Ultrasonic endoscope

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic endoscope with improved durability.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic endoscope includes a tip part having an ultrasonic transmission / reception part configured annularly. The tip part includes a cable connected to the ultrasonic transmission / reception part and a support part for supporting a tip side part of the cable. The cable includes a signal cable electrically connected to an ultrasonic vibrator included in the ultrasonic transmission / reception part and a covering member for bundling the plurality of signal cables and covering them. The signal cable is partially exposed on the tip side, and the tip part includes a filler layer put at least around the exposed signal cable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe so-called radial type ultrasonic endoscopes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-124502 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6654699 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the technique of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope with improved durability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An ultrasonic endoscope according to one embodiment of the disclosed technology has a tip portion including an annularly configured ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit, the tip portion having a cable connected to the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit and a support portion supporting a tip portion of the cable, the cable including a signal cable electrically connected to an ultrasonic vibrator included in the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit and a covering member that bundles and covers a plurality of the signal cables, the signal cables being partially exposed at the tip side, and the tip portion having at least a filler layer filled around the exposed signal cables. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the technology of the present disclosure, durability can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope device 10 that uses an ultrasonic endoscope 12, which is one embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope according to the technique of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the tip portion of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along the axis of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable 58. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cable 72. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a part of the tip portion 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bracket 120 shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the cable 72 is not omitted from FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tip portion 40 shown in FIG. 8 as seen from below. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of a cross section taken along the line XX in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the metal ring 41c, the bracket 120, and the bracket support member 110. As shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a preferred area in the tip portion 40 where the filler layer 160 is provided. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a modified example of the tip portion 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. As shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the bracket 140. As shown in FIG. [Figure 15]Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the respective positions of the tip portion 80A of the light guide 80, the tip portion 72A of the cable 72, and the abutment portion 142 when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the insertion portion 22. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the respective regions of the tip portion 80A and the main body portion 80C of the light guide 80. As shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a reference example of an offset configuration of a light guide. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram in which the metal ring 41c, the light guide 80, and the cable 72 are extracted from the multiple members that make up the tip portion 40 in FIG. 13, in order to explain the offset configuration of the first form in detail. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a preferred area where the filler layer 160 is provided in the tip portion 40 shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an endoscopic device 10 that uses an ultrasonic endoscope 12, which is one embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope according to the technology of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the tip portion of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along the axis of the tip portion of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 shown in Fig. 2.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscopic device 10 includes an ultrasonic endoscope 12, an ultrasonic processor device 14 that generates ultrasonic images, an endoscopic processor device 16 that generates endoscopic images, a light source device 18 that supplies illumination light to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 to illuminate the inside of the body cavity, a monitor 20 that displays ultrasonic images, endoscopic images, etc., a water tank 21a that stores cleaning water, etc., and a suction pump 21b that sucks up aspirated material from the body cavity.

[0010] The ultrasonic endoscope 12 has an insertion section 22 that is inserted into the body cavity of the subject, an operation section 24 that is connected to the base end of the insertion section 22 and allows the surgeon to operate it, and a universal cord 26 that has one end connected to the operation section 24.

[0011] An air / water supply button 28a for opening and closing an air / water supply line (not shown) from the water supply tank 21a, and a suction button 28b for opening and closing a suction line (not shown) from the suction pump 21b are arranged side by side on the operation unit 24. The operation unit 24 also has a pair of angle knobs 29 and a treatment tool insertion port 30.

[0012] The other end of the universal cord 26 is provided with an ultrasound connector 32a connected to the ultrasound processor device 14, an endoscope connector 32b connected to the endoscope processor device 16, and a light source connector 32c connected to the light source device 18. The ultrasound endoscope 12 is detachably connected to the ultrasound processor device 14, the endoscope processor device 16, and the light source device 18 via these connectors 32a, 32b, and 32c, respectively. The connector 32c is also provided with an air / water supply tube 34a connected to the water tank 21a and a suction tube 34b connected to the suction pump 21b.

[0013] The insertion section 22 has, in order from the distal end, a distal section 40 formed of a hard member and having an ultrasound observation section 36 and an endoscopic optical observation section 38, a bending section 42 connected to the proximal end side of the distal section 40, and a flexible section 44 connecting the proximal end side of the bending section 42 and the distal end side of the operation section 24. The bending section 42 is made up of multiple bending pieces (angle rings) connected together and is configured to be freely bendable by operating the angle knob 29. The flexible section 44 is elongated, long, and flexible.

[0014] The ultrasonic processor device 14 generates and supplies ultrasonic signals for generating ultrasonic waves to a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48 of an ultrasonic transducer 46 (see FIG. 2) of the ultrasonic observation section 36, which will be described later. The ultrasonic processor device 14 also receives and acquires echo signals reflected from the observation target area to which the ultrasonic waves are radiated, using the ultrasonic vibrators 48, and performs various signal processing on the acquired echo signals to generate an ultrasonic image. The generated ultrasonic image is displayed on the monitor 20.

[0015] The endoscope processor device 16 receives and acquires image signals acquired by capturing an image of an observation target site illuminated with illumination light from the light source device 18 in the endoscope optical observation section 38, and performs various signal processing and image processing on the acquired image signals to generate an endoscopic image. The generated endoscopic image is displayed on the monitor 20.

