Ultrasonic probe inserted into body cavity

Abstract

Provided is a flexible substrate having a practical value for an ultrasonic probe inserted into a body cavity. The flexible substrate (34) has a substrate main body (44) and a plurality of labels (48, 50). A substrate main body (44) is provided with an oscillator array (18) and a plurality of electronic components (IC). One end (44a) and the other end (44b) of the substrate main body (44) in the circumferential direction are in contact with each other or close to each other when the substrate main body (44) is rolled into a cylindrical shape. The first tag (48) is provided with a first connection part (62) connected to the first cable group. The second tag (50) is provided with a second connection part (64) connected to the second cable group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an intra-body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe, in particular to a flexible substrate rolled into a tube shape. Background Art

[0002] As an intracavity insertable ultrasonic probe, a thin-diameter probe such as an intravascular ultrasonic (IVUS: Intravascular Ultrasound) probe is known. This type of probe is also called a catheter-type ultrasonic probe.

[0003] In the conventional electronic scanning IVUS probe, a FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) substrate rolled into a tube is arranged in the front end thereof (hereinafter, the FPC substrate is referred to as the flexible substrate for short). A transducer array and a plurality of electronic components are provided on the flexible substrate. Specifically, the plurality of electronic components are a plurality of ICs (integrated circuits). Furthermore, a plurality of connections are provided on the flexible substrate. Each connection includes, for example, a plurality of electrodes or a plurality of terminals connected to a plurality of cables.

[0004] The flexible substrate has a wiring pattern. The wiring pattern includes a line group connecting the plurality of electronic components and the vibrator array and a line group connecting the plurality of electronic components and the plurality of connecting parts. The plurality of connecting parts are usually part of the wiring pattern. Before or after the flexible substrate is rolled up, the plurality of cables are connected to the plurality of connecting parts.

[0005] Patent document 1 discloses an electronic scanning IVUS probe. Figure 2 A flexible substrate having an array of transducers and a plurality of ICs is shown in the patent document 1. The flexible substrate has a substrate body and a label. The label has a connecting portion. Figure 5 , a flexible substrate having a substrate body and a plurality of bands is shown. Electronic components are mounted on each band. No electronic components are mounted on the substrate body. Patent document 1 does not disclose a plurality of tags corresponding to a plurality of wiring systems that cross a plurality of electronic components.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-505292 Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a flexible substrate with practical value for an intracavitary insertion type ultrasonic probe. Alternatively, the object of the present invention is to realize a functional label arrangement and a functional wiring pattern. Alternatively, the object of the present invention is to facilitate the assembly operation of the intracavitary insertion type ultrasonic probe.

[0008] The intra-body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe involved in the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a flexible substrate, having a substrate body rolled into a tube and a plurality of tags connected to the annular rear end of the substrate body; an annular vibrator array, arranged on the substrate body; and a plurality of electronic components, arranged on the substrate body, electrically connected to the vibrator array, and arranged in a ring shape, one end and the other end in the circumferential direction of the substrate body are in contact with or close to each other, the substrate body includes one end including the one end and the other end including the other end, the plurality of tags include a first tag connected to the one end and a second tag connected to the other end, the first tag is provided with a first connecting portion connected to a first cable group, and the second tag is provided with a second connecting portion connected to a second cable group.

[0009] Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, a flexible substrate with practical value can be provided. Alternatively, according to the present invention, a functional label arrangement and a functional wiring pattern can be realized. Alternatively, according to the present invention, an intracavity insertion type ultrasound probe can be easily assembled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the front end.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a development view showing a first example of a flexible substrate.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a first example of a flexible substrate.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the bent state of the label.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a development view showing a second example of the flexible substrate.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a development view showing a third example of the flexible substrate.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a development view showing a fourth example of the flexible substrate.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a development view showing the fifth example of the flexible substrate.

