JP2001327502A - Ultrasonic endoscope and ultrasonic endoscope device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform autoclave sterilization by preventing heat transmission to an ultrasonic vibrator during autoclave sterilization. SOLUTION: In the tip of an ultrasonic unit 31, the acoustic lens 33 of an ultrasonic unit 31 is arranged opposite to a heat resistance acoustic radiation window 42 formed at the side surface of a heat resistance case 41. On the side of he base end of the case 41, a partition plate 43 for hemically sealing the inside of the case 41 is disposed and a signal cable 17 is extended to the side of a connecting connector 3 keeping the inside of the case 41 to be airtight through the plate 43. The tips of an air sending and sucking tube 18 and a water sending and sucking tube 19 open inside the case 41 keeping the inside of the case 41 airtight through the plate 43.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic endoscope, and more particularly, to an ultrasonic endoscope characterized by a portion for preventing heat transfer to an ultrasonic vibrator during autoclave sterilization.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in order to accurately diagnose or treat a lesion in a living body, an ultrasonic wave capable of using an optical observation image like a radial endoscope and an ultrasonic tomographic image by an ultrasonic probe together has been used. Endoscopes have become widely used in the medical field. In the case of such an ultrasonic endoscope used for medical use, it is essential to surely sterilize and sterilize the used ultrasonic endoscope.

Conventionally, this disinfecting sterilization treatment has relied on a gas such as ethylene oxide gas (EOG) or a disinfecting solution. However, as is well known, sterilizing gases are extremely poisonous. Sterilization is complicated.

[0004] Further, it takes a long time for aeration to remove gas adhering to the equipment after sterilization, so that it cannot be used immediately after sterilization. Further, there is a problem that the running cost is high.

Further, in the case of a disinfecting solution, there is a disadvantage that the management of the disinfecting solution is complicated, and a great deal of expense is required for disposal of the disinfecting solution.

Therefore, recently, without complicated work,
Autoclave sterilization (high-pressure steam sterilization) that can be used immediately after sterilization and has low running costs is desired.

[0007]

However, there is a possibility that the ultrasonic vibrator used in the ultrasonic endoscope may break down due to the heat of 130 ° C. or more applied when performing autoclave sterilization. JP-A-1-12444
There is no means for preventing heat transfer to the ultrasonic vibrator during autoclave sterilization as in the ultrasonic probe disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4 (1993) -204, and it is difficult to autoclave an ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic vibrator. there were.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an ultrasonic endoscope and an ultrasonic endoscope capable of preventing heat transfer to an ultrasonic vibrator during autoclave sterilization and performing autoclave sterilization. It is an object to provide an endoscope apparatus.

[0009]

According to the ultrasonic endoscope of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic endoscope in which an ultrasonic vibrator unit is disposed in a distal case having an acoustic radiation window.
At the time of autoclave sterilization, there is provided a space forming means for forming a space between the inner peripheral surface of the distal case including the acoustic radiation window and the ultrasonic transducer unit.

The ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention has an ultrasonic vibrator unit disposed in a distal case having an acoustic radiation window, and at least an inner peripheral surface of the distal case including the acoustic radiation window at the time of autoclave sterilization. An ultrasonic endoscope having space forming means for forming a space between the ultrasonic transducer unit and an air feeding means for feeding air to the space forming means.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 5 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope device, and FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an ultrasonic observation device of FIG. Configuration diagram,
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an ultrasonic unit disposed at the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope in which the ultrasonic unit in FIG. 3 is disposed. FIG. 5 and FIG. 5 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic endoscope of FIG.

(Structure) As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic endoscope 2 having a built-in ultrasonic unit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves at its tip, An ultrasonic observation device 4 that detachably connects the connection connector 3 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 and generates an ultrasonic image.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic observation device 4
A drive / reception / image processing circuit 11 for transmitting an ultrasonic drive signal to the ultrasonic endoscope 2 and receiving an ultrasonic echo signal from the inside of a living body to generate an ultrasonic image, and the ultrasonic endoscope 2
An air supply suction pump 12 for performing air supply suction on the ultrasonic endoscope 2 and a water supply suction pump 13 for performing water supply suction on the ultrasonic endoscope 2
And a control circuit 14 for controlling the drive / reception / image processing circuit 11 and the air supply / suction pump 12 and the water supply / suction pump 13.