[0016] The light source device 18 generates illumination light such as white light or light of a specific wavelength in order to capture an image of the observation target area within the body cavity using the endoscopic optical observation unit 38 and obtain an image signal.The illumination light is propagated through a light guide (not shown) within the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and emitted from the endoscopic optical observation unit 38 to illuminate the observation target area within the body cavity.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the tip section 40 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 3 shows a distal direction F, which extends from the proximal end to the distal end, and a proximal direction B, which extends from the distal end to the proximal end, as directions in the insertion section 22 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. The distal direction F and the proximal direction B are also referred to as the axial direction of the insertion section 22 (synonymous with the axial direction of the tip section 40). Figure 3 also shows an upward direction U and a downward direction D, which is the opposite direction to the upward direction U, as radial directions of the insertion section 22 (directions perpendicular to the axial direction). Hereinafter, one of the radial directions of the insertion section 22 that is perpendicular to the upward direction U and the downward direction D will be referred to as the rightward direction R, and the direction opposite to the rightward direction R will be referred to as the leftward direction L. The upward direction U and the downward direction D will be collectively referred to as the up-down direction, and the rightward direction R and the leftward direction L will be collectively referred to as the left-right direction.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the tip 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is provided with an ultrasonic observation section 36 on the base end side for acquiring ultrasonic images, and an endoscopic optical observation section 38 on the tip end side for acquiring endoscopic optical images.

[0019] The distal end portion 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 includes a cap-shaped distal end component 41a that covers the distal end portion of the endoscopic optical observation unit 38, a proximal end ring 41b that is disposed on the proximal end of the proximal end of the ultrasonic observation unit 36, and a metal ring 41c (see FIG. 3) made of stainless steel (SUS (Steel Use Stainless)). The distal end component 41a and the proximal end ring 41b are made of a hard material such as hard resin and serve as an exterior member. The metal ring 41c is disposed inside the exterior member.

[0020] The endoscope optical observation section 38 includes a treatment tool outlet 76, an observation window 78, an illumination window 87, a cleaning nozzle 93, and the like, which are provided on the distal end surface.

[0021] The ultrasonic observation unit 36 ​​is composed of an ultrasonic transducer 46. The ultrasonic transducer 46 is composed of a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48 arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0022] A balloon (not shown) that covers the ultrasonic observation unit 36 ​​and is filled with an ultrasonic wave transmission medium (for example, water, oil, etc.) may be detachably attached to the tip portion 40.

[0023] 3, an observation system unit 85 is disposed in the tip portion 40. The observation system unit 85 includes, for example, an observation window 78, an objective lens group 86 including a plurality of lenses provided behind (on the base end side of) the observation window 78, a prism 88, an imaging element 90, a substrate 92, and an imaging cable 94.

[0024] Light reflected from the observation target area and incident through the observation window 78 is captured by the objective lens group 86. The optical path of the captured reflected light is bent at a right angle by the prism 88, and an image is formed on the imaging surface of the imaging element 90. The imaging element 90 photoelectrically converts the reflected light from the observation target area that has been transmitted through the observation window 78, the objective lens group 86, and the prism 88 and formed on the imaging surface, and outputs an image signal.

[0025] The imaging element 90 is mounted on a substrate 92. A circuit pattern (not shown) electrically connected to the imaging element 90 is formed on the substrate 92. The circuit pattern has a plurality of electrodes at its end, and an imaging cable 94 is connected to the plurality of electrodes. The imaging cable 94 is connected to the endoscope connector 32b (see FIG. 1). The endoscope connector 32b is connected to the endoscope processor device 16.

[0026] The exit end of a light guide 80 (see FIG. 3) is connected to the illumination window 87 (see FIG. 2). The entrance end of the light guide 80 is connected to the light source device 18 via the universal cord 26. Illumination light emitted from the light source device 18 travels through the light guide 80 and is irradiated onto the area to be observed from the illumination window 87.

[0027] In order to clean the surfaces of the observation window 78 and the illumination window 87, the cleaning nozzle 93 sprays air or cleaning water from the water supply tank 21a toward the observation window 78 and the illumination window 87 via the air and water supply channel 100 (see Figure 3) inside the ultrasonic endoscope 12.

[0028] Inside the metal ring 41c, various members such as the components that make up the endoscope optical observation section 38, and the conduits and transmission lines that extend from the base end side to the tip end side of the insertion section 22 are housed.

[0029] The ultrasonic transducer 46 constituting the ultrasonic observation section 36 includes a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48 (see FIG. 2) arranged in a cylindrical shape, an electrode section 52 having individual electrodes 52a corresponding to each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48 and a common electrode 52b common to the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48, a flexible printed circuit board 56 to which each individual electrode 52a is connected, and a metal ring 41c supporting the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48 wound around the outer periphery.

[0030] The flexible printed circuit board 56 is thin and flexible, and can be easily bent. Instead of the flexible printed circuit board 56, a rigid board that has high rigidity and no flexibility can be used.

[0031] The ultrasonic transducer 46 further includes a cylindrical backing material layer 54 disposed between the ultrasonic vibrator 48 and the metal ring 41c, a cylindrical acoustic matching layer 64 laminated on the ultrasonic vibrator 48, and a cylindrical acoustic lens 66 laminated on the acoustic matching layer 64. The ultrasonic transducer 46 is composed of an annular laminate of the acoustic lens 66, the acoustic matching layer 64, the ultrasonic vibrator 48, and the backing material layer 54. This laminate is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the metal ring 41c by means of fitting or the like. The ultrasonic transducer 46 constitutes an annular ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit. The flexible printed circuit board 56 constitutes a substrate connected to this ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic transducer 48 is a multi-channel, for example, 48 to 192 channel (CH) array consisting of a plurality of, for example, 48 to 192 rectangular parallelepiped ultrasonic transducers 48 arranged in a cylindrical shape.

[0033] In the ultrasonic transducer 46, a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the circumferential direction as shown in the illustrated example, for example. In this way, the ultrasonic vibrators 48 constituting the ultrasonic transducer 46 are arranged at equal intervals in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis CL of the tip portion 40. The ultrasonic vibrators 48 are sequentially driven based on a drive signal input from the ultrasonic processor device 14. As a result, a radial electronic scan is performed over the range in which the ultrasonic vibrators 48 are arranged as the scanning range.

