Ultrasonic endoscope and method for assembling the same

Abstract

Provided are an ultrasonic endoscope in which the strength and durability of a distal end part of the endoscope are ensured and a method for assembling an ultrasonic endoscope. An ultrasonic endoscope (1) comprises: a first load receiving structure (110) provided with a distal body block part (260) to which an ultrasonic transducer (50), an observation optical system (40), and an illumination optical system (44) are attached, and a channel block part (70) to which a channel for insertion of a treatment instrument is attached and which receives a load from the distal body block part (260); and a second load receiving structure (120) in which the distal body block part (260) receives a load from the channel block part (70). The present invention is also a method for assembling the ultrasonic endoscope (1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic endoscope and an assembly method for an ultrasonic endoscope, and more particularly to an ultrasonic endoscope having an outlet port for guiding a treatment tool at the distal end of an insertion section, and an assembly method for an ultrasonic endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] Known ultrasonic endoscopes include those equipped with an electronically scanned ultrasonic transducer at the tip of the insertion section of the endoscope. While the ultrasonic transducer is used to obtain an ultrasonic image of a lesion, a treatment tool such as a puncture needle is inserted into the lesion through a treatment tool insertion channel and an outlet at the tip, allowing the treatment tool to be inserted into the lesion and tissue samples to be collected.

[0003] In addition to the ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic endoscope is equipped with an observation optical system and an illumination optical system, and is also capable of observation using optical images. By observing the optical images as the puncture needle approaches the body wall and penetrates it, the puncture needle can be reliably guided to the target site.

[0004] As an example of such an ultrasonic endoscope, Patent Document 1 below describes an ultrasonic endoscope in which an endoscopic observation section and an ultrasonic transducer are attached to the rigid tip section of the insertion section, and a treatment tool channel is opened between the endoscopic observation section and the ultrasonic transducer. Patent Document 2 describes an ultrasonic endoscope in which the tip configuration section of the insertion section has an ultrasonic inspection mechanism and an endoscopic observation mechanism, and has a treatment tool lead-out section for leading a treatment tool between the ultrasonic inspection mechanism and the endoscopic observation mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-135937 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-276422 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In ultrasonic endoscopes, ultrasonic safety standards require insulation of the tip. Therefore, the tip body is made of a resin part, and improvements in the strength and durability of the tip are required. In particular, ultrasonic endoscopes used in bronchial examinations are required to have a thinner tip diameter, and there is a limit to how much strength and durability can be improved by increasing the thickness of the parts.

[0007] Furthermore, in ultrasonic endoscopes, the puncture needle is stiff, and the force received when the puncture needle is inserted into biological tissue acts on the part that holds the treatment tool outlet, while the force received when the ultrasonic vibrator is brought into contact with the bronchial wall acts on the part that holds the ultrasonic vibrator.Since the directions of the loads are different, the tip is required to be strong and durable enough to withstand either load without breaking.

[0008] In addition, among the components of the tip, the ultrasonic transducer cable or observation optical system, which are expensive parts, but It is desirable to reduce repair costs by making the part to be provided with the outlet and the part with the outlet, which is a frequently replaced part, separate members and by creating a structure that allows assembly and disassembly.

[0009] The ultrasonic endoscope described in Patent Document 1 has a tip component divided into two parts, but because it is divided into upper and lower parts, there is an issue that it is weak in strength against the load applied from the tip of the endoscope in the peeling direction. Also, the tip component is fixed with a screw, but there are residual stresses in the resin component and the shape of the screw tap is required, which poses issues in terms of reducing the diameter of the tip.

[0010] The ultrasonic endoscope described in Patent Document 2 has an ultrasonic transducer, observation optical system, illumination optical system, and treatment tool channel attached to a single tip component, so there is little risk of the components peeling off even if a load is applied to the tip. However, because everything is formed as a single component, if the treatment tool lead-out section deteriorates due to the reaction force of the puncture needle, the entire component must be replaced, posing a problem in terms of repairability.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an ultrasonic endoscope and an assembly method for an ultrasonic endoscope that ensures strength and durability and improves repairability by distributing the reaction force against the load applied to the tip of the endoscope among the components that make up the tip. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the ultrasonic endoscope of the present invention is an ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic transducer at its tip, and comprising: a distal body block component to which the ultrasonic transducer, an observation optical system, and an illumination optical system are attached; and a channel block component to which a channel through which a treatment tool is inserted is attached; and a first load-receiving structure having a first supported surface provided on the distal body block component and a first supporting surface provided on the channel block component facing the first supported surface, whereby the first supporting surface supports the first supported surface, thereby causing the channel block component to receive a load from the distal body block component; and a second load-receiving structure having a second supported surface provided on the channel block component and a second supporting surface provided on the distal body block component facing the second supported surface, whereby the second supporting surface supports the second supported surface, thereby causing the distal body block component to receive a load from the channel block component.

