Ultrasonic endoscope

Abstract

The utility model provides an ultrasonic endoscope with improved durability. An ultrasonic endoscope is provided with a tip section including an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit configured in a ring shape, and the tip section has: a cable connected to the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit; and a support part for supporting the front end side part of the cable, the cable including: a signal cable electrically connected to an ultrasonic vibrator included in the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving part; and a covering member that binds and covers the plurality of signal cables, the signal cables being partially exposed on the front end side thereof, and the front end portion having a filling material layer that fills at least the periphery of the exposed signal cables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe so-called radial ultrasonic endoscopes.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-124502

[0004] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6654699 Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope with improved durability.

[0006] An ultrasonic endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a front end portion comprising an ultrasonic transceiver configured in an annular shape, the front end portion having: a cable connected to the ultrasonic transceiver; a support portion supporting the front end portion of the cable, the cable including: a signal cable electrically connected to an ultrasonic transducer included in the ultrasonic transceiver; and a covering member that bundles and covers a plurality of the signal cables, with the signal cables partially exposed at their front end, the front end portion having at least a layer of filler material filling around the exposed signal cables.

[0007] Utility Model Effect

[0008] The technology of this utility model can improve durability. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an endoscope device 10 using an ultrasonic endoscope 12, which is an embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope involved in the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A partially enlarged perspective view of the appearance of an example of the front end of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 shown.

[0011] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of the axis of the front end of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 shown.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of coaxial cable 58.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of cable 72.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the front end portion 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The three-dimensional view of bracket 120 shown.

[0016] Figure 8 It means in Figure 6 The diagram showing the state of cable 72 is not omitted.

[0017] Figure 9 Viewed from below Figure 8 A perspective view of the front end portion 40 shown.

[0018] Figure 10 It means Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the main part of the cross section viewed from the XX direction.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the metal ring 41c, the bracket 120, and the bracket support component 110.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the preferred range of the filling material layer 160 provided in the front end portion 40.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a modified example of the front end portion 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional view showing the appearance of bracket 140.

[0023] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing the respective configuration positions of the front end portion 80A of the light guide 80, the front end portion 72A of the cable 72, and the abutment portion 142 when projected onto a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the insertion portion 22.

[0024] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the various regions of the front end portion 80A and the main body portion 80C of the light guide 80.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a reference example of the offset structure of an optical guide.

[0026] Figure 18 In order to explain the offset structure of the first method in detail, from the composition Figure 13 An explanatory diagram of the metal ring 41c, the light guide 80, and the cable 72 extracted from the multiple components of the front end 40.

[0027] Figure 19 It means in Figure 13The diagram shows a preferred range in which the filler material layer 160 is disposed in the front end portion 40.

[0028] Symbol explanation:

[0029] 10-Endoscope device, 12-Ultrasonic endoscope, 14-Ultrasonic processor device, 16-Endoscope processor device, 18-Light source device, 20-Display, 21a-Water supply tank, 21b-Suction pump, 22-Insertion part, 24-Operating part, 26-Universal plug rope, 28a-Air and water supply button, 28b-Suction button, 29-Angle button, 30-Insertion port for treatment device, 32a, 32b, 32c-Connectors, 34a-Air and water supply hose, 34b-Suction hose, 36-Ultrasonic observation part, 38-Endoscope optical observation part, 40-Front end, 41 a-Front-end component, 41b-Base end side ring, 41c-Metal ring, 41as-Front-end face, 42, 121L, 121R-Bending portion, 44-Flexible portion, 46-Ultrasonic transducer, 48-Ultrasonic vibrator, 52-Electrode portion, 52a-Individual electrode, 52b-Common electrode, 54-Backing material layer, 56-Flexible printed circuit board, 58-Coaxial cable, 58a-Core wire, 58b-First insulation layer, 58c-Shielding component, 58d-Second insulation layer, 64-Acoustic matching layer, 66-Acoustic lens, 72-Cable, 72A, 80A-Front-end side portion, 72a-Electrical Cable bundle, 72b-shielding layer, 72c-outer sheath, 76-disposal device outlet, 78-observation window, 80-light guide, 80B-partial section, 80C-main body, 80D-intermediate section, 80E-crimped section, 81, 83A, 121Rce, 121Lce, 142A, 410C-front end, 82-fiber body, 83-connecting tube, 84-flexible tube, 85-observation system unit, 86-objective lens group, 87-illumination window, 88-prism, 90-imaging element, 92-substrate, 93-cleaning nozzle, 94-camera cable, 100-air and water supply channels. 110 - Support component, 110a, 144 - Connecting part, 110b - Slit, 120, 140 - Support, 121 - Long strip, 121a - Protrusion, 121Rc, 121Lc - Protrusion, 130 - Pressing part, 132 - Pressing surface, 142 - Abutting part, 146 - Wall, 148 - Groove, 150 - Supporting surface, 160 - Filling material layer, 410A - Outer peripheral surface, 410B - Inner peripheral surface, 410D - Base end, 410E - Mid-position, SP1, SP2, SP3 - Filling space, AR1 - First segmented area, AR2 - Second segmented area. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1This is a schematic structural diagram of an endoscope device 10 using an ultrasonic endoscope 12, which is an embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope involved in the present invention. Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A partially enlarged perspective view of the appearance of an example of the front end of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 shown. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of the axis of the front end of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 shown.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope device 10 includes: an ultrasonic endoscope 12; an ultrasonic processor 14 for generating ultrasonic images; an endoscope processor 16 for generating endoscopic images; a light source 18 for supplying illumination light to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 to illuminate the body cavity; a display 20 for displaying ultrasonic images and endoscopic images, etc.; a water supply tank 21a for storing cleaning water, etc.; and a suction pump 21b for suctioning the aspirate from the body cavity.

[0032] The ultrasonic endoscope 12 has: an insertion part 22, which is inserted into the body cavity of the subject; an operation part 24, which is connected to the base of the insertion part 22 and is used for operation by the surgeon; and a universal lanyard 26, one end of which is connected to the operation part 24.

