An ultrasonic endoscope

Abstract

This utility model discloses an ultrasonic endoscope, including an insertion head, which comprises: a head base with a main camera and an illumination module at its distal end; the shooting direction of the main camera and the illumination direction of the illumination module are both set at an angle to the axial direction of the head base; an ultrasonic probe, including an ultrasonic probe base connected to the distal end of the head base, an ultrasonic transducer connected within the ultrasonic probe base for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and a secondary camera and illumination assembly connected to the ultrasonic probe base; the shooting and illumination directions of the secondary camera and illumination assembly are parallel to the axial direction of the head base. By additionally setting a secondary camera and illumination assembly on the ultrasonic probe, the secondary camera and illumination assembly can provide the ultrasonic endoscope with a field of view and illumination in the axial direction. Combined with the main camera and illumination module with lateral shooting illumination on the head base, a larger field of view can be formed, reducing the blind spots of the ultrasonic endoscope when shooting in the digestive tract or other natural orifices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to an ultrasonic endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an endoscope equipped with ultrasound detection capabilities. It can enter the body through the digestive tract or other natural orifices. Its insertion part extends into the human body, and by manipulating the insertion part, the tip of the insertion can be bent in various directions to detect ducts or body cavities. The ultrasound probe at the tip of the insertion can acquire ultrasound images of the corresponding areas for observation, imaging, and diagnosis.

[0003] In existing technologies, the insertion tip of an ultrasound endoscope mainly includes a tip base, an ultrasound probe, a lifting forceps, a camera, and an illumination module. The camera and illumination module are both mounted on the tip base, and the ultrasound probe is connected to the distal end of the tip base. A lifting forceps is located at the distal end of the tip base; the lifting forceps are controlled by an operating unit to raise and lower the distal end of the diagnostic instrument to meet diagnostic and treatment needs.

[0004] To facilitate observation of the ultrasound imaging position, the distal end face of the endoscope headpiece facing the ultrasound probe is generally designed as an inclined surface, with the camera's imaging window and the illumination module's illumination window positioned on this inclined surface. In this configuration, the camera's imaging direction forms an angle with the axis of the endoscope's insertion tip, causing the camera's optical image to be biased towards one side of the endoscope. Therefore, current ultrasound endoscopes have numerous blind spots when imaging the digestive tract or other natural orifices, resulting in greater operational difficulty, longer operation times, and increased patient discomfort during the examination. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope to solve the problem that existing ultrasonic endoscopes have many blind spots when taking pictures of the digestive tract or other natural orifices.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0007] An ultrasound endoscope includes an insertion tip, the insertion tip comprising:

[0008] The head end base has a main camera and an illumination module at its far end; the shooting direction of the main camera and the illumination direction of the illumination module are both set at an angle to the axial direction of the head end base.

[0009] An ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic probe base connected to the distal end of the headstock, an ultrasonic transducer connected within the ultrasonic probe base for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and a secondary camera and illumination assembly connected to the ultrasonic probe base; the imaging and illumination direction of the secondary camera and illumination assembly is parallel to the axial direction of the headstock.

[0010] The ultrasonic transducer includes a backing layer, an ultrasonic wafer layer supported on the backing layer, an acoustic matching layer located outside the ultrasonic wafer layer, an ultrasonic lens layer located outside the acoustic matching layer, and a wiring portion fixedly connected to the backing layer; the ultrasonic wafer layer includes a plurality of ultrasonic wafers arranged in a convex-bent shape at equal intervals along the insertion direction of the insertion head end, and the wiring portion is electrically connected to the plurality of ultrasonic wafers respectively.

[0011] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transducer and the secondary camera and illumination assembly are all connected inside the ultrasonic probe holder, and the ultrasonic probe holder is provided with an isolator to separate the ultrasonic transducer and the secondary camera and illumination assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe holder has a first slot and a second slot, the ultrasonic transducer is connected to the second slot, the isolator is an isolator seat connected to the first slot, and the secondary camera and lighting assembly are connected to the isolator seat; the isolator seat is configured to at least completely separate the side of the secondary camera and lighting assembly facing the ultrasonic transducer.

[0013] Furthermore, the isolation seat is a frame-shaped structure that is circumferentially enclosed and has an opening at its axial distal end, and the secondary camera and lighting assembly are connected to the opening of the isolation seat.