[0034] 3, the flexible printed circuit board 56 attached to the side surface on the proximal end side of the backing material layer 54 is electrically connected to each individual electrode 52a of the electrode unit 52 on one hand, and is wired and connected to multiple coaxial cables 58 of the cable 72 on the other hand. In this way, the individual electrodes 52a of the ultrasonic transducer 48 are electrically connected to the coaxial cables 58, and each ultrasonic transducer 48 is electrically connected to the cable 72. The ultrasonic endoscope 12 has multiple (two, for example) cables 72, as will be described later. The coaxial cables 58 constitute signal cables.

[0035] The ultrasonic endoscope 12 includes a bracket 120 that supports the cable 72 at the distal end portion 40 and extends along the cable 72, and a bracket support member 110 that supports the bracket 120. The bracket 120 constitutes a first support member. The bracket support member 110 constitutes a second support member. As will be described in detail below, the bracket 120 and the bracket support member 110 support the cable 72 by sandwiching the cable 72 therebetween. The bracket 120 and the bracket support member 110 form a support portion that supports the distal end portion of the cable 72.

[0036] At least one of the bracket 120 and the bracket support member 110 is preferably made of metal. By using a metal, the thickness can be reduced. Examples of metal materials include stainless steel and aluminum. It is preferable that both the bracket 120 and the bracket support member 110 are made of metal.

[0037] Next, the structures of the coaxial cable 58 and the cable 72 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, coaxial cable 58 includes core wire 58a at the center, first insulating layer 58b around core wire 58a, shielding member 58c around first insulating layer 58b, and second insulating layer 58d around shielding member 58c. Coaxial cable 58 is formed by concentrically stacking core wire 58a, first insulating layer 58b, shielding member 58c, and second insulating layer 58d from the center.

[0038] 5, the cable 72 includes a cable bundle 72a made up of multiple coaxial cables 58, a shielding layer 72b that covers the cable bundle 72a, and an outer sheath 72c that covers the shielding layer 72b. The shielding layer 72b and the outer sheath 72c form a covering member that bundles and covers the multiple coaxial cables 58. The cable bundle 72a may be formed by twisting together multiple coaxial cables 58. The cable 72 is treated as a single cable that contains the multiple coaxial cables 58 inside.

[0039] The shield layer 72b can be formed by braiding a plurality of wires, for example. The wires are made of plated (tin-plated or silver-plated) copper wires or copper alloy wires.

[0040] Furthermore, a tape-wound layer (not shown) may be disposed inside the shielding layer 72b and around the cable bundle 72a. The tape-wound layer may be, for example, a resin tape, and may prevent the cable bundle 72a from separating into individual coaxial cables 58. In this case, the tape-wound layer also constitutes the covering member. As shown in FIG. 3, the covering member is peeled off at the tip end of the cable 72, thereby partially exposing the coaxial cables 58. The exposed tips of each coaxial cable 58 are connected to the flexible printed circuit board 56.

[0041] Although the cable 72 is configured by bundling and covering a plurality of coaxial cables 58, it may be configured to use a non-coaxial cable (a plurality of signal lines each consisting of a core wire 58a and a first insulating layer 58b shown in FIG. 4 bundled together and covered with a shielding layer) instead of the coaxial cables 58, or to use a twisted pair cable instead of the coaxial cables 58. Both the non-coaxial cable and the twisted pair cable constitute a signal cable.

[0042] Next, the bracket 120 and the bracket support member 110 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 10. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a part of the tip portion 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. In Fig. 6, the cable 72, the light guide 80, the air / water supply channel 100, etc. are omitted to facilitate understanding of the structures of the bracket 120 and the bracket support member 110. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the bracket 120 shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a view showing a state in which the cable 72 is not omitted in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the tip portion 40 shown in Fig. 8, seen from below. Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing the main parts of the cross section taken along the arrow XX in Fig. 3.

[0043] 10 shows a straight line L1 that passes through the axis CL of the tip portion 40 and extends in the left-right direction. The tip portion 40 is divided into two regions by this straight line L1. One of the two divided regions (the upper side in the example of FIG. 10) will be referred to as a first divided region AR1, and the other (the lower side in the example of FIG. 10) will be referred to as a second divided region AR2.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 10, the bracket support member 110 is a cylindrical member disposed along the inner periphery of the base-end ring 41b of the distal end portion 40. The cylindrical shape of the bracket support member 110 includes a completely closed cylindrical shape as well as a cylindrical shape with a portion cut out along the axis CL. As shown in Fig. 9, the bracket support member 110 has a connecting portion 110a extending toward the distal end. The bracket support member 110 and the metal ring 41c are connected via this connecting portion 110a.

[0045] 10, near the left and right ends of the portion of the bracket support member 110 in the first divided region AR1, slits 110b extending along the axis CL and having one open end facing the base end are provided. The bracket support member 110 supports the bracket 120 in a state in which the bracket 120 is accommodated inside the slits 110b. In this way, the bracket 120 is provided closer to the axis CL than the bracket support member 110 (at a position closer to the axis CL).

[0046] 7, the bracket 120 is configured to extend in the axial direction of the insertion portion 22. In other words, the bracket 120 is disposed within the distal end portion 40 with its longitudinal direction substantially aligned with the axial direction of the insertion portion 22 and its short-side direction substantially aligned with the radial direction of the distal end portion 40. More specifically, the bracket 120 includes a plate-shaped long portion 121 that extends in the axial direction and whose thickness direction coincides with the up-down direction, a plate-shaped curved portion 121L that extends from the left end of the long portion 121 in the left direction L and curves downward in the downward direction D, and a plate-shaped curved portion 121R that extends from the right end of the long portion 121 in the right direction R and curves downward in the downward direction D. The curved portions 121R and 121L are each configured such that a portion closer to the distal end than the center of the bracket 120 in the longitudinal direction is cut out. In this way, the width of the bracket 120 in the short side direction is narrower on the tip side, which makes it possible to reduce the weight of the bracket 120 and to avoid interference with other components.

