Ultrasonic endoscope

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of ultrasonic endoscope capable of making the optical axis of camera section close to orthoview direction and realize fine diameterization.Ultrasonic endoscope (1) has: front end (34), it is configured to the front end side of insertion portion extending along the direction of major axis;Ultrasonic transducer (50), it is set to front end (34) and emits ultrasonic wave to the side of the first direction perpendicular to the direction of major axis;And camera section (300), it is configured to the position of more base end side than ultrasonic transducer (50), front end has the first area (150) of being provided with ultrasonic transducer (50) and the second area (160) of being configured to the position of more base end side than the first area in the direction of major axis and being provided with camera section, the bottom surface part (54A) of first area and the bottom surface part (112A) of second area are respectively configured to the opposite side of the side of the first direction, i.e. other side, bottom surface part is configured to the position of more other side than bottom surface part in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an ultrasonic endoscope, and more particularly to an ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic transducer at the front end of the insertion portion. Background Technology

[0002] As an ultrasonic endoscope, there is a known ultrasonic endoscope that has a convex ultrasonic transducer at the front end of the insertion part and a treatment device outlet is provided at the base end side of the ultrasonic transducer in the front end (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, at the front end of the insertion part, in addition to the ultrasonic transducer, there is also a camera unit for observing the part to be treated and an illumination unit for emitting illumination light toward the part to be treated.

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 179909

[0005] In a convex ultrasonic endoscope, the camera unit is configured as an oblique viewing mirror positioned with the optical axis tilted relative to the insertion direction of the front end. That is, the insertion direction is not aligned with the field of view (the direction of the optical axis), making it easier to press the ultrasonic endoscope towards the subject. Therefore, a field of view closer to normal viewing is desirable.

[0006] On the other hand, when the optical axis of the camera is tilted in the direct viewing direction, the proportion (area) of the ultrasonic transducer reflected in the field of view increases (the so-called "vignetting problem"), making it difficult to insert the ultrasonic endoscope. Furthermore, to avoid vignetting caused by the ultrasonic transducer, it is also possible to simply change the configuration of the ultrasonic transducer to reduce the proportion (area) reflected in the field of view, but this would result in a larger diameter ultrasonic endoscope. Utility Model Content

[0007] This invention was made in view of this situation, and its purpose is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope that can bring the optical axis of the camera unit close to the frontal viewing direction and facilitates the reduction of diameter.

[0008] The ultrasonic endoscope of the first embodiment includes: a front end portion disposed at the front end of an insertion portion extending along the long axis; an ultrasonic transducer disposed at the front end portion and emitting ultrasonic waves toward a side orthogonal to the long axis; and an imaging unit disposed at a position further along the long axis than the ultrasonic transducer, for photographing a subject. The front end portion has a first region where the ultrasonic transducer is disposed and a second region where the imaging unit is disposed at a position further along the long axis than the first region. A first bottom surface of the first region and a second bottom surface of the second region are disposed on the opposite side of the first direction, i.e., the other side. The first bottom surface is disposed on the other side further along the first direction than the second bottom surface.

[0009] In the second type of ultrasonic endoscopy, when viewed from a second direction orthogonal to both the long axis and the first direction, the angle between the first central axis of the first region and the second central axis of the second region is less than 1 degree.

[0010] In the third type of ultrasonic endoscopy, when viewed from the second direction, the angle between the surface direction of the first bottom surface and the long axis direction is less than 1 degree.

[0011] The fourth type of ultrasonic endoscope, in any of the first to third types, has a balloon groove at its anterior end, which is located between the first and second regions and is used to install a balloon covering the ultrasonic transducer.

[0012] In the fifth type of ultrasonic endoscope, in the fourth type, the groove region on the other side of the first direction in the balloon groove is formed by a pair of groove side faces facing each other in the long axis direction. One of the groove side faces, the first groove side face, is located at the base end side in the long axis direction of the first region, and the other, the second groove side face, is located at the front end side in the long axis direction of the second region. The first groove side face extends further to the other side in the first direction than the second groove side face.

[0013] In the sixth type of ultrasonic endoscope, in any of the first to fifth types, the second region has a stand unit with a stand that is rotatably set.

[0014] In the seventh embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope, the stage unit has a stage and a box component that defines a space for accommodating the stage.

[0015] In the seventh embodiment, the casing component of the eighth type of ultrasonic endoscope has a treatment device outlet that opens into the space, and a tube component that communicates with the treatment device outlet is provided on the casing component.

[0016] The ultrasonic endoscope of the ninth embodiment has a camera receiving portion that accommodates a camera in the eighth embodiment, and when viewed from the first direction, at least a portion of the camera receiving portion is positioned to overlap with the stage unit.

[0017] In the 9th embodiment, when viewed from a second direction orthogonal to both the long axis and the first direction, at least a portion of the imaging unit receiving portion of the 10th embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope is positioned to overlap with the tube component.