[0020] Explanation of symbols

[0021] 18 - transducer array, 22 - electronic component group, 34, 82, 92, 116, 140 - flexible substrate, 44, 84, 94, 118, 142 - substrate body, 48, 86, 96, 120 - first label, 50, 88, 98, 122, 146 - second label. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] (1) Overview of Implementation

[0024] The intra-body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe involved in the embodiment has a flexible substrate, a transducer array and a plurality of electronic components. The flexible substrate has a substrate body rolled into a cylindrical shape and a plurality of labels connected to the annular rear end of the substrate body. The transducer array has an annular shape and is arranged on the substrate body. The plurality of electronic components are arranged on the substrate body, specifically, they are arranged in an annular shape on the substrate body. The plurality of electronic components are electrically connected to the transducer array. If the flexible substrate is rolled into a cylindrical shape, one end and the other end in the circumferential direction of the substrate body are in contact with or close to each other. The substrate body includes one end including one end and the other end including the other end. The plurality of labels include a first label connected to one end and a second label connected to the other end. A first connection portion connected to a first cable group is provided on the first label. A second connection portion connected to a second cable group is provided on the second label.

[0025] In an embodiment, the plurality of electronic components are composed of a first electronic component to an m-th electronic component. Here, m is an integer greater than 2, for example, m is in the range of 4 to 8. The m electronic components are connected to each other, for example, via one or more transverse lines. The first electronic component is disposed at a position close to one end of the substrate body (one end), and the m-th electronic component is disposed at a position close to the other end of the substrate body (the other end). Based on this layout, according to the flexible substrate involved in the embodiment, the first connecting portion can be close to the first electronic component, and the second connecting portion can be close to the m-th electronic component. Therefore, the total wiring length in the wiring pattern on the flexible substrate can be shortened, or the wiring pattern can be simplified.

[0026] It is also possible to set more than three labels on the substrate body. If the circumferential width of the label becomes larger, it becomes difficult to bend the label, so the circumferential width of the label is determined by considering whether bending is necessary or the ease of the bending operation. When the flexible substrate is rolled into a tube, the first label and the second label are adjacent. That is, the first connecting part and the second connecting part are close to each other. In order to reduce electrical crosstalk or to prevent noise from mixing into the received signal, a component that performs a shielding function is provided between the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The first connecting part and the second connecting part are respectively composed of one or more electrodes, or are composed of one or more terminals.

[0027] In an embodiment, the flexible substrate has a first transverse line row, a second transverse line row, a first peripheral line row, and a second peripheral line row. The first transverse line row extends from one end of the flexible substrate to the other end and is electrically connected to a plurality of electronic components. The second transverse line row extends from the other end of the flexible substrate to one end and is electrically connected to a plurality of electronic components. The first peripheral line row is disposed between the first transverse line row and the first connecting portion. The second peripheral line row is disposed between the second transverse line row and the second connecting portion.

[0028] The first transverse line row and the first peripheral line row form a first wiring system, and the second transverse line row and the second peripheral line row form a second wiring system. According to the above structure, it is possible to avoid the intersection of the two wiring systems.

[0029] In an embodiment, the first transverse line array and the first peripheral line array each include a plurality of lines for transmitting a plurality of received signals. The second transverse line array and the second peripheral line array each include a line for transmitting a control signal and a line for supplying a power supply voltage. According to this structure, it is possible to prevent or reduce noise from being mixed into each received signal on the flexible substrate.

[0030] In the embodiment, the flexible substrate has a ground line provided between the first connection portion and the second connection portion. According to this structure, it is possible to reduce electrical crosstalk between the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0031] In the embodiment, a plurality of reception signals are transmitted via the first connection portion. The first tag has a ground line surrounding the first connection portion. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent or reduce the mixing of noise into each reception signal.

[0032] In an embodiment, the substrate body has a first region, a second region, and a third region. A transducer array is provided in the first region. The second region is a region provided at the rear side of the first region, and a plurality of electronic components are provided in the second region. The third region is a region between the second region and the annular rear end. Each label is extended parallel to the central axis direction of the probe in a normal state. When a radially outward pressing force is applied to each label, the third region is deformed, thereby allowing each label to be bent. The third region is an edge region or a redundant region, and due to the presence of the third region, each label is allowed to be bent, or the bending of each label becomes easy.

