Endoscopic ultrasound

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic endoscope capable of suppressing disconnection of a non-coaxial cable and improving a degree of freedom for wiring.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic endoscope includes: an insertion part including a tip part having an ultrasonic vibrator array in which a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators are arrayed and a soft part; a first cable having a plurality of first non-axial cables inserted into the insertion part; a base plate for electrically connecting the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators and a tip side of the first cable; a second cable disposed closer to a proximal end side than the first cable; and a relay board for electrically connecting the proximal end side of the first cable and the tip side of the second cable. The base plate and the relay board include an electrode pad. An electric junction formed of a signal line of the first non-coaxial cable and the electrode pad is collectively disposed for each of the first cable bundle. The relay board is disposed in the soft part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, ultrasonic endoscopes have been used in medical settings to observe conditions inside a subject's body by irradiating the body with ultrasonic waves and receiving and imaging the reflected waves.

[0003] Such an ultrasonic endoscope, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, comprises a tip portion having a piezoelectric element that constitutes an ultrasonic transducer, a bending portion and a flexible portion connected to the base end of the tip portion, a plurality of coaxial cables inserted through the bending portion and the flexible portion, and a wiring board that electrically connects the piezoelectric element and the coaxial cables. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-054962 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since a coaxial cable has a single insulating signal line surrounded by a shielding layer and an outer sheath, the outer diameter of the coaxial cable becomes large, making it difficult to reduce the diameter of the ultrasonic endoscope.

[0006] Therefore, it is conceivable to reduce the diameter of an ultrasonic endoscope by using a non-coaxial cable instead of this coaxial cable. However, since a non-coaxial cable does not have a shielding layer and an outer sheath for each signal line, there is a problem that the cable is easily broken when connected to a wiring board.

[0007] In addition, non-coaxial cables have a low degree of freedom in wiring when connecting to a board because they electrically connect multiple signal lines as a single set.Furthermore, when connecting a non-coaxial cable to a connector board at the base end, if the signal lines of the non-coaxial cable and the electrode pads on the connector board are arranged in a different order, electrical connection can be difficult.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope that can prevent breakage of non-coaxial cables and improve the degree of freedom in wiring. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The ultrasonic endoscope of a first aspect is an ultrasonic endoscope comprising: an insertion section including a tip end having an ultrasonic transducer array in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged; a first cable inserted into the insertion section; a substrate that electrically connects the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and the first cable; and a second cable that is located on the proximal side of the first cable and is electrically connected at its proximal end to a connector substrate, wherein the first cable has a first non-coaxial cable including a first cable bundle consisting of a plurality of signal lines and a plurality of ground lines and a first shielding layer that covers the first cable bundle; and an outer sheath that covers the second cable bundle consisting of a plurality of first non-coaxial cables. The device has a plurality of electrode pads each connected to an ultrasonic vibrator, and the electrode pads and the signal lines of the first cable bundle are electrically connected to form a plurality of first electrical junctions, and the plurality of first electrical junctions are arranged together for each first cable bundle. An relay board is arranged to electrically connect the base end side of the first cable and the tip end side of the second cable, and the relay board has a plurality of first cable side electrode pads corresponding to the signal lines included in the first cable bundle. The first cable side electrode pads and the signal lines of the first cable bundle are connected to form a plurality of second electrical junctions, and the plurality of second electrical junctions are arranged together for each first cable bundle.

[0010] In the ultrasonic endoscope of the second aspect, the second cable has a second non-coaxial cable including a third cable bundle consisting of a plurality of signal lines and a plurality of ground lines, a second shielding layer covering the third cable bundle, and an outer sheath covering a fourth cable bundle consisting of a plurality of second non-coaxial cables, the relay board has a plurality of second cable side electrode pads corresponding to the signal lines included in the third cable bundle of the second cable, the second cable side electrode pads and the signal lines of the third cable bundle are connected to form a plurality of third electrical junctions, and the plurality of third electrical junctions are arranged together for each third cable bundle, and the relay board electrically connects the plurality of second electrical junctions and the plurality of third electrical junctions, which are arranged in different orders, in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0011] In the ultrasonic endoscope of the third aspect, the connector substrate has a plurality of connector electrode pads corresponding to the signal lines included in the third cable bundle of the second cable, and the connector electrode pads are connected to the signal lines included in the third cable bundle to form a plurality of fourth electrical junctions, and the plurality of fourth electrical junctions are arranged together for each third cable bundle.

