Endoscopic ultrasound

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic endoscope that facilitates insertion processing within the tip while ensuring insulation performance. [Solution] The ultrasonic endoscope comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a rigid tip section on which observation optics and illumination optics are arranged, a treatment instrument outlet located in the rigid tip section for discharging treatment instruments, and a flexible wiring board section located inside the rigid tip section and connected to the ultrasonic transducer. The flexible wiring board section includes a transducer connection section, an offset wiring section located on the opposite side of the transducer connection section and offset from the transducer connection section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tip section, and an intermediate connection section connecting the transducer connection section and the offset wiring section. The offset wiring section has a cable connection section to which a loose wire cable is joined, and the cable connection section is covered with an insulating material.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As an ultrasonic endoscope, one equipped with an electronically scanned ultrasonic vibrator at the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope is known. Then, while acquiring an ultrasonic image of a lesion using the ultrasonic vibrator, a treatment tool such as a puncture needle led out from the lead-out port at the distal end through a treatment tool insertion channel is punctured into the lesion, and cell tissue of the lesion is collected, etc.

[0003] In addition, the ultrasonic endoscope includes an observation optical system and an illumination optical system in addition to the ultrasonic vibrator, and can also perform observation using an optical image. By performing observation using the optical image until the puncture needle approaches the body wall and punctures it, the puncture needle can be reliably guided to the target site.

[0004] In such an ultrasonic endoscope, a technique of electrically connecting a cable of a signal line and an ultrasonic transducer via a flexible wiring board is known (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In an ultrasonic endoscope, as an ultrasonic safety standard, ensuring the insulation performance of the distal end is required. On the other hand, improvement of manufacturing suitability is also required.

[0007] In the ultrasonic endoscope described in Patent Document 1, since the loose wire cable and the flexible wiring board are joined within the curved section, there is a concern that the cable and the flexible wiring board may break due to the bending motion, and insulation performance may not be ensured.

[0008] Furthermore, the ultrasonic endoscope described in Patent Document 2 connects the flexible wiring board and the loose wire cable immediately near the proximal end of the ultrasonic transducer. Therefore, styling of the loose wire cable is required within the tip. In addition, if the tip is thin, it is difficult to insert the cable, making it difficult to improve manufacturability.

[0009] The ultrasonic endoscope described in Patent Document 3, like the ultrasonic endoscope described in Patent Document 1, has a loose-wire cable and a flexible wiring board joined together in the curved section. Therefore, there is a concern that the cable and the flexible wiring board may break due to the bending motion, making it impossible to ensure insulation performance.

[0010] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide an ultrasonic endoscope that facilitates insertion processing within the tip and ensures insulation performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] An ultrasonic endoscope equipped with an ultrasonic transducer at its tip according to the first embodiment comprises a tip body block component to which the ultrasonic transducer, observation optical system and illumination optical system are attached; a channel block component, which is assembled inside the tip body block component and to which a channel through which a treatment instrument is inserted is attached; and a flexible wiring board portion, which is disposed inside the tip body block component and connected to the ultrasonic transducer. The flexible wiring board portion includes a transducer connection portion located on one side which is the ultrasonic transducer side; an offset wiring portion located on the other side opposite to the one side and offset from the transducer connection portion at a position further radially outward from the longitudinal axis than the longitudinal axis, and formed along the channel block component; and an intermediate connection portion connecting the transducer connection portion and the offset wiring portion. The offset wiring portion has a cable connection portion on the opposite side from the intermediate connection portion to which a loose wire cable is joined, the cable connection portion is covered with an insulating member, and the insulating member is located inside the tip body block component.

[0012] In the second embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope, the flexible wiring board section has an offset wiring section consisting of a first offset wiring section and a second offset wiring section that are offset from each other in opposite directions from the longitudinal axis, and a channel block component is arranged between the first offset wiring section and the second offset wiring section.

[0013] In the third embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope, the flexible wiring board portion has, as an intermediate connection portion, a first intermediate connection portion and a second intermediate connection portion that extend radially outward from the transducer connection portion in opposite directions, the first intermediate connection portion and the first offset wiring portion are connected, and the second intermediate connection portion and the second offset wiring portion are connected.

[0014] In the ultrasound endoscope of the fourth embodiment, the flexible wiring board portion has a first transducer connection portion and a second transducer connection portion that are arranged separately from each other as transducer connection portions, the first transducer connection portion is connected to a first intermediate connection portion, and the second transducer connection portion is connected to a second intermediate connection portion.

[0015] In the fifth embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope, the flexible wiring board section includes a first flexible wiring board and a second flexible wiring board that are arranged separately from each other.

[0016] In the sixth embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope, a plurality of flexible wiring board sections are arranged to overlap in the thickness direction of the flexible wiring board sections.

[0017] In the seventh embodiment of the ultrasound endoscope, the plane direction of the offset wiring portion is the same as the plane direction of the transducer connection portion.

[0018] In the eighth embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope, the flexible wiring board portion is bent or twisted along a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the plane direction of the offset wiring portion is perpendicular to the plane direction of the transducer connection portion.