[0014] Furthermore, the isolation seat has a circumferentially enclosed wiring harness channel inside, and the secondary camera and lighting assembly extend at least partially into the wiring harness channel. The first wiring harness connected to the secondary camera and lighting assembly passes through the wiring harness channel inside the isolation seat.

[0015] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe holder is provided with a first wire harness hole and a second wire harness hole that are separated from each other. The first wire harness connected to the auxiliary camera and the illumination assembly passes through the wire harness channel and the first wire harness hole, and the second wire harness connected to the ultrasonic transducer passes through the second wire harness hole. The head end seat is provided with a wire harness cavity, and both the first wire harness hole and the second wire harness hole are in communication with the wire harness cavity. Both the first wire harness and the second wire harness extend into the wire harness cavity of the head end seat.

[0016] Furthermore, both the first wire harness hole and the second wire harness hole are located at the bottom of the second slot; the near end of the isolation seat is provided with a guide wall that extends obliquely toward the first wire harness hole of the second slot, and the first wire harness connecting the secondary camera and the lighting assembly extends toward the first wire harness hole along the guiding direction of the guide wall.

[0017] Furthermore, the bottom of the second slot is provided with a partition wall separating the first wire harness hole and the second wire harness hole. The guide wall is located on the side of the partition wall facing the first wire harness hole, and insulating adhesive is sealed at the position where the guide wall and the partition wall meet.

[0018] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe holder has an outwardly protruding boss structure on the side facing the head end seat. The first wire harness hole and the second wire harness hole are both located inside the boss structure. The outer periphery of the boss structure is sealed to the head end seat through a sealing ring.

[0019] Furthermore, the boss structure includes a primary boss protruding outward from the side of the ultrasonic probe mount facing the head end seat, and a secondary boss protruding outward from the side of the primary boss facing the head end seat. The first wire harness hole and the second wire harness hole are both located inside the secondary boss. The sealing ring is sealed between the outer periphery of the secondary boss and the head end seat. A head end connector located on the outer periphery of the sealing ring is fixed on the primary boss. The head end connector is fixedly connected to the head end seat by a locking member arranged radially along the sealing ring.

[0020] Furthermore, the secondary camera and lighting assembly includes a support connected to the ultrasonic probe mount, and a secondary camera and a lighting lamp connected to the support and arranged side by side; the secondary camera and the lighting lamp are located at the distal end of the support.

[0021] Furthermore, there are two lighting lamps located on opposite sides of the secondary camera. The support has three mounting slots, and the two lighting lamps and the secondary camera are respectively installed in one of the mounting slots. Each mounting slot is connected to a window piece.

[0022] Furthermore, the shooting surface of the secondary camera and the emitting surface of the illumination lamp are not on the same plane; in the axial direction of the head end base, the distance between the shooting surface of the secondary camera and the head end base is greater than the distance between the emitting surface of the illumination lamp and the head end base.

[0023] Furthermore, the wiring harness connected to the secondary camera and the wiring harness connected to the lighting lamp are combined to form a first wiring harness.

[0024] Furthermore, the lighting is an LED light or a fiber optic light.

[0025] Furthermore, the end face of the headstock facing the ultrasound probe mount is an inclined surface, and the inclined surface is set at an angle to the axial direction of the headstock; the shooting window of the main camera and the illumination window of the illumination module are both located on the inclined surface; the end of the headstock facing the ultrasound probe mount is also provided with a mounting groove, and the headstock is provided with an instrument channel communicating with the mounting groove. A lifting clamp is provided in the mounting groove, and the diagnostic instrument can extend to the lifting clamp through the distal opening of the instrument channel. The lifting clamp is used to drive the distal end of the diagnostic instrument to lift and lower; the central axis of the lifting clamp is aligned with the central axis of the ultrasound transducer.

[0026] Furthermore, the wiring portion is at least a portion of a printed circuit board or flexible circuit board embedded and fixed inside the backing layer. The multiple ultrasonic crystals are respectively electrically connected to the portion of the printed circuit board or flexible circuit board located inside the backing layer. The portion of the printed circuit board or flexible circuit board located outside the backing layer can be electrically connected to multiple signal lines. The printed circuit board or flexible circuit board is used to match and electrically connect each ultrasonic crystal to one of the signal lines.

