Ultrasonic endoscope

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic endoscope capable of bringing an optical axis of an imaging part close to a direct viewing direction and capable of reducing a diameter of the endoscope.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic endoscope 1 includes: a tip 34 disposed on a tip side of an insertion part extending along a longitudinal axis direction; an ultrasonic transducer 50 provided at the tip 34 for emitting an ultrasonic wave toward one side in a first direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis direction; and an imaging part 300 arranged more on a proximal end side than the ultrasonic transducer 50. The tip 34 includes a first region 150 where the ultrasonic transducer 50 is provided, and a second region 160 disposed more on a proximal end side in the longitudinal axis direction than the first region 150 where the imaging part 300 is provided. A bottom surface part 54A of the first region 150 and a bottom surface part of the second region 160 are arranged on the other side opposite to the one side in the first direction. The bottom surface part 54A is arranged more on the other side in the first direction than the bottom surface part 112A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic endoscope, and more particularly to an ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic transducer at the tip of an insertion section. [Background technology]

[0002] Known ultrasonic endoscopes include those that have a convex ultrasonic transducer at the tip of an insertion section, and have a treatment tool outlet disposed on the proximal side of the ultrasonic transducer at the tip (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition to the ultrasonic transducer, the distal end of the insertion section is provided with an imaging section for observing the treatment target area and an illumination section for emitting illumination light toward the treatment target area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 179909 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a convex-type ultrasound endoscope, the imaging unit is configured as an oblique-viewing mirror positioned so that the optical axis is oriented obliquely relative to the insertion direction of the tip. In other words, since the insertion direction and the viewing direction (direction of the optical axis) do not match, it is easy to press the ultrasound endoscope against the subject. For this reason, a viewing direction that is close to direct vision is desired.

[0006] On the other hand, tilting the optical axis of the imaging unit in the direct viewing direction increases the proportion (area) of the ultrasound transducer reflected in the observation field of view (the so-called "vignetting" problem), making it difficult to insert the ultrasound endoscope. To avoid vignetting caused by the ultrasound transducer, it is possible to simply change the position of the ultrasound transducer to reduce the proportion (area) reflected in the observation field of view, but this would increase the diameter of the ultrasound endoscope.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope that can bring the optical axis of the imaging section closer to the direct viewing direction and that contributes to a reduction in diameter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The ultrasonic endoscope of the first embodiment comprises a tip portion arranged at the tip side of an insertion portion extending along the longitudinal axis direction, an ultrasonic transducer provided at the tip portion and emitting ultrasonic waves toward one side in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction, and an imaging unit arranged on the base end side in the longitudinal axis direction relative to the ultrasonic transducer and imaging a subject, wherein the tip portion has a first region in which the ultrasonic transducer is provided, and a second region arranged on the base end side in the longitudinal axis direction relative to the first region and in which the imaging unit is provided, and a first bottom surface portion of the first region and a second bottom surface portion of the second region are each arranged on the other side opposite to the one side in the first direction, and the first bottom surface portion is arranged on the other side in the first direction relative to the second bottom surface portion.

[0009] In the second aspect of the ultrasonic endoscope, when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis direction and the first direction, the angle formed between the first central axis of the first region and the second central axis of the second region is 1 degree or less.

[0010] The ultrasonic endoscope of the third aspect is the second aspect, wherein when viewed from the second direction, the angle formed between the plane direction of the first bottom surface portion and the longitudinal axis direction is 1 degree or less.

[0011] The ultrasonic endoscope of the fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, in which the tip portion has a balloon groove provided between the first region and the second region for attaching a balloon covering the ultrasonic transducer.

[0012] In the ultrasonic endoscope of the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the groove region of the balloon groove on the other side in the first direction is composed of a pair of groove side portions facing each other in the longitudinal axis direction, and of the pair of groove side portions, one first groove side portion is provided on the base end side in the longitudinal axis direction of the first region, and the other second groove side portion is provided on the tip end side in the longitudinal axis direction of the second region, and the first groove side portion is formed to extend further on the other side in the first direction than the second groove side portion.

[0013] The ultrasonic endoscope of a sixth aspect is the ultrasonic endoscope of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the second section has a stand unit in which a stand is rotatably provided.

[0014] The ultrasonic endoscope of a seventh aspect is the sixth aspect, wherein the elevator unit has an elevator and a case member that defines a space for accommodating the elevator.

[0015] An ultrasonic endoscope according to an eighth aspect is the seventh aspect, wherein the case member has a treatment tool outlet opening into the space, and the case member is provided with a pipe member communicating with the treatment tool outlet.

[0016] The ultrasonic endoscope of the ninth aspect is the same as that of the eighth aspect, and is provided with an imaging unit housing section that houses an imaging unit, and is positioned so that at least a portion of the imaging unit housing section overlaps with the stand unit when viewed from a first direction.

