Ultrasonic endoscope

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic endoscope with improved durability.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic endoscope 12 includes a tip part 40. The distal end portion 40 includes a storage space 410 for storing a cable 100 connected to an ultrasonic transducer unit 46 and a filler 80 for filling a gap in the storage space 410. The cable 100 includes a plurality of signal cables 110 electrically connected to an ultrasonic transducer 48 included in the ultrasonic transducer unit 46, a shield layer 108 that bundles the plurality of signal cables 110 and covers them, and an outer sheath 102 for covering the shield layer 108. In the storage space 410, the cable 100 includes a first region AR1 in which the signal cables 110 are exposed, a second region AR2 in which the shield layer 108 is exposed, and a third region AR3 in which the outer sheath 102 is exposed in this order from the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 side. The filler 80 is in contact at least with the first region AR1 and the second region AR2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a convex-type ultrasonic endoscope, the distal end of which is provided with a filler layer that fills the internal space between the exterior member and the backing material layer and serves to fix the substrate, non-coaxial cable, and various wiring components.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a radial-type ultrasonic endoscope, in which a filler is provided at the tip of the ultrasonic endoscope in the space at the connection between the substrate attached to the side of the backing material layer and the multiple coaxial cables, in the gaps between the multiple coaxial cables, and in the gaps through which the multiple coaxial cables pass.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a convex-type ultrasonic endoscope, in which a filler layer is provided at the tip of the ultrasonic endoscope to fill gaps around a plurality of coaxial cables. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-129671 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 003737 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2018 / 003232 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope with improved durability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An ultrasonic endoscope according to one embodiment of the disclosed technology has a tip portion including an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit, the tip portion having a cable accommodating section that accommodates a cable connected to the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit, and a filler that fills gaps within the cable accommodating section, the cables having a plurality of signal cables electrically connected to ultrasonic vibrators included in the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit, a first covering member that bundles and covers the plurality of signal cables, and a second covering member that covers the first covering member, and in the cable accommodating section, the cables have, in order from the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit side, a first region where the signal cables are exposed, a second region where the first covering member is exposed, and a third region where the second covering member is exposed, and the filler is in contact with at least the first region and the second region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the technology of the present disclosure, durability can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasound inspection system 10 that uses an ultrasound endoscope 12 according to an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the tip portion 40 and its vicinity shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2, and is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tip portion 40 cut along a center line along the longitudinal axis thereof. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 3, and is a transverse cross-sectional view cut along the center line of the arc structure of the ultrasonic transducer array 50 of the ultrasonic observation unit 36 ​​of the tip portion 40. As shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the signal cable 110. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the cable 100. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion including the substrate 60 and the cable 100. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the position of the filler 80 by partially omitting the cross section shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the protrusion 102A. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the cable 100, and corresponds to FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasound examination system 10 that uses an ultrasound endoscope 12 according to an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure. The ultrasound examination system 10 includes the ultrasound endoscope 12, an ultrasound processor 14 that generates ultrasound images, an endoscope processor 16 that generates endoscopic images, a light source 18 that supplies illumination light to the ultrasound endoscope 12 to illuminate the inside of the body cavity, a monitor 20 that displays ultrasound images and endoscopic images, a water tank 21a that stores cleaning water and the like, and a suction pump 21b that sucks up material from the body cavity.

[0011] The ultrasonic endoscope 12 has an insertion section 22 that is inserted into the body cavity of the subject, an operation section 24 that is connected to the base end of the insertion section 22 and allows the surgeon to operate it, and a universal cord 26 that has one end connected to the operation section 24.

[0012] An air / water supply button 28a for opening and closing an air / water supply line (not shown) from the water supply tank 21a, and a suction button 28b for opening and closing a suction line (not shown) from the suction pump 21b are arranged side by side on the operation unit 24. The operation unit 24 is provided with a pair of angle knobs 29 and a treatment tool insertion port 30.

