Ultrasonic endoscope

Abstract

The invention provides an ultrasonic endoscope with improved durability. An ultrasonic endoscope (12) is provided with a tip section (40) having: a housing space (410) for housing a cable (100) connected to an ultrasonic vibrator unit (46); and a filler (80) that fills a gap in the housing space, the cable having: a plurality of signal cables (110) that are electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducers (48) included in the ultrasonic transducer unit (46); a shielding layer (108) which binds and coats the plurality of signal cables; and a sheath (102) covering the shield layer, in the housing space, the cable is provided with a first region (AR1) in which the signal cable is exposed, a second region (AR2) in which the shield layer is exposed, and a third region (AR3) in which the sheath (102) is exposed, in this order from the ultrasonic transducer unit side, and the filler (80) is in contact with at least the first region (AR1) and the second region (AR2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic endoscope. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a convex ultrasonic endoscope. A filler layer is provided at the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope. This filler layer fills the internal space between the exterior member and the backing material layer and serves to secure a substrate, non-coaxial cables, and various wiring components.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a radial ultrasonic endoscope. In the distal end of this ultrasonic endoscope, fillers are provided in the spaces between the substrate attached to the side of a backing material layer and the connection points of the coaxial cables, the gaps between the coaxial cables, and the gaps through which the coaxial cables pass.

[0004] A convex ultrasonic endoscope is described in Patent Document 3. A filler layer is provided at the distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope to fill gaps around a plurality of coaxial cables.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-129671

[0006] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2018 / 003737

[0007] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2018 / 003232 Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope with improved durability.

[0009] An ultrasonic endoscope according to one embodiment of the technology of the present invention comprises a distal end portion including an ultrasonic transceiver portion, the distal end portion comprising: a cable accommodating portion for accommodating a cable connected to the ultrasonic transceiver portion; and a filler for filling a gap within the cable accommodating portion, the cable comprising: a plurality of signal cables electrically connected to an ultrasonic transceiver included in the ultrasonic transceiver portion; a first covering member for bundling and covering the plurality of signal cables; and a second covering member for covering the first covering member, wherein in the cable accommodating portion, the cable comprises, in order from the ultrasonic transceiver portion side, a first region in which the signal cables are exposed, a second region in which the first covering member is exposed, and a third region in which the second covering member is exposed, and the filler is in contact with at least the first region and the second region.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the technology of the present invention, durability can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an ultrasonic inspection system 10 using an ultrasonic endoscope 12 as one embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 The front end portion 40 and its vicinity are shown in an enlarged top view.

[0014] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken along line III-III is a longitudinal cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the front end portion 40 along the center line along the longitudinal axis thereof.

[0015] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along the center line of the arc structure of the ultrasound transducer array 50 of the ultrasound observation section 36 of the front end portion 40 .

[0016] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the signal cable 110 .

[0017] Figure 6 Schematic diagram showing a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the cable 100 .

[0018] Figure 7 It is an enlarged view of a portion including the substrate 60 and the cable 100 .

[0019] Figure 8 is omitted Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a portion of the cross section and illustrating the position of the filler 80 .

[0020] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Schematic cross-sectional view from the AA direction.

[0021] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the protrusion 102A.

[0022] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the cable 100, Figure 7 The corresponding figure.

[0023] Explanation of symbols:

