Ultrasonic devices, ultrasonic diagnostic equipment

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic device configured to obtain intended characteristics while using flip-chip packaging.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic device includes: a first substrate including a first surface on which a first electrode coupled to a piezoelectric element is placed; a second substrate including a second surface on which a second electrode is placed; an intermediate substrate placed between the first substrate and the second substrate and including a third surface joined to the first surface, and a fourth surface facing the second surface; and a bonding portion. The intermediate substrate has a through hole penetrating from the third surface to the fourth surface, and a third electrode provided in the through hole and coupled to the first electrode. The second electrode is coupled to the third electrode and electrically coupled to the first electrode via the third electrode. A plurality of bonding portions are provided in island shapes apart from one another between the second substrate and the intermediate substrate. At least one of the bonding portions is provided to surround the third electrode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic device and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including the ultrasonic device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, ultrasonic diagnostic devices using ultrasonic transducers in a probe are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic device in which a probe is provided with an ultrasonic device in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged in an array.

[0003] According to this document, a connection terminal is provided on the surface of the ultrasonic device, which is the surface from which ultrasonic waves are emitted, and a flexible substrate is connected to the connection terminal, and a driving pulse signal is supplied via the flexible substrate. In addition, a rigid first reinforcing plate is bonded and fixed to the back surface of the ultrasonic device, increasing the rigidity of the ultrasonic device. The flexible substrate for electrical connection is bent or overlapped and connected to a connector on the back surface of the ultrasonic device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-92592 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Flexible boards are difficult to handle, have poor mounting yields, and are difficult to automate, so their replacement with rigid boards is being considered. In detail, it is considered to provide connection pads on the first reinforcing plate on the back side of the ultrasonic device, and to make electrical connections by flip-chip mounting to the rigid board provided on the back side of the first reinforcing plate. In this case, it was common to fill the entire surface with NCP (Non Conductive Paste), such as epoxy adhesive, except for the joints between the electrodes of the rigid board and the connection bumps of the ultrasonic device. However, if the entire surface between the ultrasonic device and the rigid substrate is bonded with NCP, there is a problem that the characteristics of the ultrasonic transducer are affected. More specifically, the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic transducer changes. On the other hand, without NCP, it is difficult to ensure rigidity, and since the joint part including the connection bump is exposed to the air, there is a problem that migration due to the intrusion of moisture may occur. In other words, there has been a demand for an ultrasonic device or ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can obtain the desired characteristics (including rigidity) while using flip-chip mounting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An ultrasonic device according to one embodiment of the present application comprises a first substrate including a first surface on which a piezoelectric element and a first electrode connected to the piezoelectric element are arranged, a second substrate including a second surface on which a second electrode connected to a control circuit is arranged, an intermediate substrate arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate and including a third surface joined to the first surface and a fourth surface opposite the second surface, and an adhesive portion for adhering the second substrate and the intermediate substrate, wherein the intermediate substrate comprises a through hole penetrating from the third surface to the fourth surface, and a third electrode provided in the through hole and connected to the first electrode, wherein the second electrode is connected to the third electrode and is electrically connected to the first electrode via the third electrode, and the adhesive portion is provided in a plurality of islands spaced apart from each other between the second substrate and the intermediate substrate, and at least one of the adhesive portions is provided so as to surround the third electrode.

[0007] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present application includes the above-mentioned ultrasound device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an ultrasonic device. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the area around the connection pad. [Diagram 5] Cross-sectional view of the adhesive area. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic device. [Figure 7A] FIG. [Figure 7B] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an ultrasonic device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] EMBODIMENT 1 *** Overview of Ultrasound Diagnostic Equipment *** FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. First, the schematic configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0010] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of this embodiment is composed of a main body 10, a cable 12, a probe 13, and the like. The main body 10 is the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, and is composed of a display unit 15, a control board 16, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the display unit 15 is a liquid crystal panel with a touch panel, and also functions as an operation unit. The control board 16 is a control unit including a control circuit that controls the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic device 20 built into the probe 13. The cable 12 is a wiring cable that electrically connects the main body 10 and the probe 13 .

