Ultrasonic endoscope

Abstract

The utility model 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] This utility model relates to an ultrasonic endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a convex ultrasonic endoscope. A filler layer is provided at the front end of the ultrasonic endoscope. The filler layer fills the internal space between the outer component and the backing material layer and has the function of fixing the substrate, non-coaxial cable and various wiring parts.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes a radial ultrasonic endoscope. At the front end of this ultrasonic endoscope, a filling material is provided in the space between the substrate mounted on the side of the backing material layer and the connection part of multiple coaxial cables, the gap between the multiple coaxial cables, and the gap through which the multiple coaxial cables pass.

[0004] Patent document 3 describes a convex ultrasonic endoscope. The front end of this ultrasonic endoscope is provided with a filler layer to fill the gaps around multiple coaxial cables.

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

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

[0007] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2018 / 003232 Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope with improved durability.

[0009] An ultrasonic endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a front end portion comprising an ultrasonic transceiver portion, the front end portion having: a cable receiving portion for receiving a cable connected to the ultrasonic transceiver portion; and a filler for filling gaps within the cable receiving portion, the cable having: a plurality of signal cables electrically connected to an ultrasonic transducer 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, the cable in the cable receiving portion having, from the ultrasonic transceiver portion side, a first region exposed by the signal cables, a second region exposed by the first covering member, and a third region exposed by the second covering member, the filler being in contact with at least the first region and the second region.

[0010] Utility Model Effect

[0011] The technology of this utility model can improve durability. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an example of an ultrasonic examination system 10 using an ultrasonic endoscope 12 as an embodiment of the technology of this utility model.

[0013] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 An enlarged top view of the front end 40 and its surrounding area shown.

[0014] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The sectional view shown by line III-III is a longitudinal sectional view of the front end 40 cut along the centerline of its longitudinal axis.

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

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

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of cable 100.

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

[0019] Figure 8 It is an omission Figure 3 The diagram shows a portion of the cross-section and the location of filler 80.

[0020] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the cross section viewed from direction AA.

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

[0022] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a modified example of cable 100, which is related to... Figure 7 The corresponding diagram.

[0023] Symbol explanation:

[0024] 10-Ultrasonic inspection system, 12-Ultrasonic endoscope, 14-Ultrasonic processor, 16-Endoscope processor, 18-Light source device, 20-Display, 21a-Water supply tank, 21b-Suction pump, 22-Insertion part, 24-Operating part, 26-Universal plug rope, 28a-Air and water supply buttons, 28b-Suction button, 29-Angle button, 30-Dealing instrument insertion port, 32a, 32b, 32c-Connectors, 34 a- Gas and water supply hose, 34b- Suction hose, 36- Ultrasonic observation section, 38- Endoscopic observation section, 40- Front end, 41- External component, 42- Bending section, 43- Flexible section, 44- Treatment device outlet, 45- Treatment device channel, 46- Ultrasonic transducer unit, 47- Stacked body, 48- Ultrasonic transducer, 49- Piezoelectric element, 50- Ultrasonic transducer array, 52- Electrode, 52a- Individual electrode, 52b- Transducer connector 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 - Covering, 102 - Outer sheath, 102A - Protrusion, 106 - Resin layer, 108 - Shielding layer, 110 - Signal cable, 112- Signal line, 112a- Conductor, 112b- Insulation layer, 114- Grounding wire, 116- First signal harness, 116a- Front end, 118- Covering of the first signal harness, 130- Fixing part, 410- Receiving 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 Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasonic examination system 10 using an ultrasonic endoscope 12 as an embodiment of the technology of this utility model. The ultrasonic examination system 10 includes: an ultrasonic endoscope 12; an ultrasonic processor device 14 for generating ultrasonic images; an endoscope processor device 16 for generating endoscopic images; a light source device 18 for supplying illumination light to the ultrasonic endoscope 12 to illuminate the body cavity; a display 20 for displaying ultrasonic images and endoscopic images; a water supply tank 21a for storing cleaning water, etc.; and a suction pump 21b for suctioning material from the body cavity.