[0013] In one form of the present invention, the tip body block part preferably comprises an ultrasonic block part having a first supported surface and on which an ultrasonic transducer is attached, and an optical system block part having a second supporting surface and on which an observation optical system and an illumination optical system are attached, and a third load-receiving structure having a third supported surface provided on the optical system block part and a third supporting surface provided on the ultrasonic block part and facing the third supported surface, wherein the third supporting surface supports the third supported surface, thereby causing the ultrasonic block part to receive a load from the optical system block part.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the third supported surface and the third supporting surface are preferably parallel to a plane that is orthogonal to the scanning plane of the ultrasonic transducer and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction of the tip portion.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, at least one of the third supported surface and the third supporting surface preferably has a groove for filling with a sealing material.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the optical system block component preferably has a first guide portion that allows the channel block component to be slidably positioned.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, the ultrasound block component preferably has a second guide portion that allows the optical system block component to be slidably positioned.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tip body block component is preferably made of a resin, and the channel block component is preferably made of a metal.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, the second supported surface is preferably configured by a pair of flange surfaces extending outward from both opposing side surfaces of the channel block component.

[0020] In one form of the present invention, it is preferable that the tip body block part has an engaged portion provided with a first supported surface, and the channel block part has an engaging portion provided with a first support surface and capable of engaging with the engaged portion, and the engaged portion and the engaging portion engage with each other to be assembled to the tip body block part.

[0021] In one form of the present invention, it is preferable that a locking portion is provided on either the engaged portion or the engaging portion, and the other is provided with a locking portion that locks to the locking portion to restrict sliding movement of the engaging portion relative to the engaged portion.

[0022] In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the method for assembling an ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is a method for assembling an ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic transducer at its tip, and includes a first load-receiving structure forming step of forming a first load-receiving structure having a structure in which a tip body block part to which the ultrasonic transducer, observation optical system, and illumination optical system are attached is supported by a channel block part to which a channel through which a treatment tool is inserted is attached, and a second load-receiving structure forming step of forming a second load-receiving structure having a structure in which the channel block part is supported by the tip body block part.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tip body block part comprises an ultrasonic block part to which an ultrasonic transducer is attached, and an optical system block part to which an observation optical system and an illumination optical system are attached, the first load-receiving structure is a structure in which the ultrasonic block part is supported by the channel block part, the second load-receiving structure is a structure in which the channel block part is supported by the optical system block part, and it is preferable that the method further comprises a third load-receiving structure forming step of forming a third load-receiving structure having a structure in which the optical system block part is supported by the ultrasonic block part.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the second load-receiving structure forming step is performed, followed by the first load-receiving structure forming step and the third load-receiving structure forming step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, the load applied to the tip of the ultrasonic endoscope can be distributed among the components that make up the tip, thereby ensuring the strength and durability of the tip and reducing repair costs in the event of damage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall view of an ultrasonic endoscope. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tip rigid portion and an enlarged view of the first load-receiving structure. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tip rigid portion taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cross section taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for assembling an endoscope. [Figure 9] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for assembling an endoscope. [Figure 10] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for assembling an endoscope. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a distal end rigid portion of another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the distal end rigid portion shown in FIG. 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] An ultrasonic endoscope and an assembly method for the ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] [Overall configuration of an ultrasound endoscope] Figure 1 is an overall view of an ultrasonic endoscope 1. As shown in Figure 1, the ultrasonic endoscope 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "endoscope 1") is composed of an operation section 10 that is held by a practitioner 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 system component devices such as a processor device and a light source device (not shown) that constitute an endoscope system.

[0029] The operation unit 10 is provided with various operation members that are operated by the practitioner, such as an angle lever 16, the operation of which will be described later, and a suction button 22, etc.

[0030] The operation section 10 is also provided with a treatment tool introduction port 24 for inserting a treatment tool into a treatment tool insertion channel 23 (see FIG. 4) that passes through the insertion section 12.

[0031] The insertion section 12 extends from the tip of the operation section 10 and is formed in a long shape with a small diameter as a whole. The insertion section 12 is composed of, in order from the base end side to the tip end side, a flexible section 30, a bending section 32, and a tip rigid section 34 which is the tip end.

[0032] 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 into the body cavity.

[0033] The bending portion 32 is configured to bend in the vertical direction (R2 direction) by rotating the angle lever 16 of the operating unit 10 in the R1 direction, and by bending the bending portion 32, the tip rigid portion 34 can be directed in the desired direction.

[0034] The tip rigid portion 34 will be described in detail using Figures 2 to 4 below, and is equipped with an observation optical system 40 and an illumination optical system 44 for taking observation images inside the body cavity, an ultrasonic transducer 50 for acquiring ultrasonic images, and an outlet 52 for guiding the treatment tool inserted from the treatment tool inlet 24.

[0035] The universal cord 14 contains a signal cable 54, a signal cable 56, and a light guide 58, the details of which are shown in Figures 3 and 4 described below. A connector is provided at an end (not shown) of the universal cord 14. This connector is connected to predetermined system component devices that constitute an endoscope system, such as a processor device and a light source device. As a result, the system component devices supply the endoscope 1 with power, control signals, illumination light, and the like required for operating the endoscope 1. Conversely, data of observation images acquired by the observation optical system 40 and data of ultrasound images acquired by the ultrasound transducer 50 are transmitted from the endoscope 1 to the system component devices. The observation images and ultrasound images transmitted to the system component devices are displayed on a monitor so that they can be observed by a practitioner, etc.