[0027] The present invention has the following advantages: by additionally setting a secondary camera and lighting components on the ultrasound probe, and with the shooting and lighting direction of the secondary camera and lighting components parallel to the axial direction of the headstock, the secondary camera and lighting components can provide the ultrasound endoscope with a field of view and illumination in the axial direction. Combined with the main camera and lighting module with lateral shooting illumination on the headstock, a larger field of view can be formed, reducing the blind spots in the field of view when the ultrasound endoscope is shooting in the digestive tract or other natural orifices. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a front view of the insertion tip of the ultrasonic endoscope in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a top view of the insertion tip of the ultrasonic endoscope in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a side view of the insertion tip of the ultrasonic endoscope in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the ultrasonic probe in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a top view of the ultrasonic probe holder in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a front view of the ultrasonic probe holder in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of the ultrasonic probe holder in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the isolation seat in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the isolation seat in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the secondary camera and lighting assembly in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the secondary camera and lighting assembly in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional representation of the first embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer in this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0042] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional representation of the first embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer in this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0043] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer in this utility model.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer in this utility model.

[0045] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasonic transducer in the second embodiment of the present invention after the ultrasonic lens layer has been peeled off;

[0046] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer in this utility model.

[0047] Figure 19This is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer in this utility model.

[0048] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasonic transducer in the third embodiment of the present invention after the ultrasonic lens layer has been peeled off;

[0049] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer in this utility model.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0051] 100. Ultrasonic probe holder; 101. First slot; 102. Second slot; 103. First wire harness hole; 104. Second wire harness hole; 106. Primary boss; 107. Secondary boss; 108. Partition wall; 109. Partition wall; 110. Ultrasonic transducer; 111. Second wire harness; 112. Backing layer; 113. Ultrasonic wafer layer; 114. Acoustic matching layer; 115. Ultrasonic lens layer; 116. Printed circuit board; 117. Flexible circuit board; 118. Signal line; 120. Secondary camera Camera and lighting assembly; 121, Support; 122, Window plate; 123, Secondary camera; 124, Lighting lamp; 125, First wiring harness; 130, Isolation seat; 131, Wiring harness channel; 132, Guide wall; 133, Chamfered adhesive application position; 134, Separator wall; 140, Head end connector; 150, Sealing ring; 160, Water bladder water supply connector; 200, Head end seat; 201, Mounting groove; 202, Inclined surface; 210, Lighting module; 220, Main camera; 230, Lifting clamp. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0053] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. The distal end refers to the end furthest from the operator, and the proximal end refers to the end closest to the operator. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0054] This application discloses an ultrasonic endoscope, including an operating handle and an insertion part connected to the distal end of the operating handle. The operating handle is used to control the insertion part to extend into the human digestive tract or other natural orifices, and the distal end of the insertion part is the insertion tip. Figure 1 - Figure 3 As shown, the insertion head includes a headpiece 200 and an ultrasound probe connected to the distal end of the headpiece 200. The ultrasound probe is used to emit ultrasound signals and receive echo ultrasound signals. The ultrasound probe transmits the received ultrasound echo signals to the host unit connected to the ultrasound endoscope. The host unit can process the ultrasound echo signals to obtain ultrasound images of the corresponding areas for subsequent observation, imaging, and diagnosis.

[0055] like Figure 1 - Figure 3 As shown, the headpiece 200 is equipped with a main camera 220, an illumination module 210, and a lifting clamp 230. The distal end face of the headpiece 200 facing the ultrasound probe includes an inclined surface 202, which is angled to the axial direction of the headpiece 200. The imaging window of the main camera 220 and the illumination window of the illumination module 210 are both located on the inclined surface 202, so that the imaging direction of the main camera 220 and the illumination direction of the illumination module 210 are both angled to the axial direction of the headpiece 200. A cleaning fluid outlet is also provided on the inclined surface 202, located on one side of the main camera 220. The cleaning fluid flowing from the outlet can clean the imaging window of the main camera 220 to reduce fogging and improve the clarity of the images captured by the main camera 220.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the end of the headpiece 200 facing the ultrasound probe is also provided with a mounting groove 201. The groove of the mounting groove 201 is located on the inclined surface 202, and the mounting groove 201 communicates with the external space of the inserted headpiece. The headpiece 200 has an instrument channel (not shown) communicating with the mounting groove 201. A lifting clamp 230 is provided within the mounting groove 201. The diagnostic instrument (not shown) extends into the lifting clamp 230 through the distal opening of the instrument channel. The lifting clamp 230 is used to lift and lower the distal end of the diagnostic instrument. The specific structure and working principle of the lifting clamp 230 are conventional designs and are not the focus of this application; therefore, they will not be described in detail here.

