Ultrasonic surgical knife transducer wiring and waterproof production process thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an ultrasonic surgical knife transducer wiring and a waterproof production process thereof.A first waterproof block, a second waterproof block and a third waterproof piece are arranged through six steps, and the first waterproof block achieves water prevention of the surface of an insulating layer of an inner cover and is called as first water prevention; the second waterproof block realizes water resistance of the surface of the outer cover, and also realizes water resistance of gaps among the outer cover, the inner shell and the second waterproof block, which is called second water resistance; and the third waterproof piece realizes the waterproof effect among the first waterproof block, the insulating layer, the outer shell and the inner shell of the inner cover, which is called as the third waterproof effect. After the design and molding, the waterproof grade can reach IP68, which means that the product can be soaked, cleaned and used in water for a long time without water inflow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transducers, and in particular to an ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring and a waterproof production process thereof. Background Art

[0002] As medical supplies, acoustic surgical knives and a complete set of accessories are reusable and need to be recycled after use. They can only be put into use again after professional cleaning and disinfection.

[0003] The transducer wiring is the core component of the ultrasonic surgical knife. During the moist heat sterilization and low-temperature plasma sterilization process of the transducer wiring, if the cable end connector of the transducer accessory is not tightly sealed, gas or liquid will enter the cable from the cable end connector. These moist water vapor will eventually enter the transducer and ultrasonic surgical tool through the mating area during use, causing the entire set of ultrasonic surgical tools to be unable to be in a dry application environment, resulting in performance degradation or damage to the transducer and ultrasonic surgical tool.

[0004] Existing piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers' waterproof structures mostly use a cylindrical housing sealed with epoxy resin. However, with only waterproofing glue, it is difficult to achieve a completely waterproof effect. For example, Chinese utility model patent CN212727755U discloses a wiring structure for an ultrasonic tissue cutting knife transducer. The wiring structure includes a housing, a cable passing through the housing, a protective sleeve between the housing and the cable, and a sealant filled inside the protective sleeve. The cable is also covered with an anti-folding sleeve. The end of the anti-folding sleeve is provided with a flange. When squeezed by the protective sleeve, the flange deforms. After deformation, the flange has a tighter contact with the housing, effectively preventing air or water vapor from entering the transducer through the gap between the anti-folding sleeve and the housing.

[0005] However, with the increasing availability of a wide range of materials, hospitals are not only requiring ultrasonic surgical tools to meet common application scenarios, but are also adopting new materials to meet cleaning requirements. For example, to facilitate cleaning, users are suggesting that Teflon, which is less prone to staining, should be used as much as possible to replace traditional materials that are easily contaminated.

[0006] However, during the research and development process, technicians in this field discovered that when using Teflon material that is not easy to get dirty to replace the traditional material that is easy to get dirty, although the Teflon material that is not easy to get dirty can achieve the effect of easy cleaning, it also creates an air gap between the Teflon material and the adjacent parts it is combined with, thereby reducing the waterproof performance and failing to pass the air tightness test.

[0007] The transducer wiring also failed the airtightness test. When the wiring insulation was replaced with a non-stick Teflon (also known as polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE), the Teflon insulation failed to bond effectively with the sealant, resulting in debonding. Research has shown that Teflon is a high-performance synthetic fluoropolymer. Due to the symmetrical and tightly packed molecular chains of PTFE, its surface lacks reactive groups (such as -OH and -COOH), making it incapable of chemically bonding with the sealant. When used as outer or inner sheathing in wires and cables, this results in the use of flexible adhesives such as silicone to bond the insulation. If the wire is not pulled, the bond between the cured adhesive and the insulation remains tight. However, when used in ultrasonic surgical tool harnesses, due to the complex use of the wire, it is not possible to prevent the wire from being pulled or tugged. When the wire is pulled, the non-stick nature of PTFE causes the interface between the insulation and the wire to separate, resulting in poor waterproofing and airtightness. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of this, the present invention addresses the deficiencies in the prior art, and its main purpose is to provide an ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring and a waterproof process thereof, which simultaneously ensures that the wiring is easy to clean and has good waterproof performance.