[0018] In the 9th or 10th embodiment, when the ultrasonic endoscope of the 11th embodiment is viewed from a second direction orthogonal to both the long axis direction and the first direction, the position of the far end side of the image receiving portion on the other side of the first direction is set to be further to the other side of the first direction than the position of the far end side of the tube component on one side of the first direction.

[0019] Utility Model Effect

[0020] According to this invention, the optical axis of the camera unit can be made close to the frontal viewing direction and the diameter can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the ultrasonic endoscope of this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the front end of an ultrasonic endoscope is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the optical axis of the camera and the field of view.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a side view of the front-end component.

[0025] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the preferred structure of the front-end component.

[0026] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the balloon groove.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the camera unit and the platform unit when viewed from the Z(+) direction side.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the camera unit and the second pipeline component.

[0029] Symbol Explanation: 1-Ultrasonic endoscope, 10-Operating section, 12-Insert section, 14-Universal plug rope, 16-Angle button, 18-Upright operating lever, 20-Air / water supply button, 22-Suction button, 24-Inlet for treatment device, 30-Flexible section, 32-Bend section, 34-Front end, 36-Front end component, 36A-Illumination window mounting surface, 36B-Illumination window mounting surface, 36C-Observation window mounting surface, 3 6D - Nozzle configuration surface, 42A - Illumination window, 42B - Illumination window, 44 - Air and water supply nozzle, 46 - Opening, 50 - Ultrasonic transducer, 52 - Ultrasonic transceiver surface, 54 - Housing, 54A - Bottom surface, 60 - Erecting table housing, 62 - Treatment instrument outlet, 70 - Erecting table, 70B - Treatment instrument guide surface, 72 - Rotation shaft, 100 - Ultrasonic observation section, 110 - Endoscopic observation section, 1 12-Main body component, 112A-Bottom surface, 120-Balloon groove, 122-Groove area, 124-Groove side surface, 126-Groove side surface, 150-First region, 150A-Central axis, 160-Second region, 160A-Central axis, 200A-Optical axis, 200B-Observation field of view, 200C-First end, 200D-Second end, 200E-Tangent, 210A-Optical axis, 210 B - Field of view, 210C - First end, 210D - Second end, 210E - Tangent, 210F - Tangent, 300 - Camera unit, 302 - Lens barrel, 304 - Large diameter section, 306 - Signal cable, 308 - Bracket, 310 - Bending section, 400 - Erecting platform unit, 402 - Box component, 404 - Side wall, 406 - First conduit component, 408 - Second conduit component, 410 - Top surface. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] [Overall structure of an ultrasonic endoscope]

[0032] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the ultrasonic endoscope (hereinafter referred to as "endoscope") 1 according to the embodiments of this utility model.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment includes an operating section 10 for the surgeon to hold and perform various operations, an insertion section 12 for insertion into the patient's body cavity, and a universal plug 14. The endoscope 1 is connected to a system structure device including a processor device and a light source device (not shown) via the universal plug 14.

[0034] The operating unit 10 is equipped with various operating components operated by the surgeon, such as a pair of angle buttons 16, a lifting operating lever 18, an air / water supply button 20, and a suction button 22.

[0035] Furthermore, the operating unit 10 is provided with a treatment device inlet 24 on its front end side. The treatment device introduced through the treatment device inlet 24 is inserted into the treatment device insertion channel that passes through the interior of the insertion unit 12.

[0036] The insertion portion 12 extends from the front end of the operating portion 10 along its long axis and is generally constructed in a narrow, elongated shape. The insertion portion 12 has a flexible portion 30, a curved portion 32, and a front end portion 34 sequentially from the base end side toward the front end side. Furthermore, the insertion portion 12 is one example of the insertion portion of this utility model, and the front end portion 34 is one example of the front end portion of this utility model.

[0037] The flexible portion 30 occupies most of the area from the base end of the insertion portion 12 and has flexibility to bend in any direction. When the insertion portion 12 is inserted into the body cavity, the flexible portion 30 bends along the insertion path within the body cavity.

[0038] The bending portion 32 can be bent in the vertical and horizontal directions by rotating a pair of bend knobs 16 on the operating part 10. By bending the bending portion 32, the front end portion 34 can be oriented in the desired direction.

[0039] The front end portion 34 has a front end component 36 described later (see reference). Figure 2 The front end component 36 is disposed on the front end side of the insertion part 12. The front end component 36 has an ultrasonic observation part 100 on its front end side and an endoscope observation part 110 on the base end side of the ultrasonic observation part 100.

[0040] Figure 1 The universal plug cord 14 shown contains internal components such as an ultrasonic cable, a power cable, a light guide, and a fluid hose. A connector (not shown) is provided at one end of the universal plug cord 14. By connecting this connector to the aforementioned system structure device, control signals, power, illumination light, liquids, and gases required for the operation of the endoscope 1 are supplied from the system structure device to the endoscope 1. Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned internal components, the insertion section 12 also contains internal components such as a treatment instrument insertion channel, a bending operation line, and a standing platform operation line.

