Cable with boot and medical diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

To provide a cable with a boot in which a cable boot is fixed to a cable with an adhesion layer and which can suppress the damage or deterioration of the cable boot, the cable, and an adhesion part of them due to irradiation with ultraviolet light, and to provide a medical diagnostic apparatus including the cable with the boot.SOLUTION: The cable with the boot includes: a cable 10; and a cable boot 21 fixed to an end of the cable 10 with an adhesion layer 30. Each of the cable 10, the cable boot 21, and the adhesion layer 30 includes an additive material comprising an organic and / or inorganic material capable of shielding ultraviolet light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to booted cables and medical diagnostic equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a probe cable in which a probe body with a cable boot (cable bushing) is attached to one end of the cable, and the cable boot is adhered and fixed to the cable by an adhesive layer formed by applying an adhesive (see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 also discloses a silicone rubber-based adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-23758 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, sterilization by ultraviolet light irradiation has attracted attention as a simple, inexpensive, and reliable method for sterilizing cables for medical devices. However, when ultraviolet light irradiation is used to sterilize a booted cable, such as the probe cable described in Patent Document 1, in which a cable boot is fixed to the cable with an adhesive layer, exposure of the adhesive layer to ultraviolet light can cause the adhesive layer to become less elastic or harden, leading to cracking. Cracking in the adhesive layer can lead to damage or deterioration around the adhesive layer, such as peeling of the cable boot from the cable.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a booted cable in which a cable boot is fixed to a cable by an adhesive layer, which can prevent damage and deterioration of the cable boot, the cable, and their adhesive joints due to irradiation with ultraviolet light, and a medical diagnostic device equipped with such a booted cable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a booted cable comprising a cable and a cable boot fixed to the end of the cable by an adhesive layer, wherein the cable, the cable boot, and the adhesive layer each contain an additive made of an organic and / or inorganic substance that can block ultraviolet light.

[0007] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a medical diagnostic device equipped with the above-mentioned booted cable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a booted cable in which a cable boot is fixed to a cable by an adhesive layer, which can prevent damage and deterioration of the cable boot, the cable, and their adhesive joints due to irradiation with ultraviolet light, and a medical diagnostic device equipped with the booted cable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a medical ultrasound probe cable, which is an example of a booted cable according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Fig. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view in the radial direction of the ultrasonic probe cable taken along the cutting line AA in Fig. 1. Fig. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view in the radial direction of the ultrasonic probe cable taken along the cutting line BB in Fig. 1. [Figure 3]3(a) and 3(b) are enlarged cross-sectional views in the length direction of the ultrasonic probe cable, which schematically show the structure around the adhesive layer. [Figure 4] 4(a) and 4(b) are cross-sectional views in the radial direction of an ultrasonic probe cable in which the sheath has a coating on the surface to improve the lubricity. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is an optical microscope image of the cross section near the end of the cable boot of the ultrasonic probe cable. Figure 5(b) is a mapping image of the silicone resin degradation distribution superimposed on the image of Figure 5(a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a medical ultrasound probe cable 1, which is an example of a booted cable according to the present invention.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe cable 1 comprises a cable 10, an ultrasonic probe 22 attached to one end of the cable 10 via a cable boot 21 that protects the one end, and a connector 23 attached to the other end of the cable 10 for connection to the main body of the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0012] Fig. 2(a) is a radial cross-sectional view of the cable 10 of the ultrasound probe cable 1, taken along the cutting line AA shown in Fig. 1. Electric wires 11, typically a plurality of coaxial cables, are housed inside the cable 10, and a shield 12, such as a braided shield, is provided to cover the plurality of electric wires 11. A sheath 13 is provided to cover the shield 12.

[0013] 2(b) is a radial cross-sectional view of the cable 10 of the ultrasonic probe cable 1, taken along the cutting line BB shown in FIG. 2(b). As shown in FIG. 2(b), the cable boot 21 is attached to the sheath 13 so as to cover the sheath 13 via an adhesive layer 30. The adhesive layer 30 is formed by applying an adhesive to the surface of the sheath 13 at the end of the cable 10, and the cable boot 21 is fixed to the end of the cable 10 by this adhesive layer 30.

