Ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic treatment equipment, manufacturing method of ultrasonic transducer

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic treatment equipment, a manufacturing method of an ultrasonic transducer capable of suppressing deterioration of mechanical strength in an electric contact part.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic transducer includes: a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged along a longitudinal axis direction for generating ultrasonic vibration; a housing for storing and holding the piezoelectric elements; and a contact point reception part assembled in the housing for transmitting an electric signal to the piezoelectric elements. The contact point reception part includes a body part with insulation quality and a wiring pattern electrically connected to a lead provided in the housing. The wiring pattern is formed by three-dimensional plating.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic treatment device, and a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, ultrasonic treatment devices that apply energy such as ultrasonic waves to a target area of ​​biological tissue to treat the target area are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the ultrasonic treatment device described in Patent Document 1, an ultrasonic transducer that generates ultrasonic vibrations is detachable from a handpiece. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 0121827 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, an electrical contact is provided at the connection portion of the ultrasonic transducer to the handpiece. This electrical contact portion is composed of a conductive metal member and an insulating resin member. For example, the electrical contact portion is produced by insert molding, in which the metal member is placed in a mold, and then resin is injected around the metal member and solidified to form the electrical contact portion. At this time, there is a risk of a decrease in mechanical strength due to the residual stress during molding and the difference in linear expansion coefficient between the metal member and the resin member.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic treatment device, and a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer that can suppress a reduction in mechanical strength in the electrical contact portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the ultrasonic transducer of the present invention comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged along a longitudinal axis direction and generating ultrasonic vibrations, a housing that accommodates and holds the piezoelectric elements, and a contact receiving portion assembled to the housing and transmitting an electrical signal to the piezoelectric elements, the contact receiving portion having an insulating main body portion and a wiring pattern that is electrically connected to leads provided on the housing, and the wiring pattern is formed by three-dimensional plating.

[0007] In addition, the ultrasonic treatment instrument of the present invention comprises an ultrasonic transducer and a handpiece to which the ultrasonic transducer is connected, the ultrasonic transducer having a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged along a longitudinal axis direction and generating ultrasonic vibrations, a housing that accommodates and holds the piezoelectric elements, and a contact receiving portion assembled to the housing and transmitting an electrical signal from the handpiece to the piezoelectric elements, the contact receiving portion having an insulating main body portion and a wiring pattern that is electrically connected to a lead provided on the housing, and the wiring pattern is formed by three-dimensional plating.

[0008] In addition, the manufacturing method of an ultrasonic transducer according to the present invention is a manufacturing method of an ultrasonic transducer comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged along a longitudinal axis direction and generating ultrasonic vibrations, a housing that accommodates and holds the piezoelectric elements, and a contact receiving portion that is assembled to the housing and transmits an electrical signal to the piezoelectric elements, wherein the contact receiving portion includes a step of molding an insulating main body portion, a step of forming a wiring pattern by a three-dimensional plating process on the main body portion, and a step of electrically connecting the wiring pattern to a lead provided on the housing. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in mechanical strength at the electrical contact portion in the ultrasonic transducer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of an ultrasonic treatment system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic transducer used in the ultrasonic treatment system of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the ultrasonic transducer and the contact unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a contact receiving portion provided in the ultrasonic transducer. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a contact receiving portion provided in the ultrasonic transducer. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of forming a pattern in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a contact receiving portion included in an ultrasonic transducer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining a manufacturing method of the contact receiving portion in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the manufacturing method of the contact receiving portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 3) for explaining the manufacturing method of the contact receiving portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a part of a contact receiving portion included in an ultrasonic transducer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a part of a contact receiving portion included in an ultrasonic transducer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In the following description, an ultrasonic treatment system equipped with an ultrasonic transducer will be described as a form for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as an "embodiment"). The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each member, the ratio of each member, etc., differ from reality. Furthermore, the drawings include parts with different ratios.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of an ultrasonic treatment system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, one side along the central axis Ax of a sheath 10 is described as a distal end side Ar1, and the other side is described as a proximal end side Ar2. The ultrasonic treatment system 1 applies treatment energy to a portion of a living tissue to be treated (hereinafter, referred to as a target portion), thereby treating the target portion. In the first embodiment, high-frequency energy is adopted as the treatment energy in addition to ultrasonic energy, but the system may adopt only ultrasonic energy. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic treatment system 1 includes an ultrasonic treatment tool 2 and a control device 3.