[0036] The configuration of the operating unit 10 is not limited to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. A pair of angle knobs may be provided instead of the angle lever 16, and the bending portion 32 may be bent in the up-down and left-right directions by rotating the pair of angle knobs. Also, an air / water supply button may be provided on the operating unit 10, and a gas such as air and a cleaning liquid may be supplied to the rigid tip portion 34 by operating the air / water supply button.

[0037] [Tip Hardness Sectional Composition] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tip rigid portion 34. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tip rigid portion 34. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tip rigid portion 34.

[0038] The Z direction in the drawings is a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 38 of the distal end rigid portion 34 (insertion section 12). The Z(+) direction side of the Z direction in the drawings is the distal end side of the distal end rigid portion 34, and the Z(-) direction side is the proximal end side of the distal end rigid portion 34. The Y direction in the drawings is a direction perpendicular to the Z direction, and in this embodiment, is the up-down direction in each drawing. The Y(+) direction side, which is one side of this Y direction, is the upward direction in the drawings, and the Y(-) direction side, which is the other side of the Y direction, is the downward direction in the drawings. The X direction in the drawings is a direction perpendicular to both the Z direction and the Y direction.

[0039] 2 to 4, the tip rigid section 34 is configured by combining an ultrasound block component 60, a channel block component 70, and an optical system block component 80 (see FIG. 3 in particular). When the block components are combined, the tip rigid section 34 comprises, from the tip side to the base end side of the tip rigid section 34, an ultrasound attachment section 34a, an outlet forming section 34b, and a main body section 34c (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0040] The ultrasonic block component 60 is formed from an insulating material having insulating properties, for example, a resin material such as a plastic, such as polysulfone or polyetherimide. From its distal end toward its proximal end, the ultrasonic block component 60 comprises an ultrasonic mounting portion 34a and an optical system block component mounting portion 62. The ultrasonic mounting portion 34a and the optical system block component mounting portion 62 are integrally formed.

[0041] When viewed from the X-direction side, the ultrasonic transducer 50 is attached to the ultrasonic mounting portion 34a in a position tilted forward (inclined) toward the Y (-) direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 38. This ultrasonic transducer 50 is a convex type having an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving surface in which ultrasonic vibrators that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves are arranged in a curved shape along the direction of the longitudinal axis 38. This ultrasonic transducer 50 acquires data that generates an ultrasonic image of the area to be observed. Note that the number of ultrasonic vibrators that make up the ultrasonic transducer 50 is not limited.

[0042] Furthermore, when the distal end rigid portion 34 is viewed from the X direction side, the optical system block component mounting portion 62 extends from the region on the Y(-) direction side of the proximal end of the ultrasound mounting portion 34a toward the proximal end side [Z(-) direction side] of the ultrasound mounting portion 34a. Furthermore, an engaged portion 64 that engages with an engaging portion 73 of a channel block component 70 (described later) is formed in the region on the Y(+) direction side of the proximal end of the ultrasound mounting portion 34a.

[0043] The optical system block component mounting portion 62 has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape corresponding to the Y(-) direction side (lower half side) of the two divided portions obtained by dividing the outlet forming portion 34b and the main body portion 34c in the Y direction (upper and lower half sides). Therefore, the optical system block component mounting portion 62 has a mounting portion opening 65 that opens on the Y(+) direction side.

[0044] The mounting portion opening 65 is formed parallel to the XZ plane and along the Z direction. Inside the mounting portion opening 65 of the optical system block component mounting portion 62, a signal cable 54 is arranged, which connects the ultrasonic transducer 50 to the above-described system component device.

[0045] The optical system block component mounting portion 62 is formed with a pair of guide portions 66 that form a mounting portion opening 65 and extend in the Z(-) direction along the mounting portion opening 65. The pair of guide portions 66 are formed with surfaces that are perpendicular to the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface (corresponding to the "scanning surface of the ultrasonic transducer" of the present invention) and parallel to a surface that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38 of the tip portion. An optical system block component 80, which will be described later, is mounted on the pair of guide portions 66 while sliding in the Z direction. As a result, the optical system block component 80 is mounted on the optical system block component mounting portion 62, i.e., the ultrasonic block component 60, via the pair of guide portions 66.

[0046] By configuring the pair of guide portions 66 in this way, it is possible to form the optical system block component mounting portion 62 of the ultrasound block component 60 in a semicircular shape. By forming the optical system block component mounting portion 62 in a semicircular shape, when resin molding the optical system block component mounting portion 62, the mold release direction can be limited to the Y direction, making molding easier.

[0047] The pair of guide portions 66 are provided with grooves 68 for filling with a sealant to ensure airtightness of the connecting surfaces with the optical system block component 80. By filling the grooves 68 with a sealant and attaching the optical system block component 80, it is possible to ensure airtightness inside the tip rigid portion 34. Note that if grooves 88 are provided in a pair of guided portions 86 of the optical system block component 80 (described later) that serve as mating surfaces for the pair of guide portions 66, then the pair of guide portions 66 do not necessarily need to have grooves 68.

[0048] The channel block component 70, together with the optical system block component 80, constitutes the outlet forming portion 34b, and is made of a metal. Any known metal material can be used as the metal. The channel block component 70 has an outlet 52 for a treatment tool that opens on the Y(+) direction side, and a substantially rectangular opening forming surface 71 that is parallel to the XZ plane in which the outlet 52 opens and that extends along the Z direction (including the longitudinal axis 38, the same applies below).