[0014] FIG. 3(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe cable 1, schematically illustrating the structure around the adhesive layer 30. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the adhesive layer 30 is preferably interposed between the cable boot 21 and the sheath 13 so that its end face 301 is continuous with the end face 211 of the cable boot 21 without any step. FIG. 3(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe cable 1 when there is a step between the end face 301 of the adhesive layer 30 and the end face 211 of the cable boot 21, resulting in a depression 302 caused by this step. There is a risk that germs, dirt, etc. may enter and accumulate in this depression 302. However, when the end face 301 of the adhesive layer 30 and the end face 211 of the cable boot 21 are continuous with no step, the depression 302 is not formed, effectively preventing germs, dirt, etc. from entering between the cable boot 21 and the sheath 13. To form the adhesive layer 30 in this manner, for example, adhesive is applied over an appropriate area on the surface of the sheath 13, the cable boot 21 is fitted into the sheath 13, any adhesive that has protruded from the cable boot 21 is wiped off, and the adhesive remaining between the cable boot 21 and the sheath 13 is cured. Note that the adhesive layer 30 may be formed so as to protrude from the cable boot 21 as long as it does not create a depression 302 into which bacteria, dirt, and the like can enter. Note that, although a space 40 where no adhesive is applied is formed in Fig. 3, the adhesive may be applied so that this space 40 is not formed.

[0015] The adhesive layer 30 has an exposed end surface 301, and this exposed portion is directly irradiated with ultraviolet light. Therefore, it is preferable that the adhesive layer 30 has ultraviolet light resistance (UV resistance). Here, having ultraviolet light resistance means, for example, that the adhesive layer 30 has ultraviolet light resistance of 1404 J / cm2 in the UV-C wavelength range (200 to 280 nm). 2 This means that after irradiation under the above conditions, at least one of the following three conditions is met: no discoloration or bleeding occurs in the adhesive layer 30; no cracks occur spontaneously (without the application of external force) on the surface of the adhesive layer 30, and the adhesive layer 30 does not break as a whole; and the elongation of the adhesive layer 30 is 150% or more.

[0016] The condition for the elongation rate of the adhesive layer 30, "150% or more," was set based on the minimum elongation rate of 150% that can be endured in self-diametric bending (10 mm) for a typical probe cable with a sheath outer diameter of 10.0 mm and a sheath thickness of 0.80 mm. Specifically, when a cable of the above size is bent without stretching at its midline, the minimum elongation rate that can be endured in self-diametric bending (10 mm) is determined to be approximately 150% based on the ratio of the "circumferential length at the cable midline" to the "circumferential length at the midline of the outer sheath," which is obtained from the radius of curvature based on the bending center ([2π(10-0.8 / 2+10 / 2) / 2π(10 / 2+10 / 2)]×100≒146%). Here, self-diametric bending refers to bending in which the inner bending diameter of the bent cable is equal to the outer diameter of the sheath.

[0017] Furthermore, since the adhesive layer 30 is resistant to ultraviolet light, it can block ultraviolet light, thereby preventing deterioration of the parts of the sheath 13 and surrounding components such as the cable boot 21 that come into contact with the adhesive layer 30 due to ultraviolet light exposure.

[0018] The adhesive layer 30 contains a base material made of a polymer material and an additive made of an organic and / or inorganic substance that blocks ultraviolet light in the UV-C wavelength range (200 to 280 nm) by absorbing and / or scattering it.

[0019] The polymeric material that is the base material of the adhesive layer 30 preferably has high flexibility, high adhesion, and chemical resistance. Here, "high flexibility" refers to, for example, the adhesive layer 30 having an elongation of 150% or more. Furthermore, "high adhesion" refers to, for example, the adhesive layer 30 having a tensile shear bond strength of 0.7 MPa or more. The tensile shear bond strength was determined using the test method specified in the Japanese Industrial Standard "JIS K6850" ("Test Method for Tensile Shear Bond Strength of Rigid Adherends"). Furthermore, "high chemical resistance" refers to the adhesive layer 30 having the aforementioned UV resistance, high flexibility, and high adhesion after contact with a chemical solution such as an acidic solution, an alkaline solution, or an organic solvent.

