portion 64, which engages with the engaging portion 73 of the channel block assembly 70 (described later), is formed in the region on the Y(+) direction side of the base end of the ultrasonic mounting portion 34a.

[0062] The optical system block assembly mounting section 62 has a generally semi-cylindrical shape corresponding to the Y(-) direction side (lower half side) of the two dividing sections that divide the outlet forming section 34b and the main body section 34c into two parts (upper and lower parts) in the Y direction. Therefore, the optical system block assembly mounting section 62 has a mounting section opening 65 that opens to the Y(+) direction side.

[0063] The mounting opening 65 is parallel to the XZ plane and formed along the Z direction. Inside the mounting opening 65 of the optical system block assembly mounting section 62, a signal cable 54 connecting the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the system components described above is disposed.

[0064] A pair of guide portions 66 are formed on the optical system block assembly mounting portion 62. These guide portions 66 form a mounting portion opening 65 and extend along the mounting portion opening 65 in the Z(-) direction. The pair of guide portions 66 are formed by a surface orthogonal to the ultrasonic transceiver surface (corresponding to the "scanning surface of the ultrasonic transducer" of the present invention) and parallel to a surface orthogonal to the long axis 38 of the front end portion. The optical system block assembly 80, described later, is mounted on these pair of guide portions 66 while sliding in the Z direction. Thus, the optical system block assembly 80 is mounted on the optical system block assembly mounting portion 62, i.e., the ultrasonic block assembly 60, via the pair of guide portions 66.

[0065] By arranging the pair of guide portions 66 in this way, the optical system block assembly mounting portion 62 of the ultrasonic block assembly 60 can be made into a semi-circular shape. By making the shape of the optical system block assembly mounting portion 62 semi-circular, when the optical system block assembly mounting portion 62 is resin molded, the demolding direction of the mold can be set only to the Y direction, thus making molding easier.

[0066] To ensure the airtightness of the connection surface with the optical system block assembly 80, grooves 68 for filling with sealing material are provided on the pair of guide portions 66. By filling the grooves 68 with sealing material and installing the optical system block assembly 80, the airtightness of the interior of the front rigid portion 34 can be ensured. Alternatively, if the grooves 88 are provided on the pair of guided portions 86 of the optical system block assembly 80 (described later as the mating surface of the pair of guide portions 66), the grooves 68 may not be provided on the pair of guide portions 66.

[0067] The channel block assembly 70 is an assembly that together with the optical system block assembly 80 forms the outlet forming portion 34b, and the channel block assembly 70 is formed of metal. As the metal, known metal materials can be used. The channel block assembly 70 has: an outlet 52 of the treatment device that opens to the Y(+) direction; and an opening forming surface 71 that is parallel to the XZ plane of the outlet 52 and along the Z direction (including the major axis 38, the same below).

[0068] At both ends of the opening forming surface 71 of the channel block assembly 70 in the X direction, a pair of flange surfaces 72 parallel to the XZ plane are formed in the Z direction (see reference). Figure 3 A pair of flange surfaces 72 are used to mount the channel block assembly 70 onto the optical system block assembly 80, extending outward (in the X direction) from both sides of the opening forming surface 71 in the X direction.

[0069] Furthermore, a locking part 73 is formed on the front end side of the channel block assembly 70, which can engage with the locking part 64 of the ultrasonic mounting part 34a.

[0070] An internal conduit 74 is formed inside the channel block assembly 70. The front end of the internal conduit 74 is connected to the outlet 52, and the base end of the internal conduit 74 is connected to the device insertion channel 23 in the insertion part 12 via the channel connecting pipe 25. Thus, the front end of the device inserted from the device inlet 24 is guided to the outlet 52 via the device insertion channel 23, the channel connecting pipe 25, and the internal conduit 74, and is then discharged to the outside from the outlet 52.

[0071] Like the ultrasonic block assembly 60, the optical system block assembly 80 is formed of resin material. The optical system block assembly 80 has a shape corresponding to the Y(+) direction side (upper half side) of the two partitions that divide the outlet forming portion 34b and the main body portion 34c into two parts (upper and lower parts) in the Y direction.

[0072] The optical system block assembly 80, extending from its front end to its base end, includes a pair of channel block assembly mounting portions 81 and an optical system receiving portion 82 spaced apart in the X direction (see reference). Figure 3 In addition, a pair of channel block assembly mounting parts 81 are integrally formed with the optical system receiving part 82.