[0049] A pair of flange surfaces 72 parallel to the XZ plane are formed along the Z direction at both ends in the X direction of the opening forming surface 71 of the channel block component 70 (see FIG. 3). The pair of flange surfaces 72 are used to attach the channel block component 70 to the optical system block component 80, and extend outward (in the X direction) from both side surfaces in the X direction of the opening forming surface 71.

[0050] Further, an engaging portion 73 that can be engaged with the engaged portion 64 of the ultrasonic attachment portion 34a is formed on the tip side of the channel block component 70.

[0051] An intra-block conduit 74 is formed inside the channel block component 70. The distal end of this intra-block conduit 74 is connected to the outlet 52, and the proximal end of the intra-block conduit 74 is connected to the treatment tool insertion channel 23 inserted through the insertion section 12 via a channel connecting tube 25. As a result, the treatment tool introduction port 24 fromThe tip of the inserted treatment tool is guided through the treatment tool insertion channel 23, the channel connecting tube 25 and the block internal duct 74 to the outlet 52, and is then led out from this outlet 52 to the outside.

[0052] The optical system block component 80 is made of a resin material, similar to the ultrasound block component 60. The optical system block component 80 has a shape corresponding to the divided part on the Y(+) direction side (upper half side) of the two divided parts obtained by dividing the outlet forming part 34b and the main body part 34c in the Y direction (upper and lower half).

[0053] The optical system block component 80 includes a pair of channel block component mounting portions 81 and an optical system housing portion 82, which are spaced apart in the X direction from the distal end toward the proximal end (see FIG. 3). The pair of channel block component mounting portions 81 and the optical system housing portion 82 are integrally formed.

[0054] When the optical system block component 80 is viewed from the X-direction side, the pair of channel block component mounting portions 81 extend from a position [position on the Y(-) direction side] one step lower than the vertex on the Y(+) direction side of the optical system storage section 82 to the tip side [on the Z(+) direction side] of the optical system storage section 82.

[0055] A space for attaching the channel block component 70 is secured between the pair of channel block component mounting portions 81. A pair of flat surfaces 81a parallel to the XZ plane and shaped along the Z direction are formed at the ends of the pair of channel block component mounting portions 81 on the Y(+) direction side. In addition, a pair of support surfaces 81b are formed at the ends of the pair of channel block component mounting portions 81 on the Y(-) direction side at positions shifted from each of the pair of flat surfaces 81a toward the aforementioned space.

[0056] The pair of support surfaces 81b are parallel to the XZ plane and have a shape along the Z direction, and are formed at a position one step lower in the Y(-) direction than the pair of flat surfaces 81a by the Y-direction thickness of the pair of flange surfaces 72. The pair of support surfaces 81b support the pair of flange surfaces 72 from both sides in the X direction. As a result, the channel block component 70 is supported slidably in the Z direction between the pair of channel block component mounting portions 81 via the pair of flange surfaces 72 and the pair of support surfaces 81b. As a result, the channel block component 70 can be mounted on the optical system block component 80 while sliding in the Z direction. The channel block component 70 is then adhesively assembled to the optical system block component 80. Adhesive grooves 77, 87, into which adhesive is applied, are provided at opposing positions of the pair of flange surfaces 72 and the pair of support surfaces 81b.

[0057] When the channel block component 70 is attached to the optical system block component 80, the opening forming surface 71 and the pair of flat surfaces 81a form a continuous flat surface 90. The continuous flat surface 90 is a surface that is parallel to the XZ plane and along the Z direction, and forms part of the outer peripheral surface of the tip rigid portion 34.

[0058] The optical system housing section 82 has a semi-cylindrical shape and includes a convex surface 84 and a stepped surface 85. The convex surface 84 constitutes part of the outer peripheral surface of the tip rigid section 34. This convex surface 84 constitutes part of the outer peripheral surface of the optical system housing section 82, is located on the Y(+) direction side of the continuous plane 90, and has a shape along the Z direction. The optical system housing section 82 also has a pair of guided sections 86 extending in the Z(-) direction to form a housing opening 89 that opens in the Y(-) direction. The pair of guided sections 86 are portions that become mating surfaces for the pair of guiding sections 66 when assembling the tip rigid section 34. Therefore, the guided sections 86 are also formed by surfaces that are perpendicular to the ultrasound transmitting / receiving surface and parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38 of the tip section.

[0059] By configuring the pair of guided portions 86 in this way, the optical system housing portion 82 of the optical system block component 80 can be made semicircular. of By making it semicircular, when the optical system housing portion 82 is molded from resin, the mold release direction can be limited to the Y direction, making molding easy.

[0060] The pair of guided portions 86 are provided with grooves 88 for filling with a sealant to ensure airtightness of the connection surface with the ultrasound blocking component 60. By filling the grooves 88 with a sealant and attaching the ultrasound blocking component 60, it is possible to ensure airtightness inside the tip rigid portion 34. Note that if the pair of guide portions 66 are provided with the grooves 68, the grooves 88 do not have to be provided.