[0017] The ultrasonic endoscope of the 10th aspect is the 9th aspect, wherein at least a portion of the imaging unit accommodating section is positioned so as to overlap with the pipe member when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis direction and the first direction.

[0018] In the ultrasonic endoscope of the 11th aspect, in the 9th or 10th aspect, when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis direction and the first direction, the most end position of the imaging unit accommodating section on the other side of the first direction is located on the other side of the first direction than the most end position of the pipe member on one side of the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to bring the optical axis of the imaging unit closer to the direct viewing direction and to reduce the diameter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tip portion of the ultrasonic endoscope shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the optical axis of the imaging unit and the observation field range. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the tip member. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a preferred configuration of the tip member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the balloon groove. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the imaging unit and the platform unit as viewed from the Z(+) direction side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the imaging unit and the second duct member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] [Overall configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope (hereinafter abbreviated as "endoscope") 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] 1, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment includes an operation section 10 that is held by an operator to perform various operations, an insertion section 12 that is inserted into a patient's body cavity, and a universal cord 14. The endoscope 1 is connected via the universal cord 14 to a system configuration device that includes a processor device and a light source device (not shown).

[0024] The operation unit 10 is provided with various operation members that are operated by the surgeon, such as a pair of angle knobs 16, a standing operation lever 18, an air / water supply button 20, and a suction button 22.

[0025] The operation section 10 is provided with a treatment tool introduction port 24 on its distal end side. The treatment tool introduced through the treatment tool introduction port 24 is inserted into a treatment tool insertion channel that is inserted inside the insertion section 12.

[0026] The insertion section 12 extends from the tip of the operating section 10 along the longitudinal axis, and is configured to be thin and long overall. The insertion section 12 has, in order from the base end to the tip end, a flexible section 30, a bending section 32, and a tip section 34. The insertion section 12 is an example of the insertion section of the present invention, and the tip section 34 is an example of the tip section of the present invention.

[0027] The flexible section 30 occupies the majority of the proximal end side of the insertion section 12 and has flexibility that allows it to bend in any direction. When the insertion section 12 is inserted into a body cavity, the flexible section 30 bends along the insertion path within the body cavity.

[0028] The bending portion 32 bends up and down and left and right by rotating the pair of angle knobs 16 of the operation unit 10. By bending the bending portion 32, the distal end 34 can be directed in a desired direction.

[0029] The tip section 34 is equipped with a tip member 36 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later. The tip member 36 is disposed on the tip side of the insertion section 12. The tip member 36 has an ultrasonic observation section 100 on its tip side and an endoscopic observation section 110 on the base end side of the ultrasonic observation section 100.

[0030] 1 contains internal components such as an ultrasound cable, an electric cable, a light guide, and a fluid tube. A connector is provided at an end (not shown) of the universal cord 14, and by connecting this connector to the above-mentioned system configuration device, control signals, power, illumination light, liquid, gas, and the like required for operating the endoscope 1 are supplied from the system configuration device to the endoscope 1. In addition to the above-mentioned internal components, the insertion section 12 also has internal components such as a treatment tool insertion channel, a bending operation wire, and a standing table operation wire inserted therein.

[0031] Ultrasound image data and endoscopic image data acquired by the endoscope 1 (ultrasound observation section 100 and endoscopic observation section 110) are transmitted to the system component device from the endoscope 1. Each piece of data transmitted to the system component device is processed by the system component device and displayed on a monitor (not shown) as an endoscopic image and an ultrasound image, respectively.

[0032] Next, the configuration of the tip portion 34 (tip member 36) will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the tip member 36, and shows a state in which a stand 70 (described later) is positioned in a laid-down position.

[0033] Hereinafter, when describing the configuration of each part of the distal end member 36, for convenience of explanation, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system of X, Y, and Z will be used. The Z direction in the drawing indicates the up-down direction, with the Z(+) direction side indicating the upper side and the Z(-) direction side indicating the lower side. The X direction in the drawing indicates a direction perpendicular to the Z direction, with the X(+) direction side indicating the left side and the X(-) direction side indicating the right side. The Y direction in the drawing indicates a direction perpendicular to both the Z direction and the X direction, with the Y(+) direction side indicating the distal end side and the Y(-) direction side indicating the proximal end side. Note that each of the above directions refers to the direction when the distal end member 36 is viewed from the distal end side, with the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving surface 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 50 (described later) facing upward.

[0034] The Y direction corresponds to the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion of the present invention. The Z direction corresponds to the first direction of the present invention, with the Z(+) direction side corresponding to one side of the first direction of the present invention and the Z(-) direction side corresponding to the other side of the first direction of the present invention. The X direction, which is perpendicular to both the Y direction (longitudinal axis direction) and the Z direction (first direction), corresponds to the second direction of the present invention.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end member 36 has an ultrasonic observation section 100 and an endoscopic observation section 110 on the Y(-) direction side (proximal end side) of the ultrasonic observation section 100.