[0013] The ultrasonic treatment instrument 2 is, for example, a medical treatment instrument for treating a target site through an abdominal wall. The ultrasonic treatment instrument 2 includes a handpiece 4 and an ultrasonic transducer 5.

[0014] The handpiece 4 includes a holding case 6, a movable handle 7, a first switch 8a, a second switch 8b, a pair of third switches 8c, a rotatable knob 9, a sheath 10, a jaw 11, an ultrasonic probe 12, and a cable CA. The holding case 6 supports the entire ultrasonic treatment instrument 2. The holding case 6 includes a holding case main body 6a having a substantially cylindrical shape coaxial with the central axis Ax, and a fixed handle 6b extending downward from the holding case main body 6a and held by an operator such as a surgeon.

[0015] The movable handle 7 accepts a closing operation and an opening operation by an operator such as a surgeon. When the movable handle 7 accepts a closing operation by an operator such as a surgeon, the movable handle 7 moves in a direction approaching the fixed handle 6b. On the other hand, when the movable handle 7 accepts an opening operation, the movable handle 7 moves in a direction away from the fixed handle 6b.

[0016] The first and second switches 8a and 8b are provided in a state where they are exposed to the outside from the side surface of the tip side Ar1 of the fixed handle 6b. The first switch 8a accepts an operation of a first energy output mode by an operator such as a surgeon. The second switch 8b accepts a setting operation of a second energy output mode by an operator such as a surgeon. The second energy output mode is an energy output mode different from the first energy output mode. Here, an example of the first energy output mode is an energy output mode in which ultrasonic energy and high-frequency energy are applied to coagulate and incise the target site, and an example of the second energy output mode is an energy output mode in which high-frequency energy is applied to coagulate the target site.

[0017] The pair of third switches 8c are provided on the front and rear sides (not shown) of the drawing, exposed to the outside of the fixed handle 6b. The pair of third switches 8c accepts operation of a third energy output mode by an operator such as a surgeon. Here, an example of the third energy output mode is an energy output mode in which ultrasonic energy is applied to coagulate and incise a target site.

[0018] The rotating knob 9 has a generally cylindrical shape coaxial with the central axis Ax, and is provided on the tip side Ar1 of the holding case main body 6a. The rotating knob 9 is rotated by an operator such as a surgeon. The rotating knob 9 rotates about the central axis Ax relative to the holding case main body 6a. The rotation of the rotating knob 9 also rotates the jaw 11 and the ultrasonic probe 12 about the central axis Ax. The sheath 10 has a generally cylindrical shape. The end of the base end side Ar2 of the sheath 10 is attached to the holding case main body 6a.

[0019] The jaw 11 grasps a target site between itself and the end of the tip side Ar1 of the ultrasonic probe 12. An opening / closing mechanism (not shown) is provided inside the holding case main body 6a and the sheath 10 for opening and closing the jaw 11 with respect to the end of the tip side Ar1 of the ultrasonic probe 12 in response to an opening / closing operation of the movable handle 7 by the surgeon.

[0020] The ultrasonic probe 12 is made of a conductive material and has an elongated shape extending linearly along the central axis Ax. The ultrasonic probe 12 is inserted into the sheath 10 with the end of the tip side Ar1 protruding to the outside. At this time, the end of the base side Ar2 of the ultrasonic probe 12 is mechanically connected to the ultrasonic transducer 5 described later. That is, the ultrasonic transducer 5 rotates around the central axis Ax together with the ultrasonic probe 12 in response to a rotation operation of the rotary knob 9 by an operator such as an operator. Then, the ultrasonic probe 12 transmits ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic transducer 5 from the end of the base side Ar2 to the end of the tip side Ar1. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic vibration is a longitudinal vibration vibrating in a direction along the central axis Ax.

[0021] The cable CA is detachably connected to the control device 3. That is, the cable CA is electrically connected to the control device 3.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic transducer 5 used in the ultrasonic treatment system 1 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the ultrasonic transducer 5 and a contact unit.