A keyboard 15 for supporting the control is connected to the control circuit 14, and the drive / reception / image processing circuit 1
1 is connected to a monitor 16 for displaying an ultrasonic image.

The connector 3 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 has a signal contact 17a of a signal cable 17 connected to the ultrasonic unit and an air supply / suction tube extending to the inside of the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope 2. 18 and a water supply suction pipe 19 and a base end are arranged. Check valves 20 and 21 are provided at base ends of the air supply suction pipe 18 and the water supply suction pipe 19 in the connection connector 3.

The connector 3 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is detachably connected to the connector receiver 4a of the ultrasonic observation apparatus 4. When the connector 3 and the connector receiver 4a are connected, the signal cable 17 is connected. Signal contact 17a and driving / receiving
The image processing circuit 11 is electrically connected, and a pipe extending from the air supply / suction pump 12 communicates with the air supply / suction pipe 18 via the check valve 20 and also extends from the water supply / suction pump 13. The pipe communicates with the water supply suction pipe 19 via the check valve 21.

When the connector 3 and the connector receiver 4a are connected, the check valves 20 and 21 connect the air supply / suction pump 12 and the air supply / suction pipe 18 and the water supply / suction pump 13 and the water supply / suction pump 13 respectively. The valve is a valve that communicates with the suction pipe 19 and seals the base ends of the air supply suction pipe 18 and the water supply suction pipe 19 when the connection connector 3 comes off the connector receiver 4a.

As shown in FIG. 3, an ultrasonic unit 31 used in the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is bonded to an ultrasonic transducer 32 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and an ultrasonic emission surface of the ultrasonic transducer 32. And a plurality of signal lines 35 in the signal cable 17.
Is connected.

The ultrasonic unit 31 is mounted on a casting mold 36 with the back surface (the surface opposite to the surface to which the acoustic lens 33 is joined) of the ultrasonic transducer 32 to which a plurality of signal lines 35 are connected as an upper portion. After being fitted, the same material (for example, silicon rubber) 37 as the acoustic lens 33 is poured into the casting mold 36, and the poured material 37 is cured (for example, cured by heat or at room temperature), and then removed from the casting mold 36. Thus, the plurality of signal lines 35 including the distal end of the signal cable 17 and the ultrasonic vibrator 32 are protected by the material 37 and are formed integrally with the acoustic lens 33 in a watertight manner.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic unit 31 integrated in a watertight manner comprises a heat-resistant case 41 made of a heat-resistant material (for example, polypropylene, polysulfone or polyethylene terephthalate) and having a closed end. The ultrasonic endoscope 2 is disposed inside the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope 2.

In the distal end of the ultrasonic unit 31, a heat-resistant acoustic radiation window 42 made of a heat-resistant material (for example, polyimide, fluororesin or silicon resin) provided on the side surface of the heat-resistant case 41 is used for the sound of the ultrasonic unit 31. The lenses 33 are arranged so as to face each other.

At the base end of the heat-resistant case 41, a partition plate 43 for sealing the inside of the heat-resistant case 41 is provided. Extending to the side. The distal ends of the air supply suction pipe 18 and the water supply suction pipe 19 are opened inside the heat resistant case 41 via a partition plate 43 while keeping the inside of the heat resistant case 41 airtight.

(Operation) <Diagnosis>: The connection connector 3 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is connected to the ultrasonic observation device 4. Then, the check valves 20 and 21 provided at the ends of the air supply suction pipe 18 and the water supply suction pipe 19 in the connection connector 3 are opened, and the air supply suction pump 12 and the water supply suction pump 13 of the ultrasonic observation apparatus 4 are respectively connected. Connected. Similarly, the signal cable 17 is connected to the drive / reception / image processing circuit 1 of the ultrasonic observation apparatus 4 via the signal contact 17a.
Connected to 1.