[0024] 10 - Ultrasonic examination system, 12 - Ultrasonic endoscope, 14 - Ultrasonic processor, 16 - Endoscope processor, 18 - Light source, 20 - Display, 21a - Water supply tank, 21b - Suction pump, 22 - Insertion unit, 24 - Operation unit, 26 - Universal cord, 28a - Air and water supply button, 28b - Suction button, 29 - Angle knob, 30 - Treatment instrument insertion port, 32a, 32b, 32c - Connectors, 34 a-air and water supply hose, 34b-suction hose, 36-ultrasonic observation section, 38-endoscopic observation section, 40-front end portion, 41-exterior component, 42-bendable portion, 43-flexible portion, 44-treatment instrument outlet, 45-treatment instrument channel, 46-ultrasonic vibrator unit, 47-laminated body, 48-ultrasonic vibrator, 49-piezoelectric body, 50-ultrasonic vibrator array, 52-electrode, 52a-single electrode, 52b-vibrator connector Ground, 54-backing material layer, 60-substrate, 60a, 60b, 60c-edge, 62-electrode pad, 64-ground electrode pad, 76-acoustic matching layer, 78-acoustic lens, 80-filler, 82-observation window, 84-objective lens, 86-imaging element, 88-illumination window, 90-cleaning nozzle, 100-cable, 101-coating portion, 102-outer skin, 102A-protrusion, 106-resin layer, 108-shielding layer, 110 -Signal cable, 112-Signal line, 112a-Conductor, 112b-Insulation layer, 114-Ground wire, 116-First signal line bundle, 116a-Front end, 118-Sheath of the first signal line bundle, 130-Fixed portion, 410-Accommodation space, 410A-First space, 410B-Second space, AR1-First area, AR2-Second area, AR3-Third area, S1-First sealing component, S2-Second sealing component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasonic inspection system 10 using an ultrasonic endoscope 12, which is one embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic inspection system 10 includes: the ultrasonic endoscope 12; an ultrasonic processor 14 that generates ultrasonic images; an endoscope processor 16 that generates endoscopic images; a light source 18 that supplies illumination light to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 to illuminate the interior of a body cavity; a display 20 that displays ultrasonic and endoscopic images; a water supply tank 21a that stores cleaning water and the like; and a suction pump 21b that aspirates material within the body cavity.

[0026] The ultrasonic endoscope 12 includes an insertion portion 22 inserted into a body cavity of a subject, an operating portion 24 connected to a proximal end of the insertion portion 22 and operated by a surgeon, and a universal cord 26 having one end connected to the operating portion 24 .

[0027] The operating unit 24 is provided with the following mechanisms: an air and water supply button 28a, which opens and closes the air and water supply line (not shown) from the water supply tank 21a; and a suction button 28b, which opens and closes the suction line (not shown) from the suction pump 21b. The operating unit 24 is also provided with a pair of angled knobs 29 and a treatment instrument insertion port 30.

[0028] The other end of the universal cord 26 is provided with an ultrasound connector 32a for connection to the ultrasound processor 14, an endoscope connector 32b for connection to the endoscope processor 16, and a light source connector 32c for connection to the light source 18. The ultrasound endoscope 12 is detachably connected to the ultrasound processor 14, the endoscope processor 16, and the light source 18 via these connectors 32a, 32b, and 32c, respectively. Connector 32c is provided with an air and water supply hose 34a for connection to the water supply tank 21a, and a suction hose 34b for connection to the suction pump 21b.

[0029] The insertion portion 22 has, from the front end side, in sequence: a front end portion 40 having an ultrasonic observation portion 36 and an endoscopic observation portion 38; a bending portion 42 connected to the base end side of the front end portion 40; and a soft portion 43 connecting the base end side of the bending portion 42 and the front end side of the operating portion 24.

[0030] The bending portion 42 is remotely bent by rotating a pair of angle knobs 29 provided on the operating portion 24. This allows the distal end portion 40 to be directed in a desired direction.

[0031] The ultrasonic processor device 14 generates and supplies the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 (refer to Figure 2 ) generates ultrasonic signals. Furthermore, the ultrasound processor device 14 receives and acquires echo signals reflected from the observation target site irradiated with ultrasonic waves via the ultrasound transducer array 50, and performs various signal processing on the acquired echo signals to generate an ultrasonic image for display on the display 20.

[0032] The endoscope processor device 16 receives and acquires a video image signal acquired from the observation target area illuminated by the illumination light from the light source device 18 in the endoscope observation section 38 , and performs various processes on the acquired video image signal to generate an endoscopic image displayed on the display 20 .

[0033] exist Figure 1In the example shown in FIG, the ultrasound processor 14 and the endoscope processor 16 are configured by two separate devices (computers). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and both the ultrasound processor 14 and the endoscope processor 16 may be configured by a single device.

[0034] In order to obtain a video image signal by using the endoscopic observation unit 38 to photograph the observation object in the body cavity, the light source device 18 generates white light including three primary colors of red light, green light, and blue light, or illumination light of a specific wavelength, which propagates through a light guide (not shown) in the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and is emitted from the endoscopic observation unit 38, thereby illuminating the observation object in the body cavity.