[0061] The step surface 85 is an inclined surface that connects the base end side of the continuous flat surface 90 and the tip side of the convex surface 84, and constitutes part of the outer peripheral surface of the tip rigid portion 34. Note that the inclined surface here also includes a vertical surface that is at an angle of 90° with respect to the Z direction.

[0062] The step surface 85 is provided with an observation window 40 a of the observation optical system 40 and illumination windows 44 a of the pair of illumination optical systems 44 .

[0063] The observation optical system 40 includes an observation window 40a provided in the stepped surface 85, and a lens system 40b and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor 40c provided in the optical system housing section 82. The image sensor 40c captures an observation image captured from the observation window 40a via the lens system 40b. The image sensor 40c outputs an image signal of the observation image to the system configuration device via a signal cable 56 inserted inside the insertion section 12.

[0064] The illumination optical systems 44 are provided on both sides of the observation optical system 40 in the X direction, and include illumination windows 44a provided in the step surface 85 and light guides 58 inserted into the insertion section 12. The exit ends of the light guides 58 are disposed behind each illumination window 44a. As a result, illumination light supplied from the system component to each light guide 58 is emitted from each illumination window 44a.

[0065] With the channel block component 70 attached, the optical system block component 80 has a pair of guided portions 86 attached to the optical system block component attachment portion 62 of the ultrasound block component 60 via a pair of guide portions 66 .

[0066] As described above, the distal end rigid portion 34 is formed by combining the ultrasound block component 60, the channel block component 70, and the optical system block component 80. As a result, when the distal end rigid portion 34 is viewed from the Y(+) direction side (upper side), the ultrasound transducer 50, the outlet 52, and the stepped surface 85 (observation window 40a) are arranged in this order from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the distal end rigid portion 34.

[0067] <Load distribution structure> The tip rigid portion 34 of this embodiment has a first load-receiving structure 110 in which the channel block component 70 receives the load from the ultrasound block component 60. It also has a second load-receiving structure 120 in which the optical system block component 80 receives the load from the channel block component 70. It also has a third load-receiving structure 130 in which the ultrasound block component 60 receives the load from the optical system block component 80. Each of these load-receiving structures will be described below.

[0068] (First load-bearing structure) 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tip rigid portion, showing an enlarged view of the first load-receiving structure. The first load-receiving structure 110 is configured by supporting a first supported surface 112 provided on the ultrasound block component 60 with a first supporting surface 113 provided on the channel block component 70. The first supporting surface 113 is provided at a position opposite the first supported surface 112, and by the first supporting surface 113 supporting the first supported surface 112, the channel block component 70 can receive the load from the ultrasound block component 60.

[0069] The ultrasonic block component 60 and the channel block component 70 are assembled by engaging the engaged portion 64 of the ultrasonic block component 60 with the engaging portion 73 of the channel block component 70. The engaging portion 73 can be a protrusion provided at the tip of the channel block component 70, as shown in FIG. 5. The engaged portion 64 can be a hole-shaped portion corresponding to the shape of the protrusion. In this embodiment, the surface on the Y(+) direction side (surface facing the Y(-) direction) inside the hole-shaped portion of the engaged portion 64 is the first supported surface 112. The surface on the Y(+) direction side of the engaging portion 73 (surface facing the Y(+) direction) is the first supporting surface 113.

[0070] When the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving surface (ultrasonic transducer 50) is pressed against the wall surface of a living body, the reaction force acts as a load in the direction shown by arrow A in Fig. 5. By providing the first load-receiving structure 110, the load applied to the ultrasonic block component 60 can be received by the channel block component 70.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5 , when connecting the engaged portion 64 and the engaging portion 73, the engaging portion 73 has a locking claw 114 on the tip side, which corresponds to the locking portion protruding in the Y(+) direction. The engaged portion 64 also has a locking hole 116 inside the hole, which corresponds to the engaged portion with which the locking claw 114 is engaged. When engaging the engaged portion 64 and the engaging portion 73, the engaging portion 73 of the channel block component 70 is inserted into the engaged portion 64 of the ultrasonic block component 60. At this time, the locking claw 114 of the engaging portion 73 rides over a protrusion 115 provided on the base end side of the engaged portion 64 and fits into the locking hole 116 (snap-fit ​​structure). This restricts sliding movement between the engaged portion 64 and the engaging portion 73, thereby restricting movement in the Z direction between the ultrasonic block component 60 and the channel block component 70. In Figure 5, a locking claw 114 is provided on the engaging portion 73 and a locking hole 116 is provided on the engaged portion 64, but this combination is not limited to this, and a locking hole may be provided on the engaging portion 73 and a locking claw may be provided on the engaged portion 64.

[0072] (Second load-bearing structure) Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tip rigid portion taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a perspective view from the cross-sectional side cut along line VI-VI in Fig. 2. The second load-receiving structure 120 is configured by supporting a second supported surface 122 provided on the channel block component 70 by a second supporting surface 123 provided on the optical system block component 80. The second supporting surface 123 is provided at a position opposite to the second supported surface 122, and the second supporting surface 123 supports the second supported surface 122, allowing the optical system block component 80 to bear the load from the channel block component 70.