Then, the ultrasonic observation device 4 is turned on,
The keyboard 15 is operated to send a water supply signal to the control circuit 14. The control circuit 14 sends a water supply suction signal to the water supply suction pump 13 and the air supply suction pump 12.

In response to the water supply / suction signal, as shown in FIG. 4, the water supply / suction pump 13 sends the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 through the water supply / suction tube 19 into the heat resistant case 41 at the end of the ultrasonic endoscope 2. The air suction pump 12 is provided with an air suction pipe 18.
Then, the air in the heat resistant case 41 is sucked. Thereby, the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 flows into the heat-resistant case 41 at the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope 2.

When it is confirmed that the inside of the heat resistant case 41 has been completely filled with the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 through the heat resistant acoustic radiation window 42, the keyboard 15 is operated to send a stop signal to the control circuit 14. The control circuit 14 sends a stop signal to the water suction pump 13 and the air suction pump 12 to stop the water suction.

As a result, the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 is filled between the ultrasonic unit 31 and the heat-resistant acoustic radiation window 42 in the heat-resistant case 41, so that ultrasonic waves can be emitted and diagnosis can be performed.

<At the time of sterilization>: The keyboard 15 is operated to send an air supply signal to the control circuit 14. The control circuit 14 sends an air / water suction signal to the water / water suction pump 13 and the air / water suction pump 12.
The water supply suction pump 13 sucks the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 in the heat resistant case 41 through the water supply suction pipe 19, and the air supply suction pump 12 transmits the heat resistant case 4 through the air supply suction pipe 18.
Air is supplied to the inside 1.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when it is confirmed that the suction of the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 inside the heat resistant case 41 through the heat resistant acoustic radiation window 42 is completed, the keyboard 15
To send a stop signal to the control circuit 14. Control circuit 14
Sends a stop signal to the water suction pump 19 and the air suction pump 18
To stop the air supply suction.

When the connection connector 3 is detached from the ultrasonic observation apparatus 4, the check valves 20 and 21 provided at the ends of the air supply suction pipe 18 and the water supply suction pipe 19 in the connection connector 3 are tightened, and the air supply suction pipe 18 is closed. Then, the water supply suction pipe 19 is sealed.

In this state, the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is autoclaved. Ultrasonic unit 3 at the tip of ultrasonic endoscope 2
Since a closed space is formed between the heat radiation acoustic window 1 and the heat-resistant acoustic radiation window 42, heat during sterilization is not directly transmitted to the ultrasonic vibrator 32.

(Effect) As described above, in this embodiment, the space between the heat-resistant case 41, the heat-resistant acoustic radiation window 42, and the ultrasonic vibrator 32 allows the heat during autoclave sterilization to be reduced by the ultrasonic vibration. The ultrasonic transducer 32 is not directly transmitted to the transducer 32, so that the failure of the ultrasonic transducer 32 due to heat can be prevented.

FIGS. 6 to 8 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end of an ultrasonic endoscope in which an ultrasonic unit is arranged, and FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic endoscope, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a distal end of a modification of the ultrasonic endoscope in FIG.

Since the second embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Structure) As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the back surface of the ultrasonic unit 31 is not in a watertight state. The heat-resistant case 41 and the ultrasonic unit 3
A space is provided between the two. A medium filling space 61 is provided between the acoustic radiation surface of the ultrasonic unit 31 and the heat-resistant acoustic radiation window 42 as shown in the figure, and the medium filling space 61 has one end of the air supply suction pipe 18 and one end of the water supply suction pipe 19. Is inserted. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Operation) <Diagnosis>: The first operation is performed until the control circuit 14 sends a water supply / suction signal to the air supply / suction pump 12 and the water supply / suction pump 13.
As shown in FIG. 6, the water supply / suction pump 13 sends the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 into the medium filling space 61 through the water supply / suction pipe 19, and the air supply / suction pump 12 sends the same. The air in the medium filling space 61 is sucked through the air suction tube 18. The rest is the same as in the first embodiment.