[0047] The curved portion 121R is provided with a generally L-shaped protrusion 121Rc that protrudes in the right direction R and the upward direction U at the center of the longitudinal direction of the bracket 120. The curved portion 121L is provided with a generally L-shaped protrusion 121Lc that protrudes in the left direction L and the upward direction U at the center of the longitudinal direction of the bracket 120. As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 9, and 10, the tip 121Rce of the protrusion 121Rc of the bracket 120 and the tip 121Lce of the protrusion 121Lc are shaped to be engageable with the slit 110b of the bracket support member 110.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 10 , the bracket 120 is supported by the bracket support member 110 by engaging the tip 121Rce of the protrusion 121Rc with the slit 110b on the right side of the bracket support member 110 and the tip 121Lce of the protrusion 121Lc with the slit 110b on the left side of the bracket support member 110. In this manner, the relative positions of the bracket support member 110 and the bracket 120 are determined by the engagement of the slits and the protrusions. The positioning structure shown in FIG. 10 eliminates the need for adhesive and can omit the step of applying adhesive. However, this positioning structure allows the use of adhesive. Furthermore, this positioning structure can position the bracket support member 110 and the bracket 120 with a relatively simple structure in which the protrusions 121Rc and 121Lc are inserted into the slits 110b, eliminating the need for screws. As a result, the diameter of the tip portion 40 can be reduced.

[0049] 8 and 10 , the upper surfaces of the curved portions 121L and 121R each have a curved shape that follows the shape of the cable 72. These two surfaces each function as a pressing surface that presses down the cable 72, and the cable 72 is sandwiched between the upper surfaces of the curved portions 121L and 121R and the inner circumferential surface of the bracket support member 110, and is supported by the bracket 120 and the bracket support member 110. Note that the curved portions 121L and 121R of the bracket 120 may be configured to have, for example, a semi-cylindrical shape in the cross section shown in FIG. 10 (in FIG. 10 , both left and right ends of the bracket 120 extend upward along the inner circumferential surface of the bracket support member 110), thereby enabling a configuration in which the cable 72 is supported only by the bracket 120 of the bracket support member 110.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 10 , the bracket 120 is disposed in the first division region AR1, and therefore the two cables 72 are also disposed in the first division region AR1. In this way, since multiple cables 72 are disposed in the first division region AR1, the arrangement space available in the distal end portion 40 can be increased when inserting contents other than the cables 72. By effectively utilizing the arrangement space, the dead space in the distal end portion 40 can be reduced, and contents can be efficiently disposed in the distal end portion 40, resulting in a thinner diameter of the distal end portion 40. Inside the metal ring 41c, in the region of the first division region AR1 below the bracket 120, the imaging cable 94 is disposed. Inside the metal ring 41c, the air / water supply channel 100 and the light guide 80 are disposed in the second division region AR2.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the metal ring 41c, the bracket 120, and the bracket support member 110. As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 11, the distal end side of the elongated portion 121 is inserted into the metal ring 41c from the proximal end side of the metal ring 41c. A protrusion 121a protruding toward the inner circumferential surface of the metal ring 41c is provided at the portion of the elongated portion 121 inserted into the metal ring 41c. In this embodiment, the distal end edge of the elongated portion 121 is provided with the protrusion 121a protruding toward the outer circumferential side of the distal end portion 40 (the direction away from the axis CL), i.e., toward the upward direction U. The protrusion 121a does not necessarily have to abut against the inner circumferential surface of the metal ring 41c, but it is preferable that the protrusion 121a abut against the inner circumferential surface of the metal ring 41c. The metal ring 41c constitutes a first separate member of the distal end portion 40 arranged on the outer circumferential side of the bracket 120.

[0052] The bracket 120 is supported by the bracket support member 110 at the position of the slit 110b by engagement between the slit 110b and the protrusions 121Lc and 121Rc. To facilitate engagement between the slit 110b and the protrusions 121Lc and 121Rc, it is preferable to make the width of the slit 110b in the circumferential direction of the bracket support member 110 slightly larger than the thickness of the tips 121Lce and 121Rce. In this case, the gap between the slit 110b and the tips 121Lce and 121Rce may cause a force to act on the bracket 120, tending to rotate it around the tips 121Lce and 121Rce as a fulcrum.

[0053] For example, in FIG. 11 , assume that the downward direction D coincides with the vertical direction. In this case, gravity acts in the downward direction D on the cable 72 supported by the bending portions 121L and 121R. At the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, the coaxial cables 58 of the cable 72 are exposed and are not individually constrained. For example, at the distal end of the cable 72 beyond the protrusions 121Rc and 121Lc, the coaxial cables 58 are exposed, and at the proximal end of the cable 72 beyond the protrusions 121Rc and 121Lc, the coaxial cables 58 are constrained by the outer sheath 72c. Therefore, the gravity that the bracket 120 receives from the cable 72 is relatively greater at the proximal end than at the distal end.

[0054] Therefore, when gravity acts on cable 72 in downward direction D, a greater gravity acts on the base end side of protrusions 121Rc, 121Lc of the portion of cable 72 supported by bracket 120 than on the tip end side of protrusions 121Rc, 121Lc. As a result, as shown by the thick curved arrow in Fig. 11, a rotational force F acts on bracket 120, moving the tip end side away from axis line CL and moving the base end side closer to axis line CL, about an axis that passes through slit 110b and extends in the left-right direction (synonymous with the short-side direction of bracket 120).

[0055] Furthermore, even if the width of slit 110b is made the same as the thickness of tips 121Lce and 121Rce, or even if the width of slit 110b is made slightly smaller than the thickness of tips 121Lce and 121Rce, a similar rotational force F may act on bracket 120 due to the dimensional tolerance of slit 110b and the dimensional tolerance of tip 121Lce, etc.