[0013] The other end of the universal cord 26 is provided with an ultrasound connector 32a connected to the ultrasound 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 ultrasound endoscope 12 is detachably connected to the ultrasound processor device 14, the endoscope processor device 16, and the light source device 18 via these connectors 32a, 32b, and 32c, respectively. The connector 32c is provided with an air / water supply tube 34a connected to the water supply tank 21a and a suction tube 34b connected to the suction pump 21b.

[0014] The insertion section 22 has, in order from the tip side, a tip section 40 having an ultrasound observation section 36 and an endoscopic observation section 38, a bending section 42 connected to the base end side of the tip section 40, and a flexible section 43 connecting the base end side of the bending section 42 and the tip side of the operating section 24.

[0015] The bending portion 42 can be remotely bent by rotating a pair of angle knobs 29 provided on the operation portion 24. This allows the distal end portion 40 to be oriented in a desired direction.

[0016] The ultrasonic processor device 14 generates and supplies ultrasonic signals for generating ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic transducer array 50 of the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 (see FIG. 2) of the ultrasonic observation section 36. In addition, the ultrasonic processor device 14 receives and acquires echo signals reflected from the observation target area to which the ultrasonic waves are radiated using the ultrasonic transducer array 50, and performs various signal processing on the acquired echo signals to generate an ultrasonic image to be displayed on the monitor 20.

[0017] The endoscope processor device 16 receives and acquires an image signal obtained from the observation target area illuminated by illumination light from the light source device 18 in the endoscopic observation section 38, and performs various processes on the acquired image signal to generate an endoscopic image to be displayed on the monitor 20.

[0018] 1, the ultrasonic processor 14 and the endoscope processor 16 are configured by two separate devices (computers). However, this is not limited to this, and both the ultrasonic processor 14 and the endoscope processor 16 may be configured by a single device.

[0019] In order to capture an image of the observation target area in the body cavity using the endoscopic observation section 38 and obtain an image signal, the light source device 18 generates illumination light such as white light or light of a specific wavelength composed of three primary colors of light, such as red light, green light, and blue light, and propagates the light through a light guide (not shown) within the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and emits it from the endoscopic observation section 38 to illuminate the observation target area in the body cavity.

[0020] The monitor 20 displays an ultrasound image and an endoscopic image in response to the video signals generated by the ultrasound processor 14 and the endoscopic processor 16. The monitor 20 can be switched to display only one of the ultrasound images and the endoscopic image, or both images can be displayed simultaneously.

[0021] In this embodiment, ultrasound images and endoscopic images are displayed on one monitor 20, but a monitor for displaying ultrasound images and a monitor for displaying endoscopic images may be provided separately. Furthermore, ultrasound images and endoscopic images may be displayed in a display format other than on the monitor 20, for example, on a display of a terminal carried by the surgeon.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the tip portion 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the tip portion 40 and its vicinity shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III shown in Fig. 2, which is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tip portion 40 cut along a center line along its longitudinal axis. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in Fig. 3, which is a transverse cross-sectional view of the tip portion 40 cut along a center line of the arc structure of the ultrasound transducer array 50 of the ultrasound observation unit 36.

[0023] 2 and 3, the distal end portion 40 is equipped with an ultrasonic observation section 36 for acquiring ultrasonic images at the distal end side and an endoscopic observation section 38 for acquiring endoscopic images at the proximal end side. In addition, the distal end portion 40 is provided with a treatment tool outlet 44 between the ultrasonic observation section 36 and the endoscopic observation section 38.

[0024] 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, the objective lens 84, the imaging element 86, and the illumination window 88 form an imaging section.

[0025] The treatment instrument outlet 44 is connected to a treatment instrument channel 45 that is inserted into the insertion section 22. A treatment instrument (not shown) inserted from the treatment instrument insertion port 30 in FIG. 1 is led out from the treatment instrument outlet 44 into the body cavity via the treatment instrument channel 45.