<At the time of sterilization>: Up to the point where the control circuit 14 sends the air supply / suction pump to the water supply / suction pump 13 and the air supply / suction pump 12, it is the same as the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. Then, the air supply suction pump 13 sucks the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 in the medium filling space 61 through the water supply suction tube 19, and the air supply suction pump 12 enters the medium filling space 61 through the air supply suction tube 18. Perform air supply. The rest is the same as in the first embodiment.

(Effect) As described above, in the present embodiment, between the rear surface of the ultrasonic unit 31 at the tip of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 and the heat-resistant case 41, the acoustic radiation surface of the ultrasonic unit 31 and the heat-resistant acoustic Since a closed space is formed between the radiation windows 42, heat during sterilization is not directly transmitted to the ultrasonic vibrator 32, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Further, since the medium filling space 61 is provided between the acoustic radiation surface of the ultrasonic unit 31 and the heat-resistant acoustic radiation window 42, the back surface of the ultrasonic unit 31 can be filled with a medium during diagnosis. This eliminates the need for watertight processing of the back surface of the ultrasonic unit 31.

As shown in FIG. 8, a heat insulating material 65 may be filled between the back surface of the ultrasonic unit 31 and the heat-resistant case 41.

FIGS. 9 to 12 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the tip of an ultrasonic endoscope in which an ultrasonic unit is arranged, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic observation apparatus to which an ultrasonic endoscope is connected. FIG. 11 is a first diagram illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic endoscope in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a second explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic endoscope in FIG.

Since the third embodiment is almost the same as the second embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Construction) In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a water suction / air suction line 71 is inserted into the ultrasonic endoscope 2 and one end is connected to the connector 3. The other end through the interior of the ultrasonic endoscope 2
Is inserted into the medium filling space 61 at the end of the above.

The heat-resistant acoustic radiation window 42 provided on the heat-resistant case 41 is made of a heat-resistant rubber, and is hereinafter referred to as a heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 42a.

As shown in FIG. 10, a check valve 20 is provided at the end of the water supply suction / air supply suction pipe 71 in the connector 3.
Is provided. An air supply suction pump 12 and a water supply suction pump 13 are provided in the ultrasonic observation device 4 to which the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is connected, and are connected to one pipe 74 via pump switching valves 72 and 73, respectively. The pipe 74 can be connected to the water suction / air suction pipe 71 of the connector 3 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2.

Water supply suction pump 13, air supply suction pump 12
The control circuit 14 is connected to each of the pump switching valves 72 and 73. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

(Operation) <Diagnosis>: The connector 3 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is connected to the ultrasonic observation device 4. Then, the check valve 20 provided at the end of the water supply suction / air supply suction pipe 71 in the connection connector 3.
Opens, and is connected to the tube 74 of the ultrasonic observation device 4. Similarly, the signal cable 17 is connected to the drive / reception / image processing circuit 11 of the ultrasonic observation apparatus 4 via the signal contact 17a.

Then, the ultrasonic observation device 4 is turned on,
The keyboard 15 is operated to send an intake signal to the control circuit 14. The control circuit 14 sends an intake signal to the air supply / suction pump 12 and simultaneously sends a shutoff signal to the pump switching valve 73 on the water supply / suction pump 13 side. Upon receiving the cutoff signal, the pump switching valve 73 closes the pipeline on the water suction pump 13 side.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the air-supply / suction pump 12 which has received the intake signal sends the air-supply / water-supply suction line 7.
1 to suck the air in the medium filling space 61. When the air in the medium filling space 61 is sucked, the heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 42a is dented. When it is confirmed that the suction of the air in the medium filling space 61 has been completed through the heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 42a, the keyboard 15 is operated to send a stop signal to the control circuit 14. The control circuit 14 sends a stop signal to the air supply / suction pump 12 to stop it.