[0056] The bracket 120 has a protrusion 121a at its tip. Therefore, even if the above-described rotational force F acts on the bracket 120, the protrusion 121a abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the metal ring 41c, thereby restricting the base end side of the bracket 120 from approaching the axis CL. If the protrusion 121a were not present, the above-described rotational force F could cause the bracket 120 to rotate counterclockwise or in the opposite direction, depending on the attitude of the tip end portion 40. In contrast, in this embodiment, the protrusion 121a is provided to restrict the swinging of the bracket 120 relative to the bracket support member 110. This reduces the load on the cable 72, thereby improving durability and stabilizing the input and output of the ultrasonic transducer 48.

[0057] In this embodiment, bracket 120 is configured so that its width in the short side direction narrows toward its tip end. In this case, the rotational force F that can be generated on bracket 120 is likely to be large compared to when the width in the short side direction is uniform. However, the presence of protrusion 121a can restrict the swinging of bracket 120 due to this rotational force F. As a result, as described above, it is possible to reduce the weight of bracket 120 itself and increase the durability of cable 72 while ensuring space within tip end portion 40.

[0058] 11, the protruding portion 121a is provided on the tip edge of the long portion 121, but the position of the protruding portion 121a is not limited to this. The protruding portion 121a may be provided at a position on the tip side of the supported portion of the bracket 120 that is supported by the bracket support member 110 (i.e., tips 121Rce, 121Lce).

[0059] Furthermore, it is preferable that the positions of the supported portions (tips 121Rce, 121Lce) of bracket 120 are provided closer to the base end than the middle position in the longitudinal direction of bracket 120. This can reduce the above-mentioned rotational force F, thereby suppressing rotation of bracket 120. Therefore, in combination with protrusion 121a, swinging of bracket 120 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0060] So far, a configuration in which the protrusion 121a is provided on the bracket 120 has been described as an example of a restricting structure that restricts swinging of the bracket 120 relative to the bracket support member 110, but the restricting structure is not limited to this and various other configurations can be adopted. For example, swinging of the bracket 120 may be restricted by providing a hook extending in the upward direction U at the rear end of the long portion 121 of the bracket 120 and providing an engaging portion that engages with this hook on the base-end ring 41b. Note that this restricting structure is not essential and can be omitted.

[0061] In the explanation up to this point, the bracket 120 is supported by the bracket support member 110 by the engagement of a protrusion provided on the bracket 120 with a slit provided on the bracket support member 110. However, the bracket 120 may be supported by the bracket support member 110 by providing slits in the protrusions 121Rc, 121Lc of the bracket 120 and providing protrusions on the bracket support member 110 that engage with the slits.

[0062] The tip portion 40 preferably has a filler layer 160 filled at least around the exposed coaxial cable 58. Any filler may be used to form the filler layer 160 as long as it is non-conductive, such as epoxy resin or a silicone-based filler. Figure 12 is a diagram showing a preferred area in the tip portion 40 where the filler layer 160 is provided.

[0063] 12, the filler layer 160 fills a filling space SP1, which includes the gap between the flexible printed circuit board 56 and the base-side ring 41b, the gap between the outer surface of the metal ring 41c not covered by the flexible printed circuit board 56 and the base-side ring 41b, the gap between the bracket support member 110 and the cable 72 and bracket 120 in the first divided region AR1 shown in FIG. 10, and the gap between the bracket support member 110 and components inserted into the bracket support member 110 (such as the air / water supply channel 100) in the second divided region AR2. The filling space SP1 includes the space around the multiple coaxial cables 58 that are exposed and loose (the gap between the exposed portions of the coaxial cables 58 and the base-side ring 41b), and it is preferable that the filling layer 160 fills at least this space. By providing the filling layer 160 in this space, breakage of the coaxial cables 58 can be prevented.

[0064] It is preferable that the filling space SP1 also includes the space around the connection portion of the flexible printed circuit board 56 with the coaxial cable 58. By providing the filler layer 160 in this space as well, the connection between the flexible printed circuit board 56 and the coaxial cable 58 can be stabilized.

[0065] It is preferable that the filling space SP1 also includes the space around the bracket 120 on the distal side of the bracket support member 110. By providing the filling material layer 160 in this space as well, the posture of the bracket 120 can be stabilized through a synergistic effect with the above-mentioned restricting structure. The filling material layer 160 may also be filled in a filling space SP2 between the portion of the bracket 120 that protrudes from the bracket support member 110 toward the proximal end and the exterior body of the bending portion 42. In this way, the posture of the bracket 120 can be further stabilized. By filling the filling space SP1 and the filling space SP2 with the filling material layer 160, the position of the contents in the distal portion 40 can be stabilized and durability can be improved.

[0066] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a modified example of the tip portion 40 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. In the tip portion 40 shown in Fig. 13, the same components as those in the tip portion 40 shown in Figs. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the tip portion 40 shown in Fig. 13, the support portion formed of the bracket support member 110 and the bracket 120 in the tip portion 40 shown in Fig. 3 is replaced with a bracket 140. In this modified example, the bracket 140 forms the support portion that supports the tip portion of the cable 72.

[0067] 13, the light guide 80 includes a fiber body 82, a tube 84 that covers the fiber body 82, and a connecting pipe 83 connected to the tip of the tube 84. A tip 83A of the connecting pipe 83 is connected to an illumination window 87 provided on the tip surface 41as of the tip portion 40, and the tip 81 of the fiber body 82 is connected to the illumination window 87 via the connecting pipe 83.

[0068] The bracket 140 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the base-side ring 41b. The bracket 140 stably supports the tip portion 72A of the cable 72 on the tip portion 40. Examples of means for attaching the bracket 140 to the base-side ring 41b include adhesive, fastening members such as screws or bolts, and a fitting structure.

[0069] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the bracket 140. In Fig. 14, two light guides 80 and two cables 72 are respectively indicated by two-dot chain lines. As shown in Fig. 14, the bracket 140 has two abutment portions 142 and a connecting portion 144 that connects these abutment portions.

