Ultrasonic probe

Abstract

To improve operability.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment includes a tip part, a guiding part, a bending part, and an operation part. The tip part transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave. The guiding part guides the tip part to the inside of a subject. The bending part is connected between the tip part and the guiding part. The bending part is bendable by operation of a pair of wire parts fixed to the inside of the bending part. The operation part receives operation of the pair of wire parts by an operator, draws back one of the pair of wire parts and pushes out the other. The wire part includes a first wire, a second wire, and a compression spring. The first wire has one end fixed to the inside of the bending part and the other end extending through the inside of the guiding part to the operation part side. The second wire has a portion on one end side crossing with a portion on the other end side of the first wire, and has the other end connected to an operation end of the operation part. The compression spring is arranged between the other end of the first wire and one end of the second wire.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings relate to an ultrasound probe. [Background technology]

[0002] In a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) examination, an ultrasound probe (i.e., a TEE probe) is inserted into the esophagus to diagnose the heart through the esophageal and stomach walls. The TEE probe comprises a tip, a guide tube, a bending section, an operating section, and a connector section. The tip transmits and receives ultrasound. The guide tube is used to insert the tip into the esophagus. The bending section is bendably connected between the tip and the guide tube. The operating section accepts operations to bend the bending section, i.e., to change the bending angle of the bending section. The connector section connects the TEE probe to the ultrasound device main body.

[0003] Similar to a gastrointestinal endoscope, the bending section has multiple metal bending mechanisms connected by a link mechanism. The control section has a knob that accepts rotational operations to bend the bending section. The knob and bending section are connected by, for example, a pair of wires via a guide tube. When the knob is rotated, one of the pair of wires is pulled back and the other is pushed out. The bending section bends in accordance with the movement of the pulled back wire.

[0004] To insert a TEE probe from the esophagus to the stomach, the length of the guide tube and wire can exceed 1 meter. Therefore, when bending the bending section, the ability of the wire to follow the operation of the control section has a significant impact on operability. However, in the past, there was a difference in tension between the wire being pulled back and the wire being pushed out by turning the knob, resulting in loss of operation due to slack in the wire. This loss of operation made it difficult to improve operability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-159844 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-61218 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-127365 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve operability. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment comprises a tip portion, a guide portion, a bending portion, and an operation portion. The tip portion transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The guide portion guides the tip portion into the interior of the subject. The bending portion is connected between the tip portion and the guide portion. The bending portion can be bent by operating at least a pair of wire portions fixed inside the bending portion. The operation portion receives operation of the pair of wire portions by an operator and pulls back one of the pair of wire portions and pushes out the other. The wire portions comprise a first wire, a second wire, and a compression spring. One end of the first wire is fixed inside the bending portion, and the other end extends through the guide portion to the operation portion. One end of the second wire crosses the other end of the first wire, and the other end is connected to the operation end of the operation portion. The compression spring is disposed between the other end of the first wire and one end of the second wire. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound probe according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of a bending portion along an XZ plane in the ultrasound probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an upper wire portion and a lower wire portion of the ultrasound probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cross section of an operation unit along an XZ plane in the ultrasound probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5 of the ultrasound probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a bending portion of the ultrasound probe according to the first embodiment is bent. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an upper wire portion in an ultrasonic probe according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cross section of a bending portion along the XZ plane in an ultrasound probe according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 10 in the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a left wire portion and a right wire portion of an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a cross section of an operation unit along an XZ plane in an ultrasound probe according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13 of the ultrasound probe according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state in which a bending portion of an ultrasound probe according to a second embodiment is bent. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an upper wire portion of an ultrasonic probe according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a cross section of a disc spring along the XY plane in an ultrasonic probe according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an upper wire portion of an ultrasonic probe according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ultrasound probe will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary.

[0010] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic probe 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment includes a tip portion 2, a bending portion 3, a guide portion 4, an operation unit 5, a cable portion 6, and a connector portion 7. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the operation unit 5 is defined as the X direction. The direction of the rotation axis of a knob 52 of the operation unit 5, which will be described later, is defined as the Z direction. The direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction is defined as the Y direction. In the following description, the +Z direction in FIG. 1 may be referred to as the upward direction, and the −Z direction may be referred to as the downward direction. The +Y direction in FIG. 1 may be referred to as the right direction, and the −Y direction may be referred to as the left direction.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of the bending portion 3 along the XZ plane in the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment. The tip portion 2 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The tip portion 2 includes an acoustic radiating unit 21 and a tip exterior member 20. The tip portion 2 includes, for example, a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, matching layers provided on the piezoelectric vibrators, and a backing material that prevents ultrasonic waves from propagating backward from the piezoelectric vibrators. The tip exterior member 20 is a housing that houses an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, the matching layer, the backing material, etc. Ultrasonic waves generated from the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators under the control of the ASIC are radiated from the acoustic radiating unit 21. The direction in which the ultrasonic waves are radiated may be called the acoustic radiation direction.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross section of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment, taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the wire portions WU, WL in the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment. The bending portion 3 is connected between the tip portion 2 and the conductive portion 4. The bending portion 3 can be bent by operating the pair of wire portions WU, WL fixed inside the bending portion 3. Hereinafter, one of the pair of wire portions WU, WL, which is arranged on the +Z direction side, may also be referred to as the upper wire portion WU. Furthermore, the other of the pair of wire portions WU, WL, which is arranged on the -Z direction side, may also be referred to as the lower wire portion WL.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bending section 3 includes a first exterior member 31 and a bending mechanism 30. The bending mechanism 30 includes a first tubular member 32, a plurality of second tubular members 331-338, and a plurality of pins P1-P8. The pair of wire portions WU, WL may be components of the bending mechanism 30. One end of the first tubular member 32 is fixed to the distal end portion 32. The plurality of second tubular members 331-338 are bendably connected to the other end of the first tubular member 32. In the example shown in FIG. 2, adjacent first tubular members 32 and second tubular members 331 and adjacent second tubular members 331-338 are bendably connected in the Z direction via pins P1-P8. A pair of first wires W1U, W1L constituting each of the pair of wire portions WU, WL are fixed inside the first tubular member 32. Hereinafter, the first wire W1U of the pair of first wires W1U, W1L, which is located on the +Z direction side, may be referred to as the upper first wire W1U. Furthermore, the other first wire W1L of the pair of first wires W1U, W1L, which is located on the -Z direction side, may be referred to as the lower first wire W1L. In FIG. 2, C11 is a fixed point of the upper first wire W1U. One end of the upper first wire W1U is fixed to the fixed point C11. C12 is a fixed point of the lower first wire W1L. One end of the lower first wire W1L is fixed to the fixed point C12. The pair of first wires W1U, W1L are slidably supported inside the second cylindrical members 331-338. Signal lines (not shown) run through the first cylindrical member 32 and the second cylindrical members 331-338.

[0014] The first exterior member 31 is a tubular member that houses the first cylindrical member 32, the second cylindrical members 331-338, the pins P1-P8, the first wires W1U and W1L, and the signal lines. For example, the first exterior member 31 is connected to the tip exterior member 20 of the tip portion 2. The first exterior member 31 is flexible. The first exterior member 31 is made of, for example, flexible rubber or resin.

[0015] The first cylindrical member 32 is a cylindrical member that holds the signal line and the first wires W1U and W1L. The first cylindrical member 32 is fixed to the distal end portion 2. The first cylindrical member 32 has the aforementioned fixed point C11 to which one end of the upper first wire W1U is fixed. The first cylindrical member 32 also has the aforementioned fixed point C12 to which one end of the lower first wire W1L is fixed. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the fixed point C11 of the upper first wire W1U and the fixed point C12 of the lower first wire W1L are arranged inside the bending portion 3 and spaced apart in the Z direction, which is the bending direction of the bending portion 3. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the pair of fixed points C11 and C12 are arranged on two intersecting lines where the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical member 32 intersects with the XZ plane including the central axis Xr of the bending portion 3. By arranging the pair of fixing points C11, C12 at a distance in the bending direction of the bending portion 3, it is possible to appropriately arrange the first wires W1U, W1L of the pair of wire portions WU, WL at a distance in the bending direction of the bending portion 3. This allows the bending portion 3 to be appropriately bent in the bending direction by operating the wire portions WU, WL.