[0041] Ultrasonic image data and endoscopic image data acquired by endoscope 1 (ultrasonic viewing unit 100 and endoscopic viewing unit 110) are transmitted from endoscope 1 to the system structure device. The data transmitted to the system structure device are processed by the system structure device and displayed as endoscopic images and ultrasonic images on the display (not shown).

[0042] Next, refer to Figure 2 The structure of the front end 34 (front end component 36) will be described. Figure 2This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the front end component 36, illustrating the state of the standing platform 70 in the collapsed position, as described later.

[0043] In the following description of the structure of each part of the front-end component 36, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system of X, Y, and Z will be used for ease of explanation. In the figure, the Z direction refers to the vertical direction, the Z(+) direction refers to the upper direction, and the Z(-) direction refers to the lower direction. Furthermore, the X direction in the figure refers to the direction perpendicular to the Z direction, the X(+) direction refers to the left direction, and the X(-) direction refers to the right direction. Also, the Y direction in the figure refers to the direction perpendicular to both the Z and X directions, the Y(+) direction refers to the front-end side direction, and the Y(-) direction refers to the base-end side direction. Additionally, each of the above directions refers to the direction when the ultrasonic transducer 50's ultrasonic transceiver surface 52 is facing upwards when viewed from the front-end side.

[0044] Furthermore, the Y direction corresponds to the major axis direction of the insertion part of this invention. The Z direction corresponds to the first direction of this invention, the Z(+) direction side corresponds to one side of the first direction of this invention, and the Z(-) direction side corresponds to the other side of the first direction of this invention. The X direction, which is orthogonal to both the Y direction (major axis direction) and the Z direction (first direction), corresponds to the second direction of this invention.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the front end component 36 has an ultrasonic observation section 100 and an endoscopic observation section 110 located on the Y(-) direction side (base end side) of the ultrasonic observation section 100.

[0046] The ultrasonic observation section 100 and the endoscopic observation section 110 are connected to each other via a balloon groove 120 formed between the ultrasonic observation section 100 and the endoscopic observation section 110. A balloon covering the ultrasonic transducer 50 is mounted on the balloon groove 120. The balloon groove 120 is formed over a circumferential area around the Y direction (major axis direction). The balloon groove 120 is an example of the balloon groove of this utility model.

[0047] The ultrasonic observation unit 100 has an ultrasonic transducer 50, which is held by a housing 54.

[0048] The ultrasonic transducer 50 is a convex transducer in which multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged in an arc shape along the Y direction (major axis direction). The upper surface (the surface on the Z(+) direction side) of the ultrasonic transducer 50 is configured as an ultrasonic transceiver surface 52, from which ultrasonic waves are emitted toward the Z(+) direction side (one side of the first direction). Specifically, when viewed from the X direction, the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transceiver surface 52 (multiple ultrasonic transducers) perform a fan-shaped scan (convex surface scan) from the oblique rearward (Y(-) direction side and Z(+) direction side) to the oblique frontward (Y(+) direction side and Z(+) direction side). Moreover, the emission direction of the ultrasonic waves in this scan at least includes the Z(+) direction component. In addition, as long as the emission direction of most of the ultrasonic waves in the scan includes the Z(+) direction component, the emission direction of a portion of the ultrasonic waves may not include the Z(+) direction component (for example, directions that include the Y(+) direction component or the Z(-) direction component). The ultrasonic transducer 50 configured in this way acquires data for generating ultrasonic images. Furthermore, the ultrasonic transducer 50 is located at the front end 34, which is an example of the ultrasonic transducer of this invention.

[0049] The endoscopic viewing section 110 has a main body component 112 configured as a generally cylindrical shape. The main body component 112 is made of insulating materials such as methacrylic acid resin, polyphenylsulfone resin, polyetherimide resin, polyetheretherketone resin, and plastics such as polycarbonate.

[0050] The main body 112 has an observation window 40 for observing the test body, an illumination window 42A and an illumination window 42B for illuminating the test body, and an air and water nozzle 44 for cleaning the observation window 40. The observation window 40 is positioned further to the Y (-) direction side (base end side) than the standing table 70.

[0051] The main body component 112 has an erecting platform receiving portion 60 inside, which accommodates the erecting platform 70. This erecting platform receiving portion 60 has a rectangular opening 46 when viewed from the Z(+) direction side. This opening 46 is formed in the main body component 112 opening towards the Z(+) direction side. In this embodiment, the opening direction of the opening 46 is a direction that includes only the Z(+) direction side when viewed from the X direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the XY plane). Alternatively, the opening direction of the opening 46 can be any direction that at least includes the Z(+) direction side; for example, it could be a direction that faces diagonally forward when viewed from the X direction (i.e., a direction that includes both the Z(+) and Y(+) direction sides).