[0011] The probe 13 is a probe, and is composed of a case portion 17, an ultrasonic device 20, an acoustic lens 18, and the like. The case 17 is in the shape of a rectangular box, and on its surface, an acoustic lens 18 in the form of a cylindrical lens is provided. The acoustic lens 18 is made of a material having an acoustic impedance close to that of the subject's living body. In a preferred embodiment, the acoustic lens 18 is made of silicone resin. Note that the material is not limited to silicone resin, and any material having an acoustic impedance close to that of the living body may be used. Note that the direction along the long side of the rectangular case 17 is the X-plus direction, and the direction along the short side is the Y-plus direction. An ultrasonic device 20 is housed below the acoustic lens 18 in the case portion 17. The ultrasonic device 20 is a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. Details of the ultrasonic device 20 will be described later.

[0012] When performing an ultrasound diagnosis using the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100, the probe 13 is slowly scanned with the acoustic lens 18 side in contact with the living body of the subject. Ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasound device 20 are transmitted through the acoustic lens 18 and enter the living body. Ultrasonic waves reflected by the living body are received by the ultrasound device 20 through the acoustic lens 18. Then, in the main body 10, an image is generated based on the received ultrasonic wave signal, and the detection result is visualized and displayed on the display unit 15.

[0013] ***Ultrasonic Device Configuration*** Fig. 2 is a plan view of the ultrasonic device, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb in Fig. 2. 2, the ultrasonic device 20 has a rectangular shape in plan view, with the X-direction being the long side direction and the Y-direction being the short side direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic device 20 has a configuration in which an ultrasonic substrate 22 is laminated on a second substrate 31.

[0014] Return to Figure 2. The ultrasonic substrate 22 has a rectangular shape that is slightly smaller than the second substrate 31, and in the center thereof, an element array region 19 is provided in which a plurality of ultrasonic elements 7 are arranged in an array. 2, the ultrasonic elements 7 are arranged in four rows in the Y plus direction and five columns in the X plus direction. Note that this arrangement is not limited to this, and may be set appropriately depending on the size and specifications of the probe 13 (FIG. 1). Also, the row of ultrasonic elements 7 extending in the Y plus direction is defined as element row 7a, and from element row 7a toward the Y minus direction, the second row is defined as element row 7b, the third row is defined as element row 7c, and the fourth row is defined as element row 7d.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, one ultrasonic element 7 has a substantially square shape in plan view, and the square is partitioned by an opening 14. Note that in Fig. 2, the external appearance of the element array region 19 is illustrated on the X-positive side of the broken line, and the underlying wiring is illustrated transparently on the negative side of the broken line. The vibrating membrane 6 is exposed at the opening 14, and ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic element 7 are transmitted by vibration of the vibrating membrane 6. The vibrating membrane 6 also functions as a vibrating membrane when receiving ultrasonic waves.

[0016] On the Y minus side of the element array region 19, connection bumps 71 and 72 are arranged side by side in the X plus direction. The connection bumps 71 and 72 are connection terminals for electrically connecting the ultrasonic substrate 22 and the second substrate 31. More specifically, they are connection bumps for flip-chip mounting the ultrasonic substrate 22 to the second substrate 31. 2, the connection bumps 71 and 72 are surrounded by an adhesive portion 81. In addition, adhesive portions 82 and 83 are provided at two vertices on the Y positive side of the ultrasonic substrate 22.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line bb in Fig. 2, and shows the cross-sectional configuration of the ultrasonic element 7. As shown in Fig. 3, the ultrasonic substrate 22 has a configuration in which a first substrate 11 and an intermediate substrate 21 are laminated together.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, a silicon substrate is used as the first substrate 11. However, the substrate is not limited to a silicon substrate, and any hard rigid substrate may be used. A vibrating membrane 6 is provided on the negative Z side of the first substrate 11. In a preferred embodiment, the vibrating membrane 6 has a two-layer structure. Specifically, the first layer on the base material side of the first substrate 11 is a silicon oxide (SiO2) layer, and the second layer is a zirconium oxide (ZrO2) layer. The thickness of the vibrating membrane 6 is preferably set based on the resonance frequency of the ultrasonic waves to be transmitted and received. However, the structure is not limited to this, and any hard material that can resonate with ultrasonic waves may be used, and the vibrating membrane 6 may be configured as a single layer.