[0020] The additive material of the adhesive layer 30 includes, for example, at least one of aluminum oxide, cerium oxide, zinc oxide, indium oxide, zirconium oxide, tin oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, tungsten oxide, and carbon. In particular, titanium oxide, which has excellent resistance to ultraviolet light in the UV-C wavelength range (200 to 280 nm) that has a high sterilizing effect, is preferred. It is preferable to use titanium oxide or carbon. Titanium oxide and carbon may be used in combination.

[0021] When the additive of the adhesive layer 30 is titanium oxide, any of rutile type titanium oxide, anatase type titanium oxide, and brookite type titanium oxide may be used. That is, the additive of the adhesive layer 30 is, for example, titanium oxide containing at least one of rutile type titanium oxide, anatase type titanium oxide, and brookite type titanium oxide.

[0022] Furthermore, because titanium oxides with different crystal structures have different absorption wavelengths, including multiple types of titanium oxide as an additive can provide resistance to ultraviolet light over a wider wavelength range. That is, when the additive in the adhesive layer 30 is titanium oxide, it is preferable to include two or more of rutile-type titanium oxide, anatase-type titanium oxide, and brookite-type titanium oxide.

[0023] Anatase titanium dioxide has a higher absorbance of ultraviolet light in the UV-C region (200-280 nm) than rutile titanium dioxide. On the other hand, rutile titanium dioxide can absorb ultraviolet light with longer wavelengths than anatase titanium dioxide (rutile titanium dioxide can absorb ultraviolet light of approximately 400 nm or less, and anatase titanium dioxide can absorb ultraviolet light of approximately 370 nm or less).

[0024] Furthermore, mixing rutile titanium dioxide and anatase titanium dioxide in a ratio of 70:30 to 90:10 increases catalytic activity, improving the disinfection and sterilization effect of the adhesive layer 30 used to bond the sheath 13 and the cable boot 21. When irradiating the ultrasonic probe cable 1 with ultraviolet light, care must be taken to avoid the areas around the recesses 302 in the sheath 13 and the cable boot 21 from being shaded by the ultraviolet light. However, the disinfection and sterilization effect of the adhesive layer 30 can be obtained in these areas, further reducing the risk. For this reason, it is preferable to use titanium dioxide containing rutile titanium dioxide and anatase titanium dioxide in a ratio of 70:30 to 90:10 as the additive for the adhesive layer 30.

[0025] Tungsten oxide is normally yellow, but turns blue when heated in a reducing atmosphere. Therefore, when tungsten oxide is used as an additive to the adhesive layer 30, its unique color can be used as a marker.

[0026] The additive in the adhesive layer 30 is added at a concentration that provides the above-mentioned UV resistance. For example, when titanium oxide is used as the additive, 0.6 to 24 mass % of titanium oxide is added. The median diameter D50 of the additive in the adhesive layer 30 is, for example, 10 to 500 nm. The median diameter D50 is the median value of the particle size distribution obtained by particle size distribution measurement using laser diffraction method.

[0027] Examples of polymeric materials that are the base material of the adhesive layer 30 include materials with high flexibility, high adhesiveness, and chemical resistance, such as silicone-based resins, epoxy-based resins, and modified acrylic-based resins. In addition to these properties, silicone-based resins, which have excellent heat and cold resistance, water resistance, fatigue properties, and electrical properties, are more preferably used as the base material of the adhesive layer 30. In this case, either a condensation reaction type silicone-based resin or an addition reaction type silicone-based resin may be used. That is, the base material of the adhesive layer 30 is, for example, a silicone-based resin containing at least one of a condensation reaction type silicone-based resin and an addition reaction type silicone-based resin. It is preferable to use a condensation reaction type silicone-based resin that hardens at room temperature.

[0028] The sheath 13, which is the surface layer of the cable 10, is made of a resin composition containing at least one of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, fluorine-based resin, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic rubber, silicone-based resin, chloroprene rubber, and polyurethane. If the sheath 13 is made of a material with poor slipperiness, such as silicone-based resin, a coating may be provided on the surface of the sheath 13 to improve slipperiness. In this case, the coating of the sheath 13 becomes the surface layer of the cable 10.