[0026] 2 to 4, the ultrasound observation section 36 includes an ultrasound transducer unit 46 constituting an ultrasound transmitting / receiving section, an exterior member 41 that holds the ultrasound transducer unit 46, and a cable 100 that is electrically connected to the ultrasound transducer unit 46 via a substrate 60. The cable 100 has an elongated shape that extends along the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section 22, and is provided so as to extend to the connector 32a.

[0027] The exterior member 41 is made of a hard member such as hard resin, and constitutes a part of the tip portion 40. The exterior member 41 is provided with a housing space 410 that penetrates the insertion portion 22 in the longitudinal axis direction. The housing space 410 includes a first space 410A on the base end side and a second space 410B on the tip side that is wider than the first space 410A. The housing space 410 accommodates a part of the ultrasound transducer unit 46, the substrate 60, and the tip side of the cable 100. The housing space 410 constitutes a cable housing section that accommodates the cable 100.

[0028] The ultrasonic transducer unit 46 includes an ultrasonic transducer array 50 consisting of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48, an electrode 52 provided at the end of the ultrasonic transducer array 50 in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion 22), a backing material layer 54 supporting each ultrasonic transducer 48 from the underside, and a substrate 60 arranged along the side surface of the backing material layer 54 in the width direction and connected to the electrode 52.

[0029] The structure of the substrate 60 is not particularly limited as long as it can electrically connect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 and the cable 100 .

[0030] It is preferable that the substrate 60 is composed of a wiring board such as a flexible substrate (also called a flexible printed circuit board (FPC)), a printed wiring circuit board (also called a printed circuit board (PCB)) made of a rigid substrate with high rigidity and no flexibility, or a printed wiring board (also called a printed wired board (PWB)).

[0031] The ultrasonic transducer unit 46 has an acoustic matching layer 76 laminated on the ultrasonic transducer array 50, and an acoustic lens 78 laminated on the acoustic matching layer 76. The ultrasonic transducer unit 46 is configured as a laminate 47 having the acoustic lens 78, the acoustic matching layer 76, the ultrasonic transducer array 50, and the backing material layer 54.

[0032] The ultrasonic transducer array 50 is composed of a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped ultrasonic transducers 48 arranged in a convex arc shape facing outward. The ultrasonic transducer array 50 is an array of 48 to 192 channels, for example, consisting of 48 to 192 ultrasonic transducers 48. Each ultrasonic transducer 48 has a piezoelectric body 49.

[0033] The ultrasonic transducer array 50 has electrodes 52. The electrodes 52 have individual electrodes 52a that are independent of each other for each ultrasonic transducer 48, and a transducer ground 52b that is a common electrode shared by all of the ultrasonic transducers 48. In Fig. 4, the multiple individual electrodes 52a are arranged on the lower surfaces of the ends of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 48, and the transducer ground 52b is arranged on the upper surface of the ends of the ultrasonic transducers 48.

[0034] The substrate 60 has 48 to 192 wirings (not shown) that are electrically connected to the individual electrodes 52a of the 48 to 192 ultrasonic transducers 48, respectively, and a plurality of electrode pads 62 that are each connected to the ultrasonic transducers 48 via these wirings.

[0035] The ultrasonic transducer array 50 has a configuration in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 are arranged in a one-dimensional array at a predetermined pitch, for example. The ultrasonic transducers 48 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 50 are arranged at equal intervals in a convex curved shape along the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section 22, and are sequentially driven based on a drive signal input from the ultrasonic processor device 14 (see FIG. 1). As a result, a convex electronic scan is performed over the range in which the ultrasonic transducers 48 shown in FIG. 2 are arranged as a scanning range.

[0036] The acoustic matching layer 76 is for matching the acoustic impedance between the object and the ultrasonic transducer 48 .