Next, the keyboard 15 is operated and the control circuit 14 is operated.
Send a water supply signal to. The control circuit 14 includes the water supply suction pump 13.
At the same time, a shutoff signal is sent to the pump switching valve 72 on the air suction pump 12 side. Upon receiving the cutoff signal, the pump switching valve 72 closes the pipeline on the air suction pump 12 side.

Upon receiving the water supply signal, the water supply suction pump 13 sends the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 into the medium filling space 61 through the air supply suction / ice supply suction line 71. As shown in FIG. 9, when the ultrasonic transmitting medium 51 is filled in the medium filling space 61, the dented heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 42a
Is back.

When it is confirmed that the ultrasonic transmitting medium 51 has been completely filled into the medium filling space 61 through the heat-resistant rubber-based acoustic radiation window 42a, the keyboard 15 is operated to control the control circuit 1.
Send a stop signal to 4. The control circuit 14 sends a stop signal to the water supply / suction pump 12 to stop it. The rest is the same as in the second embodiment.

<During sterilization>: The keyboard 15 is operated to send a water absorption signal to the control circuit 14. The control circuit 14 sends a water suction signal to the water supply / suction pump 13 and, at the same time, sends a cutoff signal to the “pump change valve 72” on the side of the air / suction pump 12.
Close the side line. Water suction pump 1 receiving water absorption signal
Numeral 3 sucks the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 in the medium filling space 61 through the air supply suction / water supply suction pipe 71. When the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 in the medium filling space 61 is sucked, as shown in FIG.
Dents.

After confirming that the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 in the medium filling space 61 has been completely sucked through the heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 42a, the keyboard 15 is operated to operate the control circuit 14.
Send stop signal to. The control circuit 14 sends a stop signal to the air supply / suction pump 12 to stop it.

Next, the keyboard 15 is operated and the control circuit 14 is operated.
Send air supply signal to. The control circuit 14 includes the air supply suction pump 12
At the same time, an air supply signal is sent to the pump switch valve 73 on the side of the water supply suction pump 13 and a shut-off bill is sent. Upon receiving the cutoff signal, the pump switching valve 73 closes the pipeline on the water suction pump 13 side.

Upon receiving the air supply signal, the air supply suction pump 12 sends air into the medium filling space 61 through the air supply suction / ice supply suction line 71. As shown in FIG. 12, when the medium filling space 61 is filled with air, the dented thermo rubber acoustic radiation window 42a returns to its original state.

When it is confirmed that the air has been completely filled into the medium filling space 61 through the thermal rubber acoustic radiation window 42a, the keyboard 15 is operated to send a stop signal to the control circuit 14. The control circuit 14 sends a stop signal to the air supply / suction pump 12 to stop it. The rest is the same as in the second embodiment.

(Effects) As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, the diameter of the insertion portion can be reduced by using both the water supply suction pipe and the air supply suction pipe. .

FIGS. 13 to 15 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the tip of an ultrasonic endoscope in which an ultrasonic unit is arranged, and FIG.
FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic observation apparatus to which the ultrasonic endoscope of FIG. 13 is connected, and FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic endoscope of FIG.

Since the fourth embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Configuration) In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, only the air supply / suction pipe 18 is inserted into the ultrasonic endoscope 2, and one end is connected to the connection connector 3. The other end is inserted through the inside of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 into an air supply space 81 provided at the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope 2.

The heat-resistant acoustic radiation window 42 provided on the heat-resistant case 41 is made of a heat-resistant rubber, and is hereinafter referred to as a heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 42a. The sound radiating surface of the ultrasonic unit 31 is arranged as shown in the drawing in a state of being in close contact with the heat-resistant rubber sound radiating window 42a.

As shown in FIG. 14, a check valve 20 is provided at the end of the air suction pipe 18 in the connector 3. In the ultrasonic observation apparatus 4 to which the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is connected, only the air supply / suction pump 12 is provided, and the air supply / suction tube 18 of the connector 3 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 can be connected. . A control circuit 14 is connected to the air suction pump 12. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Operation) <Diagnosis>: The connector 3 of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is connected to the ultrasonic observation device 4. Then, the check valve 20 provided at the end of the air supply / suction pipe 18 in the connection connector 3 is opened and connected to the air supply / suction pump 12 of the ultrasonic observation apparatus 4. Also,
Similarly, the signal cable 17 is connected to the drive / reception / image processing circuit 11 of the ultrasonic observation apparatus 4 via the signal contact 17a.