[0033] The following mechanisms are arranged side by side on the operation unit 24: an air and water supply button 28a, which opens and closes the air and water supply lines from the water supply tank 21a (not shown); and a suction button 28b, which opens and closes the suction line from the suction pump 21b (not shown). Furthermore, a pair of angle knobs 29 and a device insertion port 30 are provided on the operation unit 24.

[0034] The following mechanisms are provided on the other end of the universal plug rope 26: an ultrasonic connector 32a, connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14; an endoscope connector 32b, connected to the endoscope processor device 16; and a light source connector 32c, connected to the light source device 18. The ultrasonic endoscope 12 is detachably connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, the endoscope processor device 16, and the light source device 18 via these connectors 32a, 32b, and 32c, respectively. Furthermore, connector 32c includes: an air / water supply hose 34a, connected to the water tank 21a; and a suction hose 34b, connected to the suction pump 21b.

[0035] The insertion part 22, from its front end side, comprises: a front end portion 40, formed of a rigid component and having an ultrasonic observation portion 36 and an endoscopic optical observation portion 38; a bending portion 42, connected to the base end side of the front end portion 40; and a flexible portion 44, connecting the base end side of the bending portion 42 to the front end side of the operating part 24. The bending portion 42 is formed by connecting multiple bending elements (angle rings) and is configured to bend freely by operating the angle button 29. The flexible portion 44 is slender and elongated, and is flexible.

[0036] The ultrasonic processor device 14 generates and supplies ultrasonic transducers 46 (see reference) for use in the ultrasonic observation unit 36 ​​described later. Figure 2 Multiple ultrasonic transducers 48 generate ultrasonic signals. Furthermore, the ultrasonic processor device 14 uses the ultrasonic transducers 48 to receive and acquire echo signals reflected from the observed part of the object from which the ultrasonic waves are emitted, and performs various signal processing on the acquired echo signals to generate an ultrasonic image. The generated ultrasonic image is displayed on the display 20.

[0037] The endoscope processor device 16 receives and acquires image signals obtained by photographing the observation area illuminated by illumination light from the light source device 18 in the endoscope optical observation section 38, and performs various signal and image processing on the acquired image signals to generate an endoscopic image. The generated endoscopic image is displayed on the display 20.

[0038] In order to acquire image signals by using the endoscope optical observation section 38 to photograph the observation object in the body cavity, the light source device 18 generates illumination light such as white light or light of a specific wavelength. The illumination light is propagated through the light guide (not shown) in the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and emitted from the endoscope optical observation section 38, thereby illuminating the observation object in the body cavity.

[0039] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure of the front end portion 40 is described. Figure 3 In the diagram, the orientation of the insertion portion 22 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is shown as the frontal direction F from the base side to the frontal side and the base direction B from the frontal side to the base side. The frontal direction F and the base direction B are also described as the axial directions of the insertion portion 22 (with the same meaning as the axial direction of the front end portion 40). Figure 3 In the diagram, the radial direction (perpendicular to the axis direction) of the insertion part 22 is shown as the upward direction U and the downward direction D, which is the opposite direction of the upward direction U. Hereinafter, one of the radial directions of the insertion part 22 that is perpendicular to the upward direction U and the downward direction D will be referred to as the right direction R, and the opposite direction of the right direction R will be referred to as the left direction L. The upward direction U and the downward direction D will also be referred to as the vertical direction, and the right direction R and the left direction L will also be referred to as the horizontal direction.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, at the front end 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, an ultrasonic observation section 36 for acquiring ultrasonic images is provided on the base end side, and an endoscope optical observation section 38 for acquiring endoscope optical images is provided on the front end side.

[0041] The front end portion 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 includes a cap-shaped front end part 41a that fits over the endoscope optical observation section 38 on the front end side, a base end side ring 41b disposed on the base end side of the ultrasonic observation section 36 on the base end side, and a metal ring 41c such as SUS (Stainless Steel) (see reference). Figure 3 Here, the front end part 41a and the base end side ring 41b comprise rigid components such as hard resin, thus becoming external components. The metal ring 41c is disposed on the inner side of the external component.

[0042] The endoscope optical observation section 38 includes: a treatment instrument outlet 76, an observation window 78, an illumination window 87, and a cleaning nozzle 93, etc., located on the front end face.

[0043] The ultrasonic observation unit 36 ​​is composed of an ultrasonic transducer 46. The ultrasonic transducer 46 is composed of multiple ultrasonic transducers 48 arranged in a circumferential direction.

[0044] At the front end 40, a balloon (not shown) filled with an ultrasonic transmission medium (e.g., water, oil, etc.) covering the ultrasonic observation section 36 can be easily installed and removed.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, an observation system unit 85 is disposed at the front end 40. The observation system unit 85 includes, for example: an objective lens group 86, including an observation window 78 and a plurality of lenses disposed behind (on the base end side) the observation window 78; a prism 88; an imaging element 90; a substrate 92; and a camera cable 94.

[0046] Reflected light from the object being observed, entering through the observation window 78, is captured by the objective lens group 86. The captured reflected light passes through the prism 88, where its optical path is bent at a right angle, and is imaged onto the imaging surface of the imaging element 90. The imaging element 90 performs photoelectric conversion on the reflected light from the object being observed, which is transmitted through the observation window 78, the objective lens group 86, and the prism 88 and imaged onto the imaging surface, to output an image signal.

[0047] An imaging element 90 is mounted on a substrate 92. A circuit pattern (not shown) electrically connected to the imaging element 90 is formed on the substrate 92. The circuit pattern has multiple electrodes at its ends, to which a camera cable 94 is connected. The camera cable 94 is connected to an endoscope connector 32b (see reference). Figure 1The endoscope connector 32b is connected to the endoscope processor device 16.

[0048] In the lighting window 87 (reference) Figure 2 ) Connected with an optical guide 80 (reference) Figure 3 The light guide 80 is the output end of the light source device 18. The incident end of the light guide 80 is connected to the light source device 18 via a universal plug cord 26. The illumination light emitted by the light source device 18 propagates in the light guide 80 and shines on the observed part through the illumination window 87.