[0035] The display 20 receives the video signals generated by the ultrasound processor 14 and the endoscope processor 16 and displays the ultrasound image and the endoscope image. Regarding the display of these ultrasound images and the endoscope image, it is possible to switch between displaying only one of the images on the display 20 as appropriate, or to display both images simultaneously.

[0036] In this embodiment, the ultrasound image and the endoscopic image are displayed on a single display 20. However, separate displays for displaying ultrasound images and endoscopic images may be provided. Furthermore, the ultrasound image and endoscopic image may be displayed in a display other than the display 20, for example, on a display of a terminal carried by the operating surgeon.

[0037] Next, refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the structure of the front end portion 40 is described. Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 The front end portion 40 and its vicinity are shown in an enlarged top view. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken along line III-III is a longitudinal cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the front end portion 40 along the center line along the longitudinal axis thereof. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along the center line of the arc structure of the ultrasound transducer array 50 of the ultrasound observation section 36 of the front end portion 40 .

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the distal end portion 40 is equipped with an ultrasonic observation section 36 for acquiring ultrasonic images at the distal end, and an endoscopic observation section 38 for acquiring endoscopic images at the proximal end. Furthermore, a treatment instrument outlet 44 is provided between the ultrasonic observation section 36 and the endoscopic observation section 38 in the distal end portion 40.

[0039] The endoscope observation unit 38 includes an observation window 82, an objective lens 84, an imaging element 86, an illumination window 88, a cleaning nozzle 90, and a wiring cable 92. The observation window 82, the objective lens 84, the imaging element 86, and the illumination window 88 constitute an imaging unit.

[0040] The treatment instrument outlet 44 is connected to a treatment instrument channel 45 that is inserted into the insertion portion 22. Figure 1 A treatment instrument (not shown) inserted into the treatment instrument insertion port 30 is guided out from the treatment instrument guide port 44 into the body cavity via the treatment instrument channel 45 .

[0041] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the ultrasonic observation section 36 includes an ultrasonic transducer unit 46 constituting an ultrasonic transceiver; an exterior member 41 holding the ultrasonic transducer unit 46; and a cable 100 electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 via a substrate 60. The cable 100 is formed in an elongated shape extending along the longitudinal axis of the insertion section 22 and extending to the connector 32a.

[0042] The exterior member 41 is made of a hard component such as a hard resin and forms part of the distal end portion 40. A storage space 410 is provided in the exterior member 41, extending along the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 22. The storage space 410 includes a first space 410A on the proximal side and a second space 410B on the distal side that is wider than the first space 410A. The storage space 410 houses a portion of the ultrasonic transducer unit 46, the substrate 60, and the distal end of the cable 100. The storage space 410 forms a cable storage portion for the cable 100.

[0043] The ultrasonic vibrator unit 46 includes: an ultrasonic vibrator array 50, which includes a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48; an electrode 52, which is arranged on the end side of the ultrasonic vibrator array 50 in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion 22); a backing material layer 54, which supports each ultrasonic vibrator 48 from the lower surface side; and a substrate 60, which is arranged along the side surface of the backing material layer 54 in the width direction and is connected to the electrode 52.

[0044] The structure of the substrate 60 is not particularly limited as long as it can electrically connect the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48 and the cable 100 .

[0045] The substrate 60 is preferably composed of a wiring substrate such as a flexible substrate with flexibility (also called a flexible printed circuit board (FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit))), a printed wiring circuit substrate including a rigid substrate with high rigidity that is not flexible (also called a PCB (Printed Circuit Board)), or a printed wiring substrate (also called a PWB (Printed Wired Board)).

[0046] The ultrasonic transducer unit 46 includes an acoustic matching layer 76 laminated on the ultrasonic transducer array 50 and an acoustic lens 78 laminated on the acoustic matching layer 76. The ultrasonic transducer unit 46 is configured as a laminate 47 including the acoustic lens 78, the acoustic matching layer 76, the ultrasonic transducer array 50, and the backing material layer 54.

[0047] The ultrasonic transducer array 50 is composed of a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped ultrasonic transducers 48 arranged in a convex arc shape toward the outside. The ultrasonic transducer array 50 is, for example, a 48-channel to 192-channel array including 48 to 192 ultrasonic transducers 48. Each ultrasonic transducer 48 has a piezoelectric body 49.