[0019] In the ninth embodiment of the ultrasound endoscope, the channel block component has an opening-forming surface in which an outlet for a treatment instrument is formed, and the surface direction of the offset wiring portion is perpendicular to the surface direction of the opening-forming surface.

[0020] In the 10th embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope, the flexible wiring board is arranged inside the tip body block component, with at least a portion of the flexible wiring board being cylindrical or rectangular in shape.

[0021] In the eleventh embodiment of the ultrasonic endoscope, the tip body block component comprises an ultrasonic block component to which an ultrasonic transducer is attached, and an optical system block component to which an observation optical system and an illumination optical system are attached.

[0022] In the ultrasonic endoscope according to the 12th aspect, the forming material of the tip main body block component includes resin and metal, and the forming material of the channel block component is metal.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is easy to perform insertion processing within the tip portion, and insulation performance can be ensured.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall view of the ultrasonic endoscope. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tip rigid portion. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tip rigid portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the tip rigid portion including the flexible wiring board portion of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the first modification example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the second modification example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the third modification example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the fourth modification example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the fifth modification example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the sixth modification example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, the ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] [Overall Configuration of Ultrasonic Endoscope] Figure 1 is an overall view of the ultrasound endoscope 1. As shown in Figure 1, the ultrasound endoscope 1 (hereinafter simply abbreviated as "endoscope 1") consists of an operating section 10 that is grasped by the operator for various operations, an insertion section 12 that is inserted into the patient's body cavity, and a universal cord 14. The endoscope 1 is connected via the universal cord 14 to system components such as a processor device and a light source device (not shown) that constitute the endoscope system.

[0027] The control unit 10 is equipped with various operating members that are operated by the practitioner, such as an angle lever 16 and a suction button 22.

[0028] Furthermore, the operating section 10 is provided with a treatment instrument inlet 24 for inserting a treatment instrument into a treatment instrument insertion channel 23 (see Figure 3) that passes through the insertion section 12.

[0029] The insertion portion 12 extends from the tip of the operating portion 10 and is formed in a long, slender shape with a small diameter. The insertion portion 12 is composed of a flexible portion 30, a curved portion 32, and a rigid tip portion 34, which are the tip sections, in that order from the base end to the tip end.

[0030] The flexible portion 30 occupies most of the proximal end of the insertion portion 12 and has the flexibility to bend in any direction. When the insertion portion 12 is inserted into a body cavity, the flexible portion 30 bends along the insertion path into the body cavity.

[0031] The curved section 32 is designed to bend vertically (in the R2 direction) by rotating the angle lever 16 of the operating section 10 in the R1 direction, and by bending the curved section 32, the rigid tip section 34 can be directed in a desired direction.

[0032] The rigid tip 34, as will be explained in detail using Figures 2 and 3 below, includes an observation optical system 40 and an illumination optical system 44 for capturing observation images of the inside of a body cavity, an ultrasonic transducer 50 for acquiring ultrasonic images, and an outlet 52 for guiding out the treatment instrument inserted through the treatment instrument inlet 24.

[0033] The universal cord 14 contains signal cables 54 and 56, and a light guide 58, as shown in Figure 3 below. A connector is provided at the end of the universal cord 14 (not shown). This connector is connected to a predetermined system component that constitutes the endoscope system, such as a processor and a light source. As a result, the system component supplies power, control signals, and illumination light necessary for the operation of the endoscope 1 to the endoscope 1. Conversely, observation image data acquired by the observation optical system 40 and ultrasound image data acquired by the ultrasound transducer 50 are transmitted from the endoscope 1 to the system component. The observation images and ultrasound images transmitted to the system component are displayed on a monitor and can be observed by the operator.

[0034] The configuration of the operating unit 10 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 1. Instead of the angle lever 16, a pair of angle knobs may be provided, and the curved portion 32 may be curved vertically and horizontally by rotating the pair of angle knobs. In addition, an air supply / water supply button may be provided on the operating unit 10, and by operating the air supply / water supply button, air or other gas and cleaning liquid may be supplied to the rigid tip portion 34.

[0035] [Configuration of the tip component] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rigid tip portion 34. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the rigid tip portion 34.

[0036] In the figure, the Z direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis 38 of the rigid tip portion 34 (insertion portion 12). In the figure, the Z(+) direction is the tip side of the rigid tip portion 34, and the Z(-) direction is the base end side of the rigid tip portion 34. In the figure, the Y direction is perpendicular to the Z direction, and in this embodiment, it is the up and down direction in each figure. The Y(+) direction, which is one side of the Y direction, is the up direction in the figure, and the Y(-) direction, which is the other side of the Y direction, is the down direction in the figure. In the figure, the X direction is perpendicular to both the Z and Y directions.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rigid tip portion 34 is constructed by combining an ultrasonic block component 60, a channel block component 70, and an optical system block component 80. The ultrasonic block component 60 and the optical system block component 80 are components that make up the main tip block component 100. When the block components are combined, the rigid tip portion 34 comprises an ultrasonic mounting portion 34a, an outlet forming portion 34b, and a main body portion 34c, extending from the tip side to the base end (see Figure 2).