[0016] Of the multiple second cylindrical members 331-338, the leading second cylindrical member 331 located closest to the tip portion 2 is connected to the first cylindrical member 32 via a pin P1. When the bending portion 3 is not bent, the pin P1 passes through the central axis Xr and is positioned on a plane parallel to the XY plane. The distance between the end of the first cylindrical member 32 in the +X direction and the end of the second cylindrical member 331 in the -X direction increases with increasing distance from the pin P1 in the Z direction. Therefore, the first cylindrical member 32 and the second cylindrical member 331 can be bent by rotating around the pin P1 in the Y direction as the axis of rotation.

[0017] A pair of support portions S that slidably support each of the first wires W1U, W1L is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member 331. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the pair of support portions S are arranged spaced apart in the Z direction inside the bending portion 3. More specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 2, the pair of support portions S are respectively arranged on two intersection lines where the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member 331 intersects with the XZ plane including the central axis Xr. This makes it possible to more appropriately arrange the first wires W1U, W1L of the pair of wire portions WU, WL inside the bending portion 3 while being spaced apart in the bending direction of the bending portion 3.

[0018] The second second cylindrical member 332 from the front is connected to the front second cylindrical member 331 via pin P2. When the bending section 3 is not bent, pin P2 passes through the central axis Xr and is positioned on a plane parallel to the XY plane. The distance between the +X direction end of the front second cylindrical member 331 and the -X direction end of the second second cylindrical member 332 increases with increasing distance from pin P2 in the Z direction. Therefore, the front second cylindrical member 331 and the second second cylindrical member 332 can be bent by rotating around the Y direction with pin P2 as the rotation axis.

[0019] A pair of support portions S that slidably support each of the first wires W1U and W1L are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member 332. The specific arrangement of the support portions S of the second cylindrical member 332 is similar to that of the support portions S of the leading second cylindrical member 331. Fig. 3 shows a state in which the pair of first wires W1U and W1L are slidably supported by each of the pair of support portions S (not shown) inside the second cylindrical member 332.

[0020] The third second cylindrical member 333 from the front is connected to the second second cylindrical member 332 via pin P3. When bending section 3 is not bent, pin P3 passes through the central axis Xr and is positioned on a plane parallel to the XY plane. The distance between the +X direction end of the second second cylindrical member 332 and the -X direction end of the third second cylindrical member 333 increases with increasing distance from pin P3 in the Z direction. Therefore, the second second cylindrical member 332 and the third second cylindrical member 333 can be bent by rotating around pin P3 in the Y direction as the rotation axis.

[0021] A pair of support portions S that slidably support the first wires W1U and W1L, respectively, are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member 333. The specific arrangement of the support portions S of the second cylindrical member 333 is similar to that of the support portions S of the leading second cylindrical member 331.

[0022] The fourth second cylindrical member 334 from the front is connected to the third second cylindrical member 333 via pin P4. When the bending portion 3 is not bent, pin P4 passes through the central axis Xr and is located on a plane parallel to the XY plane. The distance between the +X direction end of the third second cylindrical member 333 and the -X direction end of the fourth second cylindrical member 334 increases with increasing distance from pin P4 in the Z direction. Therefore, the third second cylindrical member 333 and the fourth second cylindrical member 334 can be bent by rotating in the Y direction around pin P4 as the rotation axis.

[0023] A pair of support portions S that slidably support the first wires W1U and W1L, respectively, are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member 334. The specific arrangement of the support portions S of the second cylindrical member 334 is similar to that of the support portions S of the leading second cylindrical member 331.

[0024] The fifth second cylindrical member 335 from the front is connected to the fourth second cylindrical member 334 via pin P5. When the bending portion 3 is not bent, pin P5 passes through the central axis Xr and is located on a plane parallel to the XY plane. The distance between the +X direction end of the fourth second cylindrical member 334 and the -X direction end of the fifth second cylindrical member 335 increases with increasing distance from pin P5 in the Z direction. Therefore, the fourth second cylindrical member 334 and the fifth second cylindrical member 335 can be bent by rotating around pin P5 in the Y direction as the rotation axis.

[0025] A pair of support portions S that slidably support the first wires W1U and W1L, respectively, are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member 335. The specific arrangement of the support portions S of the second cylindrical member 335 is similar to that of the support portions S of the leading second cylindrical member 331.

[0026] The sixth second cylindrical member 336 from the front is connected to the fifth second cylindrical member 335 via pin P6. When the bending portion 3 is not bent, pin P6 passes through the central axis Xr and is positioned on a plane parallel to the XY plane. The distance between the +X direction end of the fifth second cylindrical member 335 and the -X direction end of the sixth second cylindrical member 336 increases with increasing distance from pin P6 in the Z direction. Therefore, the fifth second cylindrical member 335 and the sixth second cylindrical member 336 can be bent by rotating around pin P6 in the Y direction as the rotation axis.

[0027] A pair of support portions S that slidably support the first wires W1U and W1L, respectively, are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member 336. The specific arrangement of the support portions S of the second cylindrical member 336 is similar to that of the support portions S of the leading second cylindrical member 331.

[0028] The seventh second cylindrical member 337 from the front is connected to the sixth second cylindrical member 336 via pin P7. When the bending portion 3 is not bent, pin P7 passes through the central axis Xr and is positioned on a plane parallel to the XY plane. The distance between the +X direction end of the sixth second cylindrical member 336 and the -X direction end of the seventh second cylindrical member 337 increases with increasing distance from pin P7 in the Z direction. Therefore, the sixth second cylindrical member 336 and the seventh second cylindrical member 337 can be bent by rotating around pin P7 in the Y direction as the rotation axis.

[0029] A pair of support portions S that slidably support the first wires W1U and W1L, respectively, are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member 337. The specific arrangement of the support portions S of the second cylindrical member 337 is similar to that of the support portions S of the leading second cylindrical member 331.

[0030] The rearmost second cylindrical member 338 is connected to the seventh second cylindrical member 337 via pin P8. The second cylindrical member 338 is connected to the guide portion 4 at its end in the X direction. When the bending portion 3 is not bent, pin P8 passes through the central axis Xr and is positioned on a plane parallel to the XY plane. The distance between the +X direction end of the seventh second cylindrical member 337 and the -X direction end of the rearmost second cylindrical member 338 increases with increasing distance from pin P8 in the Z direction. Therefore, the seventh second cylindrical member 337 and the rearmost second cylindrical member 338 can be bent by rotating around pin P8 in the Y direction as the rotation axis.

[0031] A pair of support portions S that slidably support the first wires W1U and W1L, respectively, are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member 338. The specific arrangement of the support portions S of the second cylindrical member 338 is similar to that of the support portions S of the leading second cylindrical member 331.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the upper wire portion WU and the lower wire portion WL of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper wire portion WU includes an upper first wire W1U, an upper second wire W2U, an upper compression coil spring S1U, an upper first fixed portion F1U, and an upper second fixed portion F2U. The lower wire portion WL includes a lower first wire W1L, a lower second wire W2L, a lower compression coil spring S1L, a lower first fixed portion F1L, and a lower second fixed portion F2L. The upper compression coil spring S1U and the lower compression coil spring S1L are examples of compression springs. The upper second wire W2U and the lower second wire W2L are examples of second wires. The upper first fixed portion F1U and the lower first fixed portion F1L are examples of first fixed portions. The upper second fixed portion F2U and the lower second fixed portion F2L are an example of a second fixed portion.

[0033] One end of the upper first wire W1U (the end in the -X direction in FIG. 4) is fixed inside the bending portion 3. More specifically, as described above, one end of the upper first wire W1U is fixed to the fixing point C11 of the first cylindrical member 32. The other end of the upper first wire W1U (the end in the X direction in FIG. 4) passes through the inside of the conductive member 4 and reaches the operation unit 5. One end of the lower first wire W1L is also fixed inside the bending portion 3. More specifically, as described above, one end of the lower first wire W1L is fixed to the fixing point C12 of the first cylindrical member 32. The other end of the lower first wire W1L passes through the inside of the conductive member 4 and reaches the operation unit 5.