[0052] Treatment instruments such as puncture needles are extended from the opening 46 to the outside of the front end component 36. The treatment instrument is extended into the ultrasonic scanning range of the ultrasonic transducer 50. Furthermore, a standing platform receiving part 60 is provided on the Z(-) direction side (lower side) of the opening 46.

[0053] A treatment device outlet 62, communicating with the standing platform receiving space 61 of the standing platform receiving section 60, is provided on the Y(-) direction side (base end side) of the standing platform receiving section 60. The treatment device outlet 62 is disposed in the insertion section 12 (see reference) via a through-hole. Figure 1 The treatment device insertion channel is connected to the treatment device inlet 24 of the operation unit 10. Thus, the treatment device inserted from the treatment device inlet 24 is guided from the treatment device outlet 62 to the standing platform receiving space 61 via the treatment device insertion channel.

[0054] The standing platform 70 is housed within the standing platform receiving space 61 of the standing platform receiving section 60. The standing platform 70 is positioned further towards the Y(-) direction than the ultrasonic transducer 50. The standing platform 70 is configured to rotate freely about a rotation axis 72 arranged along the X direction, rotating between an upright position and a collapsed position. The upright position refers to the position of the standing platform 70 when its front end side (the side opposite to the rotation axis 72) moves to the end position on the Y(-) direction side within its rotatable range (i.e., the position in which the standing platform 70 is upright facing the Z(+) direction side). The collapsed position refers to the position of the standing platform 70 when its front end side moves to the end position on the Y(+) direction side within its rotatable range (i.e., the position in which the standing platform 70 is collapsed facing the Y(+) direction side).

[0055] The standing table 70 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel and has a treatment device guide surface 70B on its upper surface. The treatment device guided to the standing table receiving part 60 is guided along the treatment device guide surface 70B and is led outward from the opening 46 of the standing table receiving part 60.

[0056] The erecting platform 70 thus constructed operates the erecting lever 18 (see reference). Figure 1 When the device is in operation, it moves between the upright position and the collapsed position with the rotation axis 72 as the center (undulating movement). For example, by operating the upright operating lever 18, the uprighting platform 70 is moved to adjust the uprighting angle of the uprighting platform 70 from the collapsed position, thereby changing the discharge direction (discharge angle) of the treatment device guided by the treatment device guide surface 70B of the uprighting platform 70 and discharged from the opening 46. In addition, an uprighting platform unit, described later, is provided in the main body component 112. The uprighting platform unit is a unitized component that integrates multiple components (uprighting platform 70 and box component 402, etc.) constituting the uprighting platform receiving part 60.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, illumination windows 42A and 42B are respectively disposed on illumination window mounting surfaces 36A and 36B provided on the main body component 112. Light emitting sections constituting the illumination unit are housed inside illumination windows 42A and 42B. These light emitting sections are connected to a light source device via light guides. Illumination light transmitted from the light source device via the light guides shines from each light emitting section through illumination windows 42A and 42B onto the area to be treated.

[0058] An observation window 40 is disposed on an observation window mounting surface 36C provided on the main body component 112. An imaging system unit is housed inside the observation window 40, which includes an imaging optical system, a solid-state imaging element, a circuit board, and signal cables constituting the imaging unit (camera unit). The observation window 40 and the imaging system unit constitute the imaging unit. Light (reflected light) from the object being treated (subject) illuminated by illumination windows 42A and 42B is drawn through the observation window 40, and this light is imaged into an observation image in the solid-state imaging element via the imaging optical system. Data used to generate endoscopic images is acquired by this imaging unit.

[0059] An air / water supply nozzle 44 is disposed on a nozzle mounting surface 36D provided on the main body component 112. The air / water supply button 20 is operated (see reference). Figure 1 When the air or water nozzle 44 sprays water or other cleaning fluid or air (fluid) toward the observation window 40, the observation window 40 is cleaned.

[0060] <Description of the Ultrasonic Endoscope of this Utility Model>

[0061] Next, using Figure 3 The principle of the ultrasonic endoscope applicable to this utility model is explained. Figure 3 This diagram shows the end-point component 36 of the endoscope 1 as a model when viewed from the X(-) direction side. It compares a case where the imaging unit has an optical axis 200A (comparative example) and a case where it has an optical axis 210A with a different tilt angle than the optical axis 200A (executive). Figure 3 As shown, the front end component 36 includes an ultrasonic observation section 100 and an endoscopic observation section 110.