The source of the ultrasonic observation device 4 is turned on, and the keyboard 15 is operated to send an inhalation signal to the control circuit 14. The control circuit 14 having received the intake signal sends the intake signal to the air supply / suction pump 12. The air supply suction pump 12 that has received the intake signal sucks the air in the air supply space 81 through the air supply suction pipe 18. When the air in the air supply space 81 is sucked, the heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 42a comes into close contact with the acoustic radiation surface of the ultrasonic unit 31 (see FIG. 13).

The air in the air supply space 81 is sucked through the heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 42a and the heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 4
When it is confirmed that 2a has completely adhered to the acoustic radiation surface of the ultrasonic unit 31, the keyboard 15 is operated to send a stop signal to the control circuit 14. The control circuit 14 sends a stop signal to the air suction pump 12 to stop it. In this state, ultrasonic waves can be emitted and can be used for diagnosis.

<At the time of sterilization>: The keyboard 15 is operated to send an air supply signal to the control circuit 14. The control circuit 14 sends an air supply signal to the air supply suction pump 12. The air supply suction pump 12 that has received the air supply signal sends the air supply space 8 through the air supply suction pipe 18.
Air is blown into 1. When air is supplied into the air supply space 81, the heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 42 a expands and separates from the acoustic radiation surface of the ultrasonic unit 31 as shown in FIG. 15.

The acoustic radiation surface of the ultrasonic unit 31 and the heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 4 are placed through the heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 42a.
When it is confirmed that a space is formed between the control circuit 14a and the keyboard 2a, the keyboard 15 is operated to send a stop signal to the control circuit 14. The control circuit 14 sends a stop signal to the air supply / suction pump 12 to stop it. Other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Effect) As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the distance between the heat-resistant rubber acoustic radiation window 42a and the acoustic radiation surface of the ultrasonic unit 31 during observation is reduced. And observation at a short distance becomes possible. Further, the ultrasonic endoscope 2 having a smaller size can be realized.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an air supply suction pump unit and a water supply suction pump unit connected to an ultrasonic endoscope according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Since the fifth embodiment is almost the same as the third embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Structure) In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
At one end, a base 103 with a check valve that can be connected to an external air supply / suction pump unit 101 and an external water supply / suction pump unit 102 is provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment. In addition, the air supply suction pump 12 and the water supply suction pump 13 are not provided in the ultrasonic observation device 4.

(Operation) <Diagnosis>: The external air supply / suction pump unit 101 and the base 103 with a check valve are connected.

The air supply / suction pump unit 101 is operated instead of the ultrasonic observation device 4 to evacuate the air in the medium charging space 61 as in the third embodiment.

Next, the air supply / suction pump unit 101 is detached from the base 103 with a check valve, and an external water supply / suction pump unit 102 is connected instead. By operating the water suction pump unit 102 instead of the ultrasonic observation device 4, the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 is inserted into the medium filling space 61 as in the third embodiment.
Fill.

Then, the water supply / suction pump unit 102 is removed from the base 103 with the check valve, the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is connected to the ultrasonic observation device 4, and the diagnosis is performed in the same manner as in the third embodiment.

At the time of sterilization>: External water supply / suction pump unit 1
02 and the base 103 with a check valve are connected.

The water supply / suction pump unit 102 is operated instead of the ultrasonic observation device 4 to remove the ultrasonic transmission medium 51 in the medium filling space 61 as in the third embodiment.

Next, the water supply / suction pump unit 102 is removed from the check valve-equipped base 103, and an external air supply / suction pump unit 101 is connected instead. The air supply / suction pump unit 101 is operated instead of the ultrasonic observation device 4 to fill the medium filling space 61 with air as in the third embodiment.