[0034] One end portion of the upper second wire W2U (the end portion in the -X direction in FIG. 4) intersects with the other end portion of the upper first wire W1U (the end portion in the X direction in FIG. 4). The other end (the end portion in the X direction in FIG. 4) of the upper second wire W2U is connected to the operation end of the operation unit 5. One end portion of the lower second wire W2L intersects with the other end portion of the lower first wire W1L. The other end of the lower second wire W2L is connected to the operation end of the operation unit 5.

[0035] The upper compression coil spring S1U is disposed between the other end of the upper first wire W1U and one end of the upper second wire W2U. More specifically, the upper compression coil spring S1U is disposed between the other end of the upper first wire W1U and one end of the upper second wire W2U so as to surround the intersection of the upper first wire W1U and the upper second wire W2U. In other words, the upper first wire W1U and the upper second wire W2U are intertwined through the interior of the upper compression coil spring S1U.

[0036] The upper compression coil spring S1U has an elastic force in a direction that separates the other end of the upper first wire W1U and one end of the upper second wire W2U.

[0037] The lower compression coil spring S1L is disposed between the other end of the lower first wire W1L and one end of the lower second wire W2L. More specifically, the lower compression coil spring S1L is disposed between the other end of the lower first wire W1L and one end of the lower second wire W2L so as to surround the intersection of the lower first wire W1L and the lower second wire W2L. In other words, the lower first wire W1L and the lower second wire W2L are intertwined through the interior of the lower compression coil spring S1L.

[0038] The lower compression coil spring S1L has an elastic force in a direction that separates the other end of the lower first wire W1L and one end of the lower second wire W2L.

[0039] The upper first fixed portion F1U is fixed to the other end of the upper first wire W1U. The upper first fixed portion F1U holds one end (the end in the X direction in FIG. 4) of the upper compression coil spring S1U. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the one end of the upper compression coil spring S1U is pressed against the upper first fixed portion F1U by the elastic force of the upper compression coil spring S1U, and is thereby held by the upper first fixed portion F1U.

[0040] The upper second fixed portion F2U is fixed to one end of the upper second wire W2U. The upper second fixed portion F2U holds the other end (the end in the -X direction in FIG. 4) of the upper compression coil spring S1U. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the other end of the upper compression coil spring S1U is pressed against the upper second fixed portion F2U by the elastic force of the upper compression coil spring S1U, and is thereby held by the upper second fixed portion F2U.

[0041] The lower first fixed portion F1L is fixed to the other end of the lower first wire W1L. The lower first fixed portion F1L holds one end (the end in the X direction in FIG. 4) of the lower compression coil spring S1L. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the one end of the lower compression coil spring S1L is pressed against the lower first fixed portion F1L by the elastic force of the lower compression coil spring S1L, and is thereby held by the lower first fixed portion F1L.

[0042] The lower second fixed portion F2L is fixed to one end of the lower second wire W2L. The lower second fixed portion F2L holds the other end (the end in the -X direction in FIG. 4) of the lower compression coil spring S1L. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the other end of the lower compression coil spring S1L is pressed against the lower second fixed portion F2L by the elastic force of the lower compression coil spring S1L, and is thereby held by the lower second fixed portion F2L.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first fixing portions F1U, F1L have a plate-like shape. More specifically, the first fixing portions F1U, F1L have a flat plate shape along the XZ plane. The first fixing portions F1U, F1L are fixed to the other ends of the first wires W1U, W1L by welding, such as spot welding or solder welding. The first fixing portions F1U, F1L may also be fixed to the other ends of the first wires W1U, W1L by a method other than welding, such as crimping or brazing. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the other ends of the first wires W1U, W1L have side surfaces along the XZ plane. By having side surfaces along the XZ plane, the other ends of the first wires W1U, W1L can have a large bonding area with the flat-plate-shaped first fixing portions F1U, F1L.

[0044] Like the first fixed portions F1U, F1L, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the second fixed portions F2U, F2L have a plate-like shape. More specifically, the second fixed portions F2U, F2L have a flat plate shape along the XZ plane. The second fixed portions F2U, F2L are fixed to one end of the second wires W2U, W2L by welding, such as spot welding or solder welding. The second fixed portions F2U, F2L may be fixed to one end of the second wires W2U, W2L by a method other than welding, such as crimping or brazing. In the example shown in FIG. 4, one end of the second wires W2U, W2L has a side surface along the XZ plane. By having a side surface along the XZ plane, the one end of the second wires W2U, W2L can have a large bonding area with the flat-plate-shaped second fixed portions F2U, F2L.

[0045] The upper first wire W1U and the upper second wire W2U are connected to each other inside the operation unit 5 via the upper first fixed portion F1U, the upper second fixed portion F2U, and the upper compression coil spring S1U. The lower first wire W1L and the lower second wire W2L are connected to each other inside the operation unit 5 via the lower first fixed portion F1L, the lower second fixed portion F2L, and the lower compression coil spring S1L.

[0046] The upper first wire W1U, the upper second wire W2U, the lower first wire W1L, and the lower second wire W2L may be wires having a diameter of, for example, 1 mm or less.

[0047] The signal line is electrically connected to the tip portion 2. Specifically, one end of the signal line is connected to an ASIC provided in the tip portion 2. The other end of the signal line is connected to the connector portion 7. The signal line is arranged inside the first exterior member 31.

[0048] The signal line transmits signals between the ultrasound diagnostic device main body and the ASIC. The signal line is provided across the tip portion 2, bending portion 3, conductive portion 4, operation portion 5, cable portion 6, and connector portion 7.

[0049] The guiding portion 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 guides the tip portion 2 into the inside of the subject. That is, the guiding portion 4 is inserted into the body cavity of the subject when an ultrasound image of the subject is taken. The guiding portion 4 is also called a guiding tube. The guiding portion 4 includes a second exterior member 41. The second exterior member 41 is a tubular member that houses the first wires W1U and W1L, the second wires W2U and W2L, and the signal line. For example, the second exterior member 41 is connected to the first exterior member 31.

[0050] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a cross section of the operation unit 5 along the XZ plane in the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a cross section of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment taken along the line VI-VI in Fig. 5. The operation unit 5 receives operation of the pair of wire portions WU, WL by the operator, and pulls back one of the pair of wire portions WU, WL and pushes out the other.

[0051] 1, 5, and 6, the operation unit 5 includes an operation unit exterior member 51, a knob 52, and a pulley 53. The operation unit exterior member 51 is a cylindrical member to which the knob 52 and the like are attached. The operation unit exterior member 51 is connected to the second exterior member 41.

[0052] The pulley 53 and the knob 52 constitute the operating end of the operating unit 5. The pulley 53 has a generally circular disk shape with a central axis Zr in the Z direction. A groove 531 for winding the wire portions WU and WL around the entire circumference is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the pulley 53. The other ends of the second wires W2U and W2L of the pair of wire portions WU and WL are connected to the pulley 53. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the other end of the upper second wire W2U is fixed to a fixing point C21 in the groove 531. The other end of the lower second wire W2L is fixed to a fixing point C22 in the groove 531. The pair of fixing points C21 and C22 are located at opposite positions across the central axis Zr. The pulley 53 rotates around the central axis Zr to pull back one of the pair of wire portions WU and WL and push out the other. The second wires W2U and W2L of the wire portions WU and WL that have been pulled back are wound around the outer periphery of the pulley 53 along the groove 531.

[0053] The knob 52 is connected to the pulley 53. The knob 52 receives operation of the wire portions WU, WL by an operator and rotates the pulley 53. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the knob 52 has a grip portion 520 and a connection portion 521. The grip portion 520 has a disk shape centered on the central axis Zr. The connection portion 521 has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis Zr. The grip portion 520 receives rotation operation by the operator about the central axis Zr, thereby receiving operation of the wire portions WU, WL by the operator. The connection portion 521 connects the grip portion 520 and the pulley 53. The connection portion 521 transmits the rotation operation of the grip portion 520 by the operator to the pulley 53, causing the pulley 53 to rotate about the central axis Zr.