[0026] The ultrasonic endoscope 12 has: an insertion part 22, which is inserted into the body cavity of the subject; an operation part 24, which is connected to the base of the insertion part 22 and is used for operation by the surgeon; and a universal lanyard 26, one end of which is connected to the operation part 24.

[0027] The following mechanisms are arranged side by side on the operating unit 24: an air and water supply button 28a, which opens and closes the air and water supply lines from the water supply tank 21a (not shown); and a suction button 28b, which opens and closes the suction line from the suction pump 21b (not shown). A pair of angle knobs 29 and a device insertion port 30 are provided on the operating unit 24.

[0028] The following mechanisms are provided on the other end of the universal plug rope 26: an ultrasonic connector 32a, connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14; an endoscope connector 32b, connected to the endoscope processor device 16; and a light source connector 32c, connected to the light source device 18. The ultrasonic endoscope 12 is detachably connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14, the endoscope processor device 16, and the light source device 18 via these connectors 32a, 32b, and 32c, respectively. Connector 32c includes: an air / water supply hose 34a, connected to the water tank 21a; and a suction hose 34b, connected to the suction pump 21b.

[0029] The insertion part 22 has, in sequence from the front end side: a front end part 40 having an ultrasonic observation part 36 and an endoscope observation part 38; a curved part 42 connected to the base end side of the front end part 40; and a flexible part 43 connecting the base end side of the curved part 42 and the front end side of the operation part 24.

[0030] The bending section 42 is bent remotely by rotating a pair of bend knobs 29 provided on the operating section 24. This allows the front end 40 to be oriented in the desired direction.

[0031] The ultrasonic processor device 14 generates and supplies ultrasonic transducer unit 46 (reference) for use in ultrasonic observation unit 36. Figure 2 The ultrasonic transducer array 50 generates ultrasonic signals. Furthermore, the ultrasonic processor device 14 receives and acquires echo signals reflected from the observation object that emitted the ultrasonic waves via the ultrasonic transducer array 50, and performs various signal processing on the acquired echo signals to generate an ultrasonic image displayed on the display 20.

[0032] The endoscope processor device 16 receives and acquires the camera image signal acquired in the endoscope observation section 38 from the observation object part illuminated by the illumination light from the light source device 18, and performs various processing on the acquired camera image signal to generate an endoscope image displayed on the display 20.

[0033] exist Figure 1In the example, the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope processor device 16 are composed of two separate devices (computers). However, it is not limited to this; both the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope processor device 16 can be composed of a single device.

[0034] In order to acquire image signals by using the endoscope observation section 38 to photograph the observation area inside the body cavity, the light source device 18 generates illumination light, including white light or light of a specific wavelength, which are the three primary colors of light such as red light, green light and blue light. The light propagates in the light guide (not shown) inside the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and is emitted from the endoscope observation section 38, thereby illuminating the observation area inside the body cavity.

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

[0036] In this embodiment, ultrasound images and endoscopic images are displayed on a single display 20, but separate displays for displaying ultrasound images and endoscopic images may also be provided. Furthermore, display methods other than display 20 may include displaying ultrasound images and endoscopic images on a display of a terminal carried by the surgeon.

[0037] Next, refer to Figures 2 to 4 The structure of the front end 40 will be explained. Figure 2 It means Figure 1 An enlarged top view of the front end 40 and its surrounding area shown. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The sectional view shown by line III-III is a longitudinal sectional view of the front end 40 cut along the centerline of its longitudinal axis. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The sectional view shown along line IV-IV is a cross-sectional view taken along the center line of the arc structure of the ultrasonic transducer array 50 of the ultrasonic observation section 36 at the front end 40.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in the front end portion 40, an ultrasonic observation unit 36 ​​for acquiring ultrasonic images is mounted on the front end side, and an endoscopic observation unit 38 for acquiring endoscopic images is mounted on the base end side. Furthermore, in the front end portion 40, a treatment device outlet 44 is provided between the ultrasonic observation unit 36 ​​and the endoscopic observation unit 38.

[0039] The endoscopic observation section 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, objective lens 84, imaging element 86, and illumination window 88 constitute the imaging section.