[0049] To clean the surfaces of the observation window 78 and the lighting window 87, the cleaning nozzle 93 is supplied from the water tank 21a via the air and water supply channel 100 inside the ultrasonic endoscope 12 (see reference). Figure 3 Air or cleaning water is sprayed toward the observation window 78 and the lighting window 87.

[0050] The metal ring 41c houses various components, including the parts that constitute the endoscope optical observation section 38, the tubing extending from the base end side to the front end side of the insertion section 22, and the transmission passage.

[0051] The ultrasonic transducer 46 constituting the ultrasonic observation section 36 includes: a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 arranged in a cylindrical shape (see reference). Figure 2 It includes an electrode portion 52 that is shared with individual electrodes 52a corresponding to multiple ultrasonic transducers 48 and a common electrode 52b shared by multiple ultrasonic transducers 48, a flexible printed circuit board 56 that connects each individual electrode 52a, and a metal ring 41c that supports multiple ultrasonic transducers 48 wound around its outer periphery.

[0052] The flexible printed circuit board 56 is thin and flexible, so it can be easily bent. A rigid substrate with high rigidity and no flexibility can be used instead of the flexible printed circuit board 56.

[0053] The ultrasonic transducer 46 also includes a cylindrical backing material layer 54 disposed between the ultrasonic transducer 48 and the metal ring 41c, a cylindrical acoustic matching layer 64 stacked on the ultrasonic transducer 48, and a cylindrical acoustic lens 66 stacked on the acoustic matching layer 64. The ultrasonic transducer 46 comprises an annular stack of the acoustic lens 66, the acoustic matching layer 64, the ultrasonic transducer 48, and the backing material layer 54. Furthermore, this stack is bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the metal ring 41c by methods such as fitting. The ultrasonic transducer 46 constitutes an annular ultrasonic transceiver. A flexible printed circuit board 56 constitutes a substrate connected to this ultrasonic transceiver.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the ultrasonic transducer 48 is an array of multiple channels, such as 48 to 192 channels (CH), of multiple ultrasonic transducers 48 arranged in a cylindrical shape, for example, 48 to 192 channels (CH).

[0055] In the ultrasonic transducer 46, as shown in the figure, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 are arranged circumferentially at a predetermined spacing. Thus, the ultrasonic transducers 46 are arranged at equal intervals in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis CL of the front end 40. Each ultrasonic transducer 48 is driven sequentially according to a drive signal input from the ultrasonic processor device 14. Therefore, the area where the ultrasonic transducers 48 are arranged is used as the scanning range for radial electronic scanning.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the flexible printed circuit board 56 mounted on the side of the base end of the backing material layer 54 is electrically connected to each individual electrode 52a of the electrode section 52, and also wired to multiple coaxial cables 58 of the cable 72. Thus, the individual electrodes 52a of the ultrasonic transducer 48 are electrically connected to the coaxial cables 58, and each ultrasonic transducer 48 is electrically connected to the cable 72. As described later, the ultrasonic endoscope 12 has multiple (for example, two) cables 72. The coaxial cables 58 constitute signal cables.

[0057] The ultrasonic endoscope 12 includes: a support 120 that supports a cable 72 at its front end 40 and extends along the cable 72; and a support member 110 that supports the support 120. The support 120 constitutes a first support member. The support member 110 constitutes a second support member. Details will be described later, but the support 120 and the support member 110 clamp the cable 72 between them to support the cable 72. The support 120 and the support member 110 constitute a support portion that supports the front end portion of the cable 72.

[0058] At least one of the bracket 120 and the bracket support member 110 is preferably made of metal. By making it of metal, its thickness can be reduced. Examples of metal materials include SUS and aluminum. It is preferred that both the bracket 120 and the bracket support member 110 are made of metal.

[0059] Next, according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structure of coaxial cable 58 and cable 72 is described.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the coaxial cable 58 has a core wire 58a at its center, a first insulation layer 58b around the core wire 58a, a shielding member 58c around the first insulation layer 58b, and a second insulation layer 58d around the shielding member 58c. The coaxial cable 58 is constructed by concentrically stacking the core wire 58a, the first insulation layer 58b, the shielding member 58c, and the second insulation layer 58d from the center side.

[0061] like Figure 5As shown, the cable 72 includes: a cable bundle 72a composed of multiple coaxial cables 58; a shielding layer 72b covering the cable bundle 72a; and an outer sheath 72c covering the shielding layer 72b. The shielding layer 72b and the outer sheath 72c constitute a covering component that bundles and covers the multiple coaxial cables 58. The cable bundle 72a can be formed by twisting together multiple coaxial cables 58. The cable 72 is considered as a cable that internally includes multiple coaxial cables 58.

[0062] The shielding layer 72b can be constructed, for example, by braiding multiple bare wires. The bare wires are made of plated (tin-plated or silver-plated) copper wire or copper alloy wire, etc.

[0063] Furthermore, an adhesive tape layer (not shown) can be disposed inside the shielding layer 72b and around the outer periphery of the cable bundle 72a. The adhesive tape layer, for example, is a resin-based tape, which can prevent the cable bundle 72a from disintegrating into individual coaxial cables 58. In this case, the adhesive tape layer also constitutes the aforementioned covering component. Figure 3 As shown, for cable 72, coaxial cable 58 is partially exposed by peeling off the covering material at its front end. Furthermore, the front ends of each exposed coaxial cable 58 are connected to the flexible printed circuit board 56.

[0064] Alternatively, cable 72 may be a structure that bundles and wraps together multiple coaxial cables 58, but non-coaxial cables (including...) may also be used instead of coaxial cables 58. Figure 4 The structure shown (of multiple signal wires bundled together and covered by a shielding layer, including core wire 58a and first insulation layer 58b) can also be replaced by a twisted-pair cable structure. Both these non-coaxial cables and twisted-pair cables constitute signal cables.

[0065] Next, refer to Figures 6 to 10 The bracket 120 and the bracket support component 110 will be described. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the anterior endpiece 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. Figure 6 In order to make it easier to understand the structure of bracket 120 and bracket support component 110, cable 72, light guide 80 and air and water supply channel 100 are omitted. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The three-dimensional view of bracket 120 shown. Figure 8 It means in Figure 6 The diagram showing the state of cable 72 is not omitted. Figure 9 Viewed from below Figure 8 A perspective view of the front end portion 40 shown. Figure 10 It means Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the main part of the cross section viewed from the XX direction.