Then, the air supply / suction pump alone is removed from the base 103 with the check valve, and the ultrasonic endoscope 2 is sterilized in an autoclave as in the third embodiment.

(Effects) As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the third embodiment, even in the ultrasonic observation apparatus 4 which does not incorporate the water supply suction pump and the air supply suction pump, the external transmission is performed. By using the air suction pump unit 101 and the external water supply suction pump unit 102, the ultrasonic endoscope 2 can be autoclaved.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that heat transfer to the ultrasonic vibrator during autoclave sterilization can be prevented and autoclave sterilization can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration showing a configuration of the ultrasonic observation apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an ultrasonic unit disposed at a distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a distal end of an ultrasonic endoscope in which the ultrasonic unit in FIG. 3 is arranged.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic endoscope in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a distal end of an ultrasonic endoscope in which an ultrasonic unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention is arranged.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic endoscope in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a distal end of a modification of the ultrasonic endoscope of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a distal end of an ultrasonic endoscope in which an ultrasonic unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention is arranged.

10 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic observation apparatus to which the ultrasonic endoscope in FIG. 9 is connected.

FIG. 11 is a first explanatory view illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic endoscope in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a second explanatory view illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic endoscope in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a distal end of an ultrasonic endoscope in which an ultrasonic unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is arranged.

14 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic observation apparatus to which the ultrasonic endoscope in FIG. 13 is connected.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic endoscope in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an air supply suction pump and a water supply suction pump connected to an ultrasonic endoscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic endoscope apparatus 2 ... Ultrasonic endoscope 3 ... Connection connector 4 ... Ultrasonic observation apparatus 11 ... Driving / receiving / image processing circuit 12 ... Air supply suction pump 13 ... Water supply suction pump 14 ... Control circuit 15 ... Keyboard 16 ... Monitor 17 ... Signal cable 18 ... Air supply suction pipe 19 ... Water supply suction pipe 20, 21 ... Check valve 31 ... Ultrasonic unit 32 ... Ultrasonic vibrator 33 ... Acoustic lens 41 ... Heat resistant case 42 ... Heat resistance Sound radiation window 43… Partition plate

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic endoscope in which an ultrasonic vibrator unit is disposed in a distal case having an acoustic radiation window, wherein at least an inner peripheral surface of the distal case including the acoustic radiation window during autoclave sterilization. An ultrasonic endoscope comprising space forming means for forming a space between the ultrasonic endoscope unit and the ultrasonic transducer unit. 2. At least at the time of diagnosis, a medium filling means for filling an ultrasonic transmission medium between the inner peripheral surface of the tip case including the acoustic radiation window and the ultrasonic transducer unit is provided. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein 3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising a surface contact unit that makes an acoustic radiation surface of the ultrasonic transducer unit and the acoustic radiation window adhere at least at the time of diagnosis. mirror. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the end case and the acoustic radiation window are formed of a heat-resistant material.
4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of 2 and 3. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein a heat insulating agent is filled between an inner peripheral surface of the tip case and a back surface of the ultrasonic transducer unit. Ultrasound endoscope. 6. The acoustic radiation window is made of a heat-resistant stretchable material.
The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of the above. 7. An ultrasonic transducer unit is disposed in a distal case having an acoustic radiation window, and at least at the time of autoclave sterilization, an inner peripheral surface of the distal case including the acoustic radiation window and the ultrasonic transducer unit. An ultrasonic endoscope apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic endoscope having a space forming means for forming a space between the ultrasonic endoscope; and an air supply means for supplying air to the space forming means. 8. A medium for filling an ultrasonic transmission medium between an inner peripheral surface of the distal case including the acoustic radiation window and the ultrasonic transducer unit, at least at a time of diagnosis. The ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a filling unit, and a medium supply unit that supplies the ultrasonic transmission medium to the medium filling unit. 9. A signal processing means for generating an ultrasonic image by an ultrasonic endoscope, wherein at least the air supply means and the medium filling means are provided in the signal processing means. The ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to claim 7, wherein