[0048] The ultrasonic transducer array 50 includes electrodes 52. The electrodes 52 include individual electrodes 52a independent of each ultrasonic transducer 48 and a transducer ground 52b serving as a common electrode shared by all ultrasonic transducers 48. Figure 4 In FIG, the plurality of individual electrodes 52 a are arranged on the lower surfaces of the ends of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 48 , and the vibrator ground 52 b is arranged on the upper surfaces of the ends of the ultrasonic vibrators 48 .

[0049] The substrate 60 includes 48 to 192 wirings (not shown) electrically connected to the individual electrodes 52 a of 48 to 192 ultrasonic vibrators 48 , respectively, and a plurality of electrode pads 62 connected to the ultrasonic vibrators 48 via the wirings.

[0050] The ultrasonic transducer array 50 has a structure in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 are arranged in a one-dimensional array at predetermined pitches. The ultrasonic transducers 48 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 50 are arranged in a convex curved shape at equal intervals along the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 22, and are transmitted from the ultrasonic processor device 14 (see Figure 1 ) input drive signal is driven in sequence. Figure 2 The range of the ultrasonic transducer 48 shown is used as a scanning range for performing convex electronic scanning.

[0051] The acoustic matching layer 76 is used to achieve acoustic impedance matching between the subject and the ultrasonic transducer 48 .

[0052] The acoustic lens 78 is used to focus the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transducer array 50 toward the observed area. This acoustic lens 78 is formed, for example, from a silicone resin (such as millable silicone rubber or liquid silicone rubber), a butadiene resin, or a polyurethane resin. If necessary, powders such as titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, or silicon dioxide may be mixed into the acoustic lens 78. This allows the acoustic lens 78 to achieve acoustic impedance matching between the subject and the ultrasonic transducers 48 in the acoustic matching layer 76 and improve the transmittance of ultrasonic waves.

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a backing material layer 54 is disposed on the back side (lower surface) of the ultrasonic transducer array 50, which is located inward relative to the array surface of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48. The backing material layer 54 is composed of a layer of components including a backing material. The backing material layer 54 mechanically and flexibly supports the ultrasonic transducer array 50 and has the function of attenuating ultrasonic waves propagating toward the backing material layer 54, from ultrasonic signals oscillated from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 or reflected from the observation object. The backing material is made of a rigid material such as hard rubber, and an ultrasonic attenuating material (such as ferrite or ceramic) is added as needed.

[0054] Figure 4 The substrate 60 shown has a plurality of electrode pads 62 electrically connected to the plurality of individual electrodes 52a at one end and a ground electrode pad 64 electrically connected to the oscillator ground 52b. Figure 4 , the cable 100 is omitted.

[0055] The electrical connection between substrate 60 and individual electrode 52a can be established using, for example, a conductive resin material. Examples of the resin material include ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film) or ACP (Anisotropic Conductive Paste), which are formed into a film-like shape by mixing fine conductive particles into a thermosetting resin.

[0056] Other resin materials include, for example, conductive fillers such as metal particles dispersed in a binder resin such as epoxy or urethane, whereby the fillers form conductive paths after bonding. Examples of such resin materials include conductive pastes such as silver paste.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the cable 100 includes a plurality of signal cables 110 and a cylindrical covering portion 101 that bundles and covers the plurality of signal cables 110 .

[0058] Figure 5 Schematic diagram showing a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the signal cable 110. Figure 5 In this example, the signal cable 110 is a non-coaxial cable. The signal cable 110 includes a plurality of signal lines 112 and a plurality of ground lines 114. The signal line 112 is composed of, for example, a conductor 112a and an insulating layer 112b covering the outer peripheral surface of the conductor 112a.

[0059] Conductor 112a is, for example, made of bare copper or copper alloy wire. The bare wire is plated with, for example, tin or silver. Conductor 112a has a diameter of, for example, 0.03 mm to 0.04 mm. Insulation layer 112b can be made of, for example, a resin material such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA). Insulation layer 112b has a thickness of, for example, 0.015 mm to 0.025 mm.

[0060] The ground wire 114 is formed of, for example, a conductor having the same diameter as the signal wire 112. The ground wire 114 is formed of a bare wire of copper or a copper alloy, or a stranded wire formed by twisting a plurality of bare wires of copper or a copper alloy.

[0061] The first signal line bundle 116 is formed by twisting the plurality of signal lines 112 and the plurality of ground lines 114 .