[0009] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: A waterproof production process for ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring, comprising the following steps Step 1: Strip the outer sheath (1011) of the cable to expose the inner sheath (1012), the surface of the inner sheath is a Teflon insulation layer (101); Step 2: corresponding to the peeling cross-section position of the outer jacket (1011), injecting and curing the PBT material through an integrated inlay molding process to form a first waterproof block (30); Step 3: forming an inner shell (21) by injection molding, wherein the inner shell (21) is inserted into the end of the cable without the first waterproof block (30) and then sleeved onto the first waterproof block (30); Step 4: Through the second integrated inlay molding process, the second waterproof block (40) is combined with the outer surface of the outer shell (1011) and is located on the rear side of the inner shell (21), and the outer shell (1011), the inner shell (21) and the second waterproof block (40) are combined into one body. At this time, the second waterproof block (40) completely fills the gap between the outer shell (1011) and the second waterproof block (40), and also fills the gap between the outer shell (1011), the inner shell (21) and the second waterproof block (40); Step 5: Prepare a housing (22), insert the unobstructed end of the cable into the second waterproof block (40); Step 6: The third waterproof member (50) is poured into the plug-in space of the outer shell (22) by means of glue injection. The third waterproof member (50) is combined between the insulating layer (101) and the outer shell (22), and also completely covers the first waterproof block (30) and the inner shell (21).

[0010] As a preferred solution, in step 2, the first waterproof block (30) is roughly cylindrical, and the tail end of the first waterproof block (30) has a gradually shrinking tapered opening (31), and is adapted to the inner wall of the housing (20) through the tapered opening (31).

[0011] As a preferred solution, in step five, the inner shell (21) and the outer shell (22) are connected by threads to be fastened; when the outer shell (22) is screwed onto the inner shell (21), pressure is applied to the inner shell (21), and then the inner shell (21) is tightly pressed against the first waterproof block (30).

[0012] As a preferred solution, the inner shell (21) is made of plastic material, and the outer shell (22) is made of metal material.

[0013] As a preferred solution, in step six, before glue pouring, a treatment agent for enhancing adhesion is applied to the inner wall of the outer shell (22), the surface wall of the inner shell (21), and the outer cover (1011) or the inner cover (1012).

[0014] As a preferred solution, the third waterproof component (50) is silica gel.

[0015] As a preferred solution, the outer cover (1011) is also made of Teflon material, and the second waterproof block (40) is made of PBT material.

[0016] As a preferred solution, the surface of the insulating layer (101) is smooth.

[0017] As a preferred solution, the inner sheath (1012) of the cable has three wire cores (10), all of which are signal wires, and the wire cores (10) have copper cores.

[0018] An ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring harness has one end detachably plugged into the ultrasonic surgical tool to form a first connection end, and the other end detachably plugged into the transducer to form a second connection end; at least one of the first connection end and the second connection end adopts the waterproof production process of the ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring harness.

[0019] This invention offers significant advantages and benefits over existing technologies. Specifically, the first waterproof block provides waterproofing on the surface of the inner quilt's insulation layer, known as the first level of waterproofing. The second waterproof block provides waterproofing on the surface of the outer quilt, while also waterproofing the gaps between the outer quilt, inner shell, and second waterproof block, known as the second level of waterproofing. The third waterproof element provides waterproofing between the first waterproof block, insulation layer, outer shell, and inner shell, known as the third level of waterproofing. After the above design and molding process, the product achieves an IP68 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand prolonged immersion, cleaning, and use in water without ingress of water.

[0020] In particular, the first waterproof block connected to the Teflon insulation layer of the wire is made of hard PBT material, and the hard first waterproof block is seamlessly combined after being sleeved on the wire. When the wire is subjected to an airtightness test, the first waterproof block is made of hard material and is not flexible and will not deform when heated. The insulation layer clamped by the first waterproof block has poor shrinkage due to the wire inserted inside it, so that gas and liquid cannot pass through the gap between the first waterproof block and the wire, thereby improving the waterproof and air-isolating effect of this water-blocking device.

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the structural features and effects of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is an overall display diagram of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a first structural disassembly display diagram of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a second structural disassembly display diagram of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a disassembled display diagram of the third structure of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a fourth structural disassembly display diagram of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a disassembled view of the fifth structure of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a sixth structural disassembly display diagram of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0029] Description of the accompanying drawings: Conductor core 10, insulation layer 101, outer sheath 1011, inner sheath 1012; Connector 20, inner shell 21, outer shell 22; First waterproof block 30, tapered opening 31; A second waterproof block 40; The third waterproof member 50 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1-7 As shown, it shows the specific structure of the preferred first embodiment of the present invention, which is a waterproof structure for ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring, including one or more wire cores 10 and a connector 20 sleeved at the end of the wire core 10, the wire core 10 is wrapped with a smooth insulating layer 101, and a hard first waterproof block 30 is provided outside the insulating layer 101, and the first waterproof block 30 is seamlessly combined with the insulating layer 101. The waterproof structure of the ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring is as follows: since the first waterproof block 30 connected to the wire core 10 is hard, and the hard first waterproof block 30 is seamlessly combined after being sleeved on the wire core 10, when the wire core 10 is subjected to the airtightness test, the first waterproof block 30 is made of hard material and is not flexible, and the insulating layer 101 is clamped by the first waterproof block 30 because the wire core 10 inserted therein has poor shrinkage. Even if the wire is dragged and pulled, the bonding surface between the first waterproof block 30 and the insulating layer 101 will not be separated, thereby improving the waterproof and air-isolating effect of the present invention. When the wire is cleaned, gas and liquid can be prevented from passing through the gap between the first waterproof block 30 and the wire core 10.