[0073] When viewed from the X-direction side, the pair of channel block assembly mounting portions 81 extend from a position one level lower than the apex of the Y(+) direction side of the optical system receiving portion 82 [position on the Y(-) direction side] towards the front end side [Z(+) direction side] of the optical system receiving portion 82.

[0074] Between a pair of channel block assembly mounting portions 81, space is ensured for mounting the channel block assembly 70. A pair of planes 81a, parallel to the XZ plane and shaped along the Z direction, are formed at the Y(+) direction end of the pair of channel block assembly mounting portions 81. Furthermore, a pair of support surfaces 81b are formed at the Y(-) direction end of the pair of channel block assembly mounting portions 81, at positions displaced from the pair of planes 81a toward the aforementioned space.

[0075] A pair of support surfaces 81b have a shape parallel to the XZ plane and along the Z direction, formed at a position one level below the thickness of a pair of flange surfaces 72 in the Y direction relative to a pair of planes 81a on the Y(-) direction side. The pair of support surfaces 81b support the pair of flange surfaces 72 from both sides in the X direction. Thus, via the pair of flange surfaces 72 and the pair of support surfaces 81b, the channel block assembly 70 is slidably supported between a pair of channel block assembly mounting portions 81 in the Z direction. As a result, the channel block assembly 70 can be slidably mounted on the optical system block assembly 80 while being mounted in the Z direction. Then, the channel block assembly 70 is bonded and assembled onto the optical system block assembly 80. Adhesive grooves 77 and 87 coated with adhesive are provided at opposite positions of the pair of flange surfaces 72 and the pair of support surfaces 81b.

[0076] When the channel block assembly 70 is mounted on the optical system block assembly 80, the opening forming surface 71 and a pair of planes 81a form a continuous plane 90. The continuous plane 90 is a plane parallel to the XZ plane and along the Z direction, forming part of the outer peripheral surface of the front end rigid part 34.

[0077] The optical system housing 82 has a semi-cylindrical shape and includes a convex surface 84 and a stepped surface 85. The convex surface 84 forms part of the outer peripheral surface of the front end rigid portion 34. This convex surface 84 is a surface that forms part of the outer peripheral surface of the optical system housing 82, and is located on the Y(+) direction side further than the continuous plane 90 and has a shape along the Z direction. Furthermore, the optical system housing 82 is formed with a pair of guided portions 86 extending along the Z(-) direction for forming a housing opening 89 that opens in the Y(-) direction. The pair of guided portions 86 are the part of the mating surface that becomes a pair of guide portions 66 when the front end rigid portion 34 is assembled. Therefore, the guided portions 86 are also formed by a surface that is orthogonal to the ultrasonic transceiver surface and parallel to a surface orthogonal to the direction of the long axis 38 of the front end portion.

[0078] By arranging the pair of guided portions 86 in this way, the optical system receiving portion 82 of the optical system block assembly 80 can be made into a semi-circular shape. By making the shape of the optical system receiving portion 82 semi-circular, when the optical system receiving portion 82 is resin molded, the demolding direction of the mold can be set only to the Y direction, thus making molding easy.

[0079] To ensure airtightness of the connection surface with the ultrasonic block assembly 60, grooves 88 for filling with sealing material are provided on the pair of guided portions 86. By filling the grooves 88 with sealing material and installing the ultrasonic block assembly 60, the airtightness of the interior of the front rigid portion 34 can be ensured. Alternatively, if the grooves 68 are provided on the pair of guided portions 66, the grooves 88 may not be provided.

[0080] The stepped surface 85 is an inclined surface connecting the base side of the continuous plane 90 and the front end side of the convex surface 84, forming part of the outer peripheral surface of the front rigid part 34. In addition, the inclined surface mentioned here also includes a vertical surface with an angle of 90° with respect to the Z direction.

[0081] An observation window 40a of an observation optical system 40 and an illumination window 44a of a pair of illumination optical systems 44 are provided on the stepped surface 85.

[0082] The observation optical system 40 includes an observation window 40a disposed on the stepped surface 85, a lens system 40b disposed within the optical system housing 82, and an imaging element 40c of either CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type. The imaging element 40c images the observation image captured from the observation window 40a via the lens system 40b. The imaging element 40c outputs the imaging signal of the observation image to the system assembly via a signal cable 56 inserted into the insertion portion 12.