[0037] The acoustic lens 78 is used to converge the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transducer array 50 toward the observation target area. The acoustic lens 78 is formed of, for example, a silicone resin (such as millable silicone rubber or liquid silicone rubber), a butadiene resin, or a polyurethane resin. Powders of titanium oxide, alumina, silica, or the like are mixed into the acoustic lens 78 as needed. This allows the acoustic lens 78 to achieve acoustic impedance matching between the subject and the ultrasonic transducers 48 in the acoustic matching layer 76 and increase the transmittance of ultrasonic waves.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the backing material layer 54 is disposed on the inside of the arrangement surface of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 48, i.e., on the back surface (bottom surface) of the ultrasonic transducer array 50. The backing material layer 54 is composed of a layer of a member made of a backing material. The backing material layer 54 mechanically and flexibly supports the ultrasonic transducer array 50, and also serves to attenuate ultrasonic waves that propagate to the backing material layer 54 side among ultrasonic signals that are emitted from the multiple ultrasonic transducers 48 or that are reflected from the object of observation and propagate. The backing material is made of a rigid material such as hard rubber, and an ultrasonic attenuation material (ferrite, ceramics, etc.) is added as needed.

[0039] 4 has a plurality of electrode pads 62 electrically connected to the plurality of individual electrodes 52a at one end, and a ground electrode pad 64 electrically connected to the vibrator ground 52b. Note that the cable 100 is omitted from FIG. 4.

[0040] The electrical connection between the substrate 60 and the individual electrodes 52a can be established by, for example, a conductive resin material. Examples of the resin material include anisotropic conductive film (ACF) or anisotropic conductive paste (ACP), which are made by mixing fine conductive particles into a thermosetting resin and molding it into a film.

[0041] Another example of a resin material is a resin material in which conductive fillers such as metal particles are dispersed in a binder resin such as epoxy or urethane, so that the fillers form a conductive path after bonding. An example of such a resin material is a conductive paste such as silver paste.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the cable 100 includes a plurality of signal cables 110 and a tubular covering portion 101 that bundles and covers the plurality of signal cables 110.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section perpendicular to the axis of a signal cable 110. In the example of Fig. 5, the signal cable 110 is a non-coaxial cable. The signal cable 110 has a plurality of signal lines 112 and a plurality of ground lines 114. The signal line 112 is composed of, for example, a conductor 112a and an insulating layer 112b that covers the outer surface of the conductor 112a.

[0044] The conductor 112a is made of, for example, copper or copper alloy wire. The wire is plated with, for example, tin or silver. The conductor 112a has a diameter of, for example, 0.03 mm to 0.04 mm. The insulating layer 112b can be made of, for example, a resin material such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA). The insulating layer 112b has a thickness of, for example, 0.015 mm to 0.025 mm.

[0045] The ground wire 114 is made of, for example, a conductor having the same diameter as the signal wire 112. The ground wire 114 is made of a copper or copper alloy wire, or a stranded wire made by twisting together multiple copper or copper alloy wires.

[0046] A first signal line bundle 116 is formed by twisting together a plurality of signal lines 112 and a plurality of ground lines 114 .

[0047] The signal cable 110 includes a first signal wire bundle sheath 118 that bundles and covers the first signal wire bundle 116. The first signal wire bundle sheath 118 can be made of an insulating film or the like in which metal foil is laminated via an adhesive. The insulating film is made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or the like. The metal foil is made of aluminum foil, copper foil, or the like.

[0048] The signal cable 110 includes a plurality of signal wires 112 that are grouped into one set and are shielded by a sheath 118 of the first signal wire bundle.

[0049] The first signal wire bundle 116 is configured by twisting together seven wires: four signal wires 112 and three ground wires. One of the four signal wires 112 is arranged in the center. The remaining three signal wires 112 and three ground wires 114 are arranged adjacent to and around the central signal wire 112. However, the number of signal wires 112 and the number of ground wires 114 in the first signal wire bundle 116, and their arrangement, are not limited to the structure in FIG. 5. Each conductor 112a included in the signal cable 110 is electrically connected to one of the electrode pads 62 on the substrate 60.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section perpendicular to the axis of cable 100. In the example of Fig. 6, cable 100 includes a plurality of signal cables 110, a tubular resin layer 106 that bundles and covers the plurality of signal cables 110, a tubular shielding layer 108 that is provided along the outer circumferential surface of resin layer 106 and covers the outer circumferential surface, and a tubular outer jacket 102 that is provided along the outer circumferential surface of shielding layer 108 and covers the outer circumferential surface. Resin layer 106, shielding layer 108, and outer jacket 102 form a covering portion 101.