[0054] 1 transmits signals exchanged between the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body and the distal end unit 2 and the operation unit 5. The cable unit 6 includes not only the signal lines described above but also signal lines for transmitting signals exchanged between the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body and the operation unit 5.

[0055] The connector unit 7 electrically connects the ultrasonic probe 1 and the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body. In addition to the signal lines described above, one end of a signal line for transmitting signals exchanged between the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body and the operation unit 5 is connected to the connector unit 7. The connector unit 7 also has terminals for electrically connecting these signal lines to the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body.

[0056] When assembling the ultrasound probe 1 having the above-described configuration, first, the tip portion 2, the bending portion 3, and the conductive portion 4 are assembled. During the process of assembling the tip portion 2, the bending portion 3, and the conductive portion 4, one end of each of the first wires W1U and W1L is fixed to the fixing points C11 and C12 of the bending portion 3. The first wires W1U and W1L are slidably supported by passing them through the support portions S of the second cylindrical members 331 to 338. The other ends of each of the first wires W1U and W1L are exposed to the outside from the end of the conductive portion 4. Meanwhile, the other ends of each of the second wires W2U and W2L are fixed to the fixing points C21 and C22 of the pulley 53. At this stage, the operation unit exterior member 51 is not provided, and one end of each of the second wires W2U and W2L is kept exposed to the outside.

[0057] Next, the other end of the upper-side first wire W1U and one end of the upper-side second wire W2U are intertwined through the interior of the upper compression coil spring S1U. Then, while adjusting the compression amount of the upper compression coil spring S1U, the upper-side first fixed part F1U is fixed to the other end of the upper-side first wire W1U and the upper-side second fixed part F2U is fixed to one end of the upper-side second wire W2U so as to sandwich both ends of the upper compression coil spring S1U. Furthermore, the other end of the lower-side first wire W1L and one end of the lower-side second wire W2L are intertwined through the interior of the lower compression coil spring S1L. Then, while adjusting the compression amount of the lower compression coil spring S1L, the lower first fixed portion F1L is fixed to the other end of the lower first wire W1L, and the lower second fixed portion F2L is fixed to one end of the lower second wire W2L so as to sandwich both ends of the lower compression coil spring S1L.

[0058] After assembling the upper wire portion WU and the lower wire portion WL in the above manner, the connection portions of the first wires W1U, W1L and the second wires W2U, W2L are finally covered with the operation unit exterior member 51. In this way, by connecting the first wires W1U, W1L and the second wires W2U, W2L at a position of the operation unit 5 where there is a relatively large space, the upper wire portion WU and the lower wire portion WL can be stored simply and appropriately.

[0059] Next, an example of the operation of the ultrasonic probe 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the bending portion 3 of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment is bent. Note that in the initial state, the bending portion 3 is not bent.

[0060] Then, when the operator rotates the knob 52 in the clockwise direction A11 from the initial state as shown in Fig. 5, the pulley 53 connected to the knob 52 also rotates in the clockwise direction A11 as shown in Fig. 6. When the pulley 53 rotates in the clockwise direction A11, the upper second wire W2U fixed to the upstream side in the rotation direction of the pulley 53 is pulled back in the direction A21 in Fig. 6. The pulled back upper second wire W2U is wound around the outer periphery of the pulley 53 along the groove 531 of the pulley 53.

[0061] When the upper second wire W2U is pulled back, the lower second wire W2L fixed on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the pulley 53 is pushed out in the direction A31 in FIG.

[0062] As described above, inside the bending portion 3, the upper first wire W1U connected to the upper second wire W2U and the lower first wire W1L connected to the lower second wire W2L are spaced apart in the Z direction. When the upper second wire W2U is pulled back in the A21 direction, the upper first wire W1U connected to the upper second wire W2U is also pulled back in the A21 direction in FIG. 7. When the lower second wire W2L is pushed out in the A31 direction in FIG. 6, the lower first wire W1L connected to the lower second wire W2L is also pushed out in the 31 direction in FIG. 7. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the bending portion 3 is bent in an arc shape in the +Z direction, i.e., upward. When the bending portion 3 is bent upward, the central axis Tc of the tip portion 2 becomes perpendicular to the X direction, i.e., parallel to the Z direction.

[0063] At this time, if sufficient tension is not applied to the lower wire portion WL being pushed out, slack will occur in the lower wire portion WL due to the difference in tension between the lower wire portion WL and the upper wire portion WU being pulled back, or due to play between the lower wire portion WL and the support portion S. However, according to the first embodiment, the lower compression coil spring S1L arranged between the other end of the lower first wire W1L and one end of the lower second wire W2L can continuously apply an elastic force to the lower wire portion WL in a direction separating the other end of the lower first wire W1L and one end of the lower second wire W2L. This allows sufficient tension to be continuously applied to the lower wire portion WL being pushed out, thereby sufficiently suppressing slack in the lower wire portion WL.

[0064] After bending the bending portion 3 upward, as shown in Fig. 5, when the operator rotates the knob 52 in the counterclockwise direction A12, the pulley 53 connected to the knob 52 also rotates in the counterclockwise direction A12 as shown in Fig. 6. When the pulley 53 rotates in the counterclockwise direction A12, the lower second wire W2L fixed to the upstream side in the rotation direction of the pulley 53 is pulled back in the direction A32 in Fig. 6. The pulled back lower second wire W2L is wound around the outer periphery of the pulley 53 along the groove 531 of the pulley 53.

[0065] When the lower second wire W2L is pulled back, the upper second wire W2U fixed on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the pulley 53 is pushed out in the direction A22 in FIG.

[0066] As the lower second wire W2L is pulled back in the A32 direction in FIG. 6, the lower first wire W1L connected to the lower second wire W2L is also pulled back in the A32 direction in FIG. 7. Note that in FIG. 7, the A32 direction is illustrated along the bent portion 3 in a downwardly bent state indicated by a two-dot chain line. However, in reality, the lower first wire W1L continues to be pulled back in the A32 direction until the bent portion 3 changes from an upwardly bent state to a downwardly bent state. Also, as the upper second wire W2U is pushed out in the A22 direction in FIG. 6, the upper first wire W1U connected to the upper second wire W2U is also pushed out in the A22 direction in FIG. Note that in FIG. 7, the A22 direction is illustrated along the bent portion 3 in a downwardly bent state. However, in reality, the upper first wire W1U continues to be pushed out in the A22 direction until the bent portion 3 changes from an upwardly bent state to a downwardly bent state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the bending portion 3 changes from an upwardly bent state to a downwardly bent state.

[0067] As the bending direction of the bending portion 3 changes from upward to downward, the lower wire portion WL changes from a pushed-out state to a pulled-back state. At this time, if slack occurs in the lower wire portion WL, the bending portion 3 will not bend downward quickly enough to follow the pulling-back of the lower wire portion WL, resulting in operation loss. However, as described above, according to the first embodiment, the lower compression coil spring S1L can apply sufficient tension to the lower wire portion WL to sufficiently suppress slack. Since slack can be sufficiently suppressed, operation loss can be sufficiently suppressed. Similarly, when the bending direction of the bending portion 3 is changed from downward to upward, the upper compression coil spring S1U can apply sufficient tension to the upper wire portion WU to sufficiently suppress operation loss due to slack in the upper wire portion WU.

[0068] As described above, in the first embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 1 includes a tip portion 2, a guide portion 4, a bending portion 3, and an operation unit 5. The tip portion 2 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The guide portion 4 guides the tip portion 2 into the inside of the subject. The bending portion 3 is connected between the tip portion 2 and the guide portion 4. The bending portion 3 can be bent by operating a pair of wire portions WU, WL fixed inside the bending portion 3. The operation unit 5 receives operation of the pair of wire portions WU, WL by an operator and pulls back one of the pair of wire portions WU, WL while pushing out the other. The wire portions WU, WL include first wires W1U, W1L, second wires W2U, W2L, and compression coil springs S1U, S1L. One end of the first wires W1U, W1L is fixed inside the bending portion 3, and the other end passes through the inside of the guide portion 4 and reaches the operation unit 5. One end portion of the second wires W2U, W2L intersects with the other end portion of the first wires W1U, W1L, and the other end is connected to the operating end of the operating unit 5. The compression coil springs S1U, S1L are disposed between the other ends of the first wires W1U, W1L and one end of the second wires W2U, W2L.