[0031] It should be noted that the first waterproof block 30 is combined with the outside of the wire core 10 through an integrated inlay molding process (also known as Molding molding, secondary injection molding process). After the first waterproof block 30 is cured, it tightly wraps each wire core 10 to ensure the degree of fit between the bonding surface between each wire core 10 and the first waterproof block 30; in addition, when there are multiple wire cores 10, the multiple wire cores 10 are separated from each other and connected to the first waterproof block 30 to further improve the contact degree with the insulating layer 101 on each wire core 10 during glue injection.

[0032] For example, the first waterproof block 30 is integrally molded and embedded in the insulating layer 101. This process allows the first waterproof block 30 to become integrated with the insulating layer 101 after curing. This integrated structure facilitates waterproofing. During the injection molding process, the molten resin material completely fills every corner of the mold and tightly bonds with the insert. After cooling, the resulting first waterproof block 30 has a uniform wall thickness and a dense structure, further enhancing its waterproof performance.

[0033] The insulating layer 101 is made of non-stick Teflon (also known as polytetrafluoroethylene, abbreviated PTFE), while the first waterproofing block 30 is made of PBT. PBT is heat-resistant, with a glass transition temperature of approximately 220-230°C and a heat deformation temperature of approximately 200-220°C. This allows it to maintain its shape and performance at elevated temperatures. For example, during moist heat sterilization and low-temperature plasma sterilization of the wire, when the external temperature does not exceed 200°C, PBT can withstand such temperatures without easily deforming or damaging, extending its heat resistance and lifespan. Therefore, while Teflon is non-sticky, its exterior is covered by the PBT first waterproofing block 30. Firstly, the first waterproofing block 30 is relatively hard at room temperature, preventing the interface between the first waterproofing block 30 and the insulating layer 101 from detaching due to the strain on the wire during use. Furthermore, during heat sterilization, the PBT material maintains excellent thermal stability, effectively preventing moisture penetration.

[0034] For example, the wire core 10 extends out of the insulation layer 101 and forms a cross section with the insulation layer 101, and the first waterproof block 30 covers the cross section and the insulation layer 101 and the wire core 10 adjacent to the cross section. Figure 1 and 7 As shown, there are three wire cores 10, and the insulating layer 101 wrapping the wire core 10 is divided into an outer sheath 1011 and an inner sheath 1012. The inner sheath 1012 wraps the wire core 10, and the outer sheath 1011 wraps the three wire cores 10 with the inner sheath 1012; when the three wire cores 10 need to be connected to the corresponding electrical equipment, they need to be stripped first, that is, the outer sheath 1011 wrapped on the wire core 10 is peeled off to expose the three wire cores 10 with the inner sheath 1012. After exposure, an end face is formed between the outer sheath 1011 and the inner sheath 1012, and the cross section is covered by the first waterproof block 30 to prevent water or gas from entering the inner cavity of the outer sheath 1011 through the cross section.

[0035] If there is only one wire core 10, the insulating layer 101 only has an outer sheath 1011, and the insulating layer 101 clamped by the first waterproof block 30 is the outer sheath 1011; if there are two, three or more wire cores 10, the insulating layer 101 is divided into an outer sheath 1011 and an inner sheath 1012, and the insulating layer 101 clamped by the first waterproof block 30 is the inner sheath 1012; this strengthens the tightness of the connection between the first waterproof block 30 and the insulating layer 101.

[0036] For example, the first waterproof block 30 is substantially cylindrical, and has a tapered opening 31 which gradually shrinks at the tail end of the first waterproof block 30. The tapered opening 31 is stepped with the insulating layer 101 and is adapted to the inner wall of the connector 20. Figure 5As shown, when there are three wire cores 10, the shape of the first waterproof block 30 corresponds to the inner cavity of the connector 20 and the shape of the wire core 10, that is, the first waterproof block 30 is cylindrical, so as to reduce the material used for the first waterproof block 30 and evenly wrap the wire core 10.