[0083] The illumination optical system 44 is disposed on both sides of the observation optical system 40 in the X direction, and includes an illumination window 44a disposed on the stepped surface 85 and a light guide 58 inserted into the insertion portion 12. An emission end of the light guide 58 is disposed behind each illumination window 44a. Thus, illumination light supplied from the system configuration device to each light guide 58 is emitted from each illumination window 44a.

[0084] With the channel block assembly 70 installed, a pair of guided parts 86 are mounted on the optical system block assembly mounting part 62 of the ultrasonic block assembly 60 via a pair of guided parts 66.

[0085] As described above, the ultrasonic block assembly 60, the channel block assembly 70, and the optical system block assembly 80 are combined to form the front rigid section 34. Thus, when viewing the front rigid section 34 from the Y(+) direction side (upper side), the ultrasonic transducer 50, the outlet 52, and the stepped surface 85 (observation window 40a) are arranged sequentially from the front end side of the front rigid section 34 toward the base end side.

[0086] <Load Distributed Structure>

[0087] In the front-end rigid part 34 of this embodiment, there is a first load-bearing structure 110 that bears the load from the ultrasonic block assembly 60 by the channel block assembly 70. Furthermore, there is a second load-bearing structure 120 that bears the load from the channel block assembly 70 by the optical system block assembly 80. Additionally, there is a third load-bearing structure 130 that bears the load from the optical system block assembly 80 by the ultrasonic block assembly 60. The various load-bearing structures will be described below.

[0088] (First load-bearing structure)

[0089] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the front rigid part, showing an enlarged view of the first load-bearing structure. The first load-bearing structure 110 is constructed by supporting a first supported surface 112 disposed on the ultrasonic block assembly 60 by a first support surface 113 disposed on the channel block assembly 70. The first support surface 113 is disposed opposite to the first supported surface 112, and by supporting the first supported surface 112 by the first support surface 113, the channel block assembly 70 can bear the load from the ultrasonic block assembly 60.

[0090] The ultrasonic block assembly 60 and the channel block assembly 70 are assembled by engaging the engaging portion 64 of the ultrasonic block assembly 60 with the engaging portion 73 of the channel block assembly 70. As the engaging portion 73, for example... Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion can be provided at the front end of the channel block assembly 70. Furthermore, the engaging portion 64 can be provided with a hole shape corresponding to the shape of the protrusion. In this embodiment, the Y(+) direction side surface (facing the Y(-) direction) inside the hole shape portion of the engaging portion 64 is the first supported surface 112. The Y(+) direction side surface (facing the Y(+) direction) of the engaging portion 73 is the first supported surface 113.

[0091] When the ultrasonic transceiver surface (ultrasonic transducer 50) is pressed against the wall of a living organism, its reaction force travels along... Figure 5 The load is applied in the direction indicated by the middle arrow A. By setting the first load-bearing structure 110, the load applied to the ultrasonic block assembly 60 can be borne by the channel block assembly 70.

[0092] In the connection between the engaging part 64 and the engaging part 73, as Figure 5As shown, the engaging portion 73 has a locking claw 114 on its front end side, which corresponds to a locking portion protruding towards the Y(+) direction. Furthermore, the engaged portion 64 has a locking hole 116 inside its hole shape, which corresponds to the locking claw 114 locking the engaged portion. When the engaged portion 64 and the engaging portion 73 are engaged, the engaging portion 73 of the channel block assembly 70 is inserted into the engaged portion 64 of the ultrasonic block assembly 60. At this time, the locking claw 114 of the engaging portion 73 passes over the protrusion 115 provided on the base end side of the engaged portion 64 and engages into the locking hole 116 (snap-fit ​​structure). Therefore, by restricting the sliding movement of the engaged portion 64 and the engaging portion 73, the movement of the ultrasonic block assembly 60 and the channel block assembly 70 in the Z direction can be restricted. Additionally, in Figure 5 In this case, a locking claw 114 is provided on the engaging portion 73 and a locking hole 116 is provided on the engaged portion 64. However, this combination is not limited, and a locking hole can also be provided on the engaging portion 73 and a locking claw can also be provided on the engaged portion 64.