[0036] The ultrasonic observation unit 100 and the endoscopic observation unit 110 are connected to each other via a balloon groove 120 formed between the ultrasonic observation unit 100 and the endoscopic observation unit 110. A balloon covering the ultrasonic transducer 50 is attached to this balloon groove 120. The balloon groove 120 is formed over the entire circumferential direction around the Y direction (longitudinal axis direction). The balloon groove 120 is an example of a balloon groove of the present invention.

[0037] The ultrasonic observation unit 100 has an ultrasonic transducer 50 , which is held in a housing 54 .

[0038] The ultrasonic transducer 50 is a convex type in which multiple ultrasonic vibrators are arranged in an arc shape along the Y direction (longitudinal axis direction). The upper surface (surface on the Z(+) direction side) of the ultrasonic transducer 50 is configured as an ultrasonic transmission / reception surface 52, and ultrasonic waves are emitted from this ultrasonic transmission / reception surface 52 toward the Z(+) direction side (one side in the first direction). Specifically, when viewed from the X direction, ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface 52 (multiple ultrasonic vibrators) are scanned in a fan shape (convex scanning) from diagonally rearward (Y(-) direction side and Z(+) direction side) to diagonally forward (Y(+) direction side and Z(+) direction side). The emission direction of the ultrasonic waves scanned in this way includes at least a component in the Z(+) direction side. It is sufficient that the emission direction of most of the ultrasonic waves to be scanned includes a component in the Z(+) direction, and it is also possible that the emission direction of some of the ultrasonic waves does not include a component in the Z(+) direction (for example, when it is in the Y(+) direction or when it is a direction including a component in the Z(-) direction). Data for generating an ultrasonic image is acquired by the ultrasonic transducer 50 configured in this manner. The ultrasonic transducer 50 is provided at the tip 34 and is an example of the ultrasonic transducer of the present invention.

[0039] The endoscopic observation section 110 has a substantially cylindrical main body member 112. This main body member 112 is made of an insulating material, such as a resin material including plastics such as methacrylic resin, polyphenylsulfone resin, polyetherimide resin, polyetheretherketone resin, and polycarbonate.

[0040] The main body member 112 has an observation window 40 for observing the inside of the subject, illumination windows 42A and 42B for illuminating the inside of the subject, and an air / water nozzle 44 for cleaning the observation window 40 etc. The observation window 40 is disposed on the Y(-) direction side (proximal end side) of the stand 70.

[0041] The main body member 112 has a stand-up platform housing section 60 that houses the stand-up platform 70. The stand-up platform housing section 60 has an opening 46 that is rectangular in plan view from the Z(+) direction. The opening 46 is formed in the main body member 112 and opens toward the Z(+) direction. In this embodiment, the opening direction of the opening 46 is a direction that includes only a Z(+) direction component when viewed from the X direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the XY plane). Note that the opening direction of the opening 46 may be any direction that includes at least a Z(+) direction component, and may be, for example, a direction diagonally forward when viewed from the X direction (i.e., a direction that includes both Z(+) and Y(+) direction components).

[0042] A treatment tool such as a puncture needle is led out of the distal end member 36 through the opening 46. This treatment tool is led out toward the ultrasonic scanning range of the ultrasonic transducer 50. In addition, a stand housing section 60 is provided on the Z(-) direction side (lower side) of the opening 46.

[0043] A treatment tool outlet 62 communicating with the standing table accommodation space 61 of the standing table accommodation section 60 is provided on the Y(-) direction side (proximal end side) of the standing table accommodation section 60. The treatment tool outlet 62 communicates with the treatment tool introduction port 24 of the operation section 10 via a treatment tool insertion channel inserted through the insertion section 12 (see FIG. 1). As a result, the treatment tool introduced from the treatment tool introduction port 24 is guided from the treatment tool outlet 62 to the standing table accommodation space 61 via the treatment tool insertion channel.

[0044] The stand 70 is accommodated in the stand accommodation space 61 of the stand accommodation unit 60. The stand 70 is disposed on the Y(-) direction side of the ultrasonic transducer 50. The stand 70 is rotatable about a rotation shaft 72 disposed along the X direction, and is rotated between an upright position and a lying position. The upright position refers to the position of the stand 70 when the tip end side of the stand 70 (the side opposite the rotation shaft 72) moves to the end position on the Y(-) direction side within the rotatable range of the stand 70 (i.e., the position where the stand 70 stands up facing the Z(+) direction). The lying position refers to the position of the stand 70 when the tip end side of the stand 70 moves to the end position on the Y(+) direction side within the rotatable range of the stand 70 (i.e., the position where the stand 70 is lying down facing the Y(+) direction).