[0033] In an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of labels has a label body and a connecting portion provided between the label body and the substrate body. The width of the boundary between the connecting portion and the substrate body is smaller than the circumferential width of the label body. According to this structure, the label can be easily bent.

[0034] (2) Details of implementation methods

[0035] Figure 1 The ultrasonic diagnostic device involved in the embodiment is shown in the figure. The ultrasonic diagnostic device is used in ultrasonic examination of a living body (human). The ultrasonic diagnostic device has a device body 10 and an intracavity insertion type ultrasonic probe (hereinafter referred to as a probe) 12. Specifically, the probe 12 is an electronic scanning IVUS probe inserted into a blood vessel 14. The structure described in detail below can also be applied to other probes (for example, an ultrasonic endoscope for bronchus).

[0036] The probe 12 is a flexible long member. The outer diameter of the probe 12 is, for example, in the range of 1 to 3 mm. The outer diameter of the probe 12 may be less than or greater than this range.

[0037] The front end portion 12A of the probe 12 is provided with a transducer array 18 having a ring shape. The transducer array 18 is composed of, for example, a plurality of transducers arranged in a ring shape. A transmission opening and a reception opening are set on the transducer array 18. Ultrasound waves are radiated from the transmission opening, and reflected waves are received through the reception opening. The ultrasonic beam (transmission and reception integrated beam) 20 is radially scanned by electronic scanning of these openings.

[0038] An electronic component group 22 is provided in the front end portion 12A. The electronic component group 22 is electrically connected to the transducer array 18. The electronic component group 22 performs electronic scanning of the transmission opening and the reception opening. The electronic component group 22 is composed of a plurality of electronic components. The number of electronic components is, for example, in the range of 4 to 8, and may be 5 or 6. Each electronic component is, for example, composed of an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0039] The probe 12 has a hollow channel formed along its central axis. A guide wire 16 is inserted into the channel. More precisely, the probe 12 advances in the blood vessel 14 along the guide wire 16 that has been arranged in the blood vessel 14.

[0040] The transceiver 24 is an electronic circuit that functions as a transmission control circuit and a reception beam former. Transmission control data is transmitted from the transceiver 24 to the electronic component group 22. During transmission, the electronic component group 22 generates a plurality of transmission signals. These transmission signals are transmitted to the transducer array 18, whereby the transducer array 18 forms a transmission beam.

[0041] During reception, a plurality of reception signals output in parallel from the transducer array 18 are transmitted to the transceiver 24 via the electronic component group 22. The transceiver 24 applies phasing and addition to the plurality of reception signals, thereby generating reception beam data. The electronic component group 22 may perform reception sub-beamforming.

[0042] An interface unit is provided between the probe 12 and the transceiver 24, but Figure 1 As the ultrasonic beam 20 scans in the radial direction, a plurality of reception beam data are sequentially transmitted from the transmission and reception unit 24 to the image forming unit 28 via the data processing unit 26 .

[0043] The data processing unit 26 has a detection circuit, a filter circuit, a logarithmic conversion circuit, etc. The image forming unit 28 is composed of a digital scan converter (DSC). A tomographic image is formed by a plurality of receiving beam data through the DSC. The tomographic image is displayed on the display 30. The tomographic image is, for example, a dynamic image showing a transverse section of the blood vessel 14. A dynamic image showing a longitudinal section of the blood vessel can be displayed on the display 30. At this time, a tomographic image showing a longitudinal section of the blood vessel can be generated by connecting a plurality of transverse section data in the direction of the blood vessel center axis. A three-dimensional image can be displayed on the display 30.

[0044] The control unit 32 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes programs. The control unit 32 controls the operation of each component in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The display 30 is composed of an organic EL display device, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc. An operation panel (not shown) is connected to the control unit 32.