[0051] The outer cover 102 can be made of extruded PFA, FEP, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other fluorine-based resin materials. The outer cover 102 forms the outermost surface of the cable 100. It is preferable that the outer surface of the outer cover 102 be highly smooth in order to reduce friction with other components inside the ultrasonic endoscope 12 (such as the air / water supply tube, suction tube, or puller wire) and increase robustness.

[0052] The resin layer 106 can be made of, for example, the above-mentioned fluorine-based resin material or resin tape.

[0053] The shield layer 108 preferably has an outer surface with a lower smoothness than the outer surface of the outer jacket 102. The smoothness can be defined, for example, by the average surface roughness. The shield layer 108 is, for example, a metal mesh shield formed by braiding a plurality of wires. The wires are made of plated (tin-plated or silver-plated) copper wires or copper alloy wires. The resin layer 106 and the shield layer 108 form a first covering member that bundles and covers a plurality of signal cables 110. Note that the resin layer 106 is not essential to the cable 100 and may be omitted. The outer jacket 102 forms a second covering member that covers this first covering member.

[0054] The shield layer 108 is provided concentrically with the resin layer 106 on the outer periphery of the resin layer 106, and surrounds and covers the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer 106 within a 360-degree circumferential range. The outer cover 102 is provided concentrically with the shield layer 108 on the outer periphery of the shield layer 108, and surrounds and covers the outer peripheral surface of the shield layer 108 within a 360-degree circumferential range.

[0055] 6, the cable 100 includes 16 signal cables 110 and 64 signal lines 112. The numbers of signal cables 110 and signal lines 112 are not limited to these numbers.

[0056] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion including the substrate 60 and the cable 100. As shown in Fig. 7, the substrate 60 has a plurality of electrode pads 62 arranged along a side 60a on the base end side, and a ground electrode pad 64 arranged between the plurality of electrode pads 62 and the side 60a. The ground electrode pad 64 is arranged parallel to the side 60a.

[0057] The cable 100 is disposed in a position facing the side 60a of the substrate 60. The electrode pads 62 are electrically connected to the signal lines 112 of the signal cable 110. The signal cable 110 is disposed parallel to the sides 60b and 60c that are perpendicular to the side 60a. However, the positional relationship between the substrate 60 and the signal cable 110 is not particularly limited.

[0058] 3 and 7, the cable 100 has the sheath 101 stripped away from the distal end thereof, forming a first region AR1 where the signal cable 110 is partially exposed. The cable 100 has the outer sheath 102 stripped away from the proximal end thereof relative to the first region AR1, forming a second region AR2 where the shielding layer 108 is partially exposed. The cable 100 has the outer sheath 102 stripped away from the proximal end thereof relative to the second region AR2, forming a third region AR3 where the outer sheath 102 is exposed. In this way, in the accommodation space 410, the cable 100 is configured to include, in order from the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 side, the first region AR1 where the signal cable 110 is exposed, the second region AR2 where the shielding layer 108 is exposed, and the third region AR3 where the outer sheath 102 is exposed.

[0059] 3, a filler 80 is provided in the gap between the exterior member 41 and the tip side of the ultrasonic transducer unit 46, the substrate 60, and the cable 100 (the portion in the first space 410A other than the cable 100, and the portion in the second space 410B other than the ultrasonic transducer unit 46, the substrate 60, and the cable 100) to fill the gap. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the position of the filler 80, with a portion of the cross section shown in FIG. 3 omitted.