[0012] In the ultrasonic endoscope of the fourth aspect, the second cable is configured by collecting together a plurality of coaxial cables each having a signal line.

[0013] In the ultrasonic endoscope of the fifth aspect, the signal line included in the second cable has a larger outer diameter, a longer outer circumferential length, or both, than the signal line included in the first cable.

[0014] The ultrasonic endoscope of the sixth aspect has a fixing member that reinforces the relay board.

[0015] In the ultrasonic endoscope of the seventh aspect, the fixing member is a metal member, and the metal member is electrically connected to the first shield layer of the first non-coaxial cable.

[0016] The ultrasonic endoscope of the eighth aspect has an insulating coating member that covers the relay board.

[0017] In the ultrasonic endoscope of the ninth aspect, the relay board is disposed on the proximal end side of the distal end portion in the insertion section.

[0018] The ultrasonic endoscope of the tenth aspect has an operation section connected to the proximal end side of the insertion section, and the relay board is disposed in the operation section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the ultrasonic endoscope of the present invention, breakage of the non-coaxial cable can be prevented, and the degree of freedom in wiring can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic inspection system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope of FIG. 1 and its vicinity. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first non-coaxial cable. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first cable. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the electrical connection relationship between an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic processor device in an ultrasonic inspection system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the connection structure between the substrate and the first cable, and between the relay substrate and the first cable. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a connection structure between the relay board and the second cable. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a connection structure between the connector board and the second cable. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first form of electrical path between the substrate and the connector substrate. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second form of electrical path between the substrate and the connector substrate. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the relay board. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a preferred arrangement position of the relay board. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an insulating coating member provided on the relay board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasonic inspection system 10 that uses an ultrasonic endoscope 12 according to an embodiment.

[0023] 1, an ultrasound examination system 10 includes an ultrasound endoscope 12, an ultrasound processor 14 that generates ultrasound images, an endoscope processor 16 that generates endoscopic images, a light source 18 that supplies illumination light for illuminating the inside of the body cavity to the ultrasound endoscope 12, and a monitor 20 that displays ultrasound images and endoscopic images. The ultrasound examination system 10 also includes a water tank 21a that stores cleaning water and the like, and a suction pump 21b that sucks up material from the body cavity.

[0024] The ultrasonic endoscope 12 has an insertion section 22 that is inserted into the body cavity of the subject, an operation section 24 that is connected to the base end of the insertion section 22 and allows the surgeon to operate it, and a universal cord 26 that has one end connected to the operation section 24.

[0025] An air / water supply button 28a for opening and closing an air / water supply line (not shown) from the water supply tank 21a, and a suction button 28b for opening and closing a suction line (not shown) from the suction pump 21b are arranged side by side on the operation unit 24. The operation unit 24 also has a pair of angle knobs 29, 29 and a treatment tool insertion port 30.

[0026] The other end of the universal cord 26 is provided with an ultrasound connector 32a connected to the ultrasound processor device 14, an endoscope connector 32b connected to the endoscope processor device 16, and a light source connector 32c connected to the light source device 18. The ultrasound endoscope 12 is detachably connected to the ultrasound processor device 14, the endoscope processor device 16, and the light source device 18 via these connectors 32a, 32b, and 32c, respectively. The connector 32c is also provided with an air / water supply tube 34a connected to the water tank 21a and a suction tube 34b connected to the suction pump 21b.

[0027] The insertion section 22 has, in order from the tip side, a tip section 40 having an ultrasound observation section 36 and an endoscopic observation section 38, a bending section 42 connected to the base end side of the tip section 40, and a flexible section 43 connecting the base end side of the bending section 42 and the tip side of the operating section 24.

[0028] The bending portion 42 is remotely bent by rotating a pair of angle knobs 29, 29 provided on the operation portion 24. This allows the distal end portion 40 to be oriented in a desired direction.

[0029] The ultrasonic processor device 14 generates and supplies ultrasonic signals for generating ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic transducer array 50 of an ultrasonic transducer unit 46 (see FIG. 2) of the ultrasonic observation section 36, which will be described later. The ultrasonic processor device 14 also receives and acquires echo signals reflected from the observation target area to which the ultrasonic waves are radiated, using the ultrasonic transducer array 50, and performs various signal processing on the acquired echo signals to generate an ultrasonic image to be displayed on the monitor 20.