[0093] (Second load-bearing structure)

[0094] Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view of the front rigid part cut along line VI-VI. Figure 7 From along Figure 2 A perspective view of the cross-section of the VI-VI wire cut. The second load-bearing structure 120 is constructed by supporting a second supported surface 122 disposed on the channel block assembly 70 by a second support surface 123 disposed on the optical system block assembly 80. The second support surface 123 is disposed opposite to the second supported surface 122, and by supporting the second supported surface 122 by the second support surface 123, the optical system block assembly 80 can bear the load from the channel block assembly 70.

[0095] As described above, the channel block assembly 70 has a pair of flange surfaces 72 formed at both ends of the opening forming surface 71 in the X direction. The channel block assembly 70 is then supported by a pair of support surfaces 81b of the optical system block assembly 80 via these flange surfaces 72. In this embodiment, the surfaces of the pair of flange surfaces 72 on the Y(-) direction side are designated as the second supported surface 122. The surfaces of the pair of support surfaces 81b on the Y(+) direction side are designated as the second support surface 123.

[0096] When the treatment device (puncture needle) extended from the outlet 52 is inserted into the wall of the organism, its reaction force is directed towards... Figure 7 The load is applied in the direction indicated by the middle arrow B. By providing the second load-bearing structure 120, the load applied to the channel block assembly 70 can be borne by the optical system block assembly 80.

[0097] (Third load-bearing structure)

[0098] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the third load-bearing structure 130 is constructed by supporting a third supported surface 132 disposed on the optical system block assembly 80 by a third support surface 133 disposed on the ultrasonic block assembly 60. The third support surface 133 is disposed at a position opposite to the third supported surface 132, and by supporting the third supported surface 132 by the third support surface 133, the ultrasonic block assembly 60 can bear the load from the optical system block assembly 80.

[0099] Regarding the mounting of the optical system block assembly 80 and the ultrasonic block assembly 60, the optical system block assembly 80 is supported by the pair of guide portions 86 of the optical system receiving portion 82 of the optical system block assembly 80 and the pair of guide portions 66 of the optical system block assembly mounting portion 62 of the ultrasonic block assembly 60, thereby supporting the optical system block assembly 80 by the ultrasonic block assembly 60. In this embodiment, the Y(-) direction surface of the pair of guide portions 86 of the optical system block assembly 80 is the third supported surface 132. Furthermore, the Y(+) direction surface of the pair of guide portions 66 of the ultrasonic block assembly 60 is the third supported surface 133.

[0100] According to the third load-bearing structure 130, the load applied to the optical system block assembly 80 can be borne by the ultrasonic block assembly 60.

[0101] Thus, the endoscope according to this embodiment has a first load-bearing structure 110, a second load-bearing structure 120 and a third load-bearing structure 130, and can support each of the ultrasonic block assembly 60, the channel block assembly 70 and the optical system block assembly 80 through other block assemblies. Therefore, the load borne by any one block assembly can be distributed among the three block assemblies.

[0102] When the ultrasonic transceiver surface (ultrasonic transducer 50) is pressed against the wall of a living organism, its reaction force (load) is applied to the ultrasonic block assembly 60. The load borne by the ultrasonic block assembly 60 is applied to the channel block assembly 70 via the first load-bearing structure 110. The load borne by the channel block assembly 70 is applied to the optical system block assembly 80 via the second load-bearing structure 120. In this way, since the load borne by the ultrasonic block assembly 60 is distributed to the other blocks through the respective load-bearing structures, the strength and durability of the front-end rigid part 34 can be improved.

[0103] Furthermore, when the treatment instrument (puncture needle) extended from the outlet 52 is inserted into the wall of the organism, its reaction force (load) is applied to the channel block assembly 70. The load borne by the channel block assembly 70 is applied to the optical system block assembly 80 via the second load-bearing structure 120. The load borne by the optical system block assembly 80 is applied to the ultrasonic block assembly 60 via the third load-bearing structure 130. In this way, the load borne by the channel block assembly 70 is also distributed to the other block assemblies via the respective load-bearing structures, thereby improving the strength and durability of the front rigid part 34.

[0104] Furthermore, while the reaction force from the biological wall applied to the ultrasonic block assembly 60 and the reaction force when the treatment device is inserted into the biological wall have been described above, the load applied to the front end is not limited. Moreover, the load applied to the front end is not limited to the ultrasonic block assembly 60 or the channel block assembly 70, and can also be distributed across the optical system block assembly 80.