[0045] The stand 70 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, and has a treatment tool guide surface 70B on its upper surface. The treatment tool introduced into the stand housing section 60 is guided along the treatment tool guide surface 70B and is led out through the opening 46 of the stand housing section 60 to the outside.

[0046] The elevator 70 configured in this manner moves (raises and lowers) between an upright position and a reclined position around the pivot 72 when the elevator operation lever 18 (see FIG. 1) is operated. For example, by operating the elevator operation lever 18 to move the elevator 70 and adjust the angle of the elevator 70 from the reclined position, it is possible to change the direction (angle of ejection) of the treatment tool guided by the treatment tool guiding surface 70B of the elevator 70 and ejected from the opening 46. The main body member 112 is provided with an elevator unit, which will be described later. The elevator unit is a unit formed by integrating multiple components (such as the elevator 70 and the case member 402) that constitute the elevator storage section 60.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the illumination windows 42A and 42B are respectively arranged on the illumination window arrangement surfaces 36A and 36B provided on the main body member 112. Light emitting portions constituting the illumination unit are housed inside the illumination windows 42A and 42B. These light emitting portions are respectively connected to a light source device via a light guide. Illumination light transmitted from the light source device via the light guide is irradiated from the respective light emitting portions to the treatment target site via the illumination windows 42A and 42B.

[0048] The observation window 40 is disposed on the observation window placement surface 36C provided on the main body member 112. An imaging system unit having an imaging optical system, a solid-state imaging element, a circuit board, and a signal cable that constitute the imaging section (camera section) is housed inside the observation window 40. The observation window 40 and the imaging system unit constitute the imaging section. As a result, light (reflected light) from the treatment target area (subject) illuminated by the illumination windows 42A and 42B is taken in through the observation window 40, and the light is imaged as an observation image on the solid-state imaging element via the imaging optical system. Data for generating an endoscopic image is acquired by this imaging section.

[0049] The air and water nozzle 44 is arranged on a nozzle arrangement surface 36D provided on the main body member 112. When the air and water button 20 (see FIG. 1) is operated, a cleaning liquid such as water or air (fluid) is sprayed from the air and water nozzle 44 toward the observation window 40, etc., to clean the observation window 40, etc.

[0050] <Description of the Ultrasonic Endoscope of the Present Disclosure> Next, the principle applied to the ultrasonic endoscope according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram of the distal end member 36 of the endoscope 1 as a model, viewed from the X(-) direction, and compares a case in which the imaging unit has an optical axis 200A (comparative example) with a case in which the imaging unit has an optical axis 210A that is tilted at a different angle from the optical axis 200A (embodiment). As shown in Fig. 3, the distal end member 36 includes an ultrasonic observation unit 100 and an endoscopic observation unit 110.

[0051] Here, the optical axis (200A or 210A) of the imaging unit corresponds to the optical axis of the observation window 40 and is a straight line that passes through the center of the observation window 40 and extends in the normal direction to the surface of the observation window 40. In the following, when viewed from the X(-) direction, the angle (tilt angle) between the optical axis (200A or 210A) of the imaging unit and a reference axis L parallel to the Y direction is referred to as the "field of view angle," and the direction indicated by the optical axis is referred to as the "field of view direction." The observation field of view range (200B or 210B) of the imaging unit (observation window 40) is a range having a certain width centered on the respective optical axis (200A or 210A), and both observation field of view ranges are assumed to be of the same width. For example, the observation field of view range 200B corresponding to the optical axis 200A of the imaging unit is a sector-shaped range surrounded by a first end 200C on one side and a second end 200D on the other side of the optical axis 200A.

[0052] However, when an imaging section having an optical axis 200A as shown in FIG. 3 is applied, the ultrasonic endoscope 1 has the following characteristics or problems.

[0053] First, the ultrasound transmitting / receiving surface 52 of the ultrasound observation unit 100 is configured as a curved surface that is convex toward the Z(+) direction (upward) when viewed from the X(-) direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, in an imaging unit having an optical axis 200A, the ultrasound observation unit 100 is reflected in its observation field of view range 200B. The range in which the ultrasound observation unit 100 is reflected is the range surrounded by the second end 200D and a tangent line 200E. Here, the tangent line 200E is a straight line that passes through the center of the observation window 40 and is tangent to the ultrasound transmitting / receiving surface 52.

[0054] Second, the field of view direction of the imaging unit (the direction indicated by the optical axis 200A) does not match the insertion direction ID (Y direction) of the endoscope 1. That is, the optical axis 200A of the imaging unit is tilted by the field of view angle θ1 with respect to the insertion direction ID. Therefore, when the surgeon inserts the endoscope 1 while viewing the endoscopic image, it becomes easier for the surgeon to press the ultrasound observation unit 100 against the subject.