[0057] like Figure 1 - Figure 3As shown, the ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic probe holder 100, an ultrasonic transducer 110, and a secondary camera and illumination assembly 120. The ultrasonic probe holder 100 is connected to the distal end of the headstock 200, and both the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the secondary camera and illumination assembly 120 are connected to the ultrasonic probe holder 100. The secondary camera and illumination assembly 120 is located on one side of the ultrasonic transducer 110, and the imaging illumination window of the secondary camera and illumination assembly 120 is located at the distal end of the ultrasonic probe holder 100. The imaging illumination direction of the secondary camera and illumination assembly 120 is parallel to the axial direction of the headstock 200.

[0058] This type of ultrasonic endoscope, by additionally setting a secondary camera and illumination assembly 120 on the ultrasonic probe mount 100, with the imaging and illumination direction of the secondary camera and illumination assembly 120 parallel to the axial direction of the headstock 200, can provide the ultrasonic endoscope with axial field of view and illumination, reducing the difficulty of inserting the endoscope into the human digestive tract and improving the operability of the endoscope. Simultaneously, in conjunction with the main camera 220 and illumination module 210 with lateral imaging illumination on the headstock 200, a larger imaging field of view can be formed, reducing blind spots when the ultrasonic endoscope is used for imaging in the digestive tract or other natural orifices.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the central axis of the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the central axis of the lifting clamp 230 are aligned so that the diagnostic instrument can be observed at the center of the ultrasonic image acquired by the ultrasonic transducer 110, facilitating the manipulation of the diagnostic instrument to perform corresponding actions based on the ultrasonic image. Specifically, "alignment" means that the projection of the diagnostic instrument on the lifting clamp 230 onto the ultrasonic transducer 110 is located on the central axis of the ultrasonic transducer 110.

[0060] like Figure 4 - Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe holder 100 has slots inside for mounting the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the secondary camera and illumination assembly 120. Both the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the secondary camera and illumination assembly 120 are mounted in these slots inside the ultrasonic probe holder 100. The secondary camera and illumination assembly 120 being mounted in these slots allows for its placement on the ultrasonic probe holder 100 without significantly increasing the outer diameter of the insertion tip. In alternative embodiments, the ultrasonic probe holder 100 may only have slots for mounting the ultrasonic transducer 110, and the secondary camera and illumination assembly 120 may be fixed to the outer wall of the ultrasonic probe holder 100, using the outer wall of the ultrasonic probe holder 100 to achieve isolation between the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the secondary camera and illumination assembly 120.

[0061] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe holder 100 has an internal isolator located between the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the secondary camera and illumination assembly 120. The isolator serves to provide electromagnetic shielding between the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the secondary camera and illumination assembly 120, reducing signal interference between them. The isolator can be integrally connected to the ultrasonic probe holder 100 or detachably mounted on it, as long as it can achieve physical isolation between the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the secondary camera and illumination assembly 120.

[0062] like Figure 4 - Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe holder 100 has a first slot 101 and a second slot 102 arranged side by side inside. The ultrasonic transducer 110 is installed in the second slot 102. The isolator is specifically an isolator seat 130 installed in the first slot 101, and the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 are connected to the isolator seat 130. The isolator seat 130 is configured to at least completely separate the sides of the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 facing the ultrasonic transducer 110. By mounting the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 on the ultrasonic probe holder 100 via the isolator seat 130, the isolator seat 130 and the ultrasonic probe holder 100 can be manufactured separately, reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the ultrasonic probe holder 100 with an isolator structure. In other alternative embodiments, the isolator can be an isolator plate integrally formed within the ultrasonic probe holder 100, separating the first slot 101 and the second slot 102, with the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 directly glued and fixed in the first slot 101. The method of directly mounting the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 on the ultrasonic probe mount 100 can reduce the number of parts, but this method increases the manufacturing difficulty of the ultrasonic probe mount 100 and makes it less maintainable.