[0066] exist Figure 10The diagram shows a straight line L1 passing through the axis CL of the front end 40 and extending in the left-right direction. The front end 40 is divided into two regions by this straight line L1. One side of the divided region (in...) Figure 10 In the example, the area on the upper side is recorded as the first segmentation region AR1, and the other side (in...) Figure 10 In the example, the area on the lower side is recorded as the second segmentation region AR2.

[0067] like Figure 10 As shown, the support member 110 is a cylindrical component arranged along the inner circumference of the base end side ring 41b of the front end portion 40. In addition to a completely closed cylindrical shape, the cylindrical shape of the support member 110 also includes a cylindrical shape formed by cutting a portion along the axis CL. Figure 9 As shown, the bracket support member 110 has a connecting portion 110a extending towards the front end. The bracket support member 110 is connected to the metal ring 41c via this connecting portion 110a.

[0068] like Figure 10 As shown, slits 110b extending along the axis CL and open at one end toward the base end are respectively provided near the left and right ends of the portion of the first segmented region AR1 in the support member 110. The support member 110 supports the support 120 in a state where the support 120 is accommodated inside the slit 110b. Thus, the support 120 is positioned closer to the axis CL than the support member 110.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, the support 120 is configured to extend along the axial direction of the insertion portion 22. In other words, the support 120 is disposed within the front end portion 40 with its long side direction substantially aligned with the axial direction of the insertion portion 22 and its short side direction substantially aligned with the radial direction of the front end portion 40. More specifically, the support 120 includes: a plate-shaped elongated portion 121 extending along the axial direction and with its thickness direction aligned with the vertical direction; a plate-shaped curved portion 121L extending from the left end of the elongated portion 121 in a leftward direction L and bending downward in a downward direction D; and a plate-shaped curved portion 121R extending from the right end of the elongated portion 121 in a rightward direction R and bending downward in a downward direction D. The curved portions 121R and 121L are respectively formed by cutting off the front end side of the support 120 further from the center in the long side direction. Thus, the width of the support 120 in the short side direction is narrowed at the front end, thereby enabling the support 120 to be lightweight or avoiding interference with other components.

[0070] In the bend 121R, a roughly L-shaped protrusion 121Rc, protruding to the right (R) and upward (U), is provided at the center of the long side of the support 120. In the bend 121L, a roughly L-shaped protrusion 121Lc, protruding to the left (L) and upward (U), is provided at the center of the long side of the support 120. Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the front ends 121Rce of the protrusion 121Rc and the front ends 121Lce of the protrusion 121Lc of the bracket 120 are shaped to engage with the slit 110b of the bracket support member 110.

[0071] like Figure 10 As shown, the front end 121Rce of protrusion 121Rc engages with the right slit 110b of the support member 110, and the front end 121Lce of protrusion 121Lc engages with the left slit 110b of the support member 110, thereby supporting the support member 110. Thus, the relative position of the support member 110 and the support 120 is determined by the engagement of the slits and protrusions. Figure 10 The positioning structure shown eliminates the need for adhesive, thus omitting the adhesive application process. However, this positioning structure allows for the use of adhesive. Furthermore, this positioning structure is relatively simple, involving the insertion of protrusions 121Rc and 121Lc into the slit 110b, and it can position the support member 110 and the support 120 without the use of screws. As a result, the front end 40 can be made smaller.

[0072] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the upper surfaces of the bends 121L and 121R respectively have bends that conform to the shape of the cable 72. These two surfaces function as pressing surfaces for pressing the cable 72. The cable 72 is clamped by the upper surfaces of the bends 121L and 121R and the inner circumferential surface of the bracket support member 110, and is supported by the bracket 120 and the bracket support member 110. Alternatively, the structure can be configured such that the bends 121L and 121R of the bracket 120 are bent... Figure 10 The cross-section shown is configured, for example, as a semi-cylindrical shape (in... Figure 10 In the middle, the left and right ends of the bracket 120 extend along the inner circumferential surface of the bracket support member 110 to the upper side, and the cable 72 is supported only by the bracket 120 and the bracket 120 in the bracket support member 110.

[0073] like Figure 10As shown, the bracket 120 is disposed in the first segmented region AR1, and therefore the two cables 72 are also disposed in the first segmented region AR1. Thus, with multiple cables 72 disposed in the first segmented region AR1, the arrangement space in the front end 40 can be increased to allow the contents other than the cables 72 to be inserted. By effectively utilizing the arrangement space, dead angles in the front end 40 can be reduced, and since the contents can be effectively disposed in the front end 40, the diameter of the front end 40 can be reduced. Inside the metal ring 41c, in the region of the first segmented region AR1 lower than the bracket 120, the camera cable 94 is disposed. Inside the metal ring 41c, in the second segmented region AR2, the air / water supply channel 100 and the light guide 80 are disposed.

[0074] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the metal ring 41c, the bracket 120, and the bracket support component 110. (Example) Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 11 As shown, the front end of the elongated portion 121 is inserted into the metal ring 41c from the base end side. The portion of the elongated portion 121 inserted into the metal ring 41c has a protrusion 121a that protrudes toward the inner circumferential surface of the metal ring 41c. In this embodiment, at the front edge of the elongated portion 121, a protrusion 121a is provided that protrudes upward toward the outer circumferential side (in the direction separating from the axis CL) of the front end portion 40. The protrusion 121a may not abut against the inner circumferential surface of the metal ring 41c, but it is preferable to abut against the inner circumferential surface of the metal ring 41c. The metal ring 41c constitutes a first additional component of the front end portion 40 disposed on the outer circumferential side of the support 120.

[0075] The bracket 120 is supported on the bracket support member 110 at the position of the slit 110b by engaging with the protrusions 121Lc and 121Rc. To facilitate the engagement of the slit 110b with the protrusions 121Lc and 121Rc, it is preferable that the width of the circumferential slit 110b of the bracket support member 110 is slightly greater than the thickness of the front ends 121Lce and 121Rce. Thus, due to the gap between the slit 110b and the front ends 121Lce and 121Rce, a force attempting to rotate the bracket 120 around the front ends 121Lce and 121Rce may sometimes act on it.