[0069] As a result, sufficient tension can be applied to the wire portions WU, WL by the elastic force of the compression coil springs S1U, S1L, thereby suppressing the difference in tension between the wire portions WU, WL being pulled back and the wire portions WU, WL being pushed out by the operator. Since the difference in tension between the wire portions WU, WL being pulled back and the wire portions WU, WL being pushed out can be suppressed, the loss of operation due to slack in the wire portions WU, WL can be sufficiently suppressed. By sufficiently suppressing the loss of operation, the operability of the ultrasonic probe 1 can be improved. By improving the operability of the ultrasonic probe 1, the examination time for ultrasonic examinations can be shortened. By shortening the examination time, the burden on the subject can be reduced. Furthermore, by using the compression coil springs S1U, S1L as compression springs, sufficient tension can be applied to the wire portions WU, WL with a simple configuration.

[0070] In addition, in the first embodiment, the wire portions WU, WL further include first fixed portions F1U, F1L fixed to the other ends of the first wires W1U, W1L and holding one ends of the compression coil springs S1U, S1L, and second fixed portions F2U, F2L fixed to one ends of the second wires W2U, W2L and holding the other ends of the compression coil springs S1U, S1L.

[0071] This allows the compression coil springs S1U, S1L to be properly held between the other end of the first wire W1U, W1L and one end of the second wire W2U, W2L via the first fixed portions F1U, F1L and the second fixed portions F2U, F2L.

[0072] In the first embodiment, one ends of the compression coil springs S1U and S1L are pressed against the first fixed portions F1U and F1L by the elastic force of the compression coil springs S1U and S1L, and are thereby held by the first fixed portions F1U and F1L. The other ends of the compression coil springs S1U and S1L are pressed against the second fixed portions F2U and F2L by the elastic force of the compression coil springs S1U and S1L, and are thereby held by the second fixed portions F2U and F2L.

[0073] This eliminates the need to join the compression coil springs S1U, S1L to the first fixed portions F1U, F1L and the second fixed portions F2U, F2L, allowing the wire portions WU, WL to be assembled easily and quickly. Note that the compression coil springs S1U, S1L may be joined to the first fixed portions F1U, F1L and the second fixed portions F2U, F2L.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the compression coil springs S1U and S1L have elastic force in a direction that separates the other ends of the first wires W1U and W1L from one ends of the second wires W2U and W2L.

[0075] As a result, sufficient tension can be appropriately applied to the wire portions WU, WL by the elastic force of the compression coil springs S1U, S1L, and loosening of the wire portions WU, WL can be more effectively suppressed.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the first wires W1U, W1L and the second wires W2U, W2L are intertwined through the insides of the compression coil springs S1U, S1L.

[0077] This makes it possible to apply sufficient tension to the wire portions WU and WL while suppressing the diameter of the wire portions WU and WL.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the first fixed portions F1U, F1L and the second fixed portions F2U, F2L have a plate-like shape.

[0079] This makes it possible to apply sufficient tension to the wire portions WU and WL while further reducing the diameter of the wire portions WU and WL.

[0080] In addition, in the first embodiment, the first wires W1U, W1L and the second wires W2U, W2L are connected to each other inside the operating unit 5 via the first fixing portions F1U, F1L, the second fixing portions F2U, F2L, and the compression coil springs S1U, S1L.

[0081] This allows the wire portions WU and WL to be housed inside the ultrasonic probe 1 simply and appropriately.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the operating end of the operating unit 5 has a pulley 53 and a knob 52. The other ends of the second wires W2U and W2L of the pair of wire portions WU and WL are connected to the pulley 53. The pulley 53 pulls back one of the pair of wire portions WU and WL and pushes out the other by rotating. The knob 52 is connected to the pulley 53 and rotates the pulley 53 in response to operation of the wire portions WU and WL by the operator.

[0083] This allows the wire portions WU and WL to be appropriately operated with a simple configuration.

[0084] In the first embodiment, the first wires W1U and W1L of the pair of wire portions WU and WL are arranged inside the bending portion 3 in the bending direction of the bending portion 3 so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0085] This allows the bending portion 3 to be bent in an appropriate bending direction in accordance with the operation of the wire portions WU and WL.

[0086] In the first embodiment, the bending portion 3 has a first tubular member 32 and a plurality of second tubular members 331-338. One end of the first tubular member 32 is fixed to the distal end portion 2. The plurality of second tubular members 331-338 are bendably connected to the other end of the first tubular member 32. One ends of the first wires W1U, W1L are fixed inside the first tubular member 32. The first wires W1U, W1L are slidably supported inside the second tubular members 331-338.

[0087] This allows the bending portion 3 to be bent appropriately by operating the wire portions WU and WL.

[0088] (Variation) Next, a modification of the first embodiment in which the wire portions WU, WL are provided with spacers SP1, SP2 will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the wire portions WU, WL in the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the modification of the first embodiment.

[0089] Up to this point, we have described an example in which the compression coil springs S1U and S1L are held in direct contact with the first fixed portions F1U and F1L and the second fixed portions F2U and F2L. In contrast, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the upper wire portion WU has a first spacer SP1 and a second spacer SP2. The first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2 are examples of spacers. The first spacer SP1 is disposed between one end of the upper compression coil spring S1U and the upper first fixed portion F1U. The second spacer SP2 is disposed between the other end of the upper compression coil spring S1U and the upper second fixed portion F2U. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2 have a cylindrical shape that is substantially concentric with the upper compression coil spring S1U. Although Figure 8 shows only the upper wire portion WU as a representative example, the lower wire portion WL also has a first spacer SP1 arranged between one end of the lower compression coil spring S1L and the lower first fixed portion F1L, and a second spacer SP2 arranged between the other end of the lower compression coil spring S1L and the lower second fixed portion F2L.

[0090] According to the example shown in FIG. 8, the tension of the wire portions WU, WL can be adjusted by the first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2, so that slack in the wire portions WU, WL can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0091] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment in which the bending portion 3 is bent in the up-down and left-right directions will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiments. FIG. 9 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic probe 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cross section of the bending portion 3 along the XZ plane in the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a cross section XI-XI of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the second embodiment in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the left wire portion WLT and the right wire portion WRT in the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a cross section of the operation unit 5 along the XZ plane in the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a cross section XIV-XIV of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the second embodiment in FIG. 13.

[0092] Up to now, an example has been described in which the bending portion 3 bends in the vertical direction (i.e., Z direction). In contrast, in the examples shown in Fig. 9 to Fig. 14, the bending portion 3 is configured to be bendable not only in the vertical direction but also in the left-right direction (i.e., Y direction), which is a second bending direction.

[0093] Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 10 , the leading second cylindrical member 331 and the second second cylindrical member 332 are connected via pin P2 to be rotatable around the Z direction. The third second cylindrical member 333 and the fourth second cylindrical member 334 are connected via pin P4 to be rotatable around the Z direction. The fifth second cylindrical member 335 and the sixth second cylindrical member 336 are connected via pin P6 to be rotatable around the Z direction. The seventh second cylindrical member 337 and the last second cylindrical member 338 are connected via pin P8 to be rotatable around the Z direction. When the bending section 3 is not bent, the pins P2, P4, P6, and P8 pass through the central axis Xr and are positioned on a plane parallel to the XZ plane.

[0094] That is, in the example shown in Figure 10, the connection between the first cylindrical member 32 and the second cylindrical members 331-338 via pins P1, P3, P5, and P7 having rotation axes in the Y direction and the connection between the second cylindrical members 331-338 via pins P2, P4, P6, and P8 having rotation axes in the Z direction are alternately repeated.

[0095] Therefore, by rotating the first cylindrical member 32 and the second cylindrical members 331-338 around the Y direction using the pins P1, P3, P5, and P7 as rotation axes, the bending portion 3 can be bent in the up-down direction. Also, by rotating the second cylindrical members 331-338 around the Z direction using the pins P2, P4, P6, and P8 as rotation axes, the bending portion 3 can be bent in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y direction).