[0060] The filler 80 mainly serves to fix the substrate 60, the signal cable 110, and various wiring portions. It is preferable that the acoustic impedance of the filler 80 matches that of the backing material layer 54 with a certain degree of accuracy or higher at the boundary surface with the backing material layer 54 so as not to reflect ultrasonic signals propagating from the ultrasonic transducer array 50 toward the backing material layer 54. To improve the efficiency of dissipating heat generated in the multiple ultrasonic transducers 48, the filler 80 is preferably made of a material with heat dissipation properties. When the filler 80 has heat dissipation properties, it receives heat from the backing material layer 54, the substrate 60, the signal cable 110, etc., thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. The material of the filler 80 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include silicone resin and rubber.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, the filler 80 fills the gaps between the first region AR1, the second region AR2, and the third region AR3 and the inner surface of the exterior member 41, and is in contact with the first region AR1, the second region AR2, and the third region AR3.

[0062] This configuration allows the filler 80 to penetrate into the step at the boundary between the first area AR1 and the second area AR2, the step at the boundary between the second area AR2 and the third area AR3, and the like, providing an anchoring effect. As a result, the fixing force of the filler 80 to various components can be increased, and the durability of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 can be improved.

[0063] Furthermore, if 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 can penetrate into the irregularities in the outer surface of the second region AR2, providing an anchoring effect. As a result, the durability of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 can be further improved. In this embodiment, the second region AR2 and the third region AR3 are disposed in the relatively narrow first space 410A of the housing space 410. Therefore, the volume of the gap between the second region AR2 and the third region AR3 and the exterior member 41 is small, leaving little room for the filler 80 to enter. Even with this configuration, the low smoothness of the shield layer 108 ensures sufficient fixing force even with a small amount of filler 80.

[0064] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the outer surface (surface of the outer sheath 102) of the portion of the third region AR3 of the cable 100 that is positioned in the first space 410A is provided with a protrusion 102A that protrudes radially of the cable 100.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 7 . The cross section of the cable 100 is simplified in FIG. 9 . As shown in FIG. 9 , the protrusion 102A is formed of an annular member provided around the entire outer periphery of the outer sheath 102 of the cable 100. The outer shape of this annular member is not particularly limited, but may be a perfect circle, an ellipse, a polygon, or the like. The protrusion 102A may be formed integrally with the outer sheath 102 of the cable 100, but is preferably separate from the cable 100. For example, the protrusion 102A may be formed as a metal ring or the like, thereby crimping the cable 100 from its outer periphery. This prevents the outer sheath 102 from moving axially relative to the shield layer 108 in the first space 410A. Furthermore, the filler 80 embedding in the protrusion 102A provides an anchoring effect, further improving the durability of the ultrasonic endoscope 12.

[0066] The protrusion 102A does not have to be provided along the entire outer circumferential surface of the outer sheath 102 of the cable 100. For example, the protrusion 102A may be C-shaped as shown in FIG. 10. By making the protrusion 102A C-shaped, when the cable 100 and the protrusion 102A are separate members, the protrusion 102A can be easily attached to the cable 100. Furthermore, the filler 80 can be embedded between both ends of the C-shaped protrusion 102A in the circumferential direction, thereby enhancing the anchor effect. The C-shaped protrusion 102A shown in FIG. 10 is an example of an annular member.

[0067] Note that, as long as the purpose is to obtain an anchor effect, protrusion 102A does not have to be formed of an annular member, and any shape can be adopted. By forming protrusion 102A as an annular member, as described above, it is possible to obtain an anchor effect while crimping cable 100. A plurality of protrusions 102A may be provided along the axial direction of cable 100. This can further enhance the anchor effect.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7 , the substrate 60 and the first signal wire bundles 116 are fixed by fixing portions 130, and the relative positions of the substrate 60 and each first signal wire bundle 116 are fixed. The fixing portions 130 fix the substrate 60 and the first signal wire bundles 116 while overlapping the substrate 60. The first signal wire bundle 116, which is formed by twisting multiple signal wires 112 and multiple ground wires 114, is unraveled at the tip 116a into each signal wire 112. Each unraveled signal wire 112 is electrically connected to an electrode pad 62 arranged on the substrate 60. The tip 116a is the starting position for unraveling into each signal wire 112. Note that the fixing portions 130 are omitted for some of the first signal wire bundles 116 to facilitate understanding. The connection area between the substrate 60 and the signal cable 110 as described above is also covered and fixed with the filler 80 described above.