[0062] The signal cable 110 includes a first signal harness sheath 118 that bundles and sheaths the first signal harness 116. The first signal harness sheath 118 can be formed of, for example, an insulating film laminated with a metal foil via an adhesive. The insulating film is formed of, for example, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. The metal foil is formed of, for example, aluminum foil or copper foil.

[0063] In the signal cable 110 , a plurality of signal lines 112 are grouped together and shielded by a sheath 118 of a first signal line bundle.

[0064] The first signal line bundle 116 is composed of seven twisted wires, namely four signal lines 112 and three ground lines. One of the four signal lines 112 is arranged in the center. The remaining three signal lines 112 and three ground lines 114 are arranged adjacent to each other around the center signal line 112. However, the number of signal lines 112 and the number of ground lines 114 in the first signal line bundle 116 and their arrangement are not limited to Figure 5 Each conductor 112 a included in the signal cable 110 is electrically connected to any one of the electrode pads 62 of the substrate 60 .

[0065] Figure 6 Schematic diagram showing a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the cable 100. Figure 6 In the example shown, cable 100 includes: a plurality of signal cables 110; a cylindrical resin layer 106 that bundles and covers the plurality of signal cables 110; a cylindrical shield layer 108 that is disposed along and covers the outer circumference of resin layer 106; and a cylindrical outer sheath 102 that is disposed along and covers the outer circumference of shield layer 108. Resin layer 106, shield layer 108, and outer sheath 102 constitute a sheath 101.

[0066] The outer sheath 102 can be made of a fluorine-based resin material such as extruded PFA, FEP, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The outer sheath 102 constitutes the outermost peripheral surface of the cable 100. The outer sheath 102 preferably has a smooth outer surface to reduce friction with other contents within the ultrasonic endoscope 12 (such as the air and water supply hoses, the suction hose, and the pull cord) and improve durability.

[0067] The resin layer 106 can be made of, for example, the above-mentioned fluorine-based resin material or a resin tape.

[0068] The smoothness of the outer surface of the shielding layer 108 is preferably lower than the smoothness of the outer surface of the outer skin 102. Smoothness can be defined by, for example, average surface roughness. The shielding layer 108 is, for example, a metal mesh shield formed by weaving a plurality of bare wires. The bare wires are composed of plated (tin-plated or silver-plated) copper wires or copper alloy wires. The resin layer 106 and the shielding layer 108 constitute a first covering member that bundles and covers a plurality of signal cables 110. In addition, in the cable 100, the resin layer 106 is not necessary and can be omitted. The outer skin 102 constitutes a second covering member that covers the first covering member.

[0069] Shield layer 108 is provided concentrically with resin layer 106 around the periphery of resin layer 106, surrounding and covering the outer peripheral surface of resin layer 106 over a 360-degree circumferential range. Sheath 102 is provided concentrically with shield layer 108 around the periphery of shield layer 108, surrounding and covering the outer peripheral surface of shield layer 108 over a 360-degree circumferential range.

[0070] exist Figure 6 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the cable 100 includes 16 signal cables 110 and 64 signal lines 112. The number of the signal cables 110 and the number of the signal lines 112 are not limited to these values.

[0071] Figure 7 FIG is an enlarged view of a portion including the substrate 60 and the cable 100. Figure 7 As shown, the substrate 60 includes a plurality of electrode pads 62 arranged along a side 60a on the base end side, and a ground electrode pad 64 arranged between the plurality of electrode pads 62 and the side 60a. The ground electrode pad 64 is arranged parallel to the side 60a.

[0072] Cable 100 is positioned opposite side 60a of substrate 60. Electrode pads 62 are electrically connected to signal lines 112 of signal cable 110. Signal cable 110 is positioned parallel to sides 60b and 60c, which are perpendicular to side 60a. However, the positional relationship between substrate 60 and signal cable 110 is not particularly limited.

[0073] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the cable 100 has its coating 101 stripped off at its distal end, creating a first region AR1 where the signal cable 110 is partially exposed. Further proximally than the first region AR1, the outer sheath 102 is stripped off, creating a second region AR2 where the shield layer 108 is partially exposed. Further proximally than the second region AR2, the cable 100 has a third region AR3 where the outer sheath 102 is exposed. Thus, within the accommodation space 410, the cable 100 has a structure that, starting from the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 side, includes, in order: the first region AR1 where the signal cable 110 is exposed; the second region AR2 where the shield layer 108 is exposed; and the third region AR3 where the outer sheath 102 is exposed.