[0037] After the first waterproof block 30 wraps the wire core 10, since the first waterproof block 30 is received in the connector 20, the cavity of the connector 20 needs to be expanded to accommodate the first waterproof block 30, but the connection between the tail end of the connector 20 and the outer shell 1011 needs to be reduced in diameter to fit as closely as possible with the outer shell 1011 to enhance the sealing performance. At this time, a gradual diameter reduction is formed in the inner cavity of the connector 20. The first waterproof block 30 is adapted to the connector 20, and the connection between the tail end of the connector 20 and the outer shell 1011 is sealed through the tapered mouth 31 at the tail end and the step formed between the inner shell 1012 to increase the sealing performance of the entire waterproof structure.

[0038] Exemplarily, the connector 20 comprises an inner housing 21 that is sleeved with the first waterproof block 30, and an outer housing 22 that is sleeved with the inner housing 21. The inner housing 21 and the outer housing 22 are connected by threads. The first waterproof block 30 is housed in the inner housing 21, and the outer housing 22 is wrapped with the outer jacket 1011 and is screwed to the inner housing 21. This increases the length of the connection between the connector 20 and the wire core 10, thereby increasing the tightness of the connection between the connector 20 and the wire core 10 and enhancing the sealing effect of the waterproof structure.

[0039] Illustratively, a second waterproof block 40 is formed at the rear of the inner shell 21. The second waterproof block 40 extends from the rear of the outer shell 22 and fits within the rear portion of the outer shell 22. The second waterproof block 40 wraps around the outer cladding 1011 and is sleeved by the outer shell 22. One end of the second waterproof block 40 is connected to the rear end of the shell 21, and the other end extends from the rear end of the outer shell 22 to close the gap at the connection between the outer cladding 1011 and the rear end of the outer shell 22, thereby enhancing the sealing effect of the waterproof structure.

[0040] For example, a third waterproof member 50 is provided in the plug-in space of the outer shell 22, and the third waterproof member 50 is combined with the wire core 10 and covers the first waterproof block 30 and the inner shell 21. Figure 1 As shown, since the insulating layer 101 is non-sticky, in order to prevent the connector 20 from moving on the insulating layer 101, the third waterproof component 50 is poured into the inner cavity of the outer shell 22, so that the outer shell 22 and the inner shell 21 are bonded together to limit the movement of the connector 20 on the insulating layer 101. In addition, in order to ensure the adhesion of the third waterproof component 50 and the outer shell 22 and the inner shell 21, a treatment agent can be applied to the inner wall of the outer shell 22, the surface wall of the inner shell 21, and the outer cover 1011 or the inner cover 1012 to ensure the adhesion effect of the third waterproof component 50 on the above-mentioned components, thereby further enhancing the sealing of this waterproof structure.

[0041] The third waterproof member 50 is a silicone layer that solidifies after filling. There are three wire cores 10, all of which are signal wires, and the wire cores 10 contain copper cores.

[0042] After testing, the waterproof structure of the ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring of the present invention, after the above design and molding, can achieve a waterproof level of IP68, which means that the product can be immersed, cleaned, and used in water for a long time without water ingress.

[0043] Based on the above-mentioned waterproof structure of the ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring, the following is a waterproof production process of the ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring of the present invention, including the following production steps: Step 1: See Figure 7 The cable is stripped of the outer sheath 1011 to expose the inner sheath 1012. The surface of the inner sheath 1012 is the insulating layer 101, and the insulating layer 101 is made of Teflon.

[0044] Step 2: See Figure 6 At the cross-section corresponding to the peeled-off outer jacket 1011, a PBT material is injected and then cured through an integrated inlay molding process to form a first waterproof block 30. The first waterproof block 30 is generally cylindrical, and has a tapered opening 31 at its rear end that gradually narrows, and is adapted to the inner wall of the housing 20 through the tapered opening 31.

[0045] Step 3: See Figure 5 , the inner shell 21 is formed by injection molding, and the inner shell 21 is inserted from the end of the cable without the first waterproof block 30, and then put on the first waterproof block 30 and stopped at the position of the tapered opening 31. Figure 4 status.

[0046] Step 4: See Figure 3 Through the second integrated inlay molding process, the second waterproof block 40 is combined with the outer surface of the outer shell 1011 and is located on the rear side of the inner shell 21. At this time, the second waterproof block 40 completely fills the gap between the outer shell 1011 and the second waterproof block 40, and also fills the gap between the outer shell 1011, the inner shell 21 and the second waterproof block 40. The outer shell 1011, the inner shell 21 and the second waterproof block 40 are combined into one.