[0076] For example, in Figure 11Imagine a scenario where the downward direction D aligns with the vertical direction. In this case, gravity acts downward in the direction D on the cables 72 supported by the bends 121L and 121R. Regarding cables 72, on the front end side of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, each coaxial cable 58 is exposed, becoming unconstrained according to its own characteristics. For example, regarding cables 72, on the front end side closer to the protrusions 121Rc and 121Lc, coaxial cables 58 are exposed, while on the base end side closer to the protrusions 121Rc and 121Lc, coaxial cables 58 are constrained by the sheath 72c. Therefore, the gravity exerted on the support 120 from the cables 72 is relatively greater on the base end side compared to the front end side.

[0077] Therefore, when gravity acts downwards in the direction D on cable 72, a greater gravitational force is applied to the base end side of the portion of cable 72 supported by bracket 120, compared to the front end side of the protrusions 121Rc and 121Lc. As a result, as... Figure 11 As shown by the thick curved arrow, the rotational force F acts on the support 120. This rotational force F is intended to move the front end away from the axis CL and the base end closer to the axis CL, with the axis passing through the slit 110b and extending in the left-right direction (which has the same meaning as the short side direction of the support 120) as the center.

[0078] Furthermore, even when the width of the slit 110b is the same as the thickness of the front end 121Lce and 121Rce, or when the width of the slit 110b is slightly smaller than the thickness of the front end 121Lce and 121Rce, the same rotational force F can still be applied to the bracket 120 through the dimensional tolerance of the slit 110b or the dimensional tolerance of the front end 121Lce.

[0079] A protrusion 121a is provided at the front end of the bracket 120. Therefore, even when the aforementioned rotational force F acts on the bracket 120, the protrusion 121a abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the metal ring 41c, thus limiting the base end of the bracket 120 from approaching the axis CL. Without the protrusion 121a, depending on the posture of the front end 40, the bracket 120 may rotate counterclockwise or swing in the opposite direction due to the aforementioned rotational force F. In contrast, in this embodiment, by providing the protrusion 121a, the swing of the bracket 120 relative to the bracket support member 110 is limited. Therefore, the load applied to the cable 72 can be reduced to improve durability, or the input and output of the ultrasonic transducer 48 can be stabilized.

[0080] In this configuration, the bracket 120 has a structure where its width narrows in the short side direction at its front end. In this case, the rotational force F that may be generated on the bracket 120 tends to be larger compared to the case where the width is the same in the short side direction. However, by having the protrusion 121a, the swaying of the bracket 120 caused by this rotational force F can be limited. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to improve the durability of the cable 72 while achieving a lightweight design of the bracket 120 itself or ensuring sufficient space within the front end 40.

[0081] In addition, Figure 11 In the example, the protrusion 121a is provided at the front edge of the elongated portion 121, but the position of the protrusion 121a is not limited to this. The protrusion 121a can be provided in the bracket 120 at a position that is closer to the front end than the supported portion (i.e., the front end 121Rce, 121Lce) supported by the bracket support member 110.

[0082] Furthermore, the supported portion (front end 121Rce, 121Lce) of the bracket 120 is preferably positioned closer to the base end of the bracket 120 than the middle position along its long side. This reduces the aforementioned rotational force F and suppresses rotation of the bracket 120. Therefore, in combination with the protrusion 121a, the swaying of the bracket 120 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0083] Thus far, as an example of a limiting structure for restricting the swing of the support 120 relative to the support member 110, the structure in which the protrusion 121a is provided on the support 120 has been described. However, the limiting structure is not limited to this, and various structures can be adopted. For example, the swing of the support 120 can be restricted by providing a hook extending in the upward direction U at the rear end of the elongated portion 121 of the support 120, and providing an engaging portion on the base end side ring 41b that engages with the hook. In addition, this limiting structure is not necessary and can be omitted.

[0084] Furthermore, in the description up to this point, the structure is configured such that the support member 110 supports the support 120 by engaging with the protrusions provided on the support 120 and the slits provided on the support member 110. However, the structure can also be configured such that slits are provided on the protrusions 121Rc and 121Lc of the support 120, and protrusions that engage with these slits are provided on the support member 110, thereby supporting the support 120.

[0085] Preferably, the front end portion 40 has a filler material layer 160 that at least fills the area around the exposed coaxial cable 58. As the filler material forming the filler material layer 160, any filler material can be used, as long as it is a non-conductive filler material such as epoxy resin or silicone-based filler material. Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the preferred range of the filling material layer 160 provided in the front end portion 40.

[0086] like Figure 12 As shown, the filling material layer 160 fills the filling space SP1, which includes the following gaps: the gap between the flexible printed circuit board 56 and the base end ring 41b; and the gap between the outer surface of the metal ring 41c not covered by the flexible printed circuit board 56 and the base end ring 41b. Figure 10 The gap between the support member 110 and the cable 72 and the support 120 in the first segmented region AR1; the gap between the support member 110 and the components (such as the air supply / water supply channel 100) inserted into the support member 110 in the second segmented region AR2. The filling space SP1 includes the space around the multiple coaxial cables 58 that are exposed and dispersed (the gap between the exposed portion of the coaxial cable 58 and the base end side ring 41b), and the filling material layer 160 is sufficient to fill at least this space. By providing the filling material layer 160 in this space, it is possible to prevent the coaxial cable 58 from breaking.

[0087] The filling space SP1 preferably also includes the space around the connection portion of the flexible printed circuit board 56 with the coaxial cable 58. By also providing a filling material layer 160 in this space, the connection between the flexible printed circuit board 56 and the coaxial cable 58 can be stabilized.

[0088] The filling space SP1 preferably also includes the space around the support 120, which is located further forward than the support member 110. By also providing a filling material layer 160 in this space, the posture of the support 120 can be stabilized through the combined effect with the aforementioned restraint structure. Furthermore, the filling material layer 160 can further fill the filling space SP2 between the portion of the support 120 protruding from the support member 110 towards the base end and the outer casing of the curved portion 42. This further stabilizes the posture of the support 120. By filling the filling spaces SP1 and SP2 with the filling material layer 160, the position of the contents at the front end 40 can be stabilized, improving durability.