[0040] The treatment device outlet 44 is connected to the treatment device channel 45 that extends into the insertion part 22. From Figure 1 The treatment device (not shown) inserted into the treatment device insertion port 30 is discharged into the body cavity through the treatment device channel 45 from the treatment device discharge port 44.

[0041] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the ultrasonic observation unit 36 ​​includes: an ultrasonic transducer unit 46, which constitutes an ultrasonic transceiver unit; an external component 41, which holds the ultrasonic transducer unit 46; and a cable 100, which is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 via a substrate 60. The cable 100 is formed into an elongated strip extending along the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 22 and is provided to a connector 32a.

[0042] The outer component 41 comprises a rigid component such as rigid resin and forms part of the front end portion 40. A receiving space 410 is provided in the outer component 41, extending through the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 22. The receiving space 410 includes a first space 410A on the base side and a second space 410B on the front end side, which is wider than the first space 410A. A portion of the ultrasonic transducer unit 46, the substrate 60, and the front end of the cable 100 are accommodated in the receiving space 410. The receiving space 410 constitutes a cable receiving portion for accommodating the cable 100.

[0043] The ultrasonic transducer unit 46 includes: an ultrasonic transducer array 50 including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48; an electrode 52 disposed at the end side of the ultrasonic transducer array 50 in the width direction (orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion 22); a backing material layer 54 supporting each ultrasonic transducer 48 from the lower surface side; and a substrate 60 disposed along the side side of the backing material layer 54 in the width direction and connected to the electrode 52.

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

[0045] The substrate 60 is preferably made of a flexible substrate (also known as a flexible printed circuit board (FPC)) that has flexibility, a printed wiring circuit substrate (also known as a printed circuit board (PCB)) that includes a rigid substrate with high rigidity that does not have flexibility, or a printed wiring substrate (also known as a printed wiring board (PWB)).

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

[0047] The ultrasonic transducer array 50 is composed of a plurality of cuboid-shaped ultrasonic transducers 48 arranged outward in a convex arc shape. The ultrasonic transducer array 50 is, for example, an array of 48 to 192 channels including 48 to 192 ultrasonic transducers 48. Each ultrasonic transducer 48 has a piezoelectric element 49.

[0048] The ultrasonic transducer array 50 has electrodes 52. Electrodes 52 have: individual electrodes 52a, independent for each ultrasonic transducer 48; and a transducer ground 52b, which serves as a common electrode for all ultrasonic transducers 48. Figure 4 In this configuration, multiple individual electrodes 52a are disposed on the lower surface of the ends of multiple ultrasonic transducers 48, and transducer grounding 52b is disposed on the upper surface of the ends of the ultrasonic transducers 48.

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

[0050] The ultrasonic transducer array 50 has a structure in which multiple ultrasonic transducers 48 are arranged in a one-dimensional array at predetermined intervals, for example. Each ultrasonic transducer 48 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is arranged in a convex-bending shape at equal intervals along the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 22, and is configured according to the ultrasonic processor device 14 (reference 14). Figure 1 The input drive signals are driven sequentially. Thus, the array of... Figure 2 The range of the ultrasonic transducer 48 shown is used as the scanning range for convex electronic scanning.

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

[0052] An acoustic lens 78 is used to converge the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transducer array 50 toward the object being observed. This acoustic lens 78 is formed, for example, of a silicone-based resin (millable silicone rubber or liquid silicone rubber), butadiene-based resin, or polyurethane-based resin. If necessary, powders such as titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, or silica are mixed into the acoustic lens 78. Thus, the acoustic lens 78 can achieve acoustic impedance matching between the object being examined and the ultrasonic transducer 48 in the acoustic matching layer 76, and improve the transmittance of the 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 inward relative to the arrangement surface of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48. The backing material layer 54 is composed of a layer of components containing backing material. The backing material layer 54 mechanically and flexibly supports the ultrasonic transducer array 50 and attenuates ultrasonic waves propagating towards the backing material layer 54 from the ultrasonic signals oscillating from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 or reflected from the observed object. The backing material comprises a rigid material such as hard rubber, and ultrasonic attenuating materials (ferrite, ceramic, etc.) are added as needed.