[0074] exist Figure 3 In the accommodating space 410 shown, a filler 80 is provided in the gap between the outer casing 41 and the front end side of the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46, the substrate 60 and the cable 100 (the portion in the first space 410A other than the cable 100 and the portion in the second space 410B other than the ultrasonic vibrator unit 46, the substrate 60 and the cable 100) to fill the gap. Figure 8 is omitted Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a portion of the cross section and illustrating the position of the filler 80 .

[0075] The filler 80 primarily serves to secure the substrate 60, signal cable 110, and various wiring components. The filler 80 preferably matches the acoustic impedance of the backing material layer 54 with a precision greater than a specified value, so that ultrasonic signals propagating from the ultrasonic transducer array 50 to the backing material layer 54 are not reflected at the interface with the backing material layer 54. To improve the efficiency of dissipating heat generated by the multiple ultrasonic transducers 48, the filler 80 is preferably made of a member with heat dissipation properties. When the filler 80 has heat dissipation properties, it absorbs heat from the backing material layer 54, substrate 60, signal cable 110, and the like, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. The material of the filler 80 is not particularly limited; for example, silicone resin or rubber can be used.

[0076] like Figure 7 As shown, the filler 80 fills gaps between the first area AR1 , the second area AR2 , and the third area AR3 and the inner surface of the exterior member 41 , and is in contact with the first area AR1 , the second area AR2 , and the third area AR3 .

[0077] With this structure, the filler 80 is embedded in the step difference at the boundary between the first area AR1 and the second area AR2, or the step difference at the boundary between the second area AR2 and the third area AR3, thereby achieving an anchoring effect. As a result, the fixing force of the filler 80 between various components can be enhanced, thereby improving the durability of the ultrasonic endoscope 12.

[0078] Furthermore, even when the smoothness of the outer surface of the second area AR2 is lower than that of the outer surface of the third area AR3, the filler 80 can be embedded in the unevenness of the outer surface of the second area AR2, thereby achieving an anchoring effect. As a result, the durability of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 can be further improved. In this embodiment, the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 are arranged in the relatively narrow first space 410A of the storage space 410. Therefore, the volume of the gap between the second area AR2 and the third area AR3 and the exterior member 41 is small, and the space for the filler 80 to enter is small. Even in this structure, due to the reduced smoothness of the shielding layer 108, sufficient fixing force can be ensured even with a small amount of filler 80.

[0079] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a protrusion 102A that protrudes in the radial direction of the cable 100 is provided on the outer surface of a portion of the cable 100 arranged in the first space 410A in the third area AR3 (the surface of the outer sheath 102 ).

[0080] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 AA-direction cross-sectional diagram. Figure 9 In FIG, a cross section of the cable 100 is simplified. Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion 102A is composed of an annular component provided along the entire circumference of the outer surface of the sheath 102 of the cable 100. The outer shape of the annular component is not particularly limited, and a perfect circle, an ellipse or a polygon can be used. The protrusion 102A can be formed as a whole with the sheath 102 of the cable 100, but is preferably separated from the cable 100. For example, by forming the protrusion 102A with a metal ring or the like, the cable 100 can be fastened from its outer peripheral side using the protrusion 102A. As a result, the outer sheath 102 can be prevented from moving along the axial direction relative to the shielding layer 108 in the first space 410A. In addition, by embedding the filler 80 into the protrusion 102A, an anchoring effect can be obtained, which can further improve the durability of the ultrasonic endoscope 12.

[0081] The protrusion 102A may not be provided along the entire periphery of the outer surface of the sheath 102 of the cable 100. For example, the protrusion 102A may be as follows: Figure 10 By making the protrusion 102A into a C-shape, when the cable 100 and the protrusion 102A are separate bodies, it is easy to attach the protrusion 102A to the cable 100. In addition, by embedding the filler 80 between the circumferential ends of the C-shaped protrusion 102A, the anchoring effect can be enhanced. Figure 10 The C-shaped protrusion 102A shown is an example of an annular member.