[0030] The endoscope processor device 16 receives and acquires an image signal captured by the endoscopic observation section 38 from the observation target area illuminated by illumination light from the light source device 18, and performs various signal processing and image processing on the acquired image signal to generate an endoscopic image to be displayed on the monitor 20.

[0031] The ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope processor device 16 are configured by two separate devices (computers). However, this is not limited to this, and both the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope processor device 16 may be configured by a single device.

[0032] In order to capture an image of the observation target area in the body cavity using the endoscopic observation section 38 and obtain an image signal, the light source device 18 generates illumination light such as white light or light of a specific wavelength consisting of three primary colors of light, such as red light, green light, and blue light, and propagates the light through a light guide (not shown) within the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and emits it from the endoscopic observation section 38 to illuminate the observation target area in the body cavity.

[0033] The monitor 20 displays an ultrasound image and an endoscopic image in response to the video signals generated by the ultrasound processor 14 and the endoscopic processor 16. The monitor 20 can be switched to display only one of the ultrasound images and the endoscopic image, or both images can be displayed simultaneously.

[0034] In the embodiment, the ultrasound image and the endoscopic image are displayed on one monitor 20, but a monitor for displaying the ultrasound image and a monitor for displaying the endoscopic image may be provided separately. Furthermore, the ultrasound image and the endoscopic image may be displayed in a display format other than the monitor 20, for example, on a display of a terminal carried by the surgeon.

[0035] Next, the configuration of the tip portion 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0036] Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the tip portion 40 and its vicinity shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2, which is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tip portion 40 cut along a center line along its longitudinal axis. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3, which is a transverse cross-sectional view of the tip portion 40 cut along a center line of the arc structure of the ultrasound transducer array 50 of the ultrasound observation unit 36.

[0037] 2 and 3, the distal end portion 40 is equipped with an ultrasonic observation section 36 for acquiring ultrasonic images at the distal end side and an endoscopic observation section 38 for acquiring endoscopic images at the proximal end side. In addition, the distal end portion 40 is provided with a treatment tool outlet 44 between the ultrasonic observation section 36 and the endoscopic observation section 38.

[0038] The endoscope observation section 38 is composed of an observation window 82, an objective lens 84, a solid-state image sensor 86, an illumination window 88, a cleaning nozzle 90, a wiring cable 92, and the like.

[0039] The treatment instrument outlet 44 is connected to a treatment instrument channel 45 that is inserted into the insertion section 22. A treatment instrument (not shown) inserted from the treatment instrument insertion port 30 in FIG. 1 is led out from the treatment instrument outlet 44 into the body cavity via the treatment instrument channel 45.

[0040] 2 to 4, the ultrasound observation section 36 includes an ultrasound transducer unit 46, an exterior member 41 that holds the ultrasound transducer unit 46, and a first cable 100 that is electrically connected to the ultrasound transducer unit 46 via a substrate 60. The exterior member 41 is made of a hard member such as a hard resin, and constitutes a part of the tip portion 40. The first cable 100 is inserted into the insertion section 22 (see FIG. 1).

[0041] The ultrasonic transducer unit 46 includes an ultrasonic transducer array 50 consisting of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48, an electrode 52 provided at the end of the ultrasonic transducer array 50 in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion 22), a backing material layer 54 supporting each ultrasonic transducer 48 from the underside, a substrate 60 arranged along the side surface of the backing material layer 54 in the width direction and connected to the electrode 52, and a filler layer 80 filled in the internal space 55 between the exterior member 41 and the backing material layer 54.

[0042] The structure of the substrate 60 is not particularly limited as long as it can electrically connect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 and the first cable 100 .

[0043] The substrate 60 may be, for example, a flexible substrate (also called a flexible printed circuit board (FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit))), a printed wiring circuit board (also called a PCB (Printed Circuit Board)) made of a rigid substrate with high rigidity that does not have flexibility, Or it is composed of a wiring board such as a printed wiring board (also called PWB (Printed Wired Board)). It is preferable that the above-mentioned method be implemented.