[0019] As described above, the first substrate 11 is provided with a plurality of openings 14. The ultrasonic element 7 is provided corresponding to the opening 14, and is composed of a vibration membrane 6, a piezoelectric element 5, and the like. The piezoelectric element 5 is composed of an electrode 2, a piezoelectric body 3, an electrode 4, and the like. The electrode 2 provided on the vibration membrane 6 is a driving electrode for the piezoelectric body 3, and is made of a conductive material. Examples of the conductive material that can be used include metal materials such as platinum (Pt), iridium (Ir), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), and stainless steel, tin oxide-based conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), zinc oxide-based conductive materials, oxide conductive materials such as strontium ruthenate (SrRuO3), lanthanum nickelate (LaNiO3), and element-doped strontium titanate, and conductive polymers.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, a piezoelectric layer made of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is used as the piezoelectric body 3 provided on the electrode 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any piezoelectric material having a similar amount of displacement may be used. The electrode 4 provided on the piezoelectric body 3 is a drive electrode for the piezoelectric body 3 and is made of the same conductive material as the electrode 2 .

[0021] The intermediate substrate 21 is a lid that covers the ultrasonic elements 7 so as not to impede the vibrations of the ultrasonic elements 7, and in a preferred embodiment, a silicon substrate is used. Note that the intermediate substrate 21 is not limited to a silicon substrate, and any hard rigid substrate may be used. As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate substrate 21 is provided with a plurality of recesses that partition the ultrasonic elements 7. The intermediate substrate 21 is adhesively fixed to the vibration membrane 6 of the first substrate 11. In a completed state of the ultrasonic substrate 22 in which the first substrate 11 and the intermediate substrate 21 are bonded, a space is formed below the ultrasonic element 7, similar to the space created by the upper opening 14. In this manner, by providing spaces above and below the ultrasonic element 7, a structure is achieved in which the vibration of the ultrasonic element 7 is not hindered.

[0022] The electrodes 2 of the ultrasonic elements 7 adjacent to each other in the X-positive direction are electrically connected by the first wiring 41. In a preferred example, the first wiring 41 is formed together with the electrodes 2 in the same process. 2, all of the electrodes 2 in the plurality of ultrasonic elements 7 constituting the element row 7a are electrically connected by a first wiring 41. The same is true for the element row 7b, element row 7c, and element row 7d. Similarly, in the column direction, the electrodes 4 of the ultrasonic elements 7 adjacent to each other in the Y minus direction are all electrically connected by the second wiring 42. Note that an insulating layer is provided between the first wiring 41 and the second wiring 42 to ensure insulation.

[0023] In this embodiment, a driving method is adopted in which a common driving signal is supplied to all ultrasonic elements 7 in the element array region 19, and ultrasonic transmission and reception are alternated in a time series. In detail, a common driving signal is supplied to all ultrasonic elements 7 via the connection bumps 71. In a preferred example, the driving signal is a burst wave driving signal, and is transmitted periodically with a reception time secured in a time series, so that ultrasonic transmission and reception are alternated. In addition, a common potential such as a ground potential is supplied to all ultrasonic elements 7 from the connection bumps 72.