[0105] <Endoscope Assembly Method>

[0106] Next, the assembly method of the endoscope will be explained. Figures 8 to 10 This is a diagram illustrating the assembly method of an endoscope.

[0107] When assembling the tip of the endoscope, firstly, form Figure 8 The optical system assembly 180 and the channel assembly 170 are shown in VIIIA. The optical system assembly 180 is an assembly on which the observation optical system 40 and the illumination optical system 44 are assembled. The channel assembly 170 is an assembly on which the channel connecting tube 25 and the handling device insertion channel 23 are assembled.

[0108] Next, the optical system assembly 180 and the channel assembly 170 are assembled. Regarding the assembly of the optical system assembly 180 and the channel assembly 170, a pair of flange surfaces 72 (second supported surfaces 122) provided on the channel block assembly 70 are slidably mounted on the channel block assembly mounting portion 81 from the front end side of the optical system block assembly 80 towards a pair of support surfaces 81b (second support surfaces 123) formed on the optical system block assembly 80, forming the channel optical system assembly 185. Figure 8(VIIIB). A pair of support surfaces 81b correspond to the first guide portion of the flange surface 72 of the channel block assembly 70, which can be slidably configured. By mounting the channel assembly 170 to the channel block assembly mounting portion 81, a second load-bearing structure 120 is formed (second load-bearing structure forming process). In order to ensure strength in the portions of the pair of flange surfaces 72 and the pair of support surfaces 81b, the optical system assembly 180 and the channel assembly 170 are preferably coated with adhesive in the adhesive grooves 77, 87 and fixed with adhesive.

[0109] Next, it forms Figure 9 The ultrasonic assembly assembly 160 shown in IXA has an ultrasonic transducer 50 and a signal cable 54 assembled on an ultrasonic block assembly 60.

[0110] Next, the channel optical system assembly 185 and the ultrasonic assembly 160 are assembled. The assembly of the optical system assembly 180 and the ultrasonic assembly 160 is performed by sliding a pair of guided portions 86 of the optical system block assembly 80 along the Z-direction toward a pair of guide portions 66 of the ultrasonic block assembly 60. The pair of guide portions 66 of the ultrasonic block assembly 60 correspond to a second guide portion of the optical system block assembly 80 that can be slidably configured.

[0111] Regarding the assembly of the ultrasonic block assembly 60 and the optical system block assembly 80, in order to ensure the airtightness of the interior of the front rigid part 34, it is preferable to fill the pair of guide parts 66 provided in the ultrasonic block assembly 60 and the pair of grooves 68, 88 of the guide parts 86 in the optical system block assembly 80 with sealing material.

[0112] By sliding the optical system assembly 180, on which the channel assembly assembly 170 is mounted, toward the guide portion 66 of the ultrasonic block assembly 60, the engaging portion 73 provided on the channel block assembly 70 engages with the engaged portion 64 provided on the ultrasonic block assembly 60 (see reference). Figure 5 Thus, the first load-bearing structure 110 is formed (the first load-bearing structure forming process).

[0113] Furthermore, the channel optical system assembly assembly 185 is assembled on the ultrasonic block assembly 60 by engaging the engaging part 73 with the engaged part 64. Figure 9 (IXB). Thus, a pair of guided portions 86 (third supported surfaces 132) of the optical system block assembly 80 are supported by a pair of guided portions 66 (third supported surfaces 133) of the ultrasonic block assembly 60, forming a third load-bearing structure 130 (third load-bearing structure forming process).

[0114] Finally, as Figure 10As shown, with the ultrasonic block assembly 60 and the optical system block assembly 80 assembled, the outer peripheral surface of the fixed base end is fixed by the bending ring 190 on the front end side of the bending portion 32. Thus, the optical system block assembly 80 and the ultrasonic block assembly 60 remain inseparable in the Y direction, with the optical system block assembly 80 assembled on the ultrasonic block assembly 60.

[0115] By assembling the front rigid part 34 in this manner, the ultrasonic assembly assembly 160 and the channel optical system assembly assembly 185, which combines the channel assembly assembly 170 and the optical system assembly assembly 180, are connected by a sealing material and externally fixed by a bending ring 190. Therefore, the ultrasonic assembly assembly 160 and the channel optical system assembly assembly 185 can be easily disassembled. By disassembling the front rigid part 34, which serves as the front end of the insertion part 12, using the ultrasonic assembly assembly 160 and the channel optical system assembly assembly 185, only the faulty component can be replaced when any component fails, thus reducing repair costs.