[0096] 10 and 11, the ultrasonic probe 1 includes, in addition to a pair of wire portions WU, WL spaced apart in the Z direction, another pair of wire portions WLT, WRT spaced apart in the Y direction. Hereinafter, one of the other pair of wire portions WLT, WRT, which is located on the +Y direction side, may be referred to as the right wire portion WRT. Also, the other of the other pair of wire portions WLT, WRT, which is located on the -Y direction side, may be referred to as the left wire portion WLT.

[0097] The left wire portion WLT includes a left first wire W1LT. The right wire portion WRT includes a right first wire W1RT. The left first wire W1LT and the right first wire W1RT are examples of first wires. As shown in FIG. 10, the first cylindrical member 32 has a fixing point C13 to which one end of the left first wire W1LT is fixed. The first cylindrical member 32 also has a fixing point C14 to which one end of the right first wire W1RT is fixed. The fixing point C13 of the left first wire W1LT and the fixing point C14 of the right first wire W1RT are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y direction), which is the second bending direction of the bending portion 3, inside the bending portion 3. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the fixing points C13 and C14 are arranged on two intersecting lines where the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical member 32 intersects with an XY plane including the central axis Xr of the bending portion 3. This makes it possible to arrange the left first wire W1LT and the right first wire W1RT inside the bending portion 3 while appropriately spaced apart in the second bending direction (ie, the Y direction).

[0098] The inner circumferential surfaces of the second cylindrical members 331-338 are provided with support portions S that slidably support the upper first wire W1U and the lower first wire W1L, as well as support portions S (not shown) that slidably support the left first wire W1LT and the right first wire W1RT. The support portion S for the left first wire W1LT and the support portion S for the right first wire W1RT are respectively disposed on the intersection lines between the inner circumferential surfaces of the second cylindrical members 331-338 and the XY plane including the central axis Xr. This allows the left first wire W1LT and the right first wire W1RT to be disposed more appropriately spaced apart in the second bending direction (i.e., the Y direction) inside the bending portion 3.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 12 , the left wire portion WLT includes, in addition to the first left wire W1LT, a second left wire W2LT, a left compression coil spring S1LT, a first left fixed portion F1LT, and a second left fixed portion F2LT. The right wire portion WRT includes, in addition to the first right wire W1RT, a second right wire W2RT, a right compression coil spring S1RT, a first right fixed portion F1RT, and a second right fixed portion F2RT. The second left wire W2LT and the second right wire W2RT are an example of a second wire. The left compression coil spring S1LT and the right compression coil spring S1RT are an example of a compression spring. The first left fixed portion F1LT and the first right fixed portion F1RT are an example of a first fixed portion. The second left fixed portion F2LT and the second right fixed portion F2RT are an example of a second fixed portion. In FIG. 12, the upper wire portion WU and the lower wire portion WL are omitted from the illustration.

[0100] One end of the left first wire W1LT (the end in the -X direction in FIG. 12) is fixed inside the bending portion 3. More specifically, as described above, one end of the left first wire W1LT is fixed to the fixing point C13 of the first cylindrical member 32. The other end of the left first wire W1LT (the end in the X direction in FIG. 12) passes through the inside of the conductive member 4 and reaches the operating unit 5. One end of the right first wire W1RT is also fixed inside the bending portion 3. More specifically, as described above, one end of the right first wire W1RT is fixed to the fixing point C14 of the first cylindrical member 32. The other end of the right first wire W1RT passes through the inside of the conductive member 4 and reaches the operating unit 5.

[0101] One end portion of the second left wire W2LT (the end portion in the -X direction in FIG. 12) intersects with the other end portion of the first left wire W1LT (the end portion in the X direction in FIG. 12). The other end (the end portion in the X direction in FIG. 12) of the second left wire W2LT is connected to the operation end of the operation unit 5. One end portion of the second right wire W2RT intersects with the other end portion of the first right wire W1RT. The other end of the second right wire W2RT is connected to the operation end of the operation unit 5.

[0102] The left compression coil spring S1LT is disposed between the other end of the first left wire W1LT and one end of the second left wire W2LT. More specifically, the left compression coil spring S1LT is disposed between the other end of the first left wire W1LT and one end of the second left wire W2LT so as to surround the intersection of the first left wire W1LT and the second left wire W2LT. In other words, the first left wire W1LT and the second left wire W2LT are intertwined through the inside of the left compression coil spring S1LT. The left compression coil spring S1LT has an elastic force in a direction that separates the other end of the first left wire W1LT and one end of the second left wire W2LT.

[0103] The right compression coil spring S1RT is disposed between the other end of the first right wire W1RT and one end of the second right wire W2RT. More specifically, the right compression coil spring S1RT is disposed between the other end of the first right wire W1RT and one end of the second right wire W2RT so as to surround the intersection of the first right wire W1RT and the second right wire W2RT. In other words, the first right wire W1RT and the second right wire W2RT are intertwined through the inside of the right compression coil spring S1RT. The right compression coil spring S1RT has an elastic force in a direction that separates the other end of the first right wire W1RT and one end of the second right wire W2RT.

[0104] The first left fixed portion F1LT is fixed to the other end of the first left wire W1LT. The first left fixed portion F1LT holds one end of the left compression coil spring S1LT (the end in the X direction in FIG. 12). In the example shown in FIG. 12, the one end of the left compression coil spring S1LT is pressed against the first left fixed portion F1LT by the elastic force of the left compression coil spring S1LT, thereby being held by the first left fixed portion F1LT.

[0105] The left-side second fixed portion F2LT is fixed to one end of the left-side second wire W2LT. The left-side second fixed portion F2LT holds the other end (the end in the -X direction in FIG. 12) of the left-side compression coil spring S1LT. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the other end of the left-side compression coil spring S1LT is pressed against the left-side second fixed portion F2LT by the elastic force of the left-side compression coil spring S1LT, thereby being held by the left-side second fixed portion F2LT.

[0106] The first right-side fixed portion F1RT is fixed to the other end of the first right-side wire W1RT. The first right-side fixed portion F1RT holds one end of the right-side compression coil spring S1RT (the end in the X direction in FIG. 12). In the example shown in FIG. 12, the one end of the right-side compression coil spring S1RT is pressed against the first right-side fixed portion F1RT by the elastic force of the right-side compression coil spring S1RT, and is thereby held by the first right-side fixed portion F1RT.

[0107] The right-side second fixed portion F2RT is fixed to one end of the right-side second wire W2RT. The right-side second fixed portion F2RT holds the other end (the end in the -X direction in FIG. 12) of the right-side compression coil spring S1RT. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the other end of the right-side compression coil spring S1RT is pressed against the right-side second fixed portion F2RT by the elastic force of the right-side compression coil spring S1RT, and is thereby held by the right-side second fixed portion F2RT.

[0108] The first left wire W1LT and the second left wire W2LT are connected to each other inside the operation unit 5 via the first left fixing portion F1LT, the second left fixing portion F2LT, and the left compression coil spring S1LT. The first right wire W1RT and the second right wire W2RT are connected to each other inside the operation unit 5 via the first right fixing portion F1RT, the second right fixing portion F2RT, and the right compression coil spring S1RT.