[0045] exist Figure 2 A cross section of a probe according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 2Schematically showing a transverse cross section of the front end portion 12A. The flexible substrate 34 is a wiring film component having flexibility, which is composed of FPC. The flexible substrate 34 has a ring shape. A transducer array 18 is provided on the inner side of the flexible substrate 34. The transducer array 18 is composed of a plurality of transducers 18a arranged in a ring shape. The ultrasonic wave transmitted from each transducer 18a is transmitted through the flexible substrate 34 and then radiated into the living body. The reflected wave from the living body is transmitted through the flexible substrate 34 and then received by each transducer 18a. As shown in the figure, the ultrasonic beam 20 is radially scanned (reference symbol 36).

[0046] A cylindrical backing 38 is provided inside the transducer array 18. The backing 38 is a member for attenuating ultrasonic waves radiated backward from each transducer 18a. A tube 40 is provided inside the backing 38. The interior of the tube 40 is a channel 42 for inserting a guide wire.

[0047] use Figure 3 to Figure 5 , the first example of the flexible substrate is described in detail. Figure 3 , the flexible substrate 34 is shown in the unfolded state. The z direction is a direction parallel to the central axis of the probe. The θ direction is a circumferential direction. The flexible substrate 34 is a sheet-like component, specifically, it is an FPC. The flexible substrate 34 includes a substrate body 44, a first label 48, and a second label 50.

[0048] The substrate body 44 has a rectangular shape when unfolded, and is rolled into a cylindrical shape when the probe is assembled. Figure 3 The surface appearing in the figure becomes the inner surface when the probe is assembled. Symbol 44a represents one end of the substrate body 44 in the θ direction, and symbol 44b represents the other end of the substrate body 44 in the θ direction. The substrate body 44 has one end 44A including one end 44a, and has another end 44B including another end 44b.

[0049] The first label 48 and the second label 50 are connected to the rear end 44c of the substrate body 44. Specifically, the first label 48 is connected to the one end 44A, and the second label 50 is connected to the other end 44B. Conversely, the portion connected to the first label 48 is the one end 44A, and the portion connected to the second label 50 is the other end 44B. When assembling the probe, the one end 44a is in contact with or close to the other end 44b, and the rear end 44c becomes a ring. In other words, the substrate body 44 is rolled into a cylindrical shape so that the one end 44a is in contact with or close to the other end 44b.

[0050] The first label 48 is provided with a first connection portion 62, and the second label 50 is provided with a second connection portion 64. The first cable group is connected to the first connection portion 62, and the second cable group is connected to the second connection portion 64. The connection portions 62 and 64 each include a plurality of electrodes for welding connection. A plurality of terminals may be provided together with or in place of the plurality of electrodes.

[0051] The substrate body 44 is provided with a transducer array 18 and an electronic component group 22. More specifically, the substrate body 44 has a configuration area (first area) 52 and a configuration area (second area) 54. The transducer array 18 is provided in the configuration area 52, and the electronic component group 22 is provided in the configuration area 54. The transducer array 18 is composed of a plurality of transducers arranged in the θ direction, and specifically, the transducer array 18 includes a first transducer to an nth transducer. For example, n is several tens or several hundreds.

[0052] The electronic component group 22 is composed of m electronic components. m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, for example, m is in the range of 4 to 8. Figure 3 In , the electronic component group 22 is composed of five electronic components (IC1 to IC5) arranged in the z direction. That is, m = 5. Each electronic component (IC1 to IC5) has a form extending in the z direction.

[0053] The substrate body 44 has a wiring pattern. The wiring pattern includes a first transverse line row 66, a second transverse line row 68, a first peripheral line row 72, and a second peripheral line row 74. In the embodiment, the wiring pattern further includes a plurality of connection portions 62 and 64.

[0054] The first transverse line array 66 is provided from one end 44A to the other end 44B in a manner of transversely crossing five electronic components (IC1 to IC5). The first transverse line array 66 is composed of a plurality of lines parallel to the θ direction. Each line is electrically connected to each electronic component (IC1 to IC5). In the embodiment, the first transverse line array 66 includes four lines for transmitting four reception signals in parallel.