[0055] Therefore, in the endoscope 1, it is required to bring the field of view of the imaging unit closer to direct vision, that is, to reduce the field of view angle, which is the tilt angle of the optical axis 200A. To bring the field of view of the imaging unit closer to direct vision, it is possible to change the imaging unit (observation window 40) to one having an optical axis 210A with a smaller field of view angle (tilt angle with respect to the reference axis L described above) than the optical axis 200A, as shown in FIG. 3 . That is, the field of view angle θ2 of the changed optical axis 210A is smaller than the field of view angle θ1 of the original optical axis 200A by a difference Δθ. The observation field of view range 210B with the changed optical axis 210A and the observation field of view range 200B with the original optical axis 200A differ only in tilt around the X direction and have the same range. Note that the observation field of view range 210B is the range enclosed by a first end 210C on one side and a second end 210D on the other side of the optical axis 210A. This allows the imaging section (observation window 40) having the optical axis 210A to be viewed more directly.

[0056] On the other hand, simply changing the field of view direction (direction of the optical axis) in the imaging unit as described above may result in the range in which the ultrasound observation unit 100 is reflected in the observation field of view range 210B (the range surrounded by the tangent line 210E and the second end 210D) becoming relatively larger as the field of view direction is changed, which raises the concern that an endoscopic image of the desired range (the range including the treatment target area) that is actually required may not be obtained.

[0057] In consideration of the above concerns, the inventors have considered making the range in which the ultrasound observation unit 100 is reflected in the observation field of view range 210B after changing the field of view direction in the imaging unit equal to the range in which the ultrasound observation unit 100 is reflected in the observation field of view range 200B before changing the field of view direction, and have arrived at the present invention.

[0058] The field of view angle θ2 of the optical axis 210A after the change in the field of view direction is tilted by a difference Δθ from the optical axis 200A before the change in the field of view direction due to the change in the field of view direction of the imaging unit being closer to direct vision. Therefore, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic observation unit 100 is positioned at a position shifted toward the Z(-) direction by an amount corresponding to this difference Δθ. In this case, the angle formed between the tangent 210F (a straight line passing through the center of the observation window 40 and tangent to the ultrasound transmitting / receiving surface 52) to the ultrasonic observation unit 100 after the shift in the Z(-) direction and the tangent 210E before the shift in the Z(-) direction is the difference Δθ. As a result, the ultrasonic observation unit 100 reflected in the observation field of view range 210B after the change in the field of view direction becomes equivalent to the range of the ultrasonic observation unit 100 reflected in the observation field of view range 200B before the change in the field of view direction. In other words, the reflection range of the ultrasonic observation unit 100 can be kept constant.

[0059] Another possible method for shifting the ultrasonic observation unit 100 toward the Z(-) direction is to enlarge both the ultrasonic observation unit 100 and the endoscopic observation unit 110 as a whole toward the Z(-) direction and lower the position of the ultrasonic observation unit 100 toward the Z(-) direction. However, if such a configuration is adopted, the diameter of the endoscopic observation unit 110 also increases by the amount of expansion toward the Z(-) direction, which increases the overall diameter of the tip portion including the tip member 36. In contrast, in this embodiment, by shifting only the ultrasonic observation unit 100 toward the Z(-) direction, it is possible to avoid an increase in the diameter of the tip portion.

[0060] <Embodiment> The distal end member 36 of the endoscope 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail below. Fig. 4 is a side view of the distal end member 36 as viewed from the X(-) direction. As shown in Fig. 4, the distal end member 36 has a first region 150 having an ultrasound observation section 100, and a second region 160 having an endoscopic observation section 110. The second region 160 is disposed on the Y(-) direction side (proximal end side) of the first region 150. The first region 150 and the second region 160 are examples of the first region and the second region of the present invention, respectively.

[0061] The ultrasound observation section 100 has a housing 54, and the housing 54 has a bottom surface 54A on the Z(-) direction side. The endoscopic observation section 110 has a main body member 112, and the main body member 112 has a bottom surface 112A on the Z(-) direction side. The bottom surface 54A is an example of a first bottom surface of the first region of the present invention, and the bottom surface 112A is an example of a second bottom surface of the second region of the present invention.

[0062] The optical axis 210A of the imaging unit is tilted in the direct viewing direction (toward the Y(+) direction) by a difference Δθ with respect to the field of view angle θ1 (the tilt angle of the optical axis 200A with respect to the reference axis L) of the imaging unit in the comparative example described above, and the field of view angle θ2 is (θ1 - Δθ). In response to this difference Δθ, only the ultrasonic observation unit 100 of the ultrasonic observation unit 100 and the endoscopic observation unit 110 is shifted by a predetermined distance Δh toward the Z(-) direction so that the tangent to the ultrasound transmitting / receiving surface 52 changes from the state indicated by reference numeral 210E to the state indicated by reference numeral 210F. The angle between the tangent 210F and the tangent 210E is the difference Δθ. By shifting only the ultrasonic observation unit 100 toward the Z(-) direction in this manner, the bottom surface 54A in the first region 150 is positioned toward the Z(-) direction by Δh1 with respect to the bottom surface 112A in the second region 160.