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

[0055] Electrical bonding between the substrate 60 and the individual electrode 52a can be established, for example, using a conductive resin material. Examples of resin materials include forming a film-like ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film) or ACP (Anisotropic Conductive Paste) by molding a material in which fine conductive particles are mixed in a thermosetting resin.

[0056] Other resin materials include, for example, resin materials in which conductive fillers such as metal particles are dispersed in adhesive resins such as epoxy or urethane, and after bonding, the fillers form conductive pathways. 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 This is a 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 has multiple signal lines 112 and multiple ground lines 114. The signal lines 112 are, for example, composed of 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 wire of copper or copper alloy. The bare wire is subjected to plating treatments such as tin plating or silver plating. Conductor 112a has, for example, a diameter of 0.03 mm to 0.04 mm. Insulation layer 112b can be made of resin materials such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA). Insulation layer 112b has, for example, a thickness of 0.015 mm to 0.025 mm.

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

[0061] The first signal harness 116 is formed by twisting together multiple signal lines 112 and multiple ground lines 114.

[0062] The signal cable 110 includes a covering 118 that bundles and wraps the first signal wire harness 116. The covering 118 of the first signal wire harness may be made of an insulating film or the like, to which metal foil is laminated with an adhesive. The insulating film is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or the like. The metal foil is made of aluminum foil or copper foil or the like.

[0063] Regarding signal cable 110, multiple signal lines 112 are grouped together and shielded by the sheath 118 of the first signal cable bundle.

[0064] Regarding the first signal harness 116, it is constructed by twisting together seven wires: four signal wires 112 and three ground wires. One of the four signal wires 112 is positioned in the center. The remaining three signal wires 112 and three ground wires 114 are arranged adjacent to each other around the center signal wire 112. However, the number of signal wires 112, the number of ground wires 114, and their arrangement in the first signal harness 116 are not limited to a specific number. Figure 5 The structure of the signal cable 110 is such that each conductor 112a is electrically connected to any one of the electrode pads 62 of the substrate 60.

[0065] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of cable 100. Figure 6 In this example, the 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 shielding layer 108 that is disposed along and covers the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer 106; and a cylindrical outer sheath 102 that is disposed along and covers the outer peripheral surface of the shielding layer 108. The covering portion 101 is constituted by the resin layer 106, the shielding layer 108, and the outer sheath 102.

[0066] The outer sheath 102 can be made of fluoropolymer materials such as extruded PFA, FEP, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The outer sheath 102 forms the outermost circumferential surface of the cable 100. Regarding the outer sheath 102, in order to improve durability by reducing friction with other contents inside the ultrasonic endoscope 12 (air supply hoses, water supply hoses, suction hoses, or traction wires, etc.), its outer surface smoothness is preferably high.

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

[0068] Preferably, the smoothness of the outer surface of the shielding layer 108 is lower than that of the outer surface of the outer sheath 102. Smoothness can be defined, for example, by average surface roughness. The shielding layer 108 is, for example, a metal mesh shielding member constructed by braiding multiple bare wires. The bare wires are made of copper wire or copper alloy wire that has undergone plating treatment (tin plating or silver plating). A first covering component, consisting of the resin layer 106 and the shielding layer 108, bundles and wraps the multiple signal cables 110. However, the resin layer 106 is not essential in the cable 100 and can be omitted. A second covering component, consisting of the outer sheath 102, covers this first covering component.

[0069] The shielding layer 108 is arranged concentrically with the resin layer 106 on the outer periphery of the resin layer 106, surrounding and covering the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer 106 within a 360-degree circumferential range. The outer skin 102 is arranged concentrically with the shielding layer 108 on the outer periphery of the shielding layer 108, surrounding and covering the outer peripheral surface of the shielding layer 108 within a 360-degree circumferential range.

[0070] exist Figure 6 In this example, cable 100 includes 16 signal cables 110 and 64 signal lines 112. The number of signal cables 110 and signal lines 112 is not limited to this value.