[0116] (Another implementation method)

[0117] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the front-end rigid part in other embodiments. Figure 12 It is an exploded 3D view of the front-end hardware.

[0118] Figure 11 The front-end rigid part 234 shown is constructed by combining the ultrasonic block assembly 60 and the optical system block assembly 80 of the front-end rigid part 34 of the above embodiment into two block assemblies: the front-end main body block assembly 260 and the channel block assembly 70. This is different from the front-end rigid part 34.

[0119] In other embodiments, the front rigid portion 234 has an engaging portion 73 on the front end side of the channel block assembly 70 that engages with the front main body block assembly 260. Furthermore, a engaged portion (not shown) is formed at the base end of the ultrasonic mounting portion 34a of the front main body block assembly 260, engaging with the engaging portion 73 of the channel block assembly 70. The first load-bearing structure 110 is provided by engaging the engaging portion 73 with the engaged portion.

[0120] Furthermore, a second load-bearing structure 120 is provided, supported by a pair of flange surfaces 72 formed on the channel block assembly 70 and a pair of support surfaces 81b formed on the front body block assembly 260.

[0121] Thus, the structure consists of two block assemblies: a front-end main block assembly 260 that houses the ultrasonic transducer 50, the observation optical system 40, and the illumination optical system 44, and a channel block assembly 70. Then, by providing a first load-bearing structure 110 and a second load-bearing structure 120 to withstand the loads applied to each block assembly, as described below, the load can be distributed among the block assemblies.

[0122] When the ultrasonic transceiver surface (ultrasonic transducer 50) is pressed against the wall of a living organism, its reaction force (load) is applied to the front main block assembly 260. The load borne by the front main block assembly 260 is applied to the channel block assembly 70 via the first load-bearing structure 110. The load borne by the channel block assembly 70 is applied to the front main block assembly 260 via the second load-bearing structure 120. In this way, the load borne by the front main block assembly 260 is applied to the front main block assembly 260 via the first load-bearing structure 110, the channel block assembly 70, and the second load-bearing structure 120, which allows the load borne by the front main block assembly 260 to be distributed among the various blocks.

[0123] Furthermore, when the treatment instrument (puncture needle) extended from the outlet 52 is inserted into the wall of the organism, its reaction force (load) is applied to the channel block assembly 70. The load borne by the channel block assembly 70 is applied to the front main block assembly 260 via the second load-bearing structure 120. The load borne by the front main block assembly 260 is applied to the channel block assembly 70 via the first load-bearing structure 110. In this way, the load borne by the channel block assembly 70 is also applied to the channel block assembly 70 via the second load-bearing structure 120, the front main block assembly 260, and the first load-bearing structure 110, which allows the load borne by the channel block assembly 70 to be distributed among the individual blocks.

[0124] In this way, the load borne by one block component can be distributed to other block components through various load-bearing structures, thereby improving the strength and durability of the front rigid part 234.