[0070] The connecting portion 144 is configured in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The connecting portion 144 is disposed so that its longitudinal axis direction is parallel to the axis line CL. A groove 148 for inserting contents is defined inside a wall portion 146 that constitutes the connecting portion 144 by the wall portion 146. The imaging cable 94, for example, is inserted into this groove 148.

[0071] The abutting portions 142 are portions that abut against and support the tip end portions 72A of the cables 72, and are formed integrally with the connecting portion 144. The abutting portions 142 protrude from both side surfaces of the connecting portion 144. The abutting portions 142 have support surfaces 150 that support the cables 72 and are formed in an arc shape that follows the outer circumferential surface of the cables 72. As a result, the two cables 72 are stably supported at the tip end portions 40 by the bracket 140 in a state where they abut against the support surfaces 150 of the abutting portions 142 that are formed in an arc shape.

[0072] The ultrasonic endoscope 12 has a cable 72, which means that it has more internal contents than other endoscopes (e.g., colonoscopes), and so the diameter of the insertion section 22 tends to be larger. On the other hand, the distal end surface 41as of the distal end portion 40 has the treatment tool outlet 76, observation window 78, illumination window 87, and cleaning nozzle 93 each disposed at an appropriate position in order to reduce the diameter of the insertion section 22.

[0073] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the respective positions of the tip portion 80A of the light guide 80, the tip portion 72A of the cable 72, and the abutment portion 142 when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the insertion portion 22.

[0074] 15 shows that distal end portion 72A of cable 72 and a portion of abutment portion 142 are arranged at positions overlapping at least a portion 80B of distal end portion 80A of light guide 80. In other words, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, distal end portion 80A of light guide 80 and distal end portion 72A of cable 72 are arranged at positions where they at least partially overlap each other. When such an arrangement is adopted, light guide 80 may be damaged for the following reasons.

[0075] When determining the placement positions of each of the contents in the internal space of the insertion section 22, there are cases where the position of the forceps channel having the largest outer diameter among the contents is first determined, and then positions for placing the contents such as the cable 72 and the light guide 80 in the remaining empty space are determined. In this case, since the ultrasonic transducer 46 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip section 40, the cable 72 is disposed in a position close to the inner peripheral surface of the tip section 40 to facilitate connection with the ultrasonic transducer 46. Then, the light guide 80 is disposed in a position closer to the axis CL than the position of the cable 72, taking into consideration the light distribution.

[0076] When the above-described arrangement is adopted, the arrangement is as shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating the respective regions of the distal end portion 80A and the main body portion 80C of the light guide 80. In this specification, as shown in Fig. 16, with the distal end 142A of the abutting portion 142 of the bracket 140 as a reference, the part of the light guide 80 arranged from the distal end 142A to the distal side (left side in Fig. 16) is referred to as the distal end portion 80A, and the part of the light guide 80 arranged from the distal end 142A to the proximal end side (right side in Fig. 16) is referred to as the main body portion 80C.

[0077] 16, the position of main body portion 80C needs to be offset with respect to illumination window 87. Note that even when only a portion of tip portion 72A of cable 72 is arranged at a position overlapping at least a portion of tip portion 80A of light guide 80, or when only a portion of abutment portion 142 is arranged, main body portion 80C of light guide 80 needs to be offset.

[0078] Fig. 17 shows an example of an offset configuration for offsetting the arrangement position of the main body portion 80C of the light guide 80. The offset configuration shown in Fig. 17 is a reference example of the offset configuration of a first embodiment, which will be described later.

[0079] 17, the tip portion 80A of the light guide 80 is curved with a large curvature, and an intermediate portion 80D between the tip portion 80A and the main body portion 80C is brought into contact with the tip 142A of the bracket 140, thereby offsetting the position of the main body portion 80C. Note that the tip 142A is not limited to the strict tip of the contact portion 142, but includes a region from the tip 142A to a position some distance away in the longitudinal direction of the contact portion 142.

[0080] When the offset configuration shown in FIG. 17 is employed, the intermediate portion 80D, which is a part of the light guide 80, rubs against the tip 142A, which may damage the light guide 80.

[0081] Therefore, in this modification, in order to avoid damage to the light guide 80 caused by the bracket 140, the offset configuration of the first embodiment described below is adopted.

[0082] First, before describing the offset configuration in detail, an outline of the offset configuration will be described. The offset configuration includes a pressing portion disposed inside the insertion portion 22, and the pressing portion has a pressing surface against which a pressed portion, which is part of the light guide 80, is pressed. When the pressed portion of the light guide 80 is pressed against the pressing surface of the pressing portion, the main body portion 80C of the light guide 80 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the abutment portion 142 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Such an offset configuration can prevent damage to the light guide 80 caused by the bracket 140. Below, a first embodiment of the offset configuration will be described in detail.

[0083] [Regarding the offset configuration of the first form] 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the metal ring 41c, the light guide 80, and the cable 72 extracted from the multiple components constituting the distal end portion 40 of FIG. 13 to explain the offset configuration of the first embodiment in detail. In the offset configuration of the first embodiment, the metal ring 41c has the pressing portion 130. In this configuration, the pressing portion 130 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 410B of the metal ring 41c.

[0084] 18 is configured in a tubular (preferably cylindrical) shape having an outer circumferential surface 410A and an inner circumferential surface 410B, supports the ultrasonic transducer 46 on the outer circumferential surface 410A, and has a pressing portion 130 on the inner circumferential surface 410B. The metal ring 41c forms a base member.