[0063] like Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, in some embodiments, the isolation seat 130 is a frame-shaped structure that is circumferentially enclosed on all four sides and has an opening at its axial distal end. The isolation seat 130 has a wire harness channel 131 with a square cross-section inside. Both axial ends of the isolation seat 130 have openings, and the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 are glued to the distal opening of the isolation seat 130. A portion of the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 extends into the wire harness channel 131, and the first wire harness 125 connected to the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 passes through the wire harness channel 131 within the isolation seat 130. This circumferentially enclosed isolation seat 130 can form good electromagnetic shielding around the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 and its connected first wire harness 125, further reducing signal interference between the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120. In some alternative embodiments, the cross-section of the isolation seat 130 is not limited to a square shape, but can also be elliptical; the isolation seat 130 is not limited to being enclosed on four sides, but can also be enclosed on three sides, and the unenclosed side of the isolation seat 130 is blocked by the inner wall of the ultrasonic probe seat 100, and can also form a circumferential isolation effect around the outer periphery of the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120.

[0064] like Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the isolation seat 130 has a partition wall 134 on one side near the ultrasonic transducer 110. The partition wall 134 is a part of the isolation seat 130 that protrudes outward from the distal opening. The partition wall 134 separates the part of the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 located outside the wire harness channel 131 from the ultrasonic transducer 110, thereby improving the isolation effect between the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 and the ultrasonic transducer 110.

[0065] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, the bottom of the second slot 102 is provided with a first wire harness hole 103 and a second wire harness hole 104. The first wire harness connected to the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 passes through the wire harness channel 131 and the first wire harness hole 103, and the second wire harness 111 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 110 passes through the second wire harness hole 104. The bottom of the second slot 102 is provided with a partition wall 108 separating the first wire harness hole 103 and the second wire harness hole 104. The proximal end of the isolation seat 130 is provided with a guide wall 132 extending obliquely towards the first wire harness hole 103. The first wire harness connected to the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 extends towards the first wire harness hole 103 along the guiding direction of the guide wall 132. After the isolator 130 is installed inside the ultrasonic probe holder 100, the guide wall 132 is located on the side of the partition wall 108 facing the first wire harness hole 103. A chamfered adhesive application position 133 is formed at the junction of the outer wall surface of the guide wall 132 and the partition wall 108, and the chamfered adhesive application position 133 is sealed with insulating adhesive. This arrangement can further improve the isolation effect between the first wire harness 125 and the second wire harness 111.

[0066] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe holder 100 has an outwardly protruding boss structure on the side facing the head end seat 200. The boss structure includes a primary boss 106 protruding outward from the side of the ultrasonic probe holder 100 facing the head end seat 200, and a secondary boss 107 protruding outward from the side of the primary boss 106 facing the head end seat 200. The outer periphery of the secondary boss 107 is sealed to the head end seat 200 by a sealing ring 150. The first wire harness hole 103 and the second wire harness hole 104 are both located inside the secondary boss 107. The sealing ring 150 is sealed between the outer periphery of the secondary boss and the head end seat 200. A head end connector 140 located on the outer periphery of the sealing ring 150 is fixed on the primary boss 106. The head end connector 140 is fixedly connected to the head end seat 200 by a locking member arranged radially along the sealing ring 150. With this configuration, only one sealing ring 150 is needed between the ultrasonic probe holder 100 and the head end holder 200 to simultaneously seal the connection between the ultrasonic probe holder 100 and the head end holder 200. It is not necessary to set two sealing rings between the ultrasonic probe holder 100 and the head end holder 200 to seal the two wire harness holes respectively, making the sealing method simpler.