[0073] As described above, the channel block component 70 has a pair of flange surfaces 72 formed on both ends in the X direction of the opening forming surface 71. The pair of flange surfaces 72 are supported by a pair of support surfaces 81b provided on the optical system block component 80, thereby supporting the channel block component 70 on the optical system block component 80. In this embodiment, the surfaces of the pair of flange surfaces 72 on the Y(-) direction side are second supported surfaces 122. The surfaces of the pair of support surfaces 81b on the Y(+) direction side are second supporting surfaces 123.

[0074] When the treatment tool (puncture needle) led out from the lead-out port 52 is inserted into the wall surface of the living body, the reaction force acts as a load in the direction shown by arrow B in Fig. 7. By providing the second load-receiving structure 120, the load acting on the channel block component 70 can be borne by the optical system block component 80.

[0075] (Third load-bearing structure) 6 and 7, the third load-receiving structure 130 is configured by supporting a third supported surface 132 provided on the optical system block component 80 by a third supporting surface 133 provided on the ultrasonic block component 60. The third supporting surface 133 is provided at a position facing the third supported surface 132, and the third supporting surface 133 supports the third supported surface 132, allowing the ultrasonic block component 60 to receive the load from the optical system block component 80.

[0076] The optical system block component 80 and the ultrasonic block component 60 are attached to each other by supporting a pair of guided portions 86 of the optical system housing portion 82 of the optical system block component 80 on a pair of guide portions 66 of the optical system block component attachment portion 62 of the ultrasonic block component 60, so that the optical system block component 80 is supported by the ultrasonic block component 60. 、 The Y(-) direction surfaces of the pair of guided portions 86 of the optical system block component 80 are third supported surfaces 132. In addition, the Y(+) direction surfaces of the pair of guiding portions 66 of the ultrasound block component 60 are third supporting surfaces 133.

[0077] According to the third load-receiving structure 130 , the load applied to the optical system block component 80 can be received by the ultrasound block component 60 .

[0078] As described above, the endoscope of this embodiment has a first load-receiving structure 110, a second load-receiving structure 120, and a third load-receiving structure 130, and each of the block components, the ultrasound block component 60, the channel block component 70, and the optical system block component 80, can be supported by the other block components, so that the load received by any one of the block components can be distributed to the three block components.

[0079] When the ultrasound transmitting / receiving surface (ultrasonic transducer 50) is pressed against the wall surface of a living body, the reaction force (load) is applied to the ultrasound block component 60. The load received by the ultrasound block component 60 is applied to the channel block component 70 via the first load receiving structure 110. The load received by the channel block component 70 is applied to the optical system block component 80 via the second load receiving structure 120. In this way, the load received by the ultrasound block component 60 is distributed to the other block components via their respective load receiving structures, thereby improving the strength and durability of the tip rigid portion 34.

[0080] Furthermore, when the treatment tool (puncture needle) derived from the outlet 52 is inserted into the biological wall surface (biological wall surface), the reaction force (load) is applied to the channel block component 70. The load received by the channel block component 70 is applied to the optical system block component 80 via the second load receiving structure 120. The load received by the optical system block component 80 is applied to the ultrasound block component 60 via the third load receiving structure 130. In this way, the load received by the channel block component 70 is also distributed to the other block components via their respective load receiving structures, thereby improving the strength and durability of the tip rigid portion 34.

[0081] Although the above describes the reaction force from the living body wall surface acting on the ultrasound block component 60 and the reaction force when the treatment tool is inserted into the living body wall, the load acting on the tip is not limited to these. Furthermore, the load acting on the tip is not limited to the ultrasound block component 60 or the channel block component 70, and the load acting on the optical system block component 80 can also be distributed.

[0082] <How to assemble the endoscope> Next, a method for assembling the endoscope will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

[0083] When assembling the distal end of the endoscope, first, an optical system assembly 180 and a channel assembly 170 are formed, as shown in VIIIA of Fig. 8. The optical system assembly 180 is a component in which the observation optical system 40 and the illumination optical system 44 are assembled to the optical system block component 80. The channel assembly 170 is a component in which the channel connecting tube 25 and the treatment tool insertion channel 23 are assembled to the channel block component 70.

[0084] Next, the optical system assembly 180 and the channel assembly 170 are assembled. The optical system assembly 180 and the channel assembly 170 are assembled by sliding a pair of flange surfaces 72 (second supported surfaces 122) provided on the channel block component 70 onto a pair of support surfaces 81b (second support surfaces 123) formed on the optical system block component 80 from the tip side of the optical system block component 80, and attaching the optical system block component 80 to the channel block component attachment portion 81, thereby forming the channel optical system assembly 185 (VIIIB in FIG. 8). The pair of support surfaces 81b correspond to first guide portions that allow the flange surfaces 72 of the channel block component 70 to be slidably positioned. The channel assembly 170 is attached to the channel block component attachment portion 81, thereby forming the second load-receiving structure 120 (second load-receiving structure forming process). In order to ensure the strength of the optical system assembly 180 and the channel assembly 170 at the pair of flange surfaces 72 and the pair of support surfaces 81b, it is preferable to apply adhesive to the adhesive grooves 77 and 87 and fix them with the adhesive.