[0024] ***Board-to-Board Joint Configuration*** FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line cc of FIG. Next, the joining configuration between the intermediate substrate 21 of the ultrasonic substrate 22 and the second substrate 31 will be described.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, two through holes 25 and 26 are formed in the intermediate substrate 21. A first electrode 27 is provided at the bottom of the through hole 25 in the first substrate 11. Similarly, a first electrode 28 is provided at the bottom of the through hole 26. In other words, the first electrodes 27 and 28 are provided on a first surface 51, which is the surface on the Z minus side of the first substrate 11. The first electrode 27 is electrically connected to the second wiring 42 (FIG. 2) by a wiring not shown. The first electrode 28 is electrically connected to the first wiring 41 (FIG. 2) by a wiring not shown. That is, the first electrodes 27 and 28 are electrically connected to the piezoelectric element 5 (FIG. 3). Then, a connection bump 71 made of a resin-based adhesive containing a metal filler is provided in the through hole 25. Similarly, a connection bump 72 is provided in the through hole 25. The connection bumps 71 and 72 are anisotropically conductive connection bumps, and when pressed and fixed to the second substrate 31, electrical connection can be ensured in the Z-axis direction. The connection bumps 71 and 72 correspond to third electrodes.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the connection bumps 71, 72 are made of a material containing silver filler in an epoxy resin adhesive. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any material having equivalent anisotropic conductivity may be used. For example, a urethane resin or silicone resin adhesive may be used as the resin adhesive. Furthermore, metals such as gold, copper, nickel, and tin, and metal oxides such as indium oxide may be used as the metal filler. Furthermore, the filler is not limited to a metal filler, and conductive fillers such as carbon fibers and nanotubes may be used.

[0027] In the second substrate 31, second electrodes 37 and 38 are provided at positions corresponding to the through holes 25 and 26. In other words, the second electrodes 37 and 38 are provided on a second surface 52, which is the surface of the second substrate 31 on the Z positive side. A through wire 91 is connected to the second electrode 37. The through wire 91 is electrically connected to the control board 16 (FIG. 1) via a wire extending from the back surface of the second substrate 31 to the outside and via a cable 12 (FIG. 1). Similarly, a through wire 92 is connected to the second electrode 38, and the through wire 92 is also electrically connected to the control board 16 (FIG. 1). In other words, the second electrodes 37 and 38 are connected to a control circuit of the control board 16 (FIG. 1). The second electrode 37 is a metal electrode, and in a preferred embodiment, has a three-layer structure of a Ni layer, a Pt layer, and a Au layer. The second electrode 38 is similar. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any metal that can be electrically connected to the connection bumps 71 and 72 may be used, and the second electrode 37 may have a one-layer structure.

[0028] In addition, in the intermediate substrate 21, a surface facing the first surface 51 of the first substrate 11 is a third surface 53, and a surface facing the second surface 52 of the second substrate 31 is a fourth surface 54. In other words, the intermediate substrate 21 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 31, and includes a third surface 53 joined to the first surface 51, and a fourth surface 54 facing the second surface 52. The intermediate substrate 21 includes through holes 25, 26 penetrating from the third surface 53 to the fourth surface 54, and connection bumps 71, 72 provided in the through holes 25, 26 and connected to the first electrodes 27, 28. The second electrodes 37, 38 are connected to the connection bumps 71, 72, and are electrically connected to the first electrodes 27, 28 via the connection bumps 71, 72.

[0029] 4, an adhesive portion 81 is disposed around the junction between the connection bump 71 and the second electrode 37. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive portion 81 uses an epoxy resin adhesive as the NCP. However, this is not limited to this, and any adhesive having the same insulating properties, moisture resistance, and adhesive properties as the epoxy resin adhesive may be used, for example, a urethane resin or silicone resin adhesive may be used.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line dd in FIG. 5, an adhesive portion 82 is provided between the intermediate substrate 21 and the second substrate 31 at the apex of the ultrasonic substrate 22. The adhesive portion 82 is made of the same adhesive as the adhesive portion 81. The adhesive portion 82 bonds between the second surface 52 of the second substrate 31 and the fourth surface 54 of the intermediate substrate 21. A portion of the adhesive portion 82 protrudes from the intermediate substrate 21 and is in contact with the side surface of the periphery. In other words, a portion of the adhesive portion 82 is also provided on the periphery of the intermediate substrate 21. Furthermore, a space is formed between the ultrasonic substrate 22 and the second substrate 31 where the adhesive portion 82 is not provided. In other words, a gap is provided between the ultrasonic substrate 22 and the second substrate 31 where the adhesive portion 81 and the adhesive portion 82 are not provided.