[0067] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, in some embodiments, the secondary camera and lighting assembly 120 includes a support 121 connected to the ultrasonic probe mount 100, and a secondary camera 123 and an illumination lamp 124 connected to the support 121 and arranged side by side; the secondary camera 123 and the illumination lamp 124 are located at the distal end of the support 121. There are two illumination lamps 124 located on opposite sides of the secondary camera 123. The support 121 has three mounting slots, and the two illumination lamps 124 and the secondary camera 123 are respectively installed in one of the mounting slots. Each mounting slot has a window piece 122 connected to its opening. The imaging surface of the secondary camera 123 and the emitting surface of the illumination lamp 124 are not on the same plane; in the axial direction of the head end seat 200, the distance between the imaging surface of the secondary camera 123 and the head end seat 200 is greater than the distance between the emitting surface of the illumination lamp 124 and the head end seat 200, so as to reduce the interference of the light emitted by the illumination lamp 124 on the secondary camera 123.

[0068] Furthermore, the wiring harness connected to the secondary camera 123 and the wiring harness connected to the lighting lamp 124 are combined to form a first wiring harness 125. The lighting lamp is an LED lamp or a fiber optic lamp.

[0069] like Figure 13 - Figure 15 As shown, in a first embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer 110, the ultrasonic transducer 110 includes a backing layer 112, an ultrasonic wafer layer 113 supported on the backing layer 112, an acoustic matching layer 114 located outside the ultrasonic wafer layer 113, an ultrasonic lens layer 115 located outside the acoustic matching layer 114, and a wiring portion fixedly connected to the backing layer 112.

[0070] The backing layer 112 is composed of epoxy resin and filler. The epoxy resin provides structural support and uniformly binds the filler together. The filler is a powder that can improve the material density and acoustic impedance, such as tungsten powder, alumina powder, barium sulfate powder, or other heavy metal powder. The backing layer 112 can effectively absorb the ultrasonic waves radiated backward by the ultrasonic wafer layer 113, prevent reflection interference, and shorten the pulse width to improve the longitudinal resolution of the image.

[0071] The ultrasonic wafer layer 113 includes a plurality of ultrasonic wafers arranged in a convex-bent shape at equal intervals along the insertion direction of the insertion head end. The ultrasonic wafers are made of piezoelectric ceramic material, and the gaps between two adjacent ultrasonic wafers can be filled with fillers such as epoxy resin. The ultrasonic wafers can convert electrical signals into ultrasonic waves and can also convert received ultrasonic echoes into electrical signals. The backing layer 112 is located inside the convexly curved ultrasonic wafer layer 113, and the cross-section of the upper surface of the backing layer 112 is convex arc-shaped.

[0072] The acoustic matching layer 114 is used to reduce the acoustic impedance difference between the ultrasound chip and human tissue, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of ultrasound energy. The ultrasound lens layer 115 is used to focus the ultrasound waves emitted from the ultrasound chip toward the area observed by the main camera 220, thereby improving the lateral resolution of the image. At the same time, the ultrasound lens layer 115 can also protect the internal ultrasound chip layer 113 from mechanical damage and erosion by body fluids.

[0073] The wiring section is specifically a printed circuit board 116. A portion of the printed circuit board 116 is embedded and fixed inside the backing layer 112, while another portion is located outside the backing layer 112. Multiple ultrasonic transducers are electrically connected to the portion of the printed circuit board 116 located inside the backing layer 112. The portion of the printed circuit board 116 located outside the backing layer 112 is electrically connected to multiple signal lines 118. These signal lines 118 are located on opposite sides of the printed circuit board 116, and their extension direction corresponds to the output direction of the ultrasonic transducer 110. The multiple signal lines 118 ultimately converge into the second wiring harness 111 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 110 for routing. After being electrically connected to the multiple ultrasonic transducers, the printed circuit board 116 is partially placed within the uncured backing composite material. Once the backing composite material has cured to form the backing layer 112, the portion of the printed circuit board 116 is embedded and fixed within the backing layer 112. The printed circuit board 116 is used to match and electrically connect one signal line 118 to each ultrasonic transducer.