[0082] Furthermore, protrusion 102A need not be formed of an annular member and can have any shape as long as the purpose of achieving an anchoring effect is achieved. Forming protrusion 102A of an annular member allows for both securing cable 100 and achieving an anchoring effect, as described above. Multiple protrusions 102A can be provided along the axial direction of cable 100. This further enhances the anchoring effect.

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown, the substrate 60 and the first signal wire harness 116 are fixed by the fixing portion 130, and the relative positions of the substrate 60 and each first signal wire harness 116 are fixed. The fixing portion 130 fixes the substrate 60 and the first signal wire harness 116 while overlapping the substrate 60. The first signal wire harness 116, which is composed of a plurality of signal wires 112 and a plurality of ground wires 114, is untied into the respective signal wires 112 at the front end 116a. The untied signal wires 112 are electrically connected to the electrode pads 62 arranged on the substrate 60. The front end 116a is the starting position for untying the respective signal wires 112. In addition, in a part of the first signal wire harness 116, the fixing portion 130 is omitted for ease of understanding. The connection area between the substrate 60 and the signal cable 110 as described above is also covered and fixed by the above-mentioned filler 80.

[0084] In the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 configured as described above, when each ultrasonic transducer 48 of the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is driven and a voltage is applied to the electrodes 52 of the ultrasonic transducers 48, the piezoelectric elements 49 vibrate, sequentially generating ultrasonic waves, which are then irradiated toward the observation target area of ​​the subject. Subsequently, by sequentially driving the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 using an electronic switch such as a multiplexer, the ultrasonic waves are scanned within a scanning range along the curved surface on which the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is arranged, for example, within a range of approximately several tens of millimeters from the center of curvature of the curved surface.

[0085] When an echo signal reflected from the observation target site is received, the piezoelectric body 49 vibrates to generate a voltage, which is output as an electrical signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic echo to the ultrasonic processor device 14. The ultrasonic processor device 14 then performs various signal processing and displays the signal as an ultrasonic image on the display 20.

[0086] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the cable 100, Figure 7 The corresponding figure. Figure 11 In the modified example shown, the first sealing member S1 is provided at the first boundary between the first area AR1 and the second area AR2, and the second sealing member S2 is provided at the second boundary between the second area AR2 and the third area AR3. Figure 7 different.

[0087] The first sealing member S1 is provided to prevent the filler 80 from penetrating into the inner side of the shield layer 108 . The second sealing member S2 is provided to prevent the filler 80 from penetrating between the outer peripheral surface of the shield layer 108 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer skin 102 .

[0088] The materials of the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2 are not particularly limited, but silicone resins, epoxy resins, and the like can be used. The provision of the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2 prevents the filler 80 from penetrating deep into the proximal end of the cable 100 when the pre-cured filler 80 is poured into the accommodation space 410. As a result, even when the signal cable 110 includes the second region AR2, sufficient flexibility of the cable 100 can be maintained further proximal than the distal end 40.

[0089] The viscosity of the materials comprising the first and second sealing components S1, S2 is preferably higher than the viscosity of the material comprising the filler 80. By increasing the viscosity of the materials comprising the first and second sealing components S1, S2, these materials can be prevented from penetrating into the cable 100 when the first and second sealing components S1, S2 are used to seal the first and second boundaries of the cable 100. The viscosity of the material comprising the filler 80 can also be the same as or higher than the viscosity of the materials comprising the first and second sealing components S1, S2. However, to prevent the formation of fine bubbles within the accommodation space 410, the lower the viscosity of the material comprising the filler 80, the more preferable. According to this modified example, the provision of the first and second sealing components S1, S2 prevents the filler 80 from penetrating into the cable 100 even when the filler 80 is formed of a material with a low viscosity. This suppresses the formation of bubbles within the filler 80, improving heat dissipation performance within the front end portion 40.

[0090] In addition, Figure 11 In the modified example shown, neither the first sealing member S1 nor the second sealing member S2 is essential and can be omitted. Even in this case, the effect of preventing the filler 80 from infiltrating into the interior of the cable 100 can be achieved, but the presence of both the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2 can achieve a higher effect.

[0091] In the description so far, it has been assumed that the filler 80 contacts the first area AR1, the second area AR2, and the third area AR3, but this is not limiting. For example, the filler 80 may be configured to contact the first and second areas AR1 and AR2 without contacting the third area AR3. Even in this case, the fixing force between the various components by the filler 80 can be increased, thereby improving the durability of the ultrasonic endoscope 12.