[0038] The ultrasonic block component 60 is formed from an insulating material, such as a resin material like polysulfone and polyetherimide plastic. The ultrasonic block component 60 comprises an ultrasonic mounting portion 34a and an optical system block component mounting portion 62, extending from its tip to its base. The ultrasonic mounting portion 34a and the optical system block component mounting portion 62 are integrally formed.

[0039] The ultrasonic transducer 50 is mounted on the ultrasonic mounting section 34a in a position that is tilted forward (inclined) in the Y(-) direction relative to the longitudinal axis 38 when viewed from the X direction. This ultrasonic transducer 50 is a convex type with an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving surface in which ultrasonic transducers that transmit and receive ultrasound are arranged in a curved shape along the direction of the longitudinal axis 38. Data for generating an ultrasonic image of the area to be observed is acquired by this ultrasonic transducer 50. The number of ultrasonic transducers constituting the ultrasonic transducer 50 is not limited.

[0040] The optical system block component mounting portion 62 has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape corresponding to the Y(-) side (lower half) of the two divided portions obtained by dividing the outlet forming portion 34b and the main body portion 34c into two parts (upper and lower) in the Y direction. Therefore, the optical system block component mounting portion 62 has a mounting portion opening 65 that opens in the Y(+) direction.

[0041] The mounting opening 65 is formed parallel to the XZ plane and along the Z direction. Inside the mounting opening 65 of the optical block component mounting section 62, a flexible wiring board section 110 is arranged for connecting the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the signal cable 54. The system configuration device generates an ultrasonic signal to generate ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic transducer 50 and supplies it to the ultrasonic transducer 50 via the signal cable 54 and the flexible wiring board section 110. The configuration of the flexible wiring board section 110, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described later.

[0042] The optical system block component mounting section 62 has a pair of guide sections 66 that form a mounting section opening 65 and extend along this mounting section opening 65 in the Z(-) direction. The optical system block component 80, described later, is mounted to this pair of guide sections 66 while sliding in the Z direction. In this way, the optical system block component 80 is attached to the ultrasonic block component 60 via the pair of guide sections 66.

[0043] The pair of guide portions 66 are provided with grooves 68 for filling with sealing material to ensure airtightness at the connection surface with the optical block component 80. However, if the pair of guided portions 86 of the optical block component 80, which will be described later and form the mating surface of the pair of guide portions 66, are provided with grooves 88, then the pair of guide portions 66 do not need to be provided with grooves 68.

[0044] The channel block component 70, together with the optical system block component 80, constitutes the outlet forming portion 34b, and the material used to form the channel block component 70 is metal. Any known metal material can be used as the metal. The channel block component 70 has an outlet 52 for a treatment tool that opens on the Y(+) side, and a substantially rectangular opening forming surface 71 that is parallel to the XZ plane through which the outlet 52 opens and along the Z direction (including the longitudinal axis 38, the same applies hereinafter).

[0045] A pair of flange surfaces 72 parallel to the XZ plane are formed along the Z direction at both ends in the X direction of the opening-forming surface 71 of the channel block component 70 (see Figure 3). The pair of flange surfaces 72 are used to attach the channel block component 70 to the optical system block component 80 and extend outward (in the X direction) from both sides of the opening-forming surface 71 in the X direction.

[0046] An internal conduit (not shown) is formed inside the channel block component 70. The leading end of this internal conduit is connected to the outlet 52, and the base end of the internal conduit is connected via a channel connecting pipe 25 to a treatment instrument insertion channel 23 that is inserted through the insertion section 12. As a result, the tip of a treatment instrument inserted from the treatment instrument inlet 24 is guided through the treatment instrument insertion channel 23, the channel connecting pipe 25, and the internal conduit to the outlet 52, and is then led out to the outside from this outlet 52.

[0047] The optical system block component 80 is formed from a resin material, similar to the ultrasonic block component 60. The optical system block component 80 has a shape corresponding to the Y(+) direction side (upper half side) of the two divided parts obtained by dividing the outlet forming part 34b and the main body part 34c into two parts in the Y direction (upper and lower divisions).

[0048] The optical system block component 80 comprises a pair of channel block component mounting portions 81, which are spaced apart in the X direction from the tip end to the base end, and an optical system housing portion 82 (see Figure 3). The pair of channel block component mounting portions 81 and the optical system housing portion 82 are integrally formed.

[0049] A space for mounting the channel block component 70 is provided between the pair of channel block component mounting portions 81. A pair of planes 81a are formed at the Y(+) direction end of the pair of channel block component mounting portions 81, with a shape parallel to the XZ plane and aligned with the Z direction. In addition, a pair of support surfaces 81b are formed at the Y(-) direction end of the pair of channel block component mounting portions 81, at positions shifted toward the aforementioned space from each of the planes 81a.

[0050] The pair of support surfaces 81b support the pair of flange surfaces 72 from both sides in the X direction. As a result, the channel block component 70 is slidably supported in the Z direction between the pair of channel block component mounting portions 81 via the pair of flange surfaces 72 and the pair of support surfaces 81b. Adhesive grooves 77 and 87 are provided at opposing positions on the pair of flange surfaces 72 and the pair of support surfaces 81b, where adhesive is applied.