[0023] The ultrasonic transducer 5 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 51 , a storage section 52 , a holder section 53 , a contact receiving section 54 , and a casing section 55 .

[0024] The ultrasonic transducer 51 generates ultrasonic vibrations under the control of the control device 3. In the present embodiment 1, the ultrasonic transducer 51 is configured by a BLT (bolt-tightened Langevin type transducer). The ultrasonic transducer 51 includes a transducer body 511, a front mass 512, and a back mass 513.

[0025] The transducer body 511 includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements 514. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 514 has a disk shape with an opening (not shown) in the center, and is stacked along the central axis Ax. In response to a control signal supplied to an electrode plate (not shown), a potential difference is generated in the stacking direction along the central axis Ax, causing the plurality of piezoelectric elements 514 to alternately expand and contract along the stacking direction. This causes the ultrasonic transducer 51 to generate ultrasonic vibration of a longitudinal vibration with the stacking direction as the vibration direction.

[0026] The front mass 512 is made of a conductive material and has an elongated shape that extends linearly along the central axis Ax. The front mass 512 includes an element mounting portion 515, a cross-sectional area changing portion 516, a flange portion 517, and a probe mounting portion 518. The element mounting part 515 is a bolt extending linearly along the central axis Ax, and is inserted into each of the openings of a plurality of electrode plates (not shown) and each of the openings (not shown) of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 514. A back mass 513, which is a nut made of a conductive material, is attached to the end of the base end side Ar2 of the element mounting part 515.

[0027] The cross-sectional area changing portion 516 is provided at the end of the tip side Ar1 of the element mounting portion 515, and is a portion that amplifies the amplitude of ultrasonic vibration. The cross-sectional area changing portion 516 has a truncated cone shape in which the end of the base side Ar2 is set to have a larger diameter dimension than the element mounting portion 515, and the end of the tip side Ar1 has a cross-sectional area that decreases toward the tip side Ar1. That is, the multiple piezoelectric elements 514 are clamped between the cross-sectional area changing portion 516 and the back mass 513 with the element mounting portion 515 penetrating along the central axis Ax, and are thereby fastened together in a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0028] The flange portion 517 is provided at the end of the tip side Ar1 of the cross-sectional area changing portion 516, and is set to have a larger diameter than the cross-sectional area changing portion 516. The flange portion 517 is sandwiched and fixed between a convex portion 521 of the storage portion 52, which will be described later, and the holder portion 53. A seal ring 56 is disposed between the flange portion 517 and the holder portion 53. The axial position of the ultrasonic transducer 51 is fixed by fixing the flange portion 517 by the storage portion 52 and the holder portion 53.

[0029] The probe mounting portion 518 is provided at the end of the tip side Ar1 of the flange portion 517, and extends linearly along the central axis Ax.

[0030] The storage section 52 is made of an insulating resin material, has a cylindrical shape, and stores the ultrasonic transducer 51 therein. The casing portion 55 is made of an insulating resin material, has a cylindrical shape, and is a housing that is sheathed on the outside of the storage portion 52. The casing portion 55 is made up of a first casing portion 551 located on a cylindrical tip side Ar1, and a second casing portion 552 that is cylindrical and has a bottom and is located on a base side Ar2. An end portion 522 on the base end side Ar2 of the storage portion 52 is abutted against the inner wall of the second casing portion 552 of the casing portion 55.

[0031] The holder portion 53 is made of an insulating resin material and has a cylindrical shape, and a base end side Ar2 of the holder portion 53 is inserted into a tip side Ar1 of the storage portion 52. In addition, the tip side Ar1 of the holder portion 53 is inserted into a base end side Ar2 of a contact receiving portion 54 described later.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a contact receiving part provided in an ultrasonic transducer. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a contact receiving part provided in an ultrasonic transducer. The contact receiving part 54 is cylindrical and has a main body part 541 whose outer diameter increases stepwise from the tip end side Ar1 to the base end side Ar2. The main body part 541 is an insulator, and is made of, for example, a resin material.