[0062] Here, the optical axis (200A or 210A) of the imaging unit corresponds to the optical axis of the observation window 40, which is a straight line passing through the center of the observation window 40 and extending along the normal direction of the surface of the observation window 40. Furthermore, when viewed from the X(-) direction side, the angle (tilt angle) formed by the optical axis (200A or 210A) of the imaging unit and the reference axis L parallel to the Y direction is called the "field of view angle," and the direction indicated by its optical axis is called the "field of view direction." Moreover, the field of view (200B or 210B) of the imaging unit (observation window 40) has a certain extent centered on its respective optical axis (200A or 210A), and both are considered to be of the same extent. For example, the field of view 200B of the imaging unit corresponding to the optical axis 200A is a fan-shaped range surrounded by a first end 200C on one side and a second end 200D on the other side relative to the optical axis 200A.

[0063] For example, in the application of having such Figure 3 When considering the imaging unit of the optical axis 200A shown, the following points can be cited as characteristics or issues of the ultrasonic endoscope 1.

[0064] Firstly, the ultrasonic transceiver surface 52 of the ultrasonic observation unit 100 is configured as a curved surface that is convex towards the Z(+) direction (upper side) when viewed from the X(-) direction side. Therefore, as... Figure 3 As shown, in the imaging unit having an optical axis 200A, the ultrasonic observation unit 100 is projected into its observation field of view 200B. The projected field of view of the ultrasonic observation unit 100 is the area surrounded by the second end 200D and the tangent 200E. Here, the tangent 200E is a straight line passing through the center of the observation window 40 and contacting the ultrasonic transceiver surface 52.

[0065] Secondly, the field of view direction of the camera unit (the direction indicated by the optical axis 200A) is inconsistent with the insertion direction ID (Y direction) of the endoscope 1. That is, the optical axis 200A of the camera unit is oriented in the direction of the field of view angle θ1 relative to the insertion direction ID. Therefore, when the surgeon inserts the endoscope 1 while observing the endoscopic image, it is easy to press the ultrasound observation unit 100 towards the patient.

[0066] Therefore, in endoscope 1, it is required that the field of view of the imaging unit be close to normal viewing, that is, to reduce the tilt angle of the optical axis 200A, i.e., the field of view angle. Furthermore, in order to make the field of view of the imaging unit close to normal viewing, such as... Figure 3As shown, the imaging unit (observation window 40) can be modified to have an optical axis 210A with a field of view angle (tilt angle relative to the aforementioned reference axis L) smaller than that of the optical axis 200A. That is, the field of view angle θ2 of the modified optical axis 210A is a difference Δθ smaller than the field of view angle θ1 of the original optical axis 200A. The observation field of view 210B with the modified optical axis 210A and the observation field of view 200B with the original optical axis 200A have the same range, the only difference being the tilt around the X direction. In addition, the observation field of view 210B becomes the range surrounded by the first end 210C on one side and the second end 210D on the other side relative to the optical axis 210A. As a result, the imaging unit (observation window 40) with the optical axis 210A can be made to be close to a direct view.

[0067] On the other hand, if only the field of view (direction of the optical axis) in the camera unit is changed as described above, the range of the observation field of view 210B (the range surrounded by the tangent 210E and the second end 210D) reflected by the ultrasonic observation unit 100 becomes relatively larger as the field of view direction changes, and it may be impossible to obtain the endoscopic image of the originally desired range (including the range of the treatment object).

[0068] In view of the above concerns, the inventors studied the case where the range of the ultrasonic observation unit 100 after changing the viewing field of view 210B in the imaging unit is equal to the range of the ultrasonic observation unit 100 before changing the viewing field of view 200B, and completed the present invention.

[0069] The field of view angle θ2 of the optical axis 210A after the change in field of view direction is tilted by a difference Δθ compared to the optical axis 200A before the change in field of view direction by making the field of view direction of the camera unit closer to a direct view. Therefore, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic observation unit 100 is positioned offset in the Z(-) direction by an amount equivalent to this difference Δθ. At this time, the angle between the tangent 210F (the straight line passing through the center of the observation window 40 and contacting the ultrasonic transceiver surface 52) offset in the Z(-) direction and the tangent 210E before the offset in the Z(-) direction is the difference Δθ. As a result, the range of the ultrasonic observation unit 100 reflected in the observation field of view 210B after the change in field of view direction is equal to the range of the ultrasonic observation unit 100 reflected in the observation field of view 200B before the change in field of view direction. That is, the range of the ultrasonic observation unit 100 can be kept unchanged.

[0070] Furthermore, as a method to offset the ultrasonic observation section 100 towards the Z(-) direction, for example, it is also possible to enlarge both the ultrasonic observation section 100 and the endoscope observation section 110 as a whole towards the Z(-) direction, thereby lowering the position of the ultrasonic observation section 100 in the Z(-) direction. However, when adopting this structure, the endoscope observation section 110 also becomes larger in diameter corresponding to the increase in the Z(-) direction, resulting in a larger overall diameter of the front end portion including the front end member 36. In contrast, in this embodiment, by only offsetting the ultrasonic observation section 100 towards the Z(-) direction, the increase in the diameter of the front end portion can be avoided.