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

[0072] Cable 100 is positioned opposite edge 60a of substrate 60. Electrode pad 62 is electrically connected to signal line 112 of signal cable 110. Signal cable 110 is arranged parallel to edges 60b and 60c, which are orthogonal to edge 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, on the front end side of cable 100, the sheath 101 is stripped, forming a first region AR1 where the signal cable 110 is partially exposed. Further to the base end of cable 100 than the first region AR1, the outer sheath 102 is stripped, forming a second region AR2 where the shielding layer 108 is partially exposed. Further to the base end of cable 100 than the second region AR2, a third region AR3 where the outer sheath 102 is exposed. Thus, within the receiving space 410, cable 100 has a structure that sequentially includes the first region AR1 exposed by the signal cable 110, the second region AR2 exposed by the shielding layer 108, and the third region AR3 exposed by the outer sheath 102, starting from the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 side.

[0074] exist Figure 3 In the accommodating space 410 shown, a filler 80 is provided to fill the gap between the outer component 41 and the front end of the ultrasonic transducer unit 46, the substrate 60 and the cable 100 (the portion of the first space 410A excluding the cable 100 and the portion of the second space 410B excluding the ultrasonic transducer unit 46, the substrate 60 and the cable 100). Figure 8 It is an omission Figure 3 The diagram shows a portion of the cross-section and the location of filler 80.

[0075] The filler 80 primarily serves to fix the substrate 60, signal cable 110, and various wiring components. The filler 80 is preferably matched to the acoustic impedance of the backing material layer 54 with a specified precision or higher, so that ultrasonic signals propagating from the ultrasonic transducer array 50 to the backing material layer 54 are not reflected at the boundary with the backing material layer 54. To improve the efficiency of heat dissipation generated in the multiple ultrasonic transducers 48, the filler 80 is preferably composed of a heat-dissipating component. When the filler 80 is heat-dissipating, heat dissipation efficiency can be improved because heat is received from the backing material layer 54, substrate 60, and signal cable 110. 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, filler 80 fills the gap between the first region AR1, the second region AR2 and the third region AR3 and the inner surface of the outer component 41, and contacts the first region AR1, the second region AR2 and the third region AR3.

[0077] According to this structure, the filler 80 can be embedded in the step difference at the boundary between the first region AR1 and the second region AR2, or the step difference at the boundary between the second region AR2 and the third region AR3, thereby achieving an anchoring effect. As a result, the fixation force of various components based on the filler 80 can be improved, and the durability of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 can be enhanced.

[0078] Furthermore, even when the smoothness of the outer surface of the second region AR2 is lower than that of the outer surface of the third region AR3, the filler 80 is also embedded in the unevenness of the outer surface of the second region AR2 to achieve an anchoring effect. As a result, the durability of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 can be further improved. In this configuration, the second region AR2 and the third region AR3 are disposed in a relatively narrow first space 410A within the receiving space 410. Therefore, the volume of the gap between the second region AR2 and the third region AR3 and the outer component 41 is small, and the space for the filler 80 to enter is small. Even in this structure, with 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 protruding radially along the cable 100 is provided on the outer surface (surface of the outer sheath 102) of the portion disposed in the first space 410A in the third region AR3 of the cable 100.

[0080] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the AA direction. In Figure 9 The cross-section of cable 100 is simplified and shown in the image. Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion 102A is composed of an annular component that is disposed around the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the outer sheath 102 of the cable 100. The shape of this annular component is not particularly limited and can be a perfect circle, ellipse, or polygon. The protrusion 102A can be integrally formed with the outer sheath 102 of the cable 100, but it is preferable to be separate from the cable 100. For example, by forming the protrusion 102A with a metal ring or the like, the cable 100 can be secured from its outer periphery using the protrusion 102A. This prevents the outer sheath 102 from moving relative to the shielding layer 108 along the axial direction in the first space 410A. Furthermore, by embedding the filler 80 into the protrusion 102A, an anchoring effect can be obtained, further improving the durability of the ultrasonic endoscope 12.