[0031] Return to Figure 2. In a plan view, the connection bump 71 has a rectangular shape with its long side extending in the X-positive direction. The connection bump 72 adjacent to the connection bump 71 also has a rectangular shape. The second electrode 37 (FIG. 4) overlapping the connection bump 71 is also formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The same is true for the second electrode 38 (FIG. 4) overlapping the connection bump 72. In other words, the connection bump 71 and the connection bump 72 are arranged side by side along one long side of the ultrasonic substrate 22.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the adhesive portion 81 is provided in a rectangular shape surrounding the connection bumps 71 and 72 in a plan view. That is, the rectangular adhesive portion 81 is provided along one long side of the ultrasonic substrate 22. The length of the adhesive portion 81 in the long side direction is more than half the length of the long side of the intermediate substrate 21. The adhesive portion 81 is also provided between the connection bumps 71 and 72. In addition, a part of the adhesive portion 81 protrudes from the long side of the ultrasonic substrate 22 on the negative Y side. In other words, a part of the adhesive portion 81 is also provided on the peripheral portion of the intermediate substrate 21. On the other hand, the long side of the adhesive portion 81 on the positive Y side does not overlap the element array region 19, and the adhesive portion 81 is provided at a distance from the element array region 19.

[0033] An adhesive portion 82 is provided at one end of the other long side of the ultrasonic substrate 22, and an adhesive portion 83 is provided at the other end. A part of the adhesive portion 82 protrudes from one vertex of the ultrasonic substrate 22. That is, it is in contact with the side surface of the long side and the side surface of the short side of the intermediate substrate 21 of the ultrasonic substrate 22. Similarly, a part of the adhesive portion 83 protrudes from the other vertex of the ultrasonic substrate 22. That is, it is in contact with the side surface of the long side and the side surface of the short side of the intermediate substrate 21 of the ultrasonic substrate 22. On the other hand, the adhesive portions 82 and 83 do not extend over the element array region 19, and the adhesive portions 82 and 83 are provided at a distance from the element array region 19. In other words, the adhesive portions 81, 82, and 83 are provided in a portion that does not overlap with the element array region 19 in a plan view. The adhesive portions 81, 82, and 83 are provided between the second substrate 31 and the intermediate substrate 21 in the form of islands spaced apart from one another, and at least one of the adhesive portions is provided so as to surround the connection bumps 71 and 72.

[0034] The adhesive parts 81, 82, and 83 are arranged in a truss shape with the element array region 19 in between. Specifically, the adhesive parts 82 and 83 are provided at the apexes of the base of a triangle with the center of the adhesive part 81 along one long side of the ultrasonic substrate 22 as the apex and the other long side as the base. This ensures the bonding strength between the ultrasonic substrate 22 and the second substrate 31 without inhibiting the vibration in the element array region 19. In other words, the adhesive parts 81, 82, and 83 are provided at at least three locations spaced apart from each other around the periphery of the element array region 19. Note that the number of locations is not limited to three, and the bonding parts may be provided at four or more locations.

[0035] ***Ultrasonic device manufacturing method*** Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic device, Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B are process diagrams taken along the cc cross section of Fig. 2. Here, the manufacturing method of the ultrasonic device 20 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 6, and also with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 4 as appropriate.