[0051] When the channel block component 70 is attached to the optical block component 80, the aperture-forming surface 71 and the pair of planes 81a form a continuous plane 90. The continuous plane 90 is a plane that is parallel to the XZ plane and along the Z direction, and constitutes a part of the outer circumferential surface of the tip rigid portion 34.

[0052] The optical system housing section 82 has a semi-cylindrical shape and includes a convex surface 84 and a stepped surface 85. The convex surface 84 constitutes a part of the outer circumferential surface of the rigid tip section 34. The optical system housing section 82 also has a pair of guided sections 86 extending in the Z-direction to form a housing opening 89 that opens in the Y-direction. The pair of guided sections 86 are the mating surfaces of the pair of guide sections 66 when assembling the rigid tip section 34.

[0053] The pair of guided portions 86 are provided with grooves 88 for filling with sealing material to ensure airtightness of the connection surface with the ultrasonic block component 60. However, if the pair of guide portions 66 are provided with grooves 68, the grooves 88 do not need to be provided.

[0054] The stepped surface 85 is provided with an observation window 40a of the observation optical system 40 and illumination windows 44a of a pair of illumination optical systems 44.

[0055] The observation optical system 40 includes an observation window 40a provided on the stepped surface 85, a lens system and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor provided in the optical system housing 82. The image sensor (not shown) captures the observation image taken in through the lens system from the observation window 40a and outputs the imaging signal of the observation image to the system configuration device via a signal cable 56 inserted into the insertion section 12.

[0056] The illumination optical system 44 is provided on both sides (X(+) direction side and X(-) direction side) of the observation optical system 40, and includes illumination windows 44a provided on the stepped surface 85 and a light guide 58 inserted into the insertion section 12. The output end of the light guide 58 is located behind each illumination window 44a. The two illumination optical systems 44 are arranged on both sides of the observation optical system 40, ensuring sufficient light while preventing shadows from being cast by the illumination.

[0057] With the channel block component 70 attached, the optical system block component 80 has a pair of guided portions 86 that are attached to the optical system block component mounting portion 62 of the ultrasonic block component 60 via a pair of guide portions 66.

[0058] As described above, the ultrasonic block component 60, the channel block component 70, and the optical system block component 80 are combined to form the tip rigid portion 34. As a result, when the tip rigid portion 34 is viewed from the Y(+) direction side (above side), the ultrasonic transducer 50, the outlet 52, and the stepped surface 85 (observation window 40a) are arranged in order from the tip side to the base side of the tip rigid portion 34.

[0059] In the rigid tip section 34, the outlet 52 is positioned directly below the observation optical system 40 (towards the Y(-) direction), that is, the channel block component 70 is positioned in the center of the X(+) and X(-) directions. This allows the puncture needle or treatment instrument to be visible to the observation optical system 40 from the moment it protrudes from the outlet 52, enabling safe treatment.

[0060] On the other hand, since the channel block component 70 is positioned at the center of the rigid tip portion 34, efficient storage of the ultrasonic cable in the rigid tip portion 34 becomes important. Therefore, after diligent study, the inventors have invented a flexible wiring board portion that enables efficient storage.

[0061] [Configuration of the flexible wiring board section] Next, the configuration of the flexible wiring board section 110, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described.

[0062] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the rigid tip portion 34, including the flexible wiring board portion 110, according to this embodiment. Note that in Figure 4, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted in order to clearly illustrate the invention. The same applies to the figures described later.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, a flexible wiring board section 110 is located inside the rigid tip section 34, on the base end side (Z(-) direction side) of the ultrasonic transducer 50. The flexible wiring board section 110 in this embodiment is composed of two flexible wiring boards 111 and 112 (first flexible wiring board 111 and second flexible wiring board 112).

[0064] The flexible wiring board section 110 is a flexible, flat-plate-shaped wiring board section on which a wiring section for electrically connecting the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the signal cable 54 is arranged. The tip (Z(+) direction end) of each flexible wiring board constituting the flexible wiring board section 110 is connected to the electrode (not shown) of the ultrasonic transducer 50. The base ends (Z(-) direction ends) of each flexible wiring board 111 and 112 are connected to the signal cable 54, respectively. The signal cable 54 is inserted through the insertion section 12 and the universal cord 14, and is a cable member for sending and receiving various signals between the above-described system configuration device and the ultrasonic transducer 50.

[0065] Here, the signal cable 54 is constructed by bundling multiple cables 53 with an insulating outer sheath 59, and at its tip end (Z(+) direction side), the outer sheath 59 is removed, exposing each cable 53 in a loose wire state. Each of the loose cables 53 is connected to the base end of each flexible wiring board 111, 112.

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 4, each individual cable 53 exposed from the tip of the signal cable 54 is positioned in the region between the tip curved piece 32A, which is located at the very tip (Z(+) direction side) of the curved piece constituting the curved section 32, and the base end of the tip rigid section 34 (the part closer to the base end than the outlet 52). The joints between each individual cable 53 and each flexible wiring board 111, 112 (corresponding to the first cable joint 111D and the second cable joint 112D described later) are located at the base end of the tip rigid section 34.