[0063] According to this embodiment, by adopting the above-described arrangement, the bottom surface 112A in the second region 160 is located Δh1 toward the Z(+) direction from the bottom surface 54A in the first region 150, thereby avoiding an increase in the diameter of the second region 160 including the endoscopic observation section 110. This makes it possible to keep the range of the ultrasound observation section 100 reflected in the observation field of view constant without increasing the diameter of the tip portion 34.

[0064] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the field of view direction in the imaging unit can be made closer to direct vision. The field of view angle θ2 of the optical axis 210A of the imaging 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 that the ultrasound observation unit 100 can be shifted in the Z(-) direction, the field of view angle θ2 is preferably 15 degrees or more, and more preferably 20 degrees or more.

[0065] <Preferred form> Next, some preferred embodiments of the tip member 36 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0066] <Arrangement Relationship Between First Region 150 and Second Region 160> Fig. 5 is a view of the tip member 36 as viewed from the X(-) direction. As shown in Fig. 5, the first region 150 including the ultrasound observation section 100 and the second region 160 including the endoscopic observation section 110 are arranged with the balloon groove 120 sandwiched between them. As described above, the bottom surface 54A of the first region 150 is located on the Z(-) direction side of the bottom surface 112A of the second region 160. A preferred positional relationship between the first region 150 and the second region 160 will be described based on their respective central axes 150A and 160A.

[0067] Here, the central axis 150A is a line passing through the center between the bottom surface portion 54A and the highest point (height direction) of the ultrasound transmitting / receiving surface 52, and is a line parallel to the planar direction SD1 of the bottom surface portion 54A. Furthermore, the central axis 160A is a line passing through the center between the bottom surface portion 112A and the highest point (height direction) of the main body member 112, and is a line parallel to the planar direction SD2 of the bottom surface portion 112A. The 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, respectively, of the present invention.

[0068] In the tip portion 34, the angle formed between the central axis 150A of the first region 150 and the central axis 160A of the second region 160 is preferably 1 degree or less. By setting the angle to 1 degree or less, when the tip portion 34 is inserted into a body cavity, it is possible to prevent the first region 150 including the ultrasound observation unit 100 from being pressed against the wall of the body cavity.

[0069] VA, VB, and VC in Fig. 5 show examples of angles formed between central axis 150A and central axis 160A, and each angle is different. In Fig. 5, the angle is defined as the angle of central axis 150A relative to central axis 160A, with central axis 160A assumed to be parallel to the Y direction.

[0070] 5, the central axes 150A and 160A are parallel to the Y direction. In this configuration, the angle formed between the central axes 150A and 160A is 0 degrees.

[0071] 5VB, the central axis 150A is tilted with respect to the Y direction, with the Y(+) side being lower in the Z direction than the Y(-) side. In this configuration, the angle of the central axis 150A with respect to the central axis 160A is 1 degree.

[0072] 5, central axis 150A is tilted with respect to the Y direction, with the Y(+) side being higher in the Z direction than the Y(-) side. In this configuration, the angle of central axis 150A with respect to central axis 160A is 1 degree.

[0073] In all of VA, VB, and VC in FIG. 5, the angle formed between the central axis 150A and the central axis 160A is 1 degree or less.

[0074] Next, a preferred relationship between the insertion direction ID and the surface direction SD1 of the bottom surface portion 54A will be described. The insertion direction ID is the direction in which the tip portion 34 is inserted into the body cavity. The surface direction SD1 of the bottom surface portion 54A extends along the Y direction, as indicated by the arrow. It is preferred that the angle formed between this insertion direction ID and the surface direction SD1 of the bottom surface portion 54A be 1 degree or less. By setting the angle to 1 degree or less, it is possible to prevent the ultrasound transmitting / receiving surface 52 or the bottom surface portion 54A from being pressed against the wall of the body cavity when the tip portion 34 is inserted into the body cavity.

[0075] 5, the angle formed between the insertion direction ID and the surface direction SD1 of the bottom surface portion 54A is 1 degree or less. Although Fig. 5 illustrates an example in which the central axis 150A and the surface direction SD1 of the bottom surface portion 54A are parallel, the central axis 150A and the surface direction SD1 of the bottom surface portion 54A do not have to be parallel.

[0076] <Balloon Groove 120> Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the balloon groove 120 shown in Fig. 4 as viewed from the X(-) direction. As shown in Fig. 6, the groove region 122 on the Z(-) direction side of the balloon groove 120 is composed of a pair of groove side surfaces 124, 126 facing each other in the Y direction. Of the pair of groove side surfaces 124, 126, the groove side surface 124 is provided on the Y(-) direction side (base end side) of the first region 150, and the groove side surface 126 is provided on the Y(+) direction side (tip end side) of the second region 160, with the groove side surface 124 extending further in the Z(-) direction than the groove side surface 126. The groove side surface 124 and the groove side surface 126 are examples of the first groove side surface and the second groove side surface of the present invention, respectively.