[0085] Next, an ultrasonic assembly part 160 is formed by assembling the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the signal cable 54 to the ultrasonic block part 60, as shown in FIG. 9A.

[0086] Then, the channel optical system assembly 185 and the ultrasonic assembly 160 are assembled. The optical system assembly 180 and the ultrasonic assembly 160 are assembled by inserting the pair of guided portions 86 of the optical system block 80 into the pair of guide portions 66 of the ultrasonic block 60. Z direction The pair of guide portions 66 of the ultrasound block component 60 correspond to second guide portions that allow the optical system block component 80 to be slid and positioned.

[0087] In order to ensure airtightness inside the tip rigid portion 34, it is preferable to assemble the ultrasonic block component 60 and the optical block component 80 by filling the grooves 68, 88 provided in the pair of guide portions 66 of the ultrasonic block component 60 and the pair of guided portions 86 of the optical block component 80 with a sealant.

[0088] By sliding the optical system assembly 180 with the channel assembly 170 attached to it along the guide portion 66 of the ultrasound block component 60, the engaging portion 73 provided on the channel block component 70 engages with the engaged portion 64 provided on the ultrasound block component 60 (see FIG. 5). This forms the first load-receiving structure 110 (first load-receiving structure forming step).

[0089] Furthermore, the engaging portions 73 and the engaged portions 64 are engaged with each other, whereby the channel optical system assembly 185 is assembled to the ultrasound block component 60 (IXB in FIG. 9). As a result, the pair of guided portions 86 (third supported surfaces 132) of the optical system block component 80 are supported by the pair of guiding portions 66 (third supporting surfaces 133) of the ultrasound block component 60, and the third load-receiving structure 130 is formed (third load-receiving structure forming step).

[0090] 10 , with the ultrasound block component 60 and the optical system block component 80 assembled, the outer peripheral surface on the base end side is fitted and fixed by a curved ring 190 on the tip side of the bending portion 32. This holds the optical system block component 80 and the ultrasound block component 60 inseparably in the Y direction, and the optical system block component 80 is assembled to the ultrasound block component 60.

[0091] By assembling the tip rigid portion 34 in this manner, the ultrasound assembly 160 and the channel optical system assembly 185, which is a combination of the channel assembly 170 and the optical system assembly 180, are connected with a sealant and externally fixed with the curved ring 190, which makes it possible to easily disassemble the ultrasound assembly 160 and the channel optical system assembly 185. By disassembling the tip rigid portion 34, which is the tip of the insertion section 12, into the ultrasound assembly 160 and the channel optical system assembly 185, when either part breaks down, it is possible to replace only the broken part, thereby reducing repair costs.

[0092] (Other embodiments) Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the distal end rigid portion of another embodiment, and Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the distal end rigid portion.

[0093] The tip rigid portion 234 shown in FIG. 11 differs from the tip rigid portion 34 in that it is composed of two block components: a tip main body block component 260, which is an integrated component of the ultrasound block component 60 and the optical system block component 80 of the tip rigid portion 34 of the above-described embodiment, and a channel block component 70.

[0094] In the tip rigid portion 234 of the other embodiments, an engaging portion 73 that engages with the tip main body block component 260 is also provided on the tip side of the channel block component 70. An engaged portion (not shown) that engages with the engaging portion 73 of the channel block component 70 is formed on the base end of the ultrasound mounting portion 34a of the tip main body block component 260. The engaging portion 73 engages with the engaged portion, thereby providing a first load-receiving structure 110.

[0095] In addition, a pair of flange surfaces 72 formed on the channel block component 70 are supported by a pair of support surfaces 81b formed on the tip main body block component 260, thereby providing a second load-receiving structure 120.

[0096] In this way, the ultrasonic transducer 50, the observation optical system 40, and the illumination optical system 44 are mounted on the tip body block part 260, and the channel block part 70. parts Each block is composed of parts By providing the first load receiving structure 110 and the second load receiving structure 120 that receive the load acting on the blocks, the load is parts can be dispersed into

[0097] When the ultrasound transmitting / receiving surface (ultrasonic transducer 50) is pressed against the wall surface of a living body, the reaction force (load) is applied to the tip body block part 260. The load received by the tip body block part 260 is applied to the channel block part 70 via the first load receiving structure 110. The load received by the channel block part 70 is applied to the tip body block part 260 via the second load receiving structure 120. In this way, the load received by the tip body block part 260 is applied to the tip body block part 260 via the first load receiving structure 110, the channel block part 70, and the second load receiving structure 120, and the load received by the tip body block part 260 can be distributed to each block part.

[0098] Furthermore, when the treatment tool (puncture needle) derived from the outlet 52 is inserted into the living body wall surface, the reaction force (load) is applied to the channel block component 70. The load received by the channel block component 70 is applied to the tip main body block component 260 via the second load receiving structure 120. The load received by the tip main body block component 260 is applied to the channel block component 70 via the first load receiving structure 110. In this way, the load received by the channel block component 70 is also applied to the channel block component 70 via the second load receiving structure 120, the tip main body block component 260, and the first load receiving structure 110, and the load received by the channel block component 70 can be distributed to each block component.