[0033] The contact receiving portion 54 is attached to the casing portion 55. Specifically, the base end side Ar2 of the contact receiving portion 54 is inserted into the casing portion 55. The tip side Ar1 of the storage portion 52 is inserted into the base end side Ar2 of the contact receiving portion 54, and a rubber member 57 is disposed between a stepped portion 546 on the inner periphery of the contact receiving portion 54 and the tip side Ar1 of the storage portion 52 against which it is abutted. Furthermore, a cable 70 that transmits power and control signals to the ultrasonic transducer 51 is connected to the base end side Ar2 of the contact receiving portion 54.

[0034] A first contact member 542, a second contact member 543, a third contact member 544, and a fourth contact member 545 are formed on each step portion of the main body 541. The first contact member 542, the second contact member 543, the third contact member 544, and the fourth contact member 545 are ring-shaped, each made of a conductive material, and provided over the entire circumference of each step portion in the circumferential direction. In addition, each contact member is formed with a pattern extending to the base end side Ar2. This pattern is made of a conductive material. Specifically, a first pattern 542a is connected to the first contact member 542. The first pattern 542a is connected to a lead 71 extending from the cable 70 at an end 542b of the first pattern 542a opposite to the first contact member 542 side. Further, the second pattern 543a is connected to the second contact member 543, and the second pattern 543a is connected to the cable 70 (lead 71) at an end 543b of the second pattern 543a opposite to the second contact member 543 side. The third pattern 544a is connected to the third contact member 544, and the third pattern 544a is connected to the cable 70 (lead 71) at an end 544b of the third pattern 544a opposite to the third contact member 544 side. The fourth pattern 545a is connected to the fourth contact member 545, and the fourth pattern 545a is connected to the cable 70 (lead 71) at an end 545b of the fourth pattern 545a opposite to the fourth contact member 545 side. Each pattern corresponds to a wiring pattern.

[0035] The main body 541 has a first member 541a and a second member 541b. The first member 541a and the second member 541b are each formed using a resin material. Examples of the resin material include super engineering plastics such as PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone), PEKK (Poly Ether Ketone Ketone), and PPSU (Poly Phenyl Sulfone).

[0036] In the main body 541, the second member 541b covers the outer surface of the first member 541a and exposes the contact members (the first contact member 542, the second contact member 543, the third contact member 544, and the fourth contact member 545).

[0037] The contact receiving portion 54 is produced by molding the main body portion 541 and forming a pattern on the main body portion 541. Here, the production of the contact receiving portion 54 includes a process of molding the main body portion 541 and a process of forming a pattern by a three-dimensional plating process on the main body portion 541. Then, the contact receiving portion 54 and the casing portion 55 are electrically connected by a process of electrically connecting the pattern (e.g., the end portion 542b) of the produced contact receiving portion 54 and the lead 71 provided on the casing portion 55, and the ultrasonic transducer 5 is produced.

[0038] Specifically, the contact receiving portion 54 is produced by molding the first member 541a (primary molding), forming a pattern on the surface of the first member 541a, and then molding the second member 541b (secondary molding), and assembling the contact member.

[0039] 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining a method of forming a pattern in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the pattern formation, for example, a pattern formation position L 101 , L 102 Then, a laser is irradiated at the laser irradiation position (see Fig. 6(b)). Then, a pattern L is formed by electroless plating. 111 , L 112is formed (see FIG. 6(c)). In this way, a three-dimensional plating process is performed to form a three-dimensional pattern on the resin molded product. Using this pattern formation method, a first pattern 542a to a fourth pattern 545a can be formed as three-dimensional plating. The thickness of the pattern is, for example, about several μm. The product produced by this pattern formation method is called an MID (Molded Interconnect Device), as it is an electrode circuit formed on the surface of a three-dimensional resin molded product.

[0040] After pattern formation, first contact member 542, second contact member 543, third contact member 544 and fourth contact member 545 are assembled to main body portion 541 by assembling first contact member 542, second contact member 543, third contact member 544 and fourth contact member 545 to the surface of main body portion 541.