[0089] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the front end portion 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. Figure 13 In the front end portion 40 shown, for the same as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The front end 40 shown has the same structure labeled with the same symbol. Figure 13 In the front end portion 40 shown, in Figure 3 In the front end portion 40 shown, the support portion consisting of the bracket support member 110 and the bracket 120 is replaced by a bracket 140. In this modified example, the bracket 140 constitutes a support portion for the front end portion of the cable 72.

[0090] like Figure 13 As shown, the light guide 80 includes a fiber body 82, a flexible tube 84 covering the fiber body 82, and a connecting tube 83 connected to the front end of the flexible tube 84. The front end 83A of the connecting tube 83 is connected to an illumination window 87 disposed on the front end face 41as of the front end 40, and the front end 81 of the fiber body 82 is connected to the illumination window 87 via the connecting tube 83.

[0091] The bracket 140 is mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the base end ring 41b. The front end portion 72A of the cable 72 is stably supported on the front end 40 by the bracket 140. Furthermore, examples of mounting mechanisms for the bracket 140 relative to the base end ring 41b include fastening components such as adhesives, small screws or bolts, or interlocking structures.

[0092] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of bracket 140. Figure 14 In the diagram, two optical guides (80) and two cables (72) are represented by double-dotted lines. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the bracket 140 has two abutment portions 142 and a connecting portion 144 connecting them.

[0093] The connecting portion 144 is configured in a generally semi-cylindrical shape. The connecting portion 144 is arranged such that its longitudinal axis is parallel to the axis CL. On the inner side of the wall portion 146 constituting the connecting portion 144, a groove 148 for inserting contents is defined by the wall portion 146. For example, a camera cable 94 is inserted into this groove 148.

[0094] The abutment portion 142 abuts against and supports the front end portion 72A of the cable 72, and is integrally formed with the connecting portion 144. Furthermore, the abutment portions 142 protrude from both sides of the connecting portion 144. The abutment portion 142 is configured such that the support surface 150 supporting the cable 72 is arc-shaped along the outer periphery of the cable 72. Thus, the two cables 72 are stably supported at the front end portion 40 by the bracket 140 while abutting against the support surface 150 of the arc-shaped abutment portion 142.

[0095] Compared to other endoscopes (such as colonoscopes), the contents of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 have an additional portion with a cable 72, and the insertion part 22 tends to be larger in diameter. On the other hand, in order to reduce the diameter of the insertion part 22, the instrument outlet 76, the observation window 78, the illumination window 87, and the cleaning nozzle 93 are respectively positioned appropriately on the front end face 41as of the front end 40.

[0096] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing the respective configuration positions of the front end portion 80A of the light guide 80, the front end portion 72A of the cable 72, and the abutment portion 142 when projected onto a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the insertion portion 22.

[0097] exist Figure 15 The diagram shows that a portion of the front end portion 72A of the cable 72 and a portion of the abutment portion 142 are disposed at a location overlapping at least a portion 80B of the front end portion 80A of the light guide 80. That is, when projected onto a plane orthogonal to the axial direction, the front end portion 80A of the light guide 80 and the front end portion 72A of the cable 72 are disposed at a location where at least a portion overlaps with each other. With this configuration, the light guide 80 may be damaged for the following reasons.

[0098] Within the internal space of the insertion section 22, when determining the placement of each component, sometimes the position of the clamp channel with the largest outer diameter among these components is determined first, and then the positions for placing components such as the cable 72 and the light guide 80 in the remaining free space are determined. In this case, regarding the cable 72, since the ultrasonic transducer 46 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the front end 40, it is positioned near the inner peripheral surface of the front end 40 for easy connection to the ultrasonic transducer 46. Furthermore, regarding the light guide 80, considering light distribution, it is positioned closer to the axis CL than the placement position of the cable 72.

[0099] If the configuration structure described above is adopted, it will become as follows: Figure 16 The configuration structure shown. Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the various regions of the front end portion 80A and the main body portion 80C of the light guide 80. In this specification, as shown... Figure 16 As shown, taking the front end 142A of the abutment portion 142 of the bracket 140 as a reference, the front end 142A is disposed on the front end side ( Figure 16 A portion of the optical guide 80 (on the left side) is called the front end side portion 80A, which is disposed from the front end 142A on the base end side ( Figure 16 The part of the light guide 80 on the right side is called the main body 80C.

[0100] If the above configuration structure is adopted, then as follows Figure 16 As shown, the position of the main body portion 80C needs to be offset relative to the illumination window 87. In addition, even if only a portion of the front end portion 72A of the cable 72 is disposed at a position that overlaps with at least a portion of the front end portion 80A of the light guide 80, or only a portion of the abutment portion 142 is disposed, the main body portion 80C of the light guide 80 needs to be offset.

[0101] Figure 17 An example of an offset structure for offsetting the configuration position of the main body portion 80C of the optical guide 80 is shown. Figure 17 The offset structure shown is a reference example relative to the first method of offset structure described later.

[0102] exist Figure 17 In the offset structure, the front end portion 80A of the light guide 80 is bent with a large curvature, and the front end portion 80A and the middle portion 80D of the main body portion 80C abut against the front end 142A of the bracket 140, thereby offsetting the placement position of the main body portion 80C. Furthermore, the front end 142A is not limited to the strictly front end of the abutment portion 142, but includes a region extending from the front end 142A to a position separated to a certain extent in the long side direction of the abutment portion 142.

[0103] In Adoption Figure 17 In the case of the offset structure shown, the middle part 80D, which is part of the light guide 80, rubs against the front end 142A, so the light guide 80 may be damaged at times.

[0104] Therefore, in this modified example, in order to avoid damage to the light guide 80 caused by the bracket 140, the offset structure of the first method described below is adopted.