[0099] In this way, the load received by one block component can be distributed to the other block components via their respective load-receiving structures, thereby improving the strength and durability of the tip rigid portion 234. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Ultrasound endoscope (endoscope) 10 Control section 12 Insertion section 14 Universal Code 16 Angle lever 22 Suction button 23 Treatment tool insertion channel 24 Treatment tool introduction port 25 channel connecting tube 30 Soft part 32 Curved section 34 Tip rigid part 34a Ultrasonic mounting part 34b Outlet forming part 34c Main body 38 Longitudinal axis of the distal rigid part (insertion part) 40 Observation optical system 40a Observation window 40b lens system 40c image sensor 44 Illumination optical system 44a Lighting window 50 Ultrasonic Transducer 52 Outlet 54 Signal Cable 56 Signal cable 58 Light Guide 60 Ultrasonic Block Parts 62 Optical block component mounting section 64 Engaged part 65 Mounting opening 66 Pair of guide parts 68 Groove 70 Channel Block Parts 71 Aperture forming surface 72 flange surface 73 Engagement part 74 Block internal pipeline 77 Adhesive groove 80 Optical block parts 81 Channel block part mounting section 81a Pair of planes 81b Pair of support surfaces 82 Optical system storage section 84 Convex 85 Step surface 86 Pair of guided parts 87 Adhesive groove 88 Groove 89 Storage opening 90 Continuous Plane 110 First load-bearing structure 112 1st supported surface 113 1st support surface 114 Locking claw 115 Convex part 116 Locking hole 120 Second load-receiving structure 122 2nd supported surface 123 Second support surface 130 Third load-receiving structure 132 3rd supported surface 133 Third support surface 160 Ultrasonic Assembly Parts 170 Channel Assembly 180 Optical assembly parts 185 Channel Optical Assembly 190 Curved Ring 234 Hard tip part 260 Tip body block part

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic transducer at a tip end, a tip body block part to which the ultrasonic transducer, the observation optical system, and the illumination optical system are attached; a channel block part to which a channel through which a treatment tool is inserted is attached; Equipped with a first load-receiving structure having a first supported surface provided on the tip body block component and a first supporting surface provided on the channel block component and facing the first supported surface, wherein when the ultrasonic transducer is arranged in a specific direction, the first supporting surface supports the first supported surface, thereby causing the channel block component to receive a load from the tip body block component; a second load-receiving structure having a second supported surface provided on the channel block component and a second supporting surface provided on the tip body block component and facing the second supported surface, wherein when the ultrasonic transducer is arranged in the specific orientation, the second supporting surface supports the second supported surface, thereby causing the tip body block component to receive the load from the channel block component; and the distal end main body block part is configured to include an ultrasound block part having the first supported surface and to which the ultrasound transducer is attached, and an optical system block part having the second supporting surface and to which the observation optical system and the illumination optical system are attached, a third load-receiving structure including a third supported surface provided on the optical system block component and a third supporting surface provided on the ultrasonic block component and facing the third supported surface, wherein, when the ultrasonic transducer is disposed in the specific orientation, the third supporting surface supports the third supported surface, thereby causing the ultrasonic block component to receive a load from the optical system block component; a load applied to the ultrasonic block component due to an external force applied to the scanning surface of the ultrasonic transducer is applied to the channel block component via the first load-receiving structure, and further, a load received by the channel block component via the first load-receiving structure is applied to the optical system block component via the second load-receiving structure; A load applied to the channel block component due to an external force applied to the treatment tool is applied to the optical system block component via the second load receiving structure, and further, the load received by the optical system block component via the second load receiving structure is applied to the ultrasound block component via the third load receiving structure. Ultrasound endoscope.

2. the third supported surface and the third supporting surface are parallel to a plane perpendicular to a scanning plane of the ultrasonic transducer and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis direction of the tip portion. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 .

3. At least one of the third supported surface and the third supporting surface has a groove portion for filling a sealing material.

3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1.

4. the optical system block component has a first guide portion that allows the channel block component to be slidably disposed thereon; The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 .

5. The ultrasound block component has a second guide portion that allows the optical system block component to be slidably positioned. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 .

6. the forming material of the tip body block part is resin, The channel block component is made of a metal. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 .

7. The second supported surface is constituted by a pair of flange surfaces extending outward from both opposing side surfaces of the channel block component. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 .

8. the tip main body block component has an engaged portion provided with the first supported surface, the channel block component is provided with the first support surface and has an engaging portion that can engage with the engaged portion, and is assembled to the tip body block component by the engaged portion and the engaging portion engaging with each other. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 .

9. a locking portion is provided on one of the engaged portion and the engaging portion, and a locked portion is provided on the other of the engaged portion, which is locked to the locking portion to restrict sliding movement of the engaging portion relative to the engaged portion; The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 8.

10. 10. A method for assembling an ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: a first load-receiving structure forming step of forming the first load-receiving structure by supporting the ultrasonic block component on the channel block component; a second load-receiving structure forming step of forming the second load-receiving structure by supporting the channel block component on the optical system block component; a third load-receiving structure forming step of forming the third load-receiving structure by supporting the optical system block component on the ultrasound block component; A method for assembling an ultrasonic endoscope comprising:

11. After the second load-receiving structure forming step is performed, the first load-receiving structure forming step and the third load-receiving structure forming step are performed. The method for assembling an ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 10.

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