[0085] The pressing portion 130 has a pressing surface 132 against which a pressed portion 80E, which is a part of the light guide 80, is pressed. The pressing surface 132 is formed, for example, in a tapered shape inclined with respect to the axial direction. Specifically, the pressing surface 132 is formed in a tapered shape that starts from a midpoint 410E from the tip 410C of the metal ring 41c toward the base end 410D, and is inclined in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (direction D in FIG. 18 ) as it moves from the midpoint 410E toward the base end 410D. In addition, the inclination angle θ of the tapered pressing surface 132 with respect to the axis CL is set, for example, to an angle such that, when an extension line E (a virtual line in FIG. 18 ) of the pressing surface 132 along the slope of the pressing surface 132 is extended toward the base end of the metal ring 41c, the extension line E passes through a position spaced apart in the downward direction D from the tip 142A.

[0086] The pressed portion 80E, which is pressed against the pressing surface 132, is pressed against the pressing surface 132 when the light guide 80 is inserted and assembled from the distal end portion 40 toward the curved portion 42. As a result, the pressed portion 80E of the light guide 80 is gently curved with a small curvature along the tapered pressing surface 132, and the main body portion 80C of the light guide 80 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the abutting portion 142 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. As a result, by employing the offset configuration of the first form, damage to the light guide 80 caused by the bracket 140 can be avoided.

[0087] According to the offset configuration of the first form shown in Figure 18, the pressed portion 80E, which is part of the light guide 80, is gently curved with a small curvature inside the tip portion 40, so that the stress generated in the light guide 80 can be reduced compared to the offset configuration of the comparative example shown in Figure 17.

[0088] Furthermore, when the offset configuration of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 18 is adopted, the length in the axial direction of the tip portion 40 (hereinafter referred to as tip portion length) can be made shorter than when, for example, the offset configuration of the comparative example shown in Fig. 17 is adopted. This will be explained in detail below.

[0089] Compared to a normal endoscope (e.g., a colonoscope), the ultrasonic endoscope 12 has a longer distal end length due to the presence of the ultrasonic observation section 36. To improve the maneuverability (rotational performance) when inserting the insertion section 22 into the subject, it is preferable that the distal end length be as short as possible.

[0090] The distal end length is determined by the axial length of the base-side ring 41b. Furthermore, the above-mentioned length of the base-side ring 41b is determined by the position of the bracket 140 in the axial direction. In other words, by arranging the bracket 140 as close as possible to the distal end surface 41as of the distal end portion 40, the above-mentioned length of the base-side ring 41b can be shortened, and as a result, the distal end length can be shortened.

[0091] 17 is adopted, when an attempt is made to bring the bracket 140 closer to the distal end surface 41as, an already curved portion of the light guide 80 (a portion disposed on the distal end side of the bracket 140) is curved with an even greater curvature, causing bending damage to the light guide 80. For this reason, it is difficult to arrange the bracket 140 closer to the distal end surface 41as.

[0092] 18 is employed, the main body portion 80C of the light guide 80 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the bracket 140 in the downward direction D, so that the bracket 140 can be disposed on the distal end side up to a position immediately before it contacts the light guide 80. In other words, the bracket 140 can be disposed at a position close to the distal end surface 41as without causing bending damage to the light guide 80. As a result, the length of the distal end portion can be shortened.

[0093] 18 has a pressing surface 132 formed by a tapered plane, but the pressing surface 132 does not need to be flat and may be formed by a curved surface that bulges in the downward direction D, for example. In the example of FIG. 18, the pressing portion is provided on the metal ring 41c, but the position of the pressing portion is not limited to this. For example, the abutting portion 142 may be provided with a protruding piece formed by a first plate-shaped portion extending from its tip 142A in the downward direction D and a second plate-shaped portion extending from the first plate-shaped portion in the proximal direction B, and the second plate-shaped portion may be used as the pressing portion, with the lower surface of the second plate-shaped portion used as the pressing surface.

[0094] In this modification, it is also preferable to provide at least a filler layer 160 around the exposed coaxial cable 58. Figure 19 is a diagram showing a preferable range in which the filler layer 160 is provided in the tip portion 40 shown in Figure 13.

[0095] 19 , the filler layer 160 fills a filling space SP3, which includes the gap between the flexible printed circuit board 56 and the base-side ring 41b, the gap between the outer surface of the metal ring 41c not covered by the flexible printed circuit board 56 and the base-side ring 41b, the gap between the exposed coaxial cables 58 and the base-side ring 41b, and the gap between the bracket 140 and the base-side ring 41b. The filling space SP3 includes the space around the multiple coaxial cables 58 that are exposed and scattered (the gap between the exposed portions of the coaxial cables 58 and the base-side ring 41b), and it is preferable that the filling layer 160 fills at least this space. By providing the filling layer 160 in this space, breakage of the coaxial cables 58 and the like can be prevented.

[0096] It is preferable that the filling space SP3 also includes the space around the connection portion of the flexible printed circuit board 56 with the coaxial cable 58. By providing the filling material layer 160 in this space as well, it is possible to prevent poor connection between the flexible printed circuit board 56 and the coaxial cable 58, etc.

[0097] It is preferable that the filling space SP3 also includes the space around the bracket 140. By providing the filling material layer 160 in this space as well, the posture of the bracket 120 can be stabilized.

[0098] As explained above, this specification describes at least the following:

[0099] (1) a distal end portion including an annular ultrasonic transmitting / receiving portion; the tip portion has a cable connected to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit and a support portion that supports a tip side portion of the cable, the cable includes a signal cable electrically connected to an ultrasonic transducer included in the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit, and a covering member that bundles and covers the signal cables, and the signal cables are partially exposed at the tip side of the covering member; The tip portion of the ultrasonic endoscope has at least a filler layer filled around the exposed signal cable.

[0100] (2) The ultrasonic endoscope according to (1), the tip portion includes a substrate connected to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit, The ultrasonic endoscope further comprises a filler layer provided around a connection portion between the substrate and the signal cable.

[0101] (3) The ultrasonic endoscope according to (1) or (2), The ultrasonic endoscope further includes a filler layer provided around the support portion.