[0077] When attaching the balloon to the tip portion 34, in the convex endoscope 1, the ultrasound transmitting / receiving surface 52 is configured as a surface that curves toward the Z(+) direction (upper side), so the depth of the upper side of the balloon groove 120 does not affect the attachment of the balloon. On the other hand, the bottom surface portion 54A on the Z(-) direction side (lower side) of the housing 54 is configured as a substantially flat surface, so the depth of the lower side of the balloon groove 120 is shallow, making it difficult to attach the balloon.

[0078] However, in this example, by arranging the bottom surface portion 54A on the Z(-) side of the bottom surface portion 112A, the groove side surface portion 124 can be extended further in the Z(-) direction than the groove side surface portion 126. This allows the depth D of the balloon groove 120 on the Z(-) side to be deeper, improving the ease of attaching the balloon.

[0079] <Arrangement Relationship Between the Imaging Unit 300 and the Stand Unit 400> 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the imaging unit 300 and the elevator unit 400, as viewed from the Z(+) direction. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the imaging unit 300 and the second duct member 408.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 7, in the second area 160, the imaging section 300 and the platform unit 400 are arranged.

[0081] First, the imaging unit 300 will be described. The imaging unit 300 comprises, in order from the Y(+) direction side to the Y(-) direction side, a lens barrel 302 including an observation window 40, a large-diameter portion 304, and a signal cable 306. The lens barrel 302 is a cylindrical member whose width in the X direction is narrower than the large-diameter portion 304 (described later), and contains an imaging lens therein for capturing an image of an object to be observed. The configuration of the imaging lens is not particularly limited. The large-diameter portion 304 is a portion whose width in the X direction is wider than the lens barrel 302. The large-diameter portion 304 contains a prism, a solid-state imaging element, and a circuit board therein. The signal cable 306 is electrically connected to the solid-state imaging element via the circuit board. The signal cable 306 is, for example, formed by bundling a large number of signal wires and is flexible.

[0082] The second area 160 has a holder 308 that houses the imaging unit 300. The holder 308 houses and protects the lens barrel 302, the large diameter portion 304, and the signal cable 306. The holder 308 may house the lens barrel 302, the large diameter portion 304, and part of the signal cable 306.

[0083] Holder 308 is formed by bending a single elongated metal plate. For example, holder 308 has a U-shape in cross section in the XZ plane, with a bottom extending along the Y direction and wall portions extending from both edges of the bottom toward the Z(+) direction. When viewed from the X(-) direction, holder 308 has a V-shape that widens toward the Z(+) direction, extending along lens barrel 302 and signal cable 306. Bent portion 310 of V-shaped holder 308 is located at the furthest end of holder 308 in the Z(-) direction. Holder 308 is an example of an imaging unit housing portion of the present invention. Bent portion 310 is an example of a position closest to the end on the other side of the first direction of the present invention.

[0084] Next, the raising platform unit 400 will be described. When viewed from the Z(+) direction, the raising platform unit 400 is located on the X(+) direction side of the imaging unit 300. The raising platform unit 400 has a raising platform 70 and a case member 402. The case member 402 is made of, for example, a corrosion-resistant metal material. The raising platform 70 is rotatably mounted on the case member 402. The case member 402 has a side wall 404, and the side wall 404 houses a lever (not shown) to which an operating wire is connected. The lever and the raising platform 70 are connected via a rotation shaft 72. The lever rotates the raising platform 70 around the rotation shaft 72 in response to operation of the raising operation lever 18.

[0085] The elevator housing space 61 (see FIG. 2) of the elevator housing section 60 is defined by a case member 402. The case member 402 is provided with a treatment tool outlet 62 that communicates with the elevator housing space 61. The case member 402 is provided with a first duct member 406 and a second duct member 408 that form a treatment tool insertion channel on the Y(-) direction side (base end side) thereof. The Y(+) direction side (distal end side) end of the second duct member 408 is externally fitted to the Y(-) direction side (base end side) end of the first duct member 406, thereby connecting the two. As a result, the second duct member 408 communicates with the treatment tool outlet 62 via the first duct member 406. Note that an upper surface 410 on the Z(+) direction side of the second duct member 408 is located at the end-most position on one side in the first direction. The elevator unit 400, the case member 402, and the second pipe member 408 are examples of the elevator unit, the case member, and the pipe member of the present invention. The elevator storage space 61 is an example of a space portion of the present invention.