[0074] like Figure 16 - Figure 18 As shown, in the second embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer 110, the difference from the first embodiment is that the wiring portion is specifically a flexible circuit board 117. That is, the printed circuit board embedded and fixed in the backing layer 112 is replaced by a flexible circuit board 117. Multiple ultrasonic crystals are electrically connected to the portion of the flexible circuit board 117 located inside the backing layer 112, and multiple signal lines 118 are electrically connected to the portion of the flexible circuit board 117 located outside the backing layer 112. Compared to a printed circuit board, the portion of the flexible circuit board 117 extending outside the backing layer 112 is easier to bend. When the ultrasonic crystal layer 113 contains a large number of ultrasonic crystals, and the flexible circuit board 117 needs to connect a corresponding number of signal lines, the bendable characteristic of the flexible circuit board 117 allows for the connection of as many signal lines 118 as possible without significantly increasing the size of the ultrasonic transducer 110. Given the limited external dimensions of the ultrasonic transducer 110, the ultrasonic crystal layer 113 can contain a larger number of ultrasonic crystals, thereby improving the clarity of ultrasonic imaging. Figure 16 The direction of the middle arrow is the extension direction of the signal line 118 connected to the flexible circuit board 117, which is also the output direction of the ultrasonic transducer 110.

[0075] like Figure 19 - Figure 21 As shown, in the third embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer 110, the difference from the second embodiment is that the arrangement of the flexible circuit board 117 is different. The cross-section of the portion of the flexible circuit board 117 located inside the backing layer 112 is arc-shaped, and the shape of the arc portion of the flexible circuit board 117 is the same as the arrangement shape of the multiple ultrasonic crystals. With this arrangement, the shortest distance from the multiple ultrasonic crystals to the portion of the flexible circuit board 117 located inside the backing layer 112 is the same, which facilitates the orderly electrical connection of the multiple ultrasonic crystals to the flexible circuit board 112.

[0076] In summary, the ultrasonic endoscope provided by this utility model, by additionally setting a secondary camera and illumination component 120 on the ultrasonic probe, and with the shooting illumination direction of the secondary camera and illumination component 120 parallel to the axial direction of the headstock 200, can provide the ultrasonic endoscope with a field of view and illumination in the axial direction. In conjunction with the main camera 220 and illumination module 210 with lateral shooting illumination on the headstock 200, a larger field of view can be formed, reducing the blind spots in the field of view when the ultrasonic endoscope is shooting in the digestive tract or other natural orifices.

[0077] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoscope, characterized in that, Includes an insertion tip, the insertion tip comprising: The head end (200) has a main camera (220) and an illumination module (210) at its far end; the shooting direction of the main camera (220) and the illumination direction of the illumination module (210) are both set at an angle to the axial direction of the head end (200); An ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic probe holder (100) connected to the distal end of the headstock (200), an ultrasonic transducer (110) connected to the ultrasonic probe holder (100) for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and a secondary camera and illumination assembly (120) connected to the ultrasonic probe holder (100); the imaging illumination direction of the secondary camera and illumination assembly (120) is parallel to the axial direction of the headstock (200). The ultrasonic transducer (110) includes a backing layer (112), an ultrasonic wafer layer (113) supported on the backing layer (112), and a wiring portion fixedly connected to the backing layer (112); the ultrasonic wafer layer (110) includes a plurality of ultrasonic wafers arranged in a convex-bent shape at equal intervals along the insertion direction of the insertion head end, and the wiring portion is electrically connected to the plurality of ultrasonic wafers respectively.

2. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transducer (110) and the secondary camera and lighting assembly (120) are both embedded inside the ultrasonic probe holder (100), and the ultrasonic probe holder (100) is provided with an isolator to separate the ultrasonic transducer (110) and the secondary camera and lighting assembly (120).

3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe mount (100) is provided with a first slot (101) and a second slot (102). The ultrasonic transducer (110) is connected to the second slot (102). The isolator is an isolator seat (130) connected to the first slot (101). The secondary camera and lighting assembly (120) are connected to the isolator seat (130). The isolator seat (130) is configured to at least completely separate the side of the secondary camera and lighting assembly (120) facing the ultrasonic transducer (110).

4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The isolation seat (130) is a frame structure that is circumferentially enclosed and has an opening at the distal end in the axial direction. The secondary camera and lighting assembly (120) are connected to the opening of the isolation seat (130).

5. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The isolation seat (130) has a circumferentially enclosed wire harness channel (131) inside. The secondary camera and lighting assembly (120) extends at least partially into the wire harness channel (131), and the first wire harness (125) connected to the secondary camera and lighting assembly (120) passes through the wire harness channel (131) inside the isolation seat (130).

6. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe mount (100) is provided with a first wire harness hole (103) and a second wire harness hole (104) that are separated from each other. The first wire harness (125) connected to the auxiliary camera and lighting assembly (120) passes through the wire harness channel (131) and the first wire harness hole (103). The second wire harness (111) connected to the ultrasonic transducer (110) passes through the second wire harness hole (104). The head end (200) is provided with a wire harness cavity. The first wire harness hole (103) and the second wire harness hole (104) are both connected to the wire harness cavity. The first wire harness (125) and the second wire harness (111) can extend into the wire harness cavity of the head end (200).

7. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first wire harness hole (103) and the second wire harness hole (104) are both located at the bottom of the second slot (102); the near end of the isolation seat (130) is provided with a guide wall (132) that extends obliquely toward the first wire harness hole (103) of the second slot (102), and the first wire harness (125) connected to the secondary camera and lighting assembly (120) extends toward the first wire harness hole (103) along the guiding direction of the guide wall (132).

8. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom of the second slot (102) is provided with a partition wall (108) that separates the first wire harness hole (103) and the second wire harness hole (104). The guide wall (132) is located on the side of the partition wall (108) facing the first wire harness hole (103). The position where the guide wall (132) and the partition wall (108) meet is sealed with insulating glue.

9. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe mount (100) has an outwardly protruding boss structure on the side facing the head end seat (200). The first wire harness hole (103) and the second wire harness hole (104) are both located inside the boss structure. The outer periphery of the boss structure is sealed to the head end seat (200) by a sealing ring (150).

10. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that, The boss structure includes a primary boss (106) protruding outward from the side of the ultrasonic probe mount (100) toward the head end seat (200), and a secondary boss (107) protruding outward from the side of the primary boss (106) toward the head end seat (200). The first wire harness hole (103) and the second wire harness hole (104) are both located inside the secondary boss. The sealing ring (150) is sealed between the outer periphery of the secondary boss (107) and the head end seat (200). A head end connector (140) located on the outer periphery of the sealing ring (150) is fixed on the primary boss (106). The head end connector (140) is fixedly connected to the head end seat (200) by a locking member arranged radially along the sealing ring (150).

11. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The secondary camera and lighting assembly (120) includes a support (121) connected to the ultrasonic probe mount (100), and a secondary camera (123) and a lighting lamp (124) connected to the support (121) and arranged side by side; the secondary camera (123) and the lighting lamp (124) are located at the distal end of the support (121).

12. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 11, characterized in that, The shooting surface of the secondary camera (123) and the emitting surface of the illumination lamp (124) are not on the same plane; in the axial direction of the head end base (200), the distance between the shooting surface of the secondary camera (123) and the head end base (200) is greater than the distance between the emitting surface of the illumination lamp (124) and the head end base (200).

13. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end face of the headstock (200) facing the ultrasound probe mount (100) is an inclined surface (202), and the inclined surface (202) and the axial direction of the headstock (200) are set at an angle; the shooting window of the main camera (220) and the lighting window of the lighting module (210) are both located on the inclined surface (202); the end of the headstock (200) facing the ultrasound probe mount (100) is also provided with a mounting groove (201), and the headstock (200) is provided with an instrument channel communicating with the mounting groove (201). The mounting groove (201) is provided with a lifting clamp (230) rotatably mounted around a pin shaft. The diagnostic instrument extends out through the distal opening of the instrument channel and extends toward the lifting clamp (230). During the rotation, the lifting clamp (230) drives the distal end of the diagnostic instrument to be raised and lowered; the central axis of the lifting clamp (230) is aligned with the central axis of the ultrasound transducer (110).

14. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wiring section is at least a portion of a printed circuit board (116) or flexible circuit board (117) embedded and fixed inside the backing layer (112). The multiple ultrasonic crystals are electrically connected to the portion of the printed circuit board (116) or flexible circuit board (117) located inside the backing layer (112). The portion of the printed circuit board (116) or flexible circuit board (117) located outside the backing layer (112) can be electrically connected to multiple signal lines (118). The printed circuit board (116) or flexible circuit board (117) is used to make each ultrasonic crystal match and electrically connect to one of the signal lines (118).

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