[0109] The other configurations of the first fixed portions F1LT, F1RT, second fixed portions F2LT, F2RT, and compression coil springs S1LT, S1RT are similar to the configurations of the first fixed portions F1U, F1L, second fixed portions F2U, F2L, and compression coil springs S1U, S1L described with reference to Figure 4.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 9, 13, and 14, the operation end of the operation unit 5 further includes a second knob 54 and a second pulley 55 in addition to the knob 52 and pulley 53 described above. The second pulley 55 has a generally circular disk shape with a central axis Zr. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the second pulley 55 is disposed above the pulley 53 and concentrically therewith. A groove 551 for winding the other pair of wire portions WLT and WRT around the entire circumference is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second pulley 55. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the circumferential length of the groove 551 of the second pulley 55 is the same as the circumferential length of the groove 531 of the pulley 53. The circumferential length of the groove 551 of the second pulley 55 may be different from the circumferential length of the groove 531 of the pulley 53. The second wires W2LT and W2RT of the other pair of wire portions WLT and WRT are connected to the second pulley 55. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the other end of the right-side second wire W2RT is fixed to a fixed point C31 in the groove 551. The other end of the left-side second wire W2LT is fixed to a fixed point C32 in the groove 551. The pair of fixed points C31, C32 are located opposite each other across the central axis Zr. The second pulley 55 rotates around the central axis Zr to pull back one of the other pair of wire portions WLT, WRT and push out the other. The second wire W2LT, W2RT of the pulled-back one of the wire portions WLT, WRT is wound around the outer periphery of the second pulley 55 along the groove 551. In the example shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a circular through-hole 552 is provided in the center of the second pulley 55. The connection portion 521 of the knob 52 passes through the through-hole 552 and is connected to the pulley 53.

[0111] The second knob 54 is connected to the second pulley 55. The second knob 54 rotates the second pulley 55 in response to an operator's operation of the wire portions WLT and WRT. In the example shown in FIG. 13 , the second knob 54 has a grip portion 540 and a connection portion 541. The grip portion 540 has a disk shape centered on a central axis Zr. The connection portion 541 is provided at a position radially offset from the central axis Zr of the grip portion 540 and has a cylindrical shape. A circular through-hole 542 is provided in the center of the grip portion 540. The connection portion 521 of the knob 52 passes through the through-holes 552 and 542 and is connected to the pulley 53. The grip portion 540 accepts an operator's rotation operation about the central axis Zr, thereby accepting an operator's operation of the wire portions WLT and WRT. The connection portion 541 connects the grip portion 540 to the second pulley 55. The connecting portion 541 transmits the rotation operation of the grip portion 540 by the operator to the second pulley 55, causing the second pulley 55 to rotate around the central axis Zr. Note that only one connecting portion 541 is shown in Fig. 13. In practice, a plurality of connecting portions 541 may be provided at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0112] Next, an example of the operation of the ultrasonic probe 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. In the following description, only the left-right bending of the bending portion 3 will be described, and the above-described bending of the bending portion 3 in the up-down direction will be omitted. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a state in which the bending portion 3 of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the second embodiment is bent. In the initial state, the bending portion 3 is not bent.

[0113] When the operator rotates the second knob 54 in the clockwise direction A11 from the initial state as shown in Fig. 13, the second pulley 55 connected to the second knob 54 also rotates in the clockwise direction A11 as shown in Fig. 14. When the second pulley 55 rotates in the clockwise direction A11, the right-side second wire W2RT fixed on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the second pulley 55 is pulled back in the direction A21 in Fig. 14. The pulled-back right-side second wire W2RT is wound around the outer periphery of the second pulley 55 along the groove 551 of the second pulley 55.

[0114] When the second right wire W2RT is pulled back, the second left wire W2LT fixed on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the second pulley 55 is pushed out in the direction A31 in FIG.

[0115] As described above, inside the bending portion 3, the right-side first wire W1RT connected to the right-side second wire W2RT and the left-side first wire W1LT connected to the left-side second wire W2LT are arranged spaced apart in the Y direction. When the right-side second wire W2RT is pulled back in the A21 direction, the right-side first wire W1RT connected to the right-side second wire W2RT is also pulled back in the A21 direction in FIG. 15. Furthermore, when the left-side second wire W2LT is pushed out in the A31 direction in FIG. 14, the left-side first wire W1LT connected to the left-side second wire W2LT is also pushed out in the A31 direction in FIG. 15. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the bending portion 3 is bent in an arc shape in the +Y direction, i.e., to the right.

[0116] At this time, if sufficient tension is not applied to the pushed-out left wire portion WLT, slack will occur in the left wire portion WLT due to the difference in tension between the left wire portion WLT and the pulled-back right wire portion WRT, or due to play between the left wire portion WLT and the support portion S. However, according to the second embodiment, the left compression coil spring S1LT arranged between the other end of the first left wire W1LT and one end of the second left wire W2LT can continuously apply an elastic force to the left wire portion WLT in a direction that separates the other end of the first left wire W1LT from one end of the second left wire W2LT. This allows sufficient tension to be continuously applied to the pushed-out left wire portion WLT, thereby sufficiently suppressing slack in the left wire portion WLT.

[0117] After bending the bending portion 3 to the right, as shown in Fig. 13, when the operator rotates the second knob 54 in the counterclockwise direction A12, the second pulley 55 connected to the second knob 54 also rotates in the counterclockwise direction A12 as shown in Fig. 14. When the second pulley 55 rotates in the counterclockwise direction A12, the second left wire W2LT fixed to the upstream side in the rotation direction of the second pulley 55 is pulled back in the direction A32 in Fig. 14. The pulled back second left wire W2LT is wound around the outer periphery of the second pulley 55 along the groove 551 of the second pulley 55.

[0118] When the left second wire W2LT is pulled back, the right second wire W2RT fixed on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the second pulley 55 is pushed out in the direction A22 in FIG.

[0119] As the left second wire W2LT is pulled back in the A32 direction in FIG. 14, the left first wire W1LT connected to the left second wire W2LT is also pulled back in the A32 direction in FIG. 15. Note that in FIG. 15, the A32 direction is illustrated along the bent portion 3 in a state bent to the left, indicated by a two-dot chain line. However, in reality, the left first wire W1LT continues to be pulled back in the A32 direction until the bent portion 3 changes from a state bent to the right to a state bent to the left. Also, as the right second wire W2RT is pushed out in the A22 direction in FIG. 14, the right first wire W1RT connected to the right second wire W2RT is also pushed out in the A22 direction in FIG. Note that in FIG. 15, the A22 direction is illustrated along the bent portion 3 in a state bent to the left. However, in reality, the right first wire W1RT continues to be pushed out in the A22 direction until the bent portion 3 changes from a state bent to the right to a state bent to the left. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the bending portion 3 changes from a state bent to the right to a state bent in the −Y direction, that is, to the left.

[0120] As the bending direction of the bending portion 3 changes from right to left, the left wire portion WLT changes from a pushed-out state to a pulled-back state. At this time, if slack occurs in the left wire portion WLT, the bending portion 3 does not bend leftward quickly enough to follow the pulling-back of the left wire portion WLT, resulting in an operation loss. However, as described above, according to the second embodiment, the left compression coil spring S1LT applies sufficient tension to the left wire portion WLT, thereby sufficiently suppressing slack. Since slack can be sufficiently suppressed, operation loss can be sufficiently suppressed. Similarly, when the bending direction of the bending portion 3 is changed from left to right, the right compression coil spring S1RT applies sufficient tension to the right wire portion WRT, thereby sufficiently suppressing operation loss due to slack in the right wire portion WRT.

[0121] 14 and 15 have described an example of an operation in which the bending portion 3 is bent in the left-right direction by operating the left wire portion WLT and the right wire portion WRT, but the example of an operation in the second embodiment is not limited to the example of an operation shown in Fig. 14 and 15. For example, the bending portion 3 may be bent in an oblique direction by linking the operation of the left wire portion WLT and the right wire portion WRT with the operation of the upper wire portion WU and the lower wire portion WL.

[0122] As described above, in the second embodiment, the first wires W1LT, W1RT of another pair of wire portions WLT, WRT, which are different from the pair of wire portions WU, WL, are arranged spaced apart inside the bending portion 3 in a second bending direction different from the bending direction corresponding to the wire portions WU, WL. The operating end of the operating unit 5 further includes a second pulley 55 and a second knob 54. The second wires W2LT, W2RT of the other pair of wire portions WLT, WRT are connected to the second pulley 55, and when rotated, pulls back one of the other pair of wire portions WLT, WRT and pushes the other. The second knob 54 is connected to the second pulley 55 and rotates the second pulley 55 in response to an operation by the operator. The second bending direction is perpendicular to the bending direction.

[0123] This not only prevents the wire parts WU and WL from loosening when the bending portion 3 is bent in the vertical direction, but also prevents the wire parts WLT and WRT from loosening when the bending portion 3 is bent in the horizontal direction, thereby further improving operability.