[0069] In the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 configured as described above, when each ultrasonic transducer 48 of the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is driven and a voltage is applied to the electrode 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 48, the piezoelectric body 49 vibrates to sequentially generate ultrasonic waves, which are then irradiated toward the observation target area of ​​the subject. Then, by sequentially driving the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 with an electronic switch such as a multiplexer, ultrasonic waves are scanned within a scanning range along the curved surface on which the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is arranged, for example, within a range of about several tens of mm from the center of curvature of the curved surface.

[0070] Furthermore, when an echo signal reflected from the observation target area is received, the piezoelectric element 49 vibrates to generate a voltage, which is output as an electrical signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic echo to the ultrasonic processor 14. Then, various signal processing is performed in the ultrasonic processor 14, and the signal is displayed on the monitor 20 as an ultrasonic image.

[0071] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of cable 100, and corresponds to Fig. 7. The modified example shown in Fig. 11 differs from Fig. 7 in that a first sealing member S1 is provided at a first boundary between the first region AR1 and the second region AR2, and a second sealing member S2 is provided at a second boundary between the second region AR2 and the third region AR3.

[0072] The first sealing member S1 is provided to prevent the filler 80 from penetrating inside the shield layer 108. The second sealing member S2 is provided to prevent the filler 80 from penetrating between the outer peripheral surface of the shield layer 108 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer skin 102.

[0073] The materials for the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2 are not particularly limited, but may be silicone-based resin, epoxy-based resin, or the like. The provision of the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2 prevents the filler 80 from penetrating deep inside the cable 100 toward the base end when the filler 80 before hardening is poured into the accommodation space 410. As a result, even if the signal cable 110 has a configuration including the second region AR2, the flexibility of the cable 100 can be sufficiently ensured on the base end side relative to the distal end portion 40.

[0074] 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 constituting the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2, the materials constituting the first and second boundaries of the cable 100 can be prevented from penetrating into the interior of the cable 100 when the first and second sealing members S1 and S2 seal the first and second boundaries of 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, to prevent the formation of fine air bubbles in the housing space 410, it is preferable that the viscosity of the material constituting the filler 80 be low. According to this modification, the provision of the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2 prevents the filler 80 from penetrating into the cable 100 even when the filler 80 is formed using a low-viscosity material. This suppresses the formation of air bubbles in the filler 80, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the tip portion 40.

[0075] 11, either the first sealing member S1 or the second sealing member S2 is not essential and may be omitted. Even in this case, it is possible to obtain the effect of preventing the filler 80 from penetrating into the cable 100, but the presence of both the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2 provides a greater effect.

[0076] In the above description, the filler 80 is in contact with the first region AR1, the second region AR2, and the third region AR3, but this is not limiting. For example, the filler 80 may be in contact with the first region AR1 and the second region AR2, but not the third region AR3. Even in this case, it is possible to improve the fixing force of the filler 80 between various components and increase the durability of the ultrasonic endoscope 12.

[0077] Furthermore, the signal cable 110 is not limited to a non-coaxial cable as shown in Fig. 5, but may be a coaxial cable, a twisted pair cable, or the like. When the signal cable 110 is a coaxial cable, for example, a shielding layer is provided around one signal line 112, and this shielding layer is covered with an insulating layer. When the signal cable 110 is a twisted pair cable, two signal lines 112 are twisted together.

[0078] Although the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is a convex type, the technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to a radial type ultrasonic endoscope. In particular, in a radial type ultrasonic endoscope in which the ultrasonic observation unit is located closer to the tip than the endoscopic observation unit, there is a possibility that the cable connected to the ultrasonic observation unit will be inserted into a narrow space in the exterior body at the tip. For this reason, the technology of the present disclosure is particularly effective.