[0055] The second transverse line array 68 is arranged from the other end 44B to the one end 44A in a manner of transversely crossing five electronic components (IC1 to IC5). The second transverse line array 68 is composed of a plurality of lines parallel to the θ direction. Each line is electrically connected to each electronic component (IC1 to IC5). In the embodiment, the second transverse line array 68 includes a line for transmitting a control signal, a line for transmitting a clock, and a plurality of lines for supplying a power supply voltage. The first transverse line array 66 and the second transverse line array 68 are separated from each other in the z direction, and there is no line crossing between them.

[0056] The first peripheral line array 72 is connected to the first transverse line array 66. The number of lines constituting the first peripheral line array 72 is the same as the number of lines constituting the first transverse line array 66. The first peripheral line array 72 is formed from the one end portion 44A to the first label 48. Specifically, through the first peripheral line array 72, one end portion of the first transverse line array 66 is electrically connected to the first connecting portion 62. No line crossing occurs in the first peripheral line array 72. The first connecting portion 62 is composed of a plurality of electrodes. More specifically, the first connecting portion 62 is composed of a plurality of electrodes connected to a plurality of internal conductors in a plurality of coaxial cables and a ground electrode connected to a plurality of external conductors in a plurality of coaxial cables.

[0057] The second peripheral line array 74 is connected to the second transverse line array 68. The number of lines constituting the second peripheral line array 74 is the same as the number of lines constituting the second transverse line array 68. The second peripheral line array 74 is formed from the other end 44B to the second label 50. Specifically, the other end of the second transverse line array 68 is electrically connected to the second connecting portion 64 through the second peripheral line array 74. No line crossing occurs in the second peripheral line array 74. The second connecting portion 64 is composed of a plurality of electrodes. More specifically, the second connecting portion 64 is composed of a plurality of electrodes connected to a plurality of conductors in a plurality of cables. In addition, in Figure 3 In the figure, some circuits are omitted.

[0058] The substrate body 44 has a front edge region 60, an intermediate wiring region 56, and a rear edge region (third region) 58. The intermediate wiring region 56 is provided with a line array 70 for electrically connecting the electronic component group 22 and the transducer array 18. The line array 70 is a part of the wiring pattern.

[0059] The rear edge area 58 is the area between the electronic component group 22 and the rear end 44c. The rear edge area 58 is a redundant area. By providing the rear edge area 58, the first label 48 and the second label 50 are allowed to be bent radially outward when the substrate body 44 is rolled into a cylindrical shape. For example, when the diameter of the curled substrate body 44 is set to L, the width in the z direction in the rear edge area 58 can be set to be greater than L / 2. For example, its width can be set to be less than 2L. By the way, the width of each label in the θ direction can also be set to be greater than 2 / 3×L and less than L. In addition, when processing the flexible substrate 34, each corner included in the flexible substrate 34 is rounded.

[0060] according to Figure 3 The flexible substrate 34 shown in the figure can obtain the following advantages. First, on the premise of providing the first transverse line row 66 and the second transverse line row 68, the first label 48 connected to the one end 44A and the second label 50 connected to the other end 44B are provided, so that the total wiring length in the wiring pattern can be shortened or the wiring pattern can be simplified.

[0061] Second, since the first wiring system (first transverse line array 66 and first peripheral line array 72) and the second wiring system (second transverse line array 68 and second peripheral line array 74) are neatly separated, electrical crosstalk can be prevented or reduced. In particular, noise can be prevented or reduced from mixing into the received signal on the flexible substrate 34.

[0062] Third, since the rear edge region 58 is provided and no other label is provided between the two labels 48 and 50 , it is easy to bend each label 48 and 50 radially outward when assembling the probe.

[0063] exist Figure 4 , a flexible substrate 34 rolled into a tube is shown. One end 34A and the other end 34B of the flexible substrate 34 are in contact or close to each other. Reference numeral 76 indicates a boundary between the one end 34A and the other end 34B. A transducer array 18 and an electronic component group 22 are provided on the inner surface of the substrate body. At the position where the transducer array 18 is provided, the cross-sectional shape of the flexible substrate 34 is close to a substantially circular shape, and at the position where the electronic component group 22 is provided, the cross-sectional shape of the flexible substrate 34 is close to a polygon.