[0041] Returning to Figures 2 and 3, a contact unit 20 is provided inside the holding case main body 6a, and when the ultrasonic transducer 5 is connected to the holding case main body 6a, the contact receiving portion 54 of the ultrasonic transducer 5 is inserted into the contact unit 20. When the ultrasonic transducer 5 is inserted into the contact unit 20, the first contact member 21, the second contact member 22, the third contact member 23, and the fourth contact member 24 of the contact unit 20 are connected to the first contact member 542, the second contact member 543, the third contact member 544, and the fourth contact member 545 of the contact receiver 54, respectively. Then, ultrasonic energy or high-frequency energy is output by operating the first switch 8a, the second switch 8b, or the third switch 8c.

[0042] The tip side Ar1 of the holder portion 53 is inserted into the base end side Ar2 of the contact receiving portion 54, and an O-ring 58 is disposed between the contact receiving portion 54 and the holder portion 53.

[0043] In the above-described first embodiment, the contact receiving portion 54 is fabricated as an MID, so that the residual stress during molding can be reduced compared to conventional insert molding. According to the first embodiment, the influence of distortions such as cooling distortion, thermal distortion, and insert distortion is reduced by reducing the residual stress, and the reduction in mechanical strength of the electrical contact portion in the ultrasonic transducer can be suppressed.

[0044] Moreover, according to the first embodiment, by forming the contact receiving portion 54 in the MID form, the thickness of the wiring pattern can be made thinner than in the case of insert molding, and as a result, the contact receiving portion 54 can be made smaller. This miniaturization can improve the degree of freedom in design.

[0045] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 10. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a contact receiving portion provided in an ultrasonic transducer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the ultrasonic transducer according to the second embodiment, each contact member is also an MID. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] The contact receiving portion 54A according to the second embodiment is made of an insulating resin material, has a cylindrical shape, and has a main body 541 whose outer diameter increases stepwise from a tip end side Ar1 to a base end side Ar2.

[0047] A first contact member 542A, a second contact member 543A, a third contact member 544A, and a fourth contact member 545A are formed on each step portion of the main body 541. The first contact member 542A, the second contact member 543A, the third contact member 544A, and the fourth contact member 545A are each made of a conductive material and provided over the entire circumference of each step portion in the circumferential direction. In addition, each contact member has a pattern (first pattern 542a to fourth pattern 545a) extending to the base end side Ar2.

[0048] The first contact member 542A, the second contact member 543A, the third contact member 544A, and the fourth contact member 545A, and each pattern are formed by the above-mentioned pattern forming method (see FIG. 6). FIGS. 8 to 10 are diagrams for explaining a method for manufacturing a contact receiving portion in the second embodiment of the present invention. First, a laser is irradiated onto a pattern forming position of the first member 541a, and patterns (first pattern 542a to fourth pattern 545a) are formed at the laser irradiated positions by electroless plating (see FIG. 8).

[0049] After that, the second member 541b is molded on the surface of the first member 541a (see FIG. 9). Note that FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing the molded body shown in FIG. 9(a) inverted. At this time, in the second member 541b, the pattern is exposed at positions where the first contact member 542A, the second contact member 543A, the third contact member 544A, and the fourth contact member 545A are to be formed.

[0050] After the second member 541b is molded, a laser is irradiated onto the contact member formation positions, and a first contact member 542A, a second contact member 543A, a third contact member 544A, and a fourth contact member 545A are formed at the laser irradiated positions by electroless plating (see FIG. 10).

[0051] In the above-described second embodiment, the contact receiving portion 54A is fabricated as an MID, so that, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in mechanical strength in the electrical contact portion in the ultrasonic transducer.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment 2, in the contact receiving portion 54A, in addition to the pattern, the contact member is also manufactured as an MID, so that distortion in the contact member is also reduced, and reduction in mechanical strength in the electrical contact portion can be further suppressed.

[0053] (Embodiment 3) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a part of a contact receiving portion included in an ultrasonic transducer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic transducer according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the position where a pattern is formed in the contact receiving portion. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] The contact receiving portion 54B according to the third embodiment is made of an insulating resin material, has a cylindrical shape, and has a main body 541A whose outer diameter increases stepwise from a tip end side Ar1 to a base end side Ar2.