[0029] 4(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views in the radial direction of the cable 10 of the ultrasonic probe cable 1 when the sheath 13 has a coating 14 on its surface to improve lubricity. The positions of the cross sections in FIGS. 4(a) and (b) correspond to the positions of the cross sections in FIGS. 2(a) and (b), respectively. The coating 14 is made of a resin composition similar to the resin composition constituting the sheath 13 as a base material, and contains fine particles such as silicone resin fine particles to form irregularities on the surface to improve lubricity. For example, the coating on the sheath surface disclosed in JP 2020-38824 A can be used as the coating 14.

[0030] The cable boot 21 is made of, for example, a silicone resin or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0031] The sheath 13 (and its coating 14) of the cable 10 and the cable boot 21 preferably contain an additive capable of blocking ultraviolet light, similar to the adhesive layer 30, and have ultraviolet light resistance.

[0032] When the sheath 13 (and its coating 14) of the cable 10 and the cable boot 21 are made of a silicone-based resin, it is preferable to use a silicone-based resin as the base material of the adhesive layer 30. In this case, the adhesive layer 30 has high elasticity and is made of the same type of silicone-based resin as the sheath 13 and the cable boot 21, so that the adhesive strength between the sheath 13 (and its coating 14) of the cable 10 and the cable boot 21 during deformation is increased, and peeling of the cable boot 21 from the cable 10 can be effectively prevented when stress is applied to the ultrasonic probe cable 1 due to bending or the like.

[0033] The adhesive layer 30 is resistant to ultraviolet light because it contains an additive capable of blocking ultraviolet light. Therefore, even if the adhesive layer 30 is exposed to ultraviolet light when the ultrasonic probe cable 1 is sterilized by irradiating it with ultraviolet light, the adhesive layer 30 can be prevented from becoming less elastic or from cracking due to hardening, even if the adhesive layer 30 is exposed to ultraviolet light. Furthermore, by preventing cracking in the adhesive layer 30, damage and deterioration around the adhesive layer, such as peeling of the cable boot 21 from the cable 10 and the intrusion of bacteria through cracks in the adhesive layer 30 (deterioration of shielding performance), can be prevented. Furthermore, because the adhesive layer 30 blocks ultraviolet light, deterioration of the adhesive layer 30 at the contact points of the cable 10 and the cable boot 21 can also be prevented.

[0034] FIG. 5(a) is an optical microscope image of a cross section near the end of the cable boot 21 of the ultrasonic probe cable 1. The image of FIG. 5(a) includes the cable boot 21 and the adhesive 31 on its surface, which has protruded from the adhesive layer 30 between the cable 10 and the cable boot 21 and is now on the surface of the cable boot 21. The adhesive 31 constituting the adhesive layer 30 observed in FIG. 5(a) is made of a silicone-based resin as its base material and contains 3% by mass of titanium oxide as an additive that blocks ultraviolet light. The cable boot 21 is also made of a silicone-based resin. The ultrasonic probe cable 1 observed in FIG. 5(a) is exposed to an irradiation energy of 2.66 mW / cm. 2 The upper side of Fig. 5(a) is the surface side (the side exposed to the ultraviolet light) of the cable boot 21 and the adhesive 31.

[0035] Figure 5(b) shows a mapping image of the silicone-based resin degradation distribution superimposed on the observation image of Figure 5(a). The distribution of the silicone-based resin degradation in the mapping image of Figure 5(b) was obtained by Raman scattering measurement, based on the change in the peak intensity at approximately 745 cm-1, which is due to the CCO symmetric stretching vibration of silicone. Areas with many bright dots in the mapping image represent areas with a high degree of degradation (large peak intensity change), while areas with few bright dots (many dark dots) represent areas with a low degree of degradation (small peak intensity change). Note that the dotted line in Figure 5(a) indicates the area where the mapping image of Figure 5(b) is formed (the area where mapping is performed by Raman scattering measurement).