[0064] A first connection portion 62 is provided on the inner surface of the first label 48, and a first cable group 78 is connected to the first connection portion. In the example shown in the figure, each cable constituting the first cable group 78 is a coaxial cable. A second connection portion 64 is provided on the inner surface of the second label 50. A second cable group 80 is connected to the second connection portion 64. In the example shown in the figure, each cable constituting the second cable group 80 is a non-coaxial cable.

[0065] exist Figure 5 3 shows the rear end of the flexible substrate 34. The x direction and the y direction are directions perpendicular to the probe center axis (z direction). The first label 48 and the second label 50 are bent relative to the substrate body 44. Reference numeral 44c indicates the rear end of the substrate body.

[0066] In the state shown in the figure, the first cable group 78 is connected to the first connection portion 62 on the first label 48, and the second cable group 80 is connected to the second connection portion 64 on the second label 50. In addition, the first cable group 78 and the second cable group 80 may be connected before the flexible substrate 34 is rolled up. The first cable group 78 and the second cable group 80 may be connected in stages while the first label 48 and the second label 50 are bent in sequence.

[0067] exist Figure 62 shows a second example of a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate 82 shown in the figure has a substrate body 84, a first label 86, and a second label 88. The substrate body 84 has an end 84A and the other end 84B. The first label 86 is connected to the end 84A, and the second label 88 is connected to the other end 84B. The first label 86 has side edges 86B and 86C, and the second label 88 has side edges 88A, 88B, and 88C.

[0068] The wiring pattern includes a ground pattern 90. In the illustrated configuration example, the ground pattern 90 includes a first portion 90a, a second portion 90b, a third portion 90c, a fourth portion 90d, a fifth portion 90e, and a sixth portion 90f.

[0069] The first portion 90a is a grounding line formed along one end 84a of the substrate body 84 and the side 86B of the first label 86. The second portion 90b is a grounding line formed along the side 86C of the first label 86. The third portion 90c is a grounding line formed along the rear end 84c of the substrate body 84. The fourth portion 90d is a grounding line formed along the side 88C of the second label 88. The fifth portion 90e is a grounding line formed along the side 88A of the second label 88. The sixth portion 90f is a grounding line formed along the side 88B of the second label 88 and the other end 84b of the substrate body 84.

[0070] The end of the first portion 90a and the end of the second portion 90b are connected to the ground electrode in the first connection portion. The plurality of signal electrodes in the first connection portion are surrounded by the ground wire. The second connection portion is also surrounded by the ground wire.

[0071] According to the second example, when the flexible substrate 82 is rolled into a tube, a grounding member is provided between the first connection portion and the second connection portion, and a grounding member is provided between the first peripheral line group and the second peripheral line group, so that electrical crosstalk can be prevented or reduced. Furthermore, since a grounding line is provided around the wiring pattern, noise mixed into the received signal can be reduced.

[0072] exist Figure 7 3 shows a third example of a flexible substrate. In the flexible substrate 92, a first label 96 and a second label 98 are connected to one end and the other end of a substrate body 94. The first label 96 includes a label body 100 and a connecting portion 102. The second label 98 also includes a label body 104 and a connecting portion 106.

[0073] The tag bodies 100 and 104 are enlarged. The connecting parts 102 and 106 are equivalent to the necked parts. Specifically, the width 110 of the connecting part 102 in the θ direction is smaller than the width 108 of the tag body 100 in the θ direction. The width 114 of the connecting part 106 in the θ direction is smaller than the width 112 of the tag body 104 in the θ direction. When determining the sizes of the widths 110 and 114, the ease of bending and the number of lines passing through the connecting parts 102 and 106 are considered. In any case, according to Figure 7 In the third example shown, in a state where the flexible substrate 92 is rolled into a tube shape, the two labels 96 and 98 can be easily folded radially outward.