[0047] Step 5: See Figure 2An outer shell 22 is prepared and inserted from the unobstructed end of the cable into the outer surface of the second waterproof block 40. The inner shell 21 and the outer shell 22 are screwed together to secure them. The inner shell 21 is made of plastic, and the outer shell 22 is made of metal, preferably stainless steel. When the metal outer shell 22 is screwed onto the inner shell 21, pressure is applied to the inner shell 21, which then presses against the first waterproof block 30, further ensuring the airtightness between the first waterproof block 30 and the insulating layer 101.

[0048] Step 6: Pour the third waterproof member 50 into the insertion space of the outer shell 22 by pouring glue. The third waterproof member 50 is combined between the insulating layer 101 and the outer shell 22, and also completely covers the first waterproof block 30 and the inner shell 21. As a preferred embodiment, the third waterproof member 50 is silicone.

[0049] At this point, the waterproof production process for ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring is completed.

[0050] The key points of this invention are: the first waterproof block 30 waterproofs the surface of the insulation layer 101 of the inner quilt 1012, referred to as the first level of waterproofing; the second waterproof block 40 waterproofs the surface of the outer quilt, while also waterproofing the gaps between the outer quilt 1011, the inner shell 21, and the second waterproof block 40, referred to as the second level of waterproofing; and the third waterproof member 50 waterproofs the gaps between the first waterproof block 40 of the inner quilt 1012, the insulation layer 101, the outer shell 22, and the inner shell 21, referred to as the third level of waterproofing. After the above design and molding, the waterproof rating can reach IP68, meaning the product can be immersed in water for long periods of time, cleaned, and used without water ingress.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, any minor modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof production process for ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring, characterized by: The following steps are included Step 1: Strip the outer sheath (1011) of the cable to expose the inner sheath (1012), the surface of the inner sheath is a Teflon insulation layer (101); Step 2: corresponding to the peeling cross-section position of the outer jacket (1011), injecting and curing the PBT material through an integrated inlay molding process to form a first waterproof block (30); Step 3: forming an inner shell (21) by injection molding, wherein the inner shell (21) is inserted into the end of the cable without the first waterproof block (30) and then sleeved onto the first waterproof block (30); Step 4: Through the second integrated inlay molding process, the second waterproof block (40) is combined with the outer surface of the outer shell (1011) and is located on the rear side of the inner shell (21), and the outer shell (1011), the inner shell (21) and the second waterproof block (40) are combined into one body. At this time, the second waterproof block (40) completely fills the gap between the outer shell (1011) and the second waterproof block (40), and also fills the gap between the outer shell (1011), the inner shell (21) and the second waterproof block (40); Step 5: Prepare a housing (22), insert the unobstructed end of the cable into the second waterproof block (40); Step 6: The third waterproof member (50) is poured into the plug-in space of the outer shell (22) by means of glue injection. The third waterproof member (50) is combined between the insulating layer (101) and the outer shell (22), and also completely covers the first waterproof block (30) and the inner shell (21).

2. The waterproof production process for ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step 2, the first waterproof block (30) is roughly cylindrical, and the tail end of the first waterproof block (30) has a gradually shrinking tapered opening (31), and is adapted to the inner wall of the housing (20) through the tapered opening (31).

3. The waterproof production process for ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step five, the inner shell (21) and the outer shell (22) are connected by threads to be fastened; when the outer shell (22) is screwed onto the inner shell (21), pressure is applied to the inner shell (21), which then presses tightly against the first waterproof block (30) through the inner shell (21).

4. The waterproof production process for ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner shell (21) is made of plastic material, and the outer shell (22) is made of metal material.

5. The waterproof production process for ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step six, before glue filling, a treatment agent for enhancing adhesion is applied to the inner wall of the outer shell (22), the surface wall of the inner shell (21), and the outer cover (1011) or the inner cover (1012).

6. The waterproof production process for ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: The third waterproof component (50) is silica gel.

7. The waterproof production process for ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer cover (1011) is also made of Teflon material, and the second waterproof block (40) is made of PBT material.

8. The waterproof production process for ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the insulating layer (101) is smooth.

9. The waterproof production process for ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner sheath (1012) of the cable has three wire cores (10), all of which are signal wires, and the wire cores (10) have copper cores.

10. An ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring harness, one end of which is detachably plugged into the ultrasonic surgical tool to form a first connection end, and the other end of which is detachably plugged into the transducer to form a second connection end; characterized in that: At least one of the first connection end and the second connection end adopts the waterproof production process of the ultrasonic surgical tool transducer wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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