[0036] 5(b), deterioration of the silicone-based resin near the surface of the adhesive was observed, but deterioration of the silicone-based resin was suppressed inside the adhesive, and almost no deterioration of the silicone-based resin was observed in the cable boot 21 below the adhesive. This result confirms the UV resistance and UV-shielding effect of the adhesive that makes up the adhesive layer 30.

[0037] The booted cable of the present invention is not limited to the ultrasonic probe cable 1, but may also be a booted cable having a cable, cable boot, and adhesive layer that adheres them together, which has similar characteristics to the cable 10, cable boot 21, and adhesive layer 30 of the ultrasonic probe cable 1, for example, an endoscope with a camera at the tip of the cable.

[0038] An ultrasonic probe cable 1, which is one embodiment of the booted cable according to the present invention, is used in an ultrasonic imaging diagnostic device. An endoscope, which is another embodiment of the booted cable according to the present invention, is used in an endoscope system. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide medical diagnostic devices, such as an ultrasonic imaging diagnostic device or an endoscope system, that include a booted cable such as the ultrasonic probe cable 1 or an endoscope.

[0039] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the above embodiment, it is possible to provide a booted cable in which the cable boot is fixed to the cable by an adhesive layer, and which can prevent damage or deterioration of the adhesive portion between the cable boot and the cable due to irradiation with ultraviolet light, and a medical diagnostic device equipped with the booted cable.

[0040] (Summary of the embodiment) Next, the technical ideas grasped from the above-described embodiments will be described by using the reference numerals and the like in the embodiments. However, the reference numerals and the like in the following description do not limit the components in the claims to the members and the like specifically shown in the embodiments.

[0041] [1] A booted cable (1) comprising a cable (10) and a cable boot (21) fixed to the end of the cable (10) by an adhesive layer (30), wherein the adhesive layer (30) contains an additive made of an organic and / or inorganic substance capable of blocking ultraviolet light.

[0042] [2] The booted cable (1) described in [1] above, wherein the additive material includes at least one of aluminum oxide, cerium oxide, zinc oxide, indium oxide, zirconium oxide, tin oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, tungsten oxide, and carbon.

[0043] [3] The booted cable (1) described in [2] above, wherein the additive is titanium oxide containing at least one of rutile-type titanium oxide, anatase-type titanium oxide, and brookite-type titanium oxide.

[0044] [4] A booted cable (1) according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein the base material of the adhesive layer (30) is a silicone-based resin containing at least one of a condensation reaction type silicone-based resin and an addition reaction type silicone-based resin.

[0045] [5] A booted cable (1) according to any one of the above [1] to [4], wherein the surface layer of the cable (10) is made of a resin composition containing at least one of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, fluorine-based resin, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic rubber, silicone-based resin, chloroprene rubber, and polyurethane.

[0046] [6] A medical diagnostic device equipped with the booted cable (1) described in any one of [1] to [5] above.

[0047] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention according to the claims. It should be noted that not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 Ultrasound Probe Cable 10 Cable 11 Electric wire 12 Shield 13 Sheath 14 Covering 21 Cable boots 22 Ultrasound probe 23 Connector 30 Adhesive layer

Claims

1. Cable and a cable boot fixed to the end of the cable by an adhesive layer; Equipped with Each of the cable, the cable boot, and the adhesive layer contains an additive made of an organic and / or inorganic substance capable of blocking ultraviolet light. Cable with boots.

2. the additive material includes at least one of aluminum oxide, cerium oxide, zinc oxide, indium oxide, zirconium oxide, tin oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, tungsten oxide, and carbon; The booted cable according to claim 1 .

3. the additive is titanium oxide containing at least one of rutile-type titanium oxide, anatase-type titanium oxide, and brookite-type titanium oxide; The booted cable according to claim 2 .

4. the base material of the adhesive layer is a silicone-based resin containing at least one of a condensation reaction type silicone-based resin and an addition reaction type silicone-based resin; The booted cable according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the surface layer of the cable is made of a resin composition containing at least one of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, fluorine-based resin, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic rubber, silicone-based resin, chloroprene rubber, and polyurethane; The booted cable according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The adhesive layer is provided so as to prevent a depression from being formed between the cable and the cable sheath. The booted cable according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A cable with a boot according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Medical diagnostic equipment.

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