[0102] (4) An ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of (1) to (3), The support section includes a first support member and a second support member, and supports the cable by clamping the cable between the first support member and the second support member.

[0103] (5) The ultrasonic endoscope according to (4), the first support member has a pressing surface that presses the cable, The pressing surface has a curved shape that follows the shape of the cable.

[0104] (6) An ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of (1) to (3), an illumination window provided on a tip surface of the tip portion; a light guide for guiding illumination light to the illumination window; the support portion includes a bracket having an abutment portion that abuts against a tip end portion of the cable, a distal end portion of the cable or the abutment portion is disposed at a position overlapping or adjacent to at least a part of the distal end portion of the light guide when projected onto a plane intersecting the axial direction of the distal end portion, an ultrasonic endoscope including a pressing section disposed inside the tip section, the pressing section having a pressing surface against which a pressed section that is a part of the light guide is pressed, and wherein, by pressing the pressed section against the pressing surface, a section of the light guide that is located closer to the base end than the tip section is positioned at a position spaced apart from the abutment section in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

[0105] (7) (6) An ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention, a cylindrical base member having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface supporting the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit; The base member has the pressing portion on the inner circumferential surface.

[0106] (8) An ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of (1) to (3), The support portion of the ultrasonic endoscope includes a first support member that supports the cable and extends along the cable, a second support member that supports the first support member, and a restricting structure that restricts the swinging of the first support member relative to the second support member.

[0107] (9) (8) The ultrasonic endoscope according to (8), The first support member is provided with a protruding portion that protrudes toward a first separate member of the tip portion that is arranged on the outer circumferential side of the first support member at a position closer to the tip side than the supported portion supported by the second support member, The restriction structure is formed by the protrusion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10 Endoscopic device 12 Endoscopic Ultrasound 14 Ultrasonic processor 16. Endoscope processor unit 18 Light source device 20 monitors 21a Water tank 21b Suction pump 22 Insertion section 24 Control section 26 Universal Code 28a Air and water supply button 28b Suction button 29 Angle knob 30 Treatment tool insertion port 32a, 32b, 32c connectors 34a Air and water supply tube 34b Suction tube 36 Ultrasound Observation Department 38 Endoscopic optical observation unit 40 Tip 41a Tip parts 41b Base end ring 41c Metal Ring 41as Tip surface 42, 121L, 121R curved section 44 Soft part 46 Ultrasonic Transducer 48 Ultrasonic transducer 52 Electrode section 52a Individual electrode 52b Common electrode 54 Backing material layer 56 Flexible Printed Circuit Board 58 Coaxial Cable 58a core wire 58b First insulating layer 58c Shielding material 58d Second insulating layer 64 Acoustic matching layer 66 Acoustic Lens 72 Cable 72A,80A tip side part 72a Cable bundle 72b Shielding layer 72c outer skin 76 Treatment tool outlet 78 Observation window 80 Light Guide 80B part 80C main body part 80D middle part 80E Pressed part 81, 83A, 121Rce, 121Lce, 142A, 410C Tip 82 Fiber body 83 Connecting pipe 84 tubes 85 Observation Unit 86 Objective Lens Group 87 Lighting window 88 Prism 90 Image sensor 92 PCB 93 Cleaning nozzle 94 Imaging cable 100 air and water supply channels 110 Bracket support member 110a,144 Connection part 110b slit 120,140 bracket 121 Long section 121a Protrusion 121Rc,121Lc protrusion 130 Pressing part 132 Pressing surface 142 Contact part 146 Wall 148 Groove 150 Support surface 160 Filler layer 410A Outer surface 410B Inner surface 410D proximal end 410E Midway position SP1,SP2,SP3 Filling space AR1 1st divided area AR2 2nd divided area

Claims

1. a distal end portion including an annular ultrasonic transmitting / receiving portion; the distal end portion has a cable connected to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit and a support portion that supports a distal end portion of the cable, the cable includes a signal cable electrically connected to an ultrasonic transducer included in the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit, and a covering member that bundles and covers the signal cables, and the signal cables are partially exposed at the tip side of the covering member; The tip portion of the ultrasonic endoscope has at least a filler layer filled around the exposed signal cable.

2. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, the tip portion includes a substrate connected to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit, The ultrasonic endoscope further comprises a filler layer provided around a connection portion between the substrate and the signal cable.

3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, The ultrasonic endoscope further comprises a filler layer provided around the support portion.

4. 4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, The support portion includes a first support member and a second support member, and supports the cable by clamping the cable between the first support member and the second support member.

5. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 4, the first support member has a pressing surface that presses the cable, The pressing surface has a curved shape that follows the shape of the cable.

6. 4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, an illumination window provided on a tip surface of the tip portion; a light guide for guiding illumination light to the illumination window, the support portion includes a bracket having an abutment portion that abuts against a tip end portion of the cable, When projected onto a plane intersecting the axial direction of the tip portion, the tip portion of the cable or the abutment portion is arranged at a position overlapping or adjacent to at least a part of the tip portion of the light guide, an ultrasonic endoscope including a pressing section disposed inside the tip section, the pressing section having a pressing surface against which a pressed section that is a part of the light guide is pressed, the pressed section being pressed against the pressing surface, whereby a section of the light guide that is located closer to the base end than the tip section is positioned at a position spaced apart from the abutment section in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

7. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6, a cylindrical base member having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface supporting the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit; The base member has the pressing portion on the inner circumferential surface.

8. 4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, The support portion of the ultrasonic endoscope includes a first support member that supports the cable and extends along the cable, a second support member that supports the first support member, and a restricting structure that restricts the swinging of the first support member relative to the second support member.

9. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 8, The first support member is provided with a protruding portion that protrudes toward a first separate member of the tip portion that is arranged on an outer circumferential side of the first support member at a position further to the tip side than the supported portion that is supported by the second support member, The restriction structure is formed by the protrusion.

Images