[0055] A first contact member 542A, a second contact member 543A, a third contact member 544A, and a fourth contact member 545A are formed on each step portion of the main body 541A. In addition, a pattern extending to the base end side Ar2 is formed on each contact member. In FIG. 11, only the pattern 542c connected to the first contact member 542A is illustrated. Below, the pattern 542c will be described as an example, but the patterns connected to the second contact member 543A, the third contact member 544A, and the fourth contact member 545A are similar.

[0056] The pattern 542c extends from the first contact member 542A to the radially inner circumferential surface side of the main body portion 541A, and then extends from the base end side of the main body portion 541A via the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 541A. Further, a through hole 542d is formed in the first contact member 542A and the pattern 542c, penetrating in the radial direction. 11, specifically, the position of the base end side Ar2 in the longitudinal direction, may be the position of the tip end side Ar1, or may be the center of the longitudinal direction at the end (end face) of the pattern 542c. Also, a configuration in which the through hole 542d is not formed may be used.

[0057] The first contact member 542A, the second contact member 543A, the third contact member 544A, and the fourth contact member 545A, as well as the respective patterns, are formed on the main body 541A by the above-mentioned pattern forming method (see FIG. 6). Specifically, a laser is irradiated onto the surface (including the holes) of the main body 541A at positions where the contact members and the patterns are to be formed, and the first contact member 542A, the second contact member 543A, the third contact member 544A, and the fourth contact member 545A, as well as the patterns, are formed at the laser irradiated positions by electroless plating. Therefore, the contact members and the patterns are formed integrally.

[0058] In the above-described third embodiment, the contact receiving portion 54B is fabricated as an MID, so that, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in mechanical strength in the electrical contact portion in the ultrasonic transducer.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, in the contact receiving portion 54B, in addition to the pattern, the contact member is also manufactured as an MID, so that distortion in the contact member is also reduced, and reduction in mechanical strength in the electrical contact portion can be further suppressed.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, main body portion 541A is molded as a single member, and the pattern is aligned along the inner surface of main body portion 541A. Therefore, compared to embodiment 1 in which the main body portion is constructed from two members, distortion can be further reduced, and reduction in mechanical strength in the electrical contact portion can be further suppressed.

[0061] (Embodiment 4) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a part of a contact receiving portion included in an ultrasonic transducer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic transducer according to the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the position where a pattern is formed in the contact receiving portion. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] The contact receiving portion 54C according to the fourth embodiment is made of an insulating resin material, has a cylindrical shape, and has a main body 541A whose outer diameter increases stepwise from a tip end side Ar1 to a base end side Ar2.

[0063] A first contact member 542, a second contact member 543, a third contact member 544, and a fourth contact member 545 are formed on each step portion of the main body 541A. In addition, a pattern extending to the base end side Ar2 is formed on each of the contact members. In FIG. 12, only the pattern 542c connected to the first contact member 542 is shown. The following description will be given taking the pattern 542c as an example, but the patterns connected to the second contact member 543, the third contact member 544, and the fourth contact member 545 are similar.

[0064] The pattern 542c extends from the first contact member 542 to the radially inner circumferential surface side of the main body portion 541A, and then extends from the base end side of the main body portion 541A via the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 541A. Furthermore, a through hole 542e is formed penetrating the pattern 542c in the radial direction. The position where the through-hole 542e is formed is not limited to the position shown in Fig. 12. Also, a configuration in which the through-hole 542e is not formed is also possible.

[0065] Each pattern is formed on the main body 541A by the above-mentioned pattern forming method (see FIG. 6). Specifically, a laser is irradiated onto pattern forming positions on the surface (including holes) of the main body 541A, and each pattern is formed at the laser irradiated positions by electroless plating.

[0066] Thereafter, first contact member 542, second contact member 543, third contact member 544 and fourth contact member 545 are assembled to main body portion 541A by assembling first contact member 542, second contact member 543, third contact member 544 and fourth contact member 545 to the surface of main body portion 541A.

[0067] In the above-described fourth embodiment, the contact receiving portion 54C is fabricated as an MID, so that, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in mechanical strength in the electrical contact portion in the ultrasonic transducer.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment 4, main body portion 541A is molded as a single member, and the pattern is aligned along the inner circumferential surface of main body portion 541A. This further reduces distortion and further suppresses reduction in mechanical strength in the electrical contact portion, as compared to embodiment 1 in which the main body portion is constructed from two members.