[0036] Step S1 prepares first substrate 11, intermediate substrate 21, and second substrate 31. More specifically, first substrate 11, intermediate substrate 21, and second substrate 31, each of which is manufactured in a separate process, are prepared.

[0037] In step S2, the first substrate 11 and the intermediate substrate 21 are bonded together. More specifically, the intermediate substrate 21 is adhered to the vibration membrane 6 of the first substrate 11. In a preferred embodiment, a silicone adhesive is used. Fig. 7A illustrates the ultrasonic substrate 22a in the manufacturing process in which the first substrate 11 and the intermediate substrate 21 are bonded together.

[0038] In step S3, connection bumps 71 and 72 are formed. More specifically, epoxy resin adhesive containing silver filler is filled into two through holes 25 and 26 of intermediate substrate 21, and then heated and cured. In a preferred embodiment, a dispenser is used to fill an appropriate amount of epoxy resin adhesive into through holes 25 and 26. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7B, connection bumps 71 and 72 are caused to protrude a certain amount from fourth surface 54. Then, the substrate is placed in a thermostatic chamber set at a predetermined temperature and heated to cure the epoxy resin adhesive, thereby forming connection bumps 71 and 72.

[0039] In step S4, NCP is applied. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, epoxy resin adhesive 79 is applied onto second electrodes 37, 38 of second substrate 31. In a preferred embodiment, a dispenser is used to apply an appropriate amount of epoxy resin adhesive 79 onto second electrodes 37, 38. In parallel, epoxy resin adhesive is also applied to portions that will become adhesive portions 82, 83. Alternatively, epoxy resin adhesive may be applied to ultrasonic substrate 22.

[0040] In step S5, the ultrasonic substrate 22 and the second substrate 31 are bonded together. In detail, as shown in Fig. 7B, a predetermined pressure is applied to the ultrasonic substrate 22 placed on the second substrate 31, and in this state, the substrate is placed in a thermostatic chamber set to a predetermined temperature and heated to harden the epoxy resin adhesive. In other words, the ultrasonic substrate 22 is flip-chip mounted on the second substrate 31. In this way, the ultrasonic device 20 in FIG. 4 is completed.

[0041] As described above, the ultrasonic device 20 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of this embodiment can provide the following advantages. The ultrasonic device 20 comprises a first substrate 11 including a first surface 51 on which a piezoelectric element 5 and first electrodes 27, 28 connected to the piezoelectric element 5 are arranged, a second substrate 31 including a second surface 52 on which second electrodes 37, 38 connected to a control circuit are arranged, an intermediate substrate 21 arranged between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 31 and including a third surface 53 joined to the first surface 51 and a fourth surface 54 opposite the second surface 52, and adhesive portions 81, 82, 83 that bond the second substrate 31 and the intermediate substrate 21. The intermediate substrate 21 has through holes 25, 26 penetrating from the third surface 53 to the fourth surface 54, and connection bumps 71, 72 as third electrodes provided in the through holes 25, 26 and connected to the first electrodes 27, 28, the second electrodes 37, 38 are connected to the connection bumps 71, 72 and are electrically connected to the first electrodes 27, 28 via the connection bumps 71, 72, and the adhesive portions 81, 82, 83 are provided in a plurality of islands spaced apart from each other between the second substrate 31 and the intermediate substrate 21, and at least one of the adhesive portions 81, 82, 83 is arranged to surround the connection bumps 71, 72.

[0042] According to this, unlike the conventional configuration in which the entire surface between the ultrasonic device and the rigid substrate is bonded, by bonding the second substrate 31 and the intermediate substrate 21 with spaced-apart island-shaped bonding portions 81, 82, 83, the bonding area between the two is reduced, thereby reducing the impact on the characteristics of the ultrasonic device 20. Furthermore, since the adhesive portion 81 is provided so as to surround the connection bumps 71, 72, the intrusion of moisture into the bonded portion including the connection bumps 71, 72 can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic device 20 that achieves the desired characteristics while using flip-chip mounting.