[0105] First, before describing the details of the offset structure, a general overview of the offset structure will be provided. The offset structure includes a pressing portion disposed inside the insertion portion 22, and the pressing portion has a pressing surface for pressing the pressed portion, which is part of the light guide 80, to be pressed. Furthermore, by pressing the pressed portion of the light guide 80 onto the pressing surface of the pressing portion, the main body portion 80C of the light guide 80 is positioned at a position separated from the abutment portion 142 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. According to this offset structure, damage to the light guide 80 caused by the bracket 140 can be prevented. Hereinafter, the first type of offset structure will be described in detail.

[0106] [Regarding the offset structure of method 1]

[0107] Figure 18 In order to explain the offset structure of the first method in detail, from the composition Figure 13 An explanatory diagram of the metal ring 41c, the light guide 80, and the cable 72 is extracted from the multiple components of the front end portion 40. In the offset structure of the first embodiment, the metal ring 41c has the aforementioned crimping portion. In this structure, the crimping portion 130 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 410B of the metal ring 41c.

[0108] Figure 18 The metal ring 41c shown is configured as a cylindrical (preferably cylindrical) shape with an outer peripheral surface 410A and an inner peripheral surface 410B. The ultrasonic transducer 46 is supported on the outer peripheral surface 410A, and a pressing portion 130 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 410B. The metal ring 41c constitutes a base component.

[0109] The crimping portion 130 has a crimping surface 132 that is crimped by the crimping portion 80E as part of the optical guide 80. As an example, the crimping surface 132 is formed in a conical shape inclined relative to the axial direction. Specifically, the crimping surface 132 is formed with a starting point at a midpoint 410E near the base end 410D of the front end 410C of the metal ring 41c, extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction from the midpoint 410E toward the base end 410D. Figure 18 The cone-shaped pressing surface 132 is inclined in the direction of D. Furthermore, as an example, the inclination angle θ of the cone-shaped pressing surface 132 relative to the axis CL is set as follows: [The angle is defined as follows:] along the extension line of the pressing surface 132 along the inclined surface of the pressing surface 132 (…). Figure 18 When the virtual line E extends towards the base end of the metal ring 41c, the extension line E passes through an angle relative to the position of the downward direction D of the front end 142A.

[0110] When the light guide 80 is inserted and assembled from the front end 40 toward the curved portion 42, the pressed portion 80E pressed against the pressing surface 132 is pressed against the pressing surface 132. As a result, in the light guide 80, the pressed portion 80E is gently curved along the tapered pressing surface 132 with a small curvature, and the main body portion 80C of the light guide 80 is positioned apart from the abutment portion 142 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. As a result, by adopting the offset structure of the first type, damage to the light guide 80 caused by the bracket 140 can be avoided.

[0111] according to Figure 18 The offset structure of the first type shown has a pressed portion 80E, which is part of the light guide 80, gently curved with a small curvature inside the front end 40, thus... Figure 17 Compared to the offset structure shown in the comparative example, the stress generated in the light guide 80 can be reduced.

[0112] Furthermore, in adopting Figure 18 In the case of the offset structure of the first method shown, for example, with the use of Figure 17 Compared to the offset structure shown in the comparative example, the length of the front end 40 in the axial direction (hereinafter referred to as the front end length) can be shortened. A detailed explanation will follow.

[0113] Compared to conventional endoscopes (such as colonoscopes), the ultrasonic endoscope 12 has a longer tip due to the presence of the ultrasonic viewing section 36. To improve the movement (rotational performance) when inserting the insertion section 22 into the patient, the tip length is preferably as short as possible.

[0114] The length of the front end is determined based on the length of the base end side ring 41b along the axial direction. Furthermore, the aforementioned length of the base end side ring 41b is determined based on the arrangement position of the bracket 140 along the axial direction. That is, if the bracket 140 is arranged as close as possible to the front end face 41as of the front end 40, the aforementioned length of the base end side ring 41b can be shortened, and as a result, the length of the front end can be shortened.

[0115] Here, in adopting Figure 17 In the case of the offset structure shown in the comparative example, if the bracket 140 is to be positioned close to the front end face 41as, the bent portion of the light guide 80 (relative to the portion of the bracket 140 disposed on the front end side) will bend with a greater curvature, thus causing bending damage to the light guide 80. Therefore, it is difficult to position the bracket 140 close to the front end face 41as.

[0116] In contrast, when adopting Figure 18 In the case of the offset structure of the first embodiment shown, since the main body portion 80C of the light guide 80 is positioned at a point separated from the bracket 140 in the downward direction D, the bracket 140 can be positioned on the front end side until it is about to abut against the light guide 80. That is, the bracket 140 can be positioned close to the front end face 41as without causing bending damage to the light guide 80. As a result, the length of the front end portion can be shortened.

[0117] Figure 18 The shown crimping portion 130 has a structure with a crimping surface 132 formed by a conical plane, but the crimping surface 132 does not need to be a plane; for example, it can be formed by a curved surface that expands in the downward direction D. Furthermore, in Figure 18 In the example, the crimping portion is provided on the metal ring 41c, but the position of the crimping portion is not limited to this. For example, it can be configured as follows: a protruding piece is provided on the abutting portion 142, which is composed of a first plate-shaped portion extending from the front end 142A in a downward direction D and a second plate-shaped portion extending from the first plate-shaped portion in a base direction B, the second plate-shaped portion is the crimping portion, and the lower surface of the second plate-shaped portion is the crimping surface.

[0118] In this modified example, it is also preferable to provide a filler material layer 160 that fills at least around the exposed coaxial cable 58. Figure 19 It means in Figure 13 The diagram shows a preferred range in which the filler material layer 160 is disposed in the front end portion 40.

[0119] like Figure 19As shown, the filler material layer 160 fills the filler space SP3, which includes the following gaps: the gap between the flexible printed circuit board 56 and the base-side ring 41b; the gap between the outer surface of the metal ring 41c not covered by the flexible printed circuit board 56 and the base-side ring 41b; the gap between the exposed coaxial cable 58 and the base-side ring 41b; and the gap between the support 140 and the base-side ring 41b. The filler space SP3 includes the space around the multiple coaxial cables 58 that are exposed and dispersed (the gap between the exposed portion of the coaxial cable 58 and the base-side ring 41b), and the filler material layer 160 only needs to fill this space. By providing the filler material layer 160 in this space, it is possible to prevent the coaxial cable 58 from breaking.