[0067] The configuration of the flexible wiring board section 110 of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 4.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4, the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112, which constitute the flexible wiring board section 110, are arranged inside the rigid tip section 34. The first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 are arranged in a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis 38. Both the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 are formed in a crank shape (bent shape) that bends away from each other from the tip side (ultrasonic transducer 50 side) to the base end side (signal cable 54 side) at the position where the channel block component 70, which is incorporated inside the tip body block component 100, is arranged, and are arranged on both sides in the width direction (X direction) of the channel block component 70. In other words, the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 have a shape that is designed to prevent interference with the channel block component 70.

[0069] The first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 have a crank shape, which is bent in a direction away from each other as described above, making it easy to secure space for the channel block component 70 to be placed between them. Furthermore, by using the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 having such a crank shape, it is possible to improve the workability for electrically connecting the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the signal cable 54.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 are not partially bent or twisted, and as shown in Figure 4, they are flat along a plane (XZ plane) parallel to the longitudinal axis 38.

[0071] Here, we will describe the specific configurations of the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112. As mentioned above, the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 have shapes that are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis 38, and their basic shapes are the same. Therefore, we will mainly describe the configuration of the first flexible wiring board 111 as a representative example.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, the first flexible wiring board 111 includes a first transducer connection section 111A, a first intermediate connection section 111B, and a first offset wiring section 111C.

[0073] The first transducer connection section 111A is an example of the transducer connection section (first transducer connection section) of the present invention, and is a part that constitutes the tip side (the side on which the ultrasonic transducer 50 is arranged) of the first flexible wiring board 111. The first transducer connection section 111A is electrically connected to the electrodes (not shown) of the ultrasonic transducer 50. Furthermore, the first transducer connection section 111A is positioned closer to the longitudinal axis 38 than the first offset wiring section 111C, which will be described later.

[0074] The first offset wiring section 111C is an example of the offset wiring section (first offset wiring section) of the present invention, and is a part that constitutes the base end side (the side on which the signal cable 54 is arranged) of the first flexible wiring board 111. The first offset wiring section 111C is offset from the first transducer connection section 111A to a position further away from the longitudinal axis 38 in the X(+) direction (the radially outward direction of the longitudinal axis 38). The first offset wiring section 111C is formed to extend along the channel block component 70 at a position adjacent to the channel block component 70.

[0075] The first intermediate connection section 111B is an example of an intermediate connection section (first intermediate connection section) of the present invention, and is a part that constitutes a connection section connecting the first transducer connection section 111A and the first offset wiring section 111C. In the example shown in Figure 4, the first intermediate connection section 111B is formed extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38 (X(+) direction), but it is not limited to this, and may be formed inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis 38. The same applies to the second intermediate connection section 112B, which will be described later.

[0076] The first offset wiring section 111C has a first cable joint section 111D on its base end side (opposite to the first intermediate connection section 111B). The first cable joint section 111D is an example of a cable joint section of the present invention and is the part to which the loose wire cable 53 is joined. The first cable joint section 111D is located inside the tip body block component 100. By joining the loose wire cable 53 to the first cable joint section 111D, the first flexible wiring board 111 and the cable 53 are electrically joined. The cable 53 and the first cable joint section 111D are electrically joined, for example, by solder or conductive adhesive. In addition, an insulating member 130 is provided on the first cable joint section 111D so as to cover the joined portion of the cable 53.

[0077] The insulating member 130 is an example of the insulating member of the present invention and is applied to the joint portion of the cable 53 at the first cable joint 111D by potting or the like. The insulating member 130 is not particularly limited as long as it is a resin material that can ensure insulation performance between the metal channel block component 70 and the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112. For example, silicone resin, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide resin, urethane resin, etc. can be applied as appropriate. In addition, as shown by the dashed rectangle in Figure 4, a covering member 132 may be provided to fit the loose wire-like cable 53 exposed from the outer sheath 59 and the insulating member 130. In this case, the insulating performance can be improved by the covering member 132. The covering member 132 is, for example, a heat shrink tubing.

[0078] The second flexible wiring board 112 has a shape that is symmetrical to the first flexible wiring board 111 across the longitudinal axis 38, and is arranged separately from the first flexible wiring board 111, but its basic configuration is the same as that of the first flexible wiring board 111. That is, the second flexible wiring board 112 comprises a second transducer connection section 112A, a second intermediate connection section 112B, and a second offset wiring section 112C, and the fact that the second offset wiring section 112C has a second cable joint section 112D (including an insulating member 130) is common to the first flexible wiring board 111. The second transducer connection section 112A, the second intermediate connection section 112B, the second offset wiring section 112C, and the second cable joint section 112D are examples of the transducer connection section (second transducer connection section), intermediate connection section (second intermediate connection section), offset wiring section (second offset wiring section), and cable joint section of the present invention, respectively.