[0086] 7, when viewed from the Z(+) direction, at least a portion of the holder 308 is positioned so as to overlap with the elevator unit 400. The holder 308 is also positioned on the Z(+) direction side of the elevator unit 400. This allows the width of the second region 160 of the endoscopic observation section 110 in the X direction to be narrowed, and the diameter of the tip member 36 to be reduced.

[0087] 8, when viewed from the X(-) direction, the bent portion 310 of the holder 308 is positioned on the Z(-) direction side of the upper surface of the second duct member 408. By moving the observation window 40 closer to the Z(-) direction using the bent portion 310 as a fulcrum, the viewing direction (direction of the optical axis 210A) of the imaging unit 300 can be made closer to the straight-through direction. Furthermore, because the base end side of the imaging unit 300 faces the Z(+) direction, interference with the second duct member 408 can be avoided, the width of the endoscopic observation unit 110 in the Z direction can be narrowed, and the diameter of the tip member 36 can be made thinner.

[0088] The ultrasonic endoscope according to this embodiment has been described above, but the present invention may be improved or modified in several ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Ultrasound endoscope 10 Control section 12 Insertion section 14 Universal Code 16 Angle knob 18 Standing operation lever 20 Air and water supply button 22 Suction button 24 Treatment tool introduction port 30 Soft part 32 Curved section 34 Tip 36 Tip member 36A Lighting window arrangement surface 36B Lighting window arrangement surface 36C Observation window arrangement surface 36D Nozzle arrangement surface 42A Lighting window 42B Lighting window 44 Air and water supply nozzle 46 Aperture 50 Ultrasonic Transducer 52 ultrasonic transmitting and receiving surface 54 Housing 54A Bottom part 60 Standing platform storage area 62 Treatment tool outlet 70 Standing platform 70B Treatment tool guide surface 72 Rotating shaft 100 Ultrasound observation section 110 Endoscopic observation section 112 Main body member 112A Bottom part 120 Balloon Groove 122 Groove area 124 Groove side part 126 Groove side part 150 1st area 150A center shaft 160 Second area 160A center axis 200A optical axis 200B Observation field range 200C 1st end 200D 2nd end 200E Tangent 210A optical axis 210B Observation field range 210C 1st end 210D 2nd end 210E Tangent 210F tangent 300 Imaging unit 302 Lens barrel 304 Large diameter part 306 Signal Cable 308 Holder 310 Bend 400 Standing Unit 402 Case material 404 Side wall 406 First Pipe Member 408 Second Pipe Member 410 Top

Claims

1. a distal end portion disposed at a distal end side of the insertion portion extending along the longitudinal axis; an ultrasonic transducer provided at the tip portion and configured to emit ultrasonic waves toward one side in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction; an imaging unit that is disposed closer to a base end in the longitudinal axis direction than the ultrasonic transducer and captures an image of a subject; Equipped with the distal end portion has a first region in which the ultrasonic transducer is provided, and a second region that is disposed closer to a base end in the longitudinal axis direction than the first region and in which the imaging unit is provided, a first bottom surface portion of the first region and a second bottom surface portion of the second region are disposed on the other side opposite to the one side in the first direction, The first bottom surface portion is disposed on the other side in the first direction relative to the second bottom surface portion. Ultrasound endoscope.

2. When viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction and the first direction, an angle formed between a first central axis of the first region and a second central axis of the second region is 1 degree or less. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 .

3. When viewed from the second direction, an angle formed between a surface direction of the first bottom surface portion and the longitudinal axis direction is 1 degree or less. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2 .

4. The distal end portion has a balloon groove provided between the first region and the second region for attaching a balloon covering the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 .

5. The groove region on the other side in the first direction of the balloon groove is configured by a pair of groove side portions facing each other in the longitudinal axis direction, Of the pair of groove side surfaces, one first groove side surface is provided on a base end side of the first region in the longitudinal axis direction, and the other second groove side surface is provided on a tip end side of the second region in the longitudinal axis direction, the first groove side surface portion is formed to extend further toward the other side in the first direction than the second groove side surface portion; The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 4.

6. The second area has a stand unit on which a stand is rotatably provided. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 .

7. The stand unit includes the stand and a case member defining a space for accommodating the stand. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6.

8. the case member has a treatment tool outlet opening in the space portion, The case member is provided with a pipe member communicating with the treatment tool outlet. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 7.

9. an imaging unit housing portion that houses the imaging unit; When viewed from the first direction, at least a part of the imaging unit housing is disposed at a position overlapping the stand unit. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 8.

10. When viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction and the first direction, at least a part of the imaging unit housing portion is disposed at a position overlapping the pipe member. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 9.

11. When viewed from a second direction perpendicular to each of the longitudinal axis direction and the first direction, a position of the imaging unit accommodating section closest to the end on the one side in the first direction is closer to the other side in the first direction than a position of the pipe member closest to the end on the one side in the first direction. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 9.

Images