[0074] exist Figure 8 4 shows a fourth example of a flexible substrate. In the flexible substrate 116, a first label 120 and a second label 122 are connected to one end and the other end of the substrate body 118. The first label 120 includes a label body 120A and a connecting portion 120B. The second label 122 also includes a label body 122A and a connecting portion 122B. The connecting portions 120B and 122B each have a trapezoidal shape. That is, the connecting portions 120B and 122B each have a tapered shape.

[0075] Specifically, the width 130 of the front end of the connecting portion 120B in the θ direction (width of the boundary) is smaller than the width 128 of the tag body 120A in the θ direction. The width 134 of the front end of the connecting portion 122B in the θ direction (width of the boundary) is smaller than the width 132 of the tag body 122A in the θ direction. Figure 8 In the fourth example shown, similarly to the third example, in a state where the flexible substrate 116 is rolled into a tube, the two labels 120 and 122 can be easily folded radially outward.

[0076] exist Fig. 9 The fifth example of the flexible substrate is shown in FIG. The flexible substrate 140 has a substrate body 142, a first label 144, a second label 146, and a third label 148. The first label 144 is connected to one end of the substrate body 142, and the second label 146 and the third label 148 are connected to the other end of the substrate body 142. The second label 146 and the third label 148 constitute a label pair 150. The label pair 150 is equivalent to Figure 3 A slit 160 is provided between the second label 146 and the third label 148.

[0077] The first label 144 is provided with a first connection portion 151. The second label 146 is provided with a second connection portion 152. The third label 148 is provided with a third connection portion 154. The second connection portion 152 and the third connection portion 154 constitute a connection portion pair 156. The connection portion pair 156 corresponds to Figure 3 The second connecting portion 64 shown. Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , reference numeral 158a indicates a boundary between the first label 144 and the substrate body 142, and this boundary 158a corresponds to the bending line. Reference numeral 158b indicates a boundary between the label pair 150 and the substrate body 142, and this boundary 158b corresponds to the bending line.

[0078] according to Fig. 9 In the fifth example shown, the width of the labels 146 and 148 in the θ direction can be reduced. Therefore, when assembling the probe, it is easy to bend the labels 146 and 148. Usually, the number of labels is two or three.

Claims

1. An intracavity insertion type ultrasonic probe, characterized in that: include: A flexible substrate having a substrate body rolled into a tube and a plurality of tags connected to the annular rear end of the substrate body; A ring-shaped vibrator array is arranged on the substrate body; and A plurality of electronic components are disposed on the substrate body, electrically connected to the vibrator array, and arranged in a ring shape. One end and the other end of the substrate body in the circumferential direction are in contact with or close to each other, The substrate body includes one end portion including the one end and another end portion including the other end, The plurality of tags include a first tag connected to the one end and a second tag connected to the other end, The first tag is provided with a first connection portion connected to the first cable group. The second tag is provided with a second connection portion to be connected to the second cable group.

2. The intra-body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible substrate comprises: a first transverse line row extending from the one end to the other end and electrically connected to the plurality of electronic components; a second transverse line row extending from the other end to the one end and electrically connected to the plurality of electronic components; a first peripheral line row disposed between the first transverse line row and the first connecting portion; and The second peripheral line row is provided between the second transverse line row and the second connecting portion.

3. The intra-body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first transverse line array and the first peripheral line array respectively include a plurality of lines for transmitting a plurality of reception signals. The second transverse line row and the second peripheral line row respectively include a line for transmitting a control signal and a line for supplying a power supply voltage.

4. The intra-body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flexible substrate has a ground line provided between the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

5. The intra-body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first tag has a ground line surrounding the first connecting portion.

6. The intra-body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The substrate body comprises: The first area is provided with the vibrator array; a second area, which is disposed at the rear side of the first area and has the plurality of electronic components disposed therein; and The third region is between the second region and the annular rear end. Each of the tags is extended parallel to the central axis of the probe in a normal state. When a radially outward pressing force is applied to each of the labels, the third region is deformed, thereby allowing the labels to be folded.

7. The intra-body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the plurality of labels includes a label body and a connecting portion provided between the label body and the substrate body. A width of a boundary between the connecting portion and the substrate body is smaller than a width of the tag body in a circumferential direction.

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