[0079] The differences between the second flexible wiring board 112 and the first flexible wiring board 111 are as follows: In the second flexible wiring board 112, the second offset wiring section 112C is offset from the first offset wiring section 111C in the first flexible wiring board 111 to the opposite side (X(-) direction side) across the longitudinal axis 38. Also, the second intermediate connection section 112B extends in the opposite direction (X(-) direction) to the first offset wiring section 111C in the first flexible wiring board 111.

[0080] According to the flexible wiring board section 110 (first flexible wiring board 111 and second flexible wiring board 112) of this embodiment configured in this way, the following effects can be obtained.

[0081] According to this embodiment, the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 constituting the flexible wiring board section 110 are each formed in a crank shape in a direction away from each other from the longitudinal axis 38. That is, the distance between the first offset wiring section 111C and the second offset wiring section 112C is greater than the distance between the first transducer connection section 111A and the second transducer connection section 112A. Therefore, when performing work to electrically connect the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the signal cable 54, connecting them using the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 makes it possible to easily avoid interference with the channel block component 70 without having to spend time styling the cable, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0082] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first cable joint 111D and the second cable joint 112D, located on the base end side of the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 respectively, are located inside the tip body block component 100, and the joint portion of the loose wire cable 53 is covered with an insulating member 130. Therefore, even if the curved portion 32 repeatedly performs bending movements, the first cable joint 111D and the second cable joint 112D are structured to be less directly affected by the bending movements, thereby suppressing disconnection with the cable 53 and ensuring insulation performance between the metal channel block component 70 and the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112.

[0083] Therefore, according to this embodiment, by adopting a configuration in which the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the signal cable 54 are electrically connected using the flexible wiring board section 110 (first flexible wiring board 111 and second flexible wiring board 112) configured as described above, even the miniaturized rigid tip section 34 (tip body block component 100) can be easily inserted into the flexible wiring board section 110 while avoiding interference with the components (channel block component 70) arranged inside it, thereby improving manufacturability.

[0084] In this embodiment, a preferred configuration is shown in which the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 constituting the flexible wiring board portion 110 have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis 38. However, it is sufficient that they have at least the crank shape described above, and they do not necessarily have to have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a line. Furthermore, the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 may have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a straight line different from the longitudinal axis 38 (for example, a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis 38).

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a preferred configuration is shown in which the flexible wiring board section 110 comprises a first flexible wiring board 111 and a second flexible wiring board 112. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and may consist of only one of the flexible wiring boards, the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112.

[0086] <Variation> The following describes some modified examples of this embodiment.

[0087] (First variation) Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the first modified example. In Figure 5, parts common to the embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0088] The first modified example shown in Figure 5 is one in which the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112, which constitute the flexible wiring board section 110 in this embodiment, are stacked in multiple layers in the thickness direction (Y direction). Figure 5 shows an example in which two flexible wiring board sections 110 are stacked, but three or more may be stacked. As shown in Figure 4, since there are limitations in the width direction (X direction) of the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 to avoid interference with the channel block component 70, stacking multiple flexible wiring board sections 110 in the thickness direction (Y direction) makes it easy to accommodate multi-channel ultrasonic transducer 50. In addition, since it is possible to prevent each flexible wiring board section 110 from becoming too wide, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the limited space inside the rigid tip section 34, and it becomes possible to reduce the diameter of the rigid tip section 34.

[0089] (Second variation) Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example. In Figure 6, parts common to the embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0090] The second modified example shown in Figure 6 is the first modified example described above, in which the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 constituting the flexible wiring board section 110 are further shifted and arranged in a direction closer to the longitudinal axis 38. That is, compared to the configuration shown in the first modified example, the multiple (two in this example) first flexible wiring boards 111 that overlap in the thickness direction (Y direction) are shifted in the X(-) direction, and the multiple (two in this example) second flexible wiring boards 112 that overlap in the thickness direction (Y direction) are shifted in the X(+) direction. The first transducer connection portion 111A of each first flexible wiring board 111 and the second transducer connection portion 112A of each second flexible wiring board 112 are arranged to overlap alternately in the thickness direction (Y direction). In the second modified example, although the space for the component (channel block component 70) placed between the first offset wiring section 111C and the second offset wiring section 112C is narrower compared to the first modified example, the maximum width between the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 (maximum width in the X direction) can be made smaller compared to the first modified example, making it possible to reduce the diameter of the tip rigid section 34.

[0091] (Third variation) Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a third modified example. In Figure 7, parts common to the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0092] In this embodiment, as described above, the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 constituting the flexible wiring board section 110 are not partially bent or twisted, and as shown in Figure 4, they are flat along a plane (XZ plane) parallel to the longitudinal axis 38. That is, in the first flexible wiring board 111 of this embodiment, the plane direction of the first transducer connection section 111A and the first offset wiring section 111C are in the same direction, and the same applies to the second flexible wiring board 112.

[0093] In contrast, in the third modified example, parts of the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 are bent or twisted, and the surface directions of the first offset wiring section 111C and the second offset wiring section 112C are oriented in a different direction than in this embodiment.

[0094] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the first flexible wiring board 111 is bent or twisted along a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis 38 at the boundary between the first intermediate connection portion 111B and the first offset wiring portion 111C, and the plane direction (YZ plane) of the first offset wiring portion 111C is perpendicular to the plane direction (XZ plane direction) of the first transducer connection portion 111A and the first intermediate connection portion 111B.