[0124] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment having a plurality of disc springs as compression springs will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiments. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the upper wire portion WU in the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a cross section of the disc spring S2 along the XY plane in the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0125] Up to this point, we have described examples in which the wire portions WU and WL have compression coil springs S1U and S1L as compression springs. In contrast, in the examples shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the upper wire portion WU has at least one disc spring S2 instead of the compression coil spring S1U. More specifically, the upper wire portion WU has multiple disc springs S2 stacked in the X direction. While FIG. 16 representatively illustrates only the upper wire portion WU, the lower wire portion WL also has multiple disc springs S2 stacked in the X direction. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the multiple disc springs S2 are all stacked in the same orientation, and the multiple disc springs S2 stacked in this manner have parallel spring constants. Incidentally, a series spring constant can also be obtained by orienting the multiple disc springs S2 in different directions. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 17, four disc springs S2 are stacked, but the number of disc springs S2 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 17. The disc springs S2 may also be applied to the left wire portion WLT and the right wire portion WRT shown in Fig. 12.

[0126] As described above, in the third embodiment, the compression spring is at least one disc spring S2.

[0127] This allows a large load (i.e., spring constant) to be obtained in a small space, thereby efficiently applying tension to the wire parts WU, WL. Also, by adjusting the number of disc springs S2, the tension applied to the wire parts WU, WL can be easily adjusted.

[0128] It should be noted that a leaf spring may be used as the compression spring instead of the disc spring S2. The leaf spring may have an arc shape or a spiral shape, but is not limited to these. When a leaf spring is used, a large load can be obtained in a small space, just like when the disc spring S2 is used.

[0129] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment that maintains the linearity of the wire portions WU, WL will be described, focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiments. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the upper wire portion WU of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0130] In the example shown in FIG. 18, the upper wire portion WU further includes a guide portion G in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 16. The guide portion G is arranged at the intersection of the upper first wire W1U and the upper second wire W2U. The guide portion G maintains the linearity of the upper first wire W1U and the upper second wire W2U. The guide portion G is, for example, a cylindrical member surrounding the intersection of the upper first wire W1U and the upper second wire W2U. The guide portion G may be arranged in a manner that allows the compression amount of the disc spring S2 to change in response to operation of the upper wire portion WU while maintaining the linearity of the upper first wire W1U and the upper second wire W2U. The guide portion G may be fixed to, for example, the upper first fixing portion F1U or the upper second fixing portion F2U. 18 representatively illustrates only the guide portion G of the upper wire portion WU, the lower wire portion WL also has a guide portion G arranged at the intersection of the lower first wire W1L and the lower second wire W2L. The guide portion G may also be applied to the left wire portion WLT and the right wire portion WRT shown in FIG.

[0131] When assembling the wire portions WU, WL, the first wires W1U, W1L and the second wires W2U, W2L are intertwined, and then the first wires W1U, W1L and the second wires W2U, W2L are connected via the first fixing portions F1U, F1L, the second fixing portions F2U, F2L, and the compression springs S1U, S1L / S2. By intertwining the first wires W1U, W1L and the second wires W2U, W2L, the central axes of the first wires W1U, W1L and the second wires W2U, W2L are misaligned. If the guide portion G were not provided, when tension is applied to the wire portions WU, WL, the central axes of the first wires W1U, W1L and the second wires W2U, W2L would be misaligned, causing a rotational moment to be generated at the connection portions between the first wires W1U, W1L and the second wires W2U, W2L. The generation of the rotational moment could impair the linearity of the wire portions WU, WL.

[0132] However, in the fourth embodiment, the guide portion G can suppress the generation of rotational moment at the connection portion between the first wires W1U, W1L and the second wires W2U, W2L. By suppressing the generation of rotational moment, the linearity of the wire portions WU, WL can be maintained. By maintaining the linearity of the wire portions WU, WL, the operability of the ultrasonic probe 1 can be further improved.

[0133] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, operability can be improved.

[0134] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel apparatus and method described herein may be embodied in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the forms of the apparatus and method described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms and modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1 ultrasound probe 2 Tip 3 Bend 32 First cylindrical member 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338 Second cylindrical member 4. Central Guidance 5 Control section 52 Knob 53 Pulley 54 Second knob 55 No. 2 pulley WU Upper wire section W1U Upper 1st wire W2U Upper 2nd wire WL Lower wire section W1L Lower first wire W2L Lower second wire WLT left side wire part W1LT Left first wire W2LT Left side second wire WRT Right side wire W1RT Right side first wire W2RT Right side second wire F1U Upper first fixing part F2U Upper second fixing part F1L Lower 1st fixing part F2L Lower second fixing part F1LT Left side 1st fixed part F2LT 2nd left fixed part F1RT Right side 1st fixed part F2RT Right side second fixing part S1U Upper compression coil spring S1L Lower compression coil spring S1LT left compression coil spring S1RT right compression coil spring S2 Disc spring SP1 First spacer SP2 Second spacer G guide part

Claims

1. a tip portion that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves; a guide portion for guiding the tip portion into the inside of the subject; a bending portion connected between the tip portion and the guide portion, the bending portion being bendable by operating at least one pair of wire portions fixed inside the bending portion; an operation unit that receives an operation of the pair of wire parts by an operator, and pulls back one of the pair of wire parts and pushes out the other, The wire portion is a first wire having one end fixed inside the bending portion and the other end extending through the inside of the conductive portion to the operating portion; a second wire having one end portion intersecting with the other end portion of the first wire and the other end connected to the operation end of the operation unit; a compression spring disposed between the other end of the first wire and the one end of the second wire; An ultrasound probe comprising:

2. 2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the wire portion further comprises: a first fixing portion fixed to the other end of the first wire and holding one end of the compression spring; and a second fixing portion fixed to the one end of the second wire and holding the other end of the compression spring.

3. 3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein the one end of the compression spring is held by the first fixed portion by being pressed against the first fixed portion by an elastic force of the compression spring, and the other end of the compression spring is held by being pressed against the second fixed portion by the elastic force.

4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the compression spring has an elastic force in a direction that separates the other end of the first wire and the one end of the second wire.

5. The ultrasonic probe of claim 1 , wherein the compression spring is a coil spring.

6. The ultrasonic probe of claim 1 , wherein the compression spring is at least one disc spring.

7. The ultrasonic probe of claim 1 , wherein the compression spring is a leaf spring.

8. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the first wire and the second wire are intertwined through the inside of the compression spring.

9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the wire portion further comprises a guide portion that is arranged at a crossing portion of the first wire and the second wire and that maintains the straightness of the first wire and the second wire.

10. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 , wherein the wire portion further comprises a spacer disposed between the compression spring and at least one of the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion.

11. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 , wherein the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion have a plate-like shape.

12. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 , wherein the first wire and the second wire are connected to each other inside the operation unit via a first fixing portion, the second fixing portion, and the compression spring.

13. 2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the operating end of the operating unit includes a pulley to which the other end of each of the second wires of the pair of wire portions is connected and which rotates to pull back one of the pair of wire portions and push out the other, and a knob connected to the pulley and which receives the operation by the operator to rotate the pulley.

14. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 13 , wherein the first wires of the pair of wire portions are arranged inside the bending portion and spaced apart in the bending direction of the bending portion.

15. the first wires of the other pair of wire portions different from the pair of wire portions are arranged to be spaced apart from each other within the bending portion in a second bending direction different from the bending direction, 15. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 14, wherein the operating end of the operating unit further includes a second pulley to which the second wires of the other pair of wire portions are connected and which rotates to pull back one of the other pair of wire portions and push out the other, and a second knob connected to the second pulley and which receives the operation by the operator to rotate the second pulley.

16. The ultrasonic probe of claim 15 , wherein the second bending direction is orthogonal to the bending direction.

17. 17. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the bending portion has a first tubular member having one end fixed to the tip portion and a plurality of second tubular members bendably connected to the other end of the first tubular member, and the one end of the first wire is fixed inside the first tubular member, and the first wire is slidably supported inside the second tubular member.

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