[0043] In addition, the piezoelectric element 5 is provided in contact with the vibration membrane 6, and has an element array region 19 in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements 5 are regularly arranged, and in a plan view, the adhesive portions 81, 82, and 83 are provided in portions that do not overlap with the element array region 19.

[0044] According to this, since no adhesive portion is provided in the element array region 19, the oscillation of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic elements 7 is not hindered, and desired characteristics can be obtained.

[0045] Further, in plan view, the intermediate substrate 21 has a rectangular shape, the element array region 19 is provided substantially in the center of the intermediate substrate 21, and the adhesive portions 81, 82, and 83 are provided in at least three locations spaced apart from each other around the periphery of the element array region 19.

[0046] According to this, the second substrate 31 and the intermediate substrate 21 are fixed together by three or more adhesive portions surrounding the element array region 19 in a plan view, so that the rigidity of the ultrasonic device 20, which is a composite structure, can be ensured. In particular, when the element array region 19 is sandwiched between adhesive parts 81, 82, and 83 arranged in a truss shape as shown in FIG. 2, the rigidity required for the structure can be ensured even with fixing at three points.

[0047] Moreover, the connection bumps 71 and 72 serving as the third electrodes are made of a resin adhesive containing a metal filler. According to this, due to the anisotropic conductivity of the connection bumps 71, 72, electrical connection between the first electrodes 27, 28 and the second electrodes 37, 38 can be reliably established.

[0048] The adhesive portions 81, 82, and 83 are made of an insulating resin adhesive. This makes it possible to prevent moisture from entering the bonding portion including the connection bumps 71 and 72, and also ensure electrical insulation.

[0049] Further, parts of the adhesive portions 81 , 82 , and 83 are also provided on the peripheral edge portion of the intermediate substrate 21 . According to this, the adhesive strength with the second substrate 31 can be further increased by the adhesive portion protruding from the peripheral edge portion of the intermediate substrate 21.

[0050] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 also includes an ultrasonic device 20 . This makes it possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 that can achieve desired characteristics while using flip-chip mounting.

[0051] EMBODIMENT 2 ***Different circuit configurations for ultrasonic devices*** FIG. 8 is a plan view of the ultrasonic device according to this embodiment and corresponds to FIG.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8, the ultrasonic device 120 of this embodiment has a rectangular shape elongated in the X-positive direction, and includes an element array region 119 in the center. The element array region 119 has a multi-channel configuration in which six element array regions 19 of the first embodiment are arranged in the X-positive direction. The ultrasonic device 120 has a configuration in which an ultrasonic substrate 122 is flip-chip mounted on a second substrate 131. The ultrasonic substrate 122 has a rectangular shape that is one size smaller than the second substrate 131. A plurality of connection bumps 171a to which a drive signal is input are provided on the Y-negative side of the element array region 119 in correspondence with the multi-channels. Similarly, a plurality of connection bumps 171b are provided on the Y-positive side of the element array region 119. The connection bumps 171a and 171b also function as receiving terminals for receiving signals of ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic elements 7.

[0053] Furthermore, connection bumps 172a and 172b to which a common potential is supplied are provided in the middle of the two short sides of the ultrasonic substrate 122. An adhesive portion 181a surrounding the multiple connection bumps 171a is provided along one long side of the ultrasonic substrate 122. Similarly, an adhesive portion 181b surrounding the multiple connection bumps 171b is provided along the other long side. Also, an adhesive portion 182a is provided around the connection bump 172a, and an adhesive portion 182b is provided around the connection bump 172b. Other than these points, the configuration is the same as that of embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the same components as those of embodiment 1 are given the same numbers, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0054] The adhesive portions 181a and 181b, and the adhesive portions 182a and 182b are disposed outside the element array region 119, independently in the shape of islands. The adhesive portions 181a and 181b are provided along the long sides of the ultrasonic substrate 122, and a portion of each of them protrudes outside the ultrasonic substrate 122. Similarly, the adhesive portions 182a and 182b are provided along the short sides of the ultrasonic substrate 122, and a portion of each of them protrudes outside the ultrasonic substrate 122.