[0095] The same applies to the second flexible wiring board 112, where the boundary portion between the second intermediate connection portion 112B and the second offset wiring portion 112C is bent or twisted along a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis 38, and the plane direction (YZ plane) of the second offset wiring portion 112C is perpendicular to the plane direction (XZ plane direction) of the second transducer connection portion 112A and the second intermediate connection portion 112B.

[0096] In other words, the planar directions of the first offset wiring section 111C and the second offset wiring section 112C are perpendicular to the planar direction (XZ plane direction) of the opening forming surface 71 (see Figure 2) where the outlet 52 of the treatment tool is formed.

[0097] Furthermore, the portions of the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 that are bent or twisted are not limited to the boundary portion described above, but may also be, for example, intermediate portions in the extension direction of the first intermediate connection portion 111B and the second intermediate connection portion 112B.

[0098] As described above, according to this third modification, a portion of the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 is bent or twisted to arrange the surface directions of the first offset wiring section 111C and the second offset wiring section 112C in a direction that is at least perpendicular (including substantially perpendicular) to the surface directions of the first transducer connection section 111A and the second transducer connection section 112A (i.e., the surface direction of the opening forming surface 71). This makes it possible to secure a wider space for the components (channel block components 70) that are placed between the first offset wiring section 111C and the second offset wiring section 112C. In addition, the maximum width between the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 (maximum width in the X direction) can be reduced, making it possible to reduce the diameter of the tip rigid section 34.

[0099] (Fourth variation) Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a fourth modified example. In Figure 8, parts common to the embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0100] In this embodiment, the flexible wiring board section 110 is composed of two flexible wiring boards 111 and 112 (the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112), whereas in the fourth modified example, the flexible wiring board section 110 is composed of one flexible wiring board 113. In the fourth modified example, the flexible wiring board 113 that constitutes the flexible wiring board section 110 corresponds to replacing the first transducer connection portion 111A of the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second transducer connection portion 112A of the second flexible wiring board 112 in this embodiment with a single common transducer connection portion 120.

[0101] In other words, the flexible wiring board 113 in the fourth modified example includes a common transducer connection portion 120 located on its tip side (ultrasonic transducer 50 side). This flexible wiring board 113 includes a first intermediate connection portion 111B and a second intermediate connection portion 112B connected to the base end side of the common transducer connection portion 120 so as to branch away from each other. The first offset wiring portion 111C is connected to the first intermediate connection portion 111B, and the second offset wiring portion 112C is connected to the second intermediate connection portion 112B. The configuration of the first cable joint portion 111D and the second cable joint portion 112D (including the insulating member 130) provided on the base end side of the first offset wiring portion 111C and the second offset wiring portion 112C, respectively, is the same as in this embodiment.

[0102] In the fourth modified example, as in the embodiment described above, even with a reduced diameter rigid tip portion 34 (tip body block component 100), it can be easily inserted into the flexible wiring board portion 110 while avoiding interference with the components (channel block component 70) arranged inside it, thereby improving manufacturability.

[0103] (Fifth variation) Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a fifth modified example. In Figure 9, parts common to the embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0104] The fifth modified example shown in Figure 9, similar to the first modified example described above, involves stacking multiple flexible wiring boards 113 (two in this example) in the thickness direction (Y direction) of the flexible wiring board section 110 in the fourth modified example. This makes it easy to accommodate multi-channel ultrasonic transducers 50. Furthermore, since the width of the flexible wiring board section 110 (flexible wiring board 113) can be prevented, the limited space inside the rigid tip section 34 can be effectively utilized, making it possible to reduce the diameter of the rigid tip section 34.

[0105] (Sixth variation) Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a sixth modified example. In Figure 10, parts common to the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. In Figure 10, only the first flexible wiring board 111 is shown as a representative of the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 that constitute the flexible wiring board section 110.

[0106] As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the sixth modified example of the first flexible wiring board 111 includes a first transducer connection section 111A, a first intermediate connection section 111B, and a first offset wiring section 111C. The first offset wiring section 111C has a first cable connection section 111D to which a loose wire cable 53 is joined, and the first cable connection section 111D is covered by an insulating member 130, similar to the embodiment. However, it differs from the embodiment in that the first offset wiring section 111C is cylindrical (see Figure 10A) or rectangular tube (Figure 10B) and is arranged inside the tip rigid section 34 (tip body block component 100). Note that not all of the first offset wiring section 111C, but only a part of it, may be cylindrical or rectangular tube. The same applies to the second flexible wiring board 112.

[0107] According to the sixth modification, compared to this embodiment in which the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 constituting the flexible wiring board section 110 are arranged in a flat state, the degree of freedom in arranging the flexible wiring board section 110 is increased, space can be further reduced, and insertion into the small-diameter tip body block component 100 becomes easier. This modification can also be applied to the flexible wiring board 113 in the fourth and fifth modifications described above.

[0108] <Other Inventions> Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another invention.