[0120] The filling space SP3 preferably also includes the space around the connection portion of the flexible printed circuit board 56 with the coaxial cable 58. By also providing a filling material layer 160 in this space, it is possible to prevent poor connection between the flexible printed circuit board 56 and the coaxial cable 58.

[0121] The filling space SP3 preferably also includes the space around the support 140. By also providing a filling material layer 160 in this space, the posture of the support 120 can be stabilized.

[0122] As explained above, at least the following items are described in this instruction manual. (1)

[0124] An ultrasonic endoscope having a front end portion including an ultrasonic transceiver configured in a ring shape.

[0125] The aforementioned front end portion includes: a cable for connection to the aforementioned ultrasonic transceiver; and a support portion for supporting the front end portion of the cable.

[0126] The aforementioned cables include: signal cables electrically connected to the ultrasonic transceiver included in the aforementioned ultrasonic transceiver unit; and a sheathing component that bundles and covers the plurality of aforementioned signal cables, with a portion of the aforementioned signal cables exposed at its front end.

[0127] The aforementioned front end has at least a layer of filler material filling around the exposed signal cable. (2)

[0129] According to the ultrasonic endoscope described in (1), wherein,

[0130] The aforementioned front end portion has a substrate that is connected to the aforementioned ultrasonic transceiver unit.

[0131] The aforementioned filler material layer is also disposed around the connection portion between the aforementioned substrate and the aforementioned signal cable. (3)

[0133] According to the ultrasonic endoscope described in (1) or (2), wherein,

[0134] The aforementioned filling material layer is also disposed around the aforementioned support portion. (4)

[0136] According to any one of (1) to (3) of the ultrasonic endoscope, wherein,

[0137] The aforementioned support portion includes a first support member and a second support member, and the cable is clamped between the first support member and the second support member to support the cable. (5)

[0139] According to the ultrasonic endoscope described in (4), wherein,

[0140] The first support member described above has a pressing surface for pressing the cable.

[0141] The pressing surface described above has a curved shape that follows the curve of the cable described above. (6)

[0143] The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of (1) to (3) comprises:

[0144] A lighting window is provided on the front surface of the aforementioned front end; and

[0145] The light guide directs the illumination light to the aforementioned illumination window.

[0146] The aforementioned support portion includes a bracket having an abutment portion that abuts against the front end portion of the aforementioned cable.

[0147] When projected onto a plane intersecting the axial direction of the aforementioned front end portion, the front end portion of the cable or the abutment portion is positioned to overlap with or be adjacent to at least a portion of the front end portion of the aforementioned light guide.

[0148] The ultrasonic endoscope described above has a crimping portion disposed inside the front end portion and has a crimping surface that is crimped by the crimping portion as part of the light guide. By crimping the crimping portion onto the crimping surface, the portion of the light guide disposed on the base end side that is closer to the front end side than the front end side portion is disposed at a position that is separated from the abutting portion in a direction that intersects the axial direction. (7)

[0150] The ultrasonic endoscope according to (6) comprises:

[0151] The base component is a cylindrical base component having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface, and the ultrasonic transceiver unit is supported on the outer peripheral surface.

[0152] The aforementioned base component has the aforementioned press-fit portion on the aforementioned inner circumferential surface. (8)

[0154] According to any one of (1) to (3) of the ultrasonic endoscope, wherein,

[0155] The aforementioned support includes: a first support member that supports the cable and extends along the cable; a second support member that supports the first support member; and a limiting structure that limits the swing of the first support member relative to the second support member. (9)

[0157] According to the ultrasonic endoscope described in (8), wherein,

[0158] On the first support member, a protrusion is provided at a position further towards the front end than the supported portion supported by the second support member, protruding toward the first other component disposed on the outer periphery of the first support member.

[0159] The aforementioned protrusions constitute the aforementioned restrictive structure.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoscope, characterized in that, It has a front end portion including an ultrasonic transceiver section configured in a ring shape. The front end portion includes: a cable connected to the ultrasonic transceiver; and a support portion supporting the front end portion of the cable. The cable includes: a signal cable electrically connected to the ultrasonic transceiver included in the ultrasonic transceiver; and a sheathing component that bundles and covers the plurality of signal cables, with a portion of the signal cables exposed at their front ends. The front end has a layer of filler material that fills at least around the exposed signal cable.

2. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end has a substrate that is connected to the ultrasonic transceiver unit. The filler material layer is also disposed around the connection portion between the substrate and the signal cable.

3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filling material layer is also disposed around the support portion.

4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The support portion includes a first support member and a second support member, and the cable is clamped between the first support member and the second support member to support the cable.

5. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first support component has a pressing surface for pressing the cable. The pressing surface has a curved shape that follows the cable.

6. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It possesses: A lighting window is disposed on the front surface of the front end portion; and The light guide directs the illumination light to the illumination window. The support portion includes a bracket having an abutment portion that abuts against the front end portion of the cable. When projected onto a plane intersecting the axial direction of the front end portion, the front end portion of the cable or the abutment portion is positioned to overlap with or be adjacent to at least a portion of the front end portion of the light guide. The ultrasonic endoscope has a crimping portion disposed inside the front end portion and has a crimping surface that is crimped by the crimping portion as part of the light guide. By crimping the crimping portion onto the crimping surface, the portion of the light guide disposed on the base end side, which is closer to the front end side than the front end side portion, is disposed at a position separated from the abutting portion in a direction intersecting the axis direction.

7. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, It possesses: The base component is a cylindrical base component having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface, and the ultrasonic transceiver unit is supported on the outer peripheral surface. The base component has the press-fit portion on its inner circumferential surface.

8. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The support includes: a first support member that supports the cable and extends along the cable; a second support member that supports the first support member; and a limiting structure that limits the swing of the first support member relative to the second support member.

9. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that, On the first support member, at a position further towards the front end than the supported portion supported by the second support member, a protrusion is provided that projects toward a first other component disposed on the outer periphery of the first support member. The limiting structure is formed by the protrusion.

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