[0071] <Implementation Method>

[0072] The front end component 36 of the endoscope 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail below. Figure 4 This is a side view of the front end component 36 as seen from the X(-) direction. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the front end component 36 includes a first region 150 with an ultrasonic observation section 100 and a second region 160 with an endoscopic observation section 110. The second region 160 is positioned further towards the Y(-) direction side (base end side) than the first region 150. The first region 150 and the second region 160 are examples of the first region and the second region of this utility model, respectively.

[0073] The ultrasonic observation unit 100 has a housing 54, and the housing 54 has a bottom portion 54A on the Z(-) direction side. The endoscopic observation unit 110 has a main body component 112, and the main body component 112 has a bottom portion 112A on the Z(-) direction side. The bottom portion 54A is an example of a first bottom portion of the first region of the present invention, and the bottom portion 112A is an example of a second bottom portion of the second region of the present invention.

[0074] The optical axis 210A of the camera unit is tilted by a difference Δθ relative to the field of view angle θ1 (the tilt angle of the optical axis 200A relative to the reference axis L) of the camera unit in the comparative example above, in the forward viewing direction (Y(+) direction side), and the field of view angle θ2 becomes (θ1-Δθ). Corresponding to this difference Δθ, in the ultrasonic observation unit 100 and the endoscope observation unit 110, the ultrasonic observation unit 100 is only offset by a predetermined distance Δh in the Z(-) direction, so that the tangent with the ultrasonic transceiver surface 52 is changed from symbol 210E to symbol 210F. In addition, the angle between the tangent 210F and the tangent 210E is the difference Δθ. In this way, by only offsetting the ultrasonic observation unit 100 in the Z(-) direction, the bottom surface 54A in the first region 150 is offset by Δh1 in the Z(-) direction relative to the bottom surface 112A in the second region 160.

[0075] According to this embodiment, by adopting the configuration structure described above, the bottom part 112A in the second region 160 is located a distance Δh1 further in the Z(+) direction than the bottom part 54A in the first region 150, thus preventing the second region 160, including the endoscopic observation section 110, from becoming too large. Therefore, the range of the ultrasonic observation section 100 within the field of view can remain unchanged while avoiding the becoming too large of the front end portion 34.

[0076] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the field of view direction in the camera unit is made close to a frontal view. The field of view angle θ2, which is the optical axis 210A of the camera unit, is, for example, less than 40 degrees. The field of view angle θ2 is preferably 35 degrees or less, and more preferably 25 degrees or less. On the other hand, considering the distance by which the ultrasonic observation unit 100 can be offset from the Z(-) direction, the field of view angle θ2 is preferably 15 degrees or more, and more preferably 20 degrees or more.

[0077] <Preferred Method>

[0078] Next, refer to Figures 5 to 8 Here are some preferred configurations of the front-end component 36 in this example.

[0079] <Configuration relationship between region 150 and region 260>

[0080] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the front end component 36 viewed from the X(-) direction side. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 As shown, a first region 150 containing an ultrasound viewing section 100 and a second region 160 containing an endoscope viewing section 110 are arranged across a balloon groove 120. Furthermore, as described above, the bottom surface 54A of the first region 150 is located further to the Z(-) direction than the bottom surface 112A of the second region 160. The preferred configuration of the first region 150 and the second region 160 will be explained based on their respective central axes 150A and 160A.

[0081] Here, the central axis 150A is a straight line passing through the center of the highest point (height direction) of the bottom surface 54A and the ultrasonic transceiver surface 52, and is parallel to the surface direction SD1 of the bottom surface 54A. Furthermore, the central axis 160A is a straight line passing through the center of the highest point (height direction) of the bottom surface 112A and the main body component 112, and is parallel to the surface direction SD2 of the bottom surface 112A. Central axes 150A and 160A are examples of the first central axis of the first region and the second central axis of the second region of this invention, respectively.

[0082] In the front end portion 34, the angle between the central axis 150A of the first region 150 and the central axis 160A of the second region 160 is preferably less than 1 degree. By setting it to less than 1 degree, when the front end portion 34 is inserted into the body cavity, it is possible to prevent the first region 150, including the ultrasound observation section 100, from pressing against the body cavity wall.

[0083] Figure 5 VA, VB, and VC represent examples of the angles formed by central axes 150°A and 160°A, and each angle is different. Figure 5 In this context, the angle is defined as the angle between the central axis 160A and the Y direction, and the central axis 150A relative to the central axis 160A.

[0084] exist Figure 5 In VA, central axes 150A and 160A are parallel to the Y direction. In this structure, the angle between central axes 150A and 160A is 0 degrees.

[0085] exist Figure 5 In the VB, the central axis 150A is tilted relative to the Y direction, and in the Z direction, the Y(+) side is lower than the Y(-) side. In this structure, the angle of the central axis 150A relative to the central axis 160A is 1 degree.