[0109] In all of the embodiments and modifications described above, the first cable joint 111D and the second cable joint 112D are located inside the tip body block component 100, and the joint portion of the loose wire cable 53 is covered with an insulating member 130. However, as shown in Figure 11, the first cable joint 111D and the second cable joint 112D (including the insulating member 130) may be located inside the tip curved piece 32A, which is the tipmost of the curved pieces that make up the curved section 32. The tip curved piece 32A is a component fixed to the tip body block component 100, and even when the curved section 32 is curved, it is less affected by the bending motion of the curved section 32 compared to the other curved pieces located closer to the base end than the tip curved piece 32A. Therefore, even in this configuration, it is possible to suppress disconnection between the first cable joint 111D and the second cable joint 112D and the cable 53.

[0110] In the example shown in Figure 11, similar to the third modified example (see Figure 7), parts of the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 constituting the flexible wiring board portion 110 are bent or twisted. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, similar to this embodiment (see Figure 4), the first flexible wiring board 111 and the second flexible wiring board 112 may be flat along a plane (XZ plane) parallel to the longitudinal axis 38. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. Ultrasound Endoscope 10 Control section 12 Insertion part 14 Universal Code 16 Angle Lever 22 Suction Buttons 23 Instrument insertion channel 24 Instrument entry port 25-channel connecting tube 30 Soft part 32 Curved section 32A Curved tip die 34 Tip rigid part 34a Ultrasonic mounting section 34b Outlet forming part 34c Main body 38 Long axis 40 Observation Optical System 40a Observation window 44 Illumination optical system 44a Lighting window 50 Ultrasonic Transducers 52 Outlet 53 Cables 54 signal cables 56 Signal Cables 58 Light Guide 59 Hull 60 ultrasonic block components 62 Optical system block component mounting section 65 Mounting opening 66 Guide section 68 Groove 70 channel block components 71 Aperture forming surface 72 Flange surface 77 Adhesive groove 80 Optical Block Components 81 Channel block component mounting section 81a plane 81b Support surface 82 Optical System Storage Section 84 Convex 85 Step surface 86 Guided part 87 Adhesive groove 88 Groove 89 Storage opening 90 Continuous Planes 100 Tip body block parts 110 Flexible Wiring Board Section 111 First Flexible Wiring Board 111A First transducer connection section 111B First intermediate connection section 111C First Offset Wiring Section 111D First cable joint 112 Second Flexible Wiring Board 112A Second transducer connection section 112B Second intermediate connection section 112C Second Offset Wiring Section 112D Second cable joint 113 Flexible Wiring Board 130 Insulating material 132 Covering member

Claims

1. An ultrasound endoscope equipped with an ultrasonic transducer at its tip, The rigid tip section on which the ultrasonic transducer, observation optical system, and illumination optical system are arranged, The aforementioned rigid tip is provided with a treatment tool outlet for discharging the treatment tool, A flexible wiring board portion is disposed inside the aforementioned rigid tip portion and connected to the ultrasonic transducer, Equipped with, The flexible wiring board portion comprises a transducer connection portion located on one side that is the ultrasonic transducer side, an offset wiring portion located on the other side opposite to the one side and offset from the transducer connection portion at a position further outward from the longitudinal axis of the tip portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and formed along the treatment tool outlet, and an intermediate connection portion connecting the transducer connection portion and the offset wiring portion. The offset wiring section has a cable joint on the opposite side from the intermediate connection section to which a loose wire cable is joined, and the cable joint is covered with an insulating material. Endoscopic ultrasound.

2. The flexible wiring board portion includes, as the offset wiring portion, a first offset wiring portion and a second offset wiring portion that are offset from the longitudinal axis in opposite directions. The treatment tool outlet is positioned between the first offset wiring section and the second offset wiring section. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1.

3. The flexible wiring board portion has, as the intermediate connection portion, a first intermediate connection portion and a second intermediate connection portion that extend in opposite directions outward from the transducer connection portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, The first intermediate connection section and the first offset wiring section are connected, and the second intermediate connection section and the second offset wiring section are connected. Ultrasound endoscope according to claim 2.

4. The flexible wiring board section has a first transducer connection section and a second transducer connection section, which are arranged separately from each other, as the transducer connection section. The first transducer connection section and the first intermediate connection section are connected, and the second transducer connection section and the second intermediate connection section are connected. The ultrasound endoscope according to claim 3.

5. The flexible wiring board section comprises a first flexible wiring board and a second flexible wiring board, which are arranged separately from each other. Ultrasound endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Multiple flexible wiring board sections are arranged to overlap in the thickness direction of the flexible wiring board sections. Ultrasound endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The plane direction of the offset wiring portion is the same as the plane direction of the transducer connection portion. Ultrasound endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The flexible wiring board portion is bent or twisted along a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis, The plane direction of the offset wiring portion is perpendicular to the plane direction of the transducer connection portion. Ultrasound endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The treatment tool outlet has an opening-forming surface, The surface direction of the offset wiring portion is perpendicular to the surface direction of the opening-forming surface. Ultrasound endoscope according to claim 8.

10. With at least a portion of the flexible wiring board portion being cylindrical or rectangular, the flexible wiring board portion is arranged inside the rigid tip portion. Ultrasound endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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