[0125] Symbol Explanation

[0126] 1-Ultrasonic endoscope; 10-Operating section; 12-Insertion section; 14-Universal plug cord; 16-Angle rod; 22-Suction button; 23-Device insertion channel; 24-Device inlet; 25-Channel connecting tube; 30-Flexible section; 32-Bend section; 34-Rigid front end; 34a-Ultrasonic mounting section; 34b-Outlet forming section; 34c-Main body; 38-Long axis of the rigid front end (insertion section); 40-Observation optical system. 40a - Observation window, 40b - Lens system, 40c - Imaging element, 44 - Illumination optical system, 44a - Illumination window, 50 - Ultrasonic transducer, 52 - Outlet, 54 - Signal cable, 56 - Signal cable, 58 - Light guide, 60 - Ultrasonic block assembly, 62 - Optical system block assembly mounting part, 64 - Engaging part, 65 - Mounting part opening, 66 - A pair of guides, 68 - Groove, 70 - Channel block assembly, 71 - Opening forming surface, 72 - Flange surface, 73 - 74-Internal tubing, 77-Adhesive groove, 80-Optical system block assembly, 81-Channel block assembly mounting part, 81a-A pair of planes, 81b-A pair of support surfaces, 82-Optical system receiving part, 84-Convex surface, 85-Stepped surface, 86-A pair of guided parts, 87-Adhesive groove, 88-Groove, 89-Receiving opening, 90-Continuous plane, 110-First load-bearing structure, 112-First supported surface, 113-First support surface, 114 - Locking claw, 115 - Protrusion, 116 - Locking hole, 120 - Second load-bearing structure, 122 - Second supported surface, 123 - Second support surface, 130 - Third load-bearing structure, 132 - Third supported surface, 133 - Third support surface, 160 - Ultrasonic assembly, 170 - Channel assembly, 180 - Optical system assembly, 185 - Channel optical system assembly, 190 - Bending ring, 234 - Front rigid part, 260 - Front main block assembly.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic transducer at its front end, the ultrasonic endoscope comprising: The front-end main block assembly includes the ultrasonic transducer, observation optical system, and illumination optical system; and Channel block assembly, which installs channels for the insertion of treatment devices. The ultrasonic endoscope has the following features: The first load-bearing structure has a first supported surface disposed on the front-end main block assembly and a first supporting surface disposed on the channel block assembly and opposite to the first supported surface. When the ultrasonic transducer is configured in a specific direction, the first supported surface supports the first supported surface, and the channel block assembly bears the load from the front-end main block assembly. The second load-bearing structure has a second supported surface disposed on the channel block assembly and a second supporting surface disposed on the front main body block assembly and opposite to the second supported surface. When the ultrasonic transducer is configured in the specific direction, the front main body block assembly bears the load from the channel block assembly by supporting the second supported surface through the second supporting surface. The front-end main block component is configured to have: An ultrasonic block assembly, having the first supported surface, and mounting the ultrasonic transducer; and The optical system block assembly, having the second support surface, mounts the observation optical system and the illumination optical system. The ultrasonic endoscope has the following features: The third load-bearing structure has a third supported surface disposed on the optical system block assembly and a third supporting surface disposed on the ultrasonic block assembly and opposite to the third supported surface. When the ultrasonic transducer is configured in the specific orientation, the third supported surface supports the third supported surface, and the ultrasonic block assembly bears the load from the optical system block assembly. The load applied to the ultrasonic block assembly by the external force applied to the scanning surface of the ultrasonic transducer is applied to the channel block assembly via the first load-bearing structure. Furthermore, the load borne by the channel block assembly via the first load-bearing structure is applied to the optical system block assembly via the second load-bearing structure. The load applied to the channel block assembly by the external force applied to the treatment device is applied to the optical system block assembly via the second load-bearing structure, and then the load borne by the optical system block assembly via the second load-bearing structure is applied to the ultrasonic block assembly via the third load-bearing structure.

2. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, The third supported surface and the third supporting surface are orthogonal to the scanning surface of the ultrasonic transducer and parallel to the surface orthogonal to the long axis direction of the front end.

3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The third supported surface and at least one of the third supporting surfaces have a groove for filling with sealing material.

4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The optical system block assembly has a first guide portion that allows the channel block assembly to be slidably configured.

5. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The ultrasonic block assembly has a second guide portion that allows the optical system block assembly to be slidably configured.

6. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The front-end main block assembly is formed of resin. The channel block assembly is formed of metal.

7. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second supported surface is formed by a pair of flange surfaces extending outward from opposite sides of the channel block assembly.

8. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The front-end main block assembly has a locking portion with the first supported surface. The channel block assembly has a locking part with the first support surface and capable of engaging with the locking part, and is assembled to the front main body block assembly by the locking part and the locking part engaging with each other.

9. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 8, wherein, A locking part is provided on either the engaging part or the engaging part, and a locking part is provided on the other side. The locking part restricts the sliding movement of the engaging part relative to the engaging part by locking with the locking part.

10. A method for assembling an ultrasonic endoscope, which is the method for assembling the ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The assembly method of the ultrasonic endoscope includes: The first load-bearing structure forming process involves forming the first load-bearing structure by supporting the ultrasonic block assembly on the channel block assembly. The second load-bearing structure forming step involves forming the second load-bearing structure by supporting the channel block assembly on the optical system block assembly; and The third load-bearing structure forming process involves forming the third load-bearing structure by supporting the optical system block assembly on the ultrasonic block assembly.

11. The assembly method of the ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 10, wherein, After the second load-bearing structure forming process is performed, the first load-bearing structure forming process and the third load-bearing structure forming process are performed.

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