[0055] In the ultrasonic device 120 having such a configuration, for example, the element array regions 19 in the element array region 119 can be alternately provided as transmission-only and reception-only. Alternatively, it is also possible to use odd-numbered element rows for transmission only and even-numbered element rows for reception only. Alternatively, various driving methods can be performed, such as providing a switching element for each ultrasonic element 7 and actively driving the ultrasonic elements 7 individually.

[0056] As described above, according to the ultrasonic device 120 of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In ultrasonic device 120, adhesive portions 181a, 181b, 182a, and 182b are provided in a plurality of islands spaced apart from one another between second substrate 131 and ultrasonic substrate 122, and each adhesive portion is provided so as to surround a corresponding connection bump.

[0057] According to this, by bonding the second substrate 131 and the ultrasonic substrate 122 with the spaced apart island-shaped bonding parts 181a, 181b, 182a, and 182b, the bonding area between the two is reduced, thereby reducing the influence on the characteristics of the ultrasonic device 20. Also, since the bonding parts are provided so as to surround the corresponding connection bumps, it is possible to prevent moisture from entering the bonding parts including the connection bumps. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic device 120 that achieves the desired characteristics while using flip-chip mounting. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 2...electrode, 3...piezoelectric body, 4...electrode, 5...piezoelectric element, 6...vibration membrane, 7...ultrasonic element, 7a to 7d...element row, 10...main body, 11...first substrate, 12...cable, 13...probe, 14...opening, 15...display section, 16...control substrate, 17...case section, 18...acoustic lens, 19...element array region, 20...ultrasonic device, 21...intermediate substrate, 22...ultrasonic substrate, 22 a...ultrasonic substrate, 25,26...through hole, 27,28...first electrode, 31...second substrate, 37,38...second electrode, 41...first wiring, 42...second wiring, 51...first surface, 52...second surface, 53...third surface, 54...fourth surface, 71,72...connection bumps, 79...epoxy resin adhesive, 81,82,83...adhesive portion, 91...through wiring, 92...through wiring, 100...ultrasonic diagnostic device.

Claims

1. a first substrate including a first surface on which a piezoelectric element and a first electrode connected to the piezoelectric element are disposed; a second substrate including a second surface on which a second electrode connected to a control circuit is disposed; an intermediate substrate disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and including a third surface bonded to the first surface and a fourth surface opposed to the second surface; an adhesive portion that adheres the second substrate and the intermediate substrate to each other; the intermediate substrate includes a through hole penetrating from the third surface to the fourth surface, and a third electrode provided in the through hole and connected to the first electrode, the second electrode is connected to the third electrode and is electrically connected to the first electrode via the third electrode; the adhesive portion is provided in a plurality of islands spaced apart from each other between the second substrate and the intermediate substrate, At least one of the adhesive portions is provided so as to surround the third electrode. Ultrasonic devices.

2. The piezoelectric element is provided in contact with a vibration membrane, a piezoelectric element array region in which a plurality of the piezoelectric elements are regularly arranged; The adhesive portion is provided in a portion that does not overlap with the element array region in a plan view.

10. The ultrasonic device of claim 1.

3. In plan view, the intermediate substrate is rectangular, the element array region is provided substantially in the center of the intermediate substrate, The adhesive portion is provided at least three positions spaced apart from each other around the periphery of the element array region.

3. The ultrasonic device according to claim 2.

4. the third electrode is a bump made of a resin-based adhesive containing a metal filler; An ultrasonic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The adhesive portion is an insulating resin-based adhesive. An ultrasonic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A part of the adhesive portion is also provided on the peripheral edge portion of the intermediate substrate. An ultrasonic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Equipped with an ultrasonic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

Images