[0081] The protrusion 102A may not be provided along the entire circumference of the outer sheath 102 of the cable 100. For example, the protrusion 102A may be as follows: Figure 10 The C-shape is shown. By making the protrusion 102A C-shaped, when the cable 100 and the protrusion 102A are separate, it is easy to install the protrusion 102A onto the cable 100. Furthermore, by embedding the filler 80 between the two circumferential ends of the C-shaped protrusion 102A, the anchoring effect can be improved. Figure 10 The C-shaped protrusion 102A shown is an example of a ring-shaped component.

[0082] Furthermore, as long as the purpose is to achieve the anchoring effect, the protrusion 102A does not need to be composed of a ring-shaped component and can be of any shape. By constructing the protrusion 102A as a ring-shaped component, as described above, an anchoring effect can be achieved while securing the cable 100. Multiple protrusions 102A can be provided along the axial direction of the cable 100. This further enhances the anchoring effect.

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown, the substrate 60 and the first signal harness 116 are fixed by the fixing part 130, and the relative positions of the substrate 60 and each of the first signal harnesses 116 are fixed. The fixing part 130 fixes the substrate 60 and the first signal harnesses 116 while overlapping with the substrate 60. The first signal harnesses 116, which are composed of stranded wires of multiple signal lines 112 and multiple ground lines 114, are untied into individual signal lines 112 at the front end 116a. Each untied signal line 112 is electrically connected to the electrode pads 62 disposed on the substrate 60. The front end 116a is the starting position for untiing into individual signal lines 112. In addition, the fixing part 130 is omitted in some of the first signal harnesses 116 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 filler 80 described above.

[0084] In the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 configured as described above, if each ultrasonic transducer 48 of the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is driven and a voltage is applied to the electrode 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 48, the piezoelectric element 49 vibrates and sequentially generates ultrasonic waves, which are then irradiated toward the observation area of ​​the subject. Then, by using an electronic switch such as a multiplexer to sequentially drive multiple ultrasonic transducers 48, ultrasonic waves are scanned within a scanning range along the curved surface where the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is arranged, for example, within a range of approximately tens of millimeters from the center of curvature of the surface.

[0085] Furthermore, if an echo signal reflected from the observed object is received, the piezoelectric element 49 vibrates to generate a voltage, which is then output to the ultrasonic processor device 14 as an electrical signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic echo. After various signal processing steps are performed in the ultrasonic processor device 14, the signal is displayed on the display 20 as an ultrasonic image.

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

[0087] The first sealing member S1 is provided to prevent the filler 80 from seeping into the inner side of the shielding layer 108. The second sealing member S2 is provided to prevent the filler 80 from seeping into the space between the outer peripheral surface of the shielding 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-based resins or epoxy-based resins can be used. By providing the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2, when the filler 80 before curing is poured into the receiving space 410, it is possible to prevent the filler 80 from penetrating deep into the base end side of the cable 100. As a result, even if the signal cable 110 has the structure of the second region AR2, the flexibility of the cable 100 can be sufficiently ensured closer to the base end side than the front end 40.

[0089] The viscosity of the materials constituting the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2 is preferably higher than the viscosity of the material constituting the filler 80. By increasing the viscosity of the materials of the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2, when sealing the first boundary portion and the second boundary portion of the cable 100 using the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2, it is possible to prevent the material constituting them from penetrating into the cable 100. The viscosity of the material constituting the filler 80 can also be the same as or higher than the viscosity of the materials constituting the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2. However, in order to prevent the generation of fine air bubbles in the receiving space 410, it is preferable to have a lower viscosity of the material constituting the filler 80. According to this modified example, by providing the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2, even if the filler 80 is formed using a material with low viscosity, it is possible to prevent the filler 80 from penetrating into the cable 100. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of air bubbles in the filler 80 and improve the heat dissipation performance in the front end 40.

[0090] In addition, Figure 11 In the modified example shown, either the first sealing member S1 or the second sealing member S2 is not necessary and can be omitted. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the filler 80 from penetrating into the cable 100, but by having both the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2, a higher level of effectiveness can be achieved.

[0091] In the description so far, it has been assumed that the filler 80 is in contact with the first region AR1, the second region AR2, and the third region AR3, but this is not a limitation. For example, the filler 80 may be configured to not contact the third region AR3 but to contact the first region AR1 and the second region AR2. Even in this case, the fixation force of various components based on the filler 80 can be improved, and the durability of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 can be improved.