[0086] exist Figure 5 In the VC, the central axis 150A is inclined relative to the Y direction, and the Y(+) direction side is higher than the Y(-) direction side in the Z direction. In this structure, the angle of the central axis 150A relative to the central axis 160A is 1 degree.

[0087] Figure 5 In VA, VB and VC, the angle between the central axis 150A and the central axis 160A is less than 1 degree.

[0088] Next, the preferred relationship between the insertion direction ID and the surface direction SD1 of the bottom part 54A will be explained. The insertion direction ID is the direction in which the front part 34 is inserted into the body cavity. As shown by the arrow, the surface direction SD1 of the bottom part 54A is the direction extending along the Y direction. The angle between the insertion direction ID and the surface direction SD1 of the bottom part 54A is preferably less than 1 degree. By setting it to less than 1 degree, when the front part 34 is inserted into the body cavity, it is possible to avoid the ultrasonic transceiver surface 52 or the bottom part 54A pressing against the body cavity wall.

[0089] In addition, Figure 5 In VA, VB, and VC, the angle between the insertion direction ID and the face direction SD1 of the bottom surface 54A is less than 1 degree. Figure 5The example illustrates the case where the central axis 150A is parallel to the surface direction SD1 of the bottom surface 54A, but the central axis 150A and the surface direction SD1 of the bottom surface 54A may not be parallel.

[0090] <Balloon Groove 120>

[0091] Figure 6 Viewed from the X(-) direction side Figure 4 An enlarged view of the balloon groove 120 shown. (As shown) Figure 6 As shown, the groove region 122 on the Z(-) direction side of the balloon groove 120 is composed of a pair of groove side portions 124 and 126 facing each other in the Y direction. Furthermore, of the pair of groove side portions 124 and 126, groove side portion 124 is located on the Y(-) direction side (base end side) of the first region 150, and groove side portion 126 is located on the Y(+) direction side (front end side) of the second region 160. Groove side portion 124 extends further in the Z(-) direction than groove side portion 126. Additionally, groove side portions 124 and 126 are examples of the first and second groove side portions of this invention, respectively.

[0092] When the balloon is installed at the front end 34, in the convex endoscope 1, the ultrasonic transceiver surface 52 is formed by a surface that curves towards the Z(+) direction (upper side), so the depth of the upper side of the balloon groove 120 does not affect the installation of the balloon. On the other hand, since the bottom part 54A of the Z(-) direction side (lower side) of the housing 54 is formed by a generally flat surface, the depth of the lower side of the balloon groove 120 becomes shallow, making it difficult to install the balloon.

[0093] However, in this example, by positioning the bottom portion 54A further along the Z(-) direction than the bottom portion 112A, the groove side portion 124 can extend further along the Z(-) direction than the groove side portion 126. This increases the depth D of the balloon groove 120 in the Z(-) direction and improves balloon installation.

[0094] <Configuration relationship between camera unit 300 and stand unit 400>

[0095] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the camera unit 300 and the standing platform unit 400 when viewed from the Z(+) direction side. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the camera unit 300 and the second pipeline component 408.

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown, a camera unit 300 and a stand unit 400 are arranged in the second area 160.

[0097] First, the imaging unit 300 will be described. The imaging unit 300, from the Y(+) direction side to the Y(-) direction side, comprises a lens barrel 302 including an observation window 40, a large-diameter section 304, and a signal cable 306. The lens barrel 302 is a cylindrical component whose width in the X direction is narrower than that of the large-diameter section 304 (described later), and contains an imaging lens for photographing the observed object. The structure of the imaging lens is not particularly limited. The large-diameter section 304 is the portion whose width in the X direction is wider than that of the lens barrel 302. The large-diameter section 304 contains a prism, a solid-state imaging element, and a circuit board. The signal cable 306 is electrically connected to the solid-state imaging element via the circuit board. The signal cable 306 is, for example, constructed by bundling multiple signal lines and is flexible.

[0098] The second region 160 has a bracket 308 for accommodating the camera unit 300. The bracket 308 accommodates and protects the lens barrel 302, the large-diameter section 304, and the signal cable 306. The bracket 308 can accommodate a portion of the lens barrel 302, the large-diameter section 304, and the signal cable 306.

[0099] The bracket 308 is constructed by bending a slender metal sheet. The bracket 308, for example, has a U-shape in cross-section on the XZ plane, with a bottom extending in the Y direction and walls extending from both sides of the bottom towards the Z(+) direction. The bracket 308 also has a V-shape extending towards the Z(+) direction along the lens barrel 302 and signal cable 306 when viewed from the X(-) direction. The bent portion 310 of the V-shaped bracket 308 is located on the Z(-) direction side of the bracket 308. The bracket 308 is an example of the camera housing of this invention. The bent portion 310 is an example of the position of the most distal end on the other side of the first direction of this invention.