[0079] As explained above, this specification describes at least the following:

[0080] (1) a tip portion including an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving portion; the tip portion has a cable housing portion that houses a cable connected to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving portion, and a filler that fills a gap in the cable housing portion, the cable includes a plurality of signal cables electrically connected to ultrasonic transducers included in the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit, a first covering member that bundles and covers the plurality of signal cables, and a second covering member that covers the first covering member; In the cable housing section, the cable includes, in order from the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit side, a first region where the signal cable is exposed, a second region where the first covering member is exposed, and a third region where the second covering member is exposed; The filler is in contact with at least the first region and the second region.

[0081] (2) The ultrasonic endoscope according to (1), The ultrasonic endoscope further includes a filler in contact with the third region.

[0082] (3) The ultrasonic endoscope according to (2), The ultrasonic endoscope has a protrusion on the outer surface of the third region.

[0083] (4) The ultrasonic endoscope according to (3), The protrusion is an annular member provided on the outer surface of the third region along the circumferential direction of the third region.

[0084] (5) An ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of (1) to (4), The ultrasonic endoscope has an outer surface of the first covering member that is less smooth than an outer surface of the second covering member.

[0085] (6) (5) An ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention, the first covering member exposed in the second region is a metal braid shield;

[0086] (7) An ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of (1) to (5), The cable includes a sealing member provided at least at a first boundary between the first region and the second region and a second boundary between the second region and the third region.

[0087] (8) (7) An ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention, An ultrasonic endoscope in which the viscosity of the material constituting the sealing member is higher than the viscosity of the material constituting the filler.

[0088] (9) An ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of (1) to (8), An imaging unit is provided at the tip, The ultrasonic endoscope has an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit disposed closer to the distal end than the imaging unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10 Ultrasonic Inspection System 12 Endoscopic Ultrasound 14 Ultrasonic processor 16. Endoscope processor unit 18 Light source device 20 monitors 21a Water tank 21b Suction pump 22 Insertion section 24 Control section 26 Universal Code 28a Air and water supply button 28b Suction button 29 Angle knob 30 Treatment tool insertion port 32a, 32b, 32c connectors 34a Air and water supply tube 34b Suction tube 36 Ultrasound Observation Department 38 Endoscopic observation section 40 Tip 41 Exterior materials 42 Curved section 43 Soft part 44 Treatment tool outlet 45 Treatment tool channel 46 Ultrasonic transducer unit 47 Laminate 48 Ultrasonic transducer 49 Piezoelectric 50 Ultrasound transducer array 52 electrodes 52a Individual electrode 52b Resonator ground 54 Backing material layer 60 boards Areas 60a, 60b, and 60c 62 Electrode Pads 64 Ground electrode pad 76 Acoustic matching layer 78 Acoustic Lens 80 Fillers 82 Observation window 84 Objective Lens 86 image sensor 88 Lighting window 90 Cleaning nozzle 100 Cable 101 Covering part 102 Hull 102A Protrusion 106 Resin layer 108 Shielding Layer 110 Signal Cable 112 signal line 112a conductor 112b insulating layer 114 Grand Line 116 1st signal line bundle 116a tip 118 Covering of first signal wire bundle 130 Fixed part 410 Containment Space 410A 1st space 410B 2nd space AR1 1st area AR2 2nd area AR3 3rd Area S1 1st sealing member S2 Second sealing member

Claims

1. a tip portion including an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving portion; the tip portion has a cable housing portion that houses a cable connected to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving portion, and a filler that fills a gap in the cable housing portion, the cable includes a plurality of signal cables electrically connected to ultrasonic transducers included in the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit, a first covering member that bundles and covers the plurality of signal cables, and a second covering member that covers the first covering member; In the cable housing section, the cable includes, in order from the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit side, a first region where the signal cable is exposed, a second region where the first covering member is exposed, and a third region where the second covering member is exposed, The filler is in contact with at least the first region and the second region.

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

3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, The ultrasonic endoscope has a protrusion on the outer surface of the third region.

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

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

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

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

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

9. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, an imaging unit is provided at the tip end, The ultrasonic endoscope has an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver unit disposed closer to the distal end than the imaging unit.

Images