[0069] Although the embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above, the present invention should not be limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. The pattern formation method (MID) in the first to fourth embodiments is an example, and other known methods can be adopted as long as they can form a three-dimensional pattern on a resin molded body.

[0070] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic treatment device, and method for manufacturing the ultrasonic transducer according to the present invention are useful for suppressing a decrease in mechanical strength in the electrical contact portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1. Ultrasound treatment system 2. Ultrasonic treatment tools 3. Control device 4 Handpieces 5 Ultrasonic Transducers 6 Holding Case 7 Movable Handle 8a First Switch 8b Second Switch 8c Third Switch 9 Rotating Knob 10 Sheath 11 Joe 12 Ultrasound probe 51 Ultrasonic transducer 52 Storage area 53 Holder part 54, 54A~54C Contact receiving part 55 Casing part 56 Seal ring 57 Rubber parts 58 O-ring 70 Cable 71 Leads 511 Transducer body 512 Front Mass 513 Back Mass 517 Flange 541, 541A Main unit 541a First member 541b Second member 542, 542A First contact member 542a First Pattern 542c Pattern 542d, 542e through hole 543, 543A Second contact member 543a Second Pattern 544, 544A Third contact member 544a Third Pattern 545, 545A Fourth Contact Component 545a Fourth Pattern

Claims

1. A plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged along a longitudinal axis direction and generating ultrasonic vibrations; a housing that accommodates and holds the piezoelectric element; a contact receiving portion attached to the housing and configured to transmit an electrical signal to the piezoelectric element; Equipped with The contact receiving portion is A main body portion having insulating properties; a wiring pattern electrically connected to the leads provided on the housing; having The wiring pattern is formed by three-dimensional plating. Ultrasonic transducer.

2. The main body portion is A cylindrical first member; A second member covering a portion of an outer surface of the first member; having The wiring pattern is provided between the first member and the second member.

2. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1.

3. a ring-shaped conductive contact member is provided on an outer surface of the main body and connected to the wiring pattern; 3. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 2.

4. A conductive contact member is provided on an outer surface of the main body and is integrally formed with the wiring pattern.

3. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 2.

5. The main body portion is cylindrical, The wiring pattern is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the main body.

2. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1.

6. a ring-shaped conductive contact member is provided on an outer surface of the main body and connected to the wiring pattern; 6. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 5.

7. A conductive contact member is provided on an outer surface of the main body and is integrally formed with the wiring pattern.

6. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 5.

8. a through hole is formed in the wiring pattern at an end opposite to the end connected to the lead, the through hole penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction; 6. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 5.

9. The through hole is located on one end side of the wiring pattern in the longitudinal direction.

9. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 8.

10. The housing is provided with an ultrasonic transducer that transmits ultrasonic vibrations from a base end side to a tip end side in the longitudinal axis direction.

2. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1.

11. The main body is formed using super engineering plastic.

2. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1.

12. An ultrasonic transducer; A handpiece to which the ultrasonic transducer is connected; Equipped with The ultrasonic transducer comprises: A plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged along a longitudinal axis direction and generating ultrasonic vibrations; a housing that accommodates and holds the piezoelectric element; a contact receiving portion attached to the housing and configured to transmit an electrical signal from the handpiece to the piezoelectric element; having The contact receiving portion is A main body portion having insulating properties; a wiring pattern electrically connected to the leads provided on the housing; having The wiring pattern is formed by three-dimensional plating. Ultrasonic treatment tool.

13. A plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged along a longitudinal axis direction and generating ultrasonic vibrations; a housing that accommodates and holds the piezoelectric element; a contact receiving portion attached to the housing and configured to transmit an electrical signal to the piezoelectric element; A method for manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer comprising: The contact receiving portion is forming an insulating body portion; forming a wiring pattern by a three-dimensional plating process on the main body; a step of electrically connecting the wiring pattern to a lead provided on the housing; A method for manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer comprising the steps of:

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