[0092] Furthermore, the signal cable 110 is not limited to Figure 5 The non-coaxial cable shown may also be a coaxial cable or a twisted-pair cable. If the signal cable 110 is a coaxial cable, for example, a shield layer is provided around one signal line 112, and the shield layer is covered by an insulating layer. If the signal cable 110 is a twisted-pair cable, the two signal lines 112 are twisted together.

[0093] While the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is a convex ultrasonic endoscope, the technology of the present invention can also be applied to radial ultrasonic endoscopes. In particular, in radial ultrasonic endoscopes, the ultrasonic observation unit is located closer to the distal end than the endoscope's observation portion. This poses a risk that the cable connected to the ultrasonic observation unit will be inserted into the narrow space of the outer casing at the distal end. Therefore, the technology of the present invention is particularly effective.

[0094] As described above, this specification describes at least the following matters. (1)

[0096] An ultrasonic endoscope comprises a distal end portion including an ultrasonic transceiver.

[0097] The front end portion includes: a cable accommodating portion for accommodating a cable connected to the ultrasonic transceiver; and a filler for filling a gap in the cable accommodating portion.

[0098] The cable comprises: a plurality of signal cables electrically connected to the ultrasonic transceiver included in the ultrasonic transceiver; a first covering member for bundling and covering the plurality of signal cables; and a second covering member covering the first covering member.

[0099] In the cable accommodating portion, the cable includes, in order from the ultrasonic transceiver side, a first region where the signal cable is exposed, a second region where the first covering member is exposed, and a third region where the second covering member is exposed.

[0100] The filler is in contact with at least the first region and the second region. (2)

[0102] The ultrasonic endoscope according to (1), wherein

[0103] The filler is further in contact with the third region. (3)

[0105] The ultrasonic endoscope according to (2), wherein

[0106] A protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the third region. (4)

[0108] The ultrasonic endoscope according to (3), wherein

[0109] The protrusion is formed of an annular member provided on the outer surface of the third region along the circumferential direction of the third region. (5)

[0111] The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein

[0112] The smoothness of the outer surface of the first covering member is lower than the smoothness of the outer surface of the second covering member. (6)

[0114] The ultrasonic endoscope according to (5), wherein

[0115] The first covering member exposed in the second region is a metal mesh shield. (7)

[0117] The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein

[0118] The cable includes a sealing member provided at at least one of a first boundary portion between the first region and the second region and a second boundary portion between the second region and the third region. (8)

[0120] The ultrasonic endoscope according to (7), wherein

[0121] The viscosity of the material constituting the sealing member is higher than the viscosity of the material constituting the filler. (9)

[0123] The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein an imaging unit is provided at the distal end portion,

[0124] The ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving unit is provided on a distal side of the imaging unit.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoscope comprising a distal end portion including an ultrasonic transceiver, The front end portion includes: a cable accommodating portion for accommodating a cable connected to the ultrasonic transceiver; and a filler for filling a gap in the cable accommodating portion. The cable comprises: a plurality of signal cables electrically connected to the ultrasonic transceiver included in the ultrasonic transceiver; a first covering member bundling and covering the plurality of signal cables; and a second covering member covering the first covering member. In the cable accommodating portion, the cable includes, in order from the ultrasonic transceiver side, a first region where the signal cable is exposed, a second region where the first covering member is exposed, and a third region where the second covering member is exposed. The filler is in contact with at least the first region and the second region.

2. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The filler further contacts the third region.

3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: A protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the third region.

4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 3, wherein: The protrusion is formed of an annular member provided on the outer surface of the third region along the circumferential direction of the third region.

5. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The smoothness of the outer surface of the first covering member is lower than the smoothness of the outer surface of the second covering member.

6. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 5, wherein: The first covering member exposed in the second region is a metal mesh shield.

7. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The cable includes a sealing member provided at at least one of a first boundary portion between the first region and the second region and a second boundary portion between the second region and the third region.

8. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 7, wherein: The viscosity of the material constituting the sealing member is higher than the viscosity of the material constituting the filler.

9. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A camera unit is provided at the front end portion, The ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving unit is provided on a distal side of the imaging unit.

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