[0092] Furthermore, the signal cable 110 is not limited to... Figure 5 The non-coaxial cable shown can also be a coaxial cable or a twisted-pair cable. When the signal cable 110 is a coaxial cable, it may have a structure in which a shielding layer is provided around one signal line 112 and this shielding layer is covered by an insulating layer. When the signal cable 110 is a twisted-pair cable, it may have a structure in which two signal lines 112 are twisted together.

[0093] The ultrasonic endoscope 12 is designed as a convex ultrasonic endoscope, but the technology of this invention can also be applied to radial ultrasonic endoscopes. In particular, in a radial ultrasonic endoscope, the ultrasonic observation section is located in a structure further forward than the endoscope observation section, allowing the cable connected to the ultrasonic observation section to be inserted into the narrow space of the front-end outer casing. Therefore, the technology of this invention is particularly effective.

[0094] As explained above, at least the following items are described in this specification. (1)

[0096] An ultrasonic endoscope having a front end portion including an ultrasonic transceiver unit.

[0097] The aforementioned front end portion includes: a cable receiving portion for accommodating a cable connected to the aforementioned ultrasonic transceiver; and a filler for filling the gaps within the aforementioned cable receiving portion.

[0098] The aforementioned cable comprises: a plurality of signal cables electrically connected to the ultrasonic transceiver included in the aforementioned ultrasonic transceiver unit; a first covering member that bundles and covers the plurality of aforementioned signal cables; and a second covering member that covers the aforementioned first covering member.

[0099] In the aforementioned cable receiving portion, the cable, from the ultrasonic transceiver side, sequentially includes a first region exposed by the signal cable, a second region exposed by the first covering component, and a third region exposed by the second covering component.

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

[0102] According to the ultrasonic endoscope described in (1), wherein,

[0103] The filler further contacts the third region. (3)

[0105] According to the ultrasonic endoscope described in (2), wherein,

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

[0108] According to the ultrasonic endoscope described in (3), wherein,

[0109] The protrusion is composed of an annular member disposed on the outer surface of the third region along the circumference of the third region. (5)

[0111] According to any one of (1) to (4) of the ultrasonic endoscope, wherein,

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

[0114] According to the ultrasonic endoscope described in (5), wherein,

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

[0117] According to any one of (1) to (5) of the ultrasonic endoscope, wherein,

[0118] The cable is provided with a sealing member, which is disposed at least one of the first boundary between the first region and the second region and the second boundary between the second region and the third region. (8)

[0120] According to the ultrasonic endoscope described in (7), wherein,

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

[0123] According to any one of (1) to (8) of the ultrasonic endoscope, wherein a camera unit is provided at the aforementioned front end,

[0124] The ultrasonic transceiver unit is located further forward than the camera unit.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoscope, characterized in that, It has a front end that includes an ultrasonic transceiver unit. The front end portion includes: a cable receiving portion for accommodating a cable connected to the ultrasonic transceiver; and a filler for filling the gaps within the cable receiving portion. The cable comprises: a plurality of signal cables electrically connected to the ultrasonic transceiver included in the ultrasonic transceiver; and a first covering component that bundles and covers the plurality of signal cables. and a second covering component, covering the first covering component, In the cable receiving portion, the cable, from the ultrasonic transceiver side, sequentially includes a first region exposed by the signal cable, a second region exposed by the first covering component, and a third region exposed by the second covering component. The filler is in contact with at least the first region and the second region.

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

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

4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusion is formed by an annular component disposed on the outer surface of the third region along the circumference of the third region.

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

6. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first covering component exposed in the second region is a metal mesh shield.

7. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The cable includes a sealing component, which is disposed at at least one of the first boundary between the first region and the second region and the second boundary between the second region and the third region.

8. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that, The viscosity of the material constituting the sealing component is higher than the viscosity of the material constituting the filler.

9. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A camera unit is provided at the front end. The ultrasonic transceiver is located at a more forward position than the camera unit.

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