[0100] Next, the stand unit 400 will be described. When viewed from the Z(+) direction side, the stand unit 400 is located further towards the X(+) direction side than the camera unit 300. The stand unit 400 includes a stand 70 and a housing component 402. The housing component 402 is made of, for example, a corrosion-resistant metal material. The stand 70 is rotatably disposed within the housing component 402. The housing component 402 has a side wall 404, in which a rod (not shown) connected by an operation line is accommodated. The rod and the stand 70 are connected via a rotation shaft 72. The rod, according to the operation of the stand operation lever 18, causes the stand 70 to rotate about the rotation shaft 72.

[0101] The lifting platform receiving space 61 of the lifting platform receiving section 60 (reference) Figure 2The container unit 400 is defined by the box component 402. The box component 402 is provided with a treatment device outlet 62 that communicates with the standing platform receiving space 61. A first conduit component 406 and a second conduit component 408 constituting a treatment device insertion channel are provided on the Y(-) direction side (base end side) of the box component 402. The end of the second conduit component 408 on the Y(+) direction side (front end side) is externally fitted into the end of the first conduit component 406 on the Y(-) direction side (base end side), thereby connecting the two. Thus, the second conduit component 408 communicates with the treatment device outlet 62 via the first conduit component 406. Furthermore, the upper surface 410 of the second conduit component 408 on the Z(+) direction side is the most distal end of one side in the first direction. The standing platform unit 400, the box component 402, and the second conduit component 408 are examples of the standing platform unit, box component, and conduit component of this utility model. The space 61 that accommodates the upright platform is an example of the space section of this utility model.

[0102] like Figure 7 As shown, when viewed from the Z(+) direction side, at least a portion of the support 308 is positioned to overlap with the stage unit 400. Furthermore, the support 308 is located further from the Z(+) direction side than the stage unit 400. This allows for a reduction in the width of the endoscopic viewing section 110 in the second region 160 in the X direction, and enables a reduction in the diameter of the front end component 36.

[0103] like Figure 8 As shown, when viewed from the X(-) direction side, the bent portion 310 of the bracket 308 is located further towards the Z(-) direction side than the upper surface of the second tubing component 408. By using the bent portion 310 as a fulcrum to move the observation window 40 closer to the Z(-) direction side, the field of view direction (direction of optical axis 210A) in the imaging unit 300 can be made closer to the frontal viewing direction. Moreover, since the base end of the imaging unit 300 faces the Z(+) direction side, interference with the second tubing component 408 can be avoided, the width of the endoscope observation unit 110 in the Z direction can be reduced, and the diameter of the front end component 36 can be reduced.

[0104] The ultrasonic endoscope involved in this embodiment has been described above, but the present invention can be modified or modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoscope, characterized in that, have: The front end is located on the front end side of the insertion portion that extends along the long axis. An ultrasonic transducer is disposed at the front end and emits ultrasonic waves toward a side in a first direction orthogonal to the long axis direction; and The camera unit is positioned at the base end side along the long axis of the ultrasonic transducer to capture images of the subject. The front end portion has a first region where the ultrasonic transducer is disposed and a second region where the camera unit is disposed, located at a position further along the long axis direction than the first region. On the opposite side of the first direction, i.e., the other side, the first bottom surface of the first region and the second bottom surface of the second region are respectively disposed. The first bottom surface is positioned on the other side of the first direction, which is further away from the second bottom surface.

2. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed from a second direction orthogonal to both the major axis and the first direction, the angle between the first central axis of the first region and the second central axis of the second region is less than 1 degree.

3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that, When viewed from the second direction, the angle between the surface direction of the first bottom surface and the long axis direction is less than 1 degree.

4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The front end has a balloon groove, which is located between the first region and the second region and is used to install a balloon covering the ultrasonic transducer.

5. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The groove region on the other side of the first direction in the balloon groove is formed by a pair of groove side faces facing each other in the long axis direction. One of the pair of groove side faces is a first groove side face located at the base end side in the long axis direction of the first region, and the other is a second groove side face located at the front end side in the long axis direction of the second region. The first groove side portion is formed by extending further toward the other side in the first direction than the second groove side portion.

6. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second region has a standing platform unit that can be freely rotated.

7. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, The standing platform unit has the standing platform and a box component that defines a space for accommodating the standing platform.

8. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that, The box component has a treatment device outlet that opens into the space. The box component is provided with a tube component that communicates with the outlet of the treatment device.

9. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ultrasonic endoscope has a camera receiving portion for accommodating the camera unit. When viewed from the first direction, at least a portion of the area of ​​the camera housing is positioned to overlap with the standing platform unit.

10. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that, When viewed from a second direction orthogonal to both the long axis and the first direction, at least a portion of the camera housing is positioned to overlap with the tube component.

11. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, When viewed from a second direction orthogonal to both the long axis and the first direction, the position of the farthest end side of the other side of the first direction on the camera housing is positioned further from the other side of the first direction than the position of the farthest end side of the first direction on one side of the tube component.

Images