[0044] The ultrasonic transducer unit 46 has an acoustic matching layer 76 laminated on the ultrasonic transducer array 50, and an acoustic lens 78 laminated on the acoustic matching layer 76. That is, the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 is configured as a laminate 47 having the acoustic lens 78, the acoustic matching layer 76, the ultrasonic transducer array 50, and the backing material layer 54.

[0045] The ultrasonic transducer array 50 is composed of a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped ultrasonic transducers 48 arranged in a convex arc shape facing outward. This ultrasonic transducer array 50 is an array of 48 to 192 channels, consisting of, for example, 48 to 192 ultrasonic transducers 48. Each of these ultrasonic transducers 48 has a piezoelectric body 49.

[0046] The ultrasonic transducer array 50 has electrodes 52. The electrodes 52 have individual electrodes 52a that are independent of each other for each ultrasonic transducer 48, and a transducer ground 52b that is a common electrode shared by all of the ultrasonic transducers 48. In Fig. 4, the multiple individual electrodes 52a are arranged on the lower surfaces of the ends of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 48, and the transducer ground 52b is arranged on the upper surface of the ends of the ultrasonic transducers 48.

[0047] The substrate 60 has 48 to 192 wirings (not shown) that are electrically connected to the individual electrodes 52a of the 48 to 192 ultrasonic transducers 48, respectively, and a plurality of electrode pads 62 that are each connected to the ultrasonic transducers 48 via these wirings.

[0048] The ultrasonic transducer array 50 has a configuration in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 are arranged in a one-dimensional array at a predetermined pitch, for example. The ultrasonic transducers 48 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 50 are arranged at equal intervals in a convex curved shape along the axial direction of the tip portion 40 (the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion 22), and are sequentially driven based on a drive signal input from the ultrasonic processor device 14 (see FIG. 1). As a result, a convex electronic scan is performed over the range in which the ultrasonic transducers 48 shown in FIG. 2 are arranged as a scanning range.

[0049] The acoustic matching layer 76 is for matching the acoustic impedance between the object and the ultrasonic transducer 48 .

[0050] The acoustic lens 78 is used to converge the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transducer array 50 toward the observation target area. The acoustic lens 78 is formed of, for example, a silicone resin (such as millable silicone rubber or liquid silicone rubber), a butadiene resin, or a polyurethane resin. Furthermore, powders such as titanium oxide, alumina, or silica are mixed into the acoustic lens 78 as needed. This allows the acoustic lens 78 to achieve acoustic impedance matching between the subject and the ultrasonic transducers 48 in the acoustic matching layer 76, and also to increase the transmittance of the ultrasonic waves.

[0051] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the backing material layer 54 is disposed on the inside of the arrangement surface of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 48, i.e., on the back surface (bottom surface) of the ultrasonic transducer array 50. The backing material layer 54 is composed of a layer of a member made of a backing material. The backing material layer 54 mechanically and flexibly supports the ultrasonic transducer array 50, and also serves to attenuate ultrasonic waves that propagate to the backing material layer 54 side among ultrasonic signals that are emitted from the multiple ultrasonic transducers 48 or that are reflected from the object of observation and propagate. For this reason, the backing material is made of a rigid material such as hard rubber, and an ultrasonic attenuation material (ferrite, ceramics, etc.) is added as needed.

[0052] The filler layer 80 fills the internal space 55 between the exterior member 41 and the backing material layer 54, and serves to fix the substrate 60, the first non-coaxial cable 110, and various wiring portions. Furthermore, it is preferable that the acoustic impedance of the filler layer 80 matches that of the backing material layer 54 with a certain degree of accuracy or higher at the boundary surface with the backing material layer 54 so as not to reflect ultrasonic signals propagated from the ultrasonic transducer array 50 toward the backing material layer 54. Furthermore, it is preferable that the filler layer 80 be made of a material with heat dissipation properties in order to improve the efficiency of dissipating heat generated in the multiple ultrasonic transducers 48. If the filler layer 80 has heat dissipation properties, it receives heat from the backing material layer 54, the substrate 60, the first non-coaxial cable 110, and the like, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0053] According to the ultrasonic transducer unit 46 configured as described above, when each ultrasonic transducer 48 of the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is driven and a voltage is applied to the electrode 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 48, the piezoelectric body 49 vibrates to sequentially generate ultrasonic waves, which are then irradiated toward the observation target area of the subject. Then, by sequentially driving the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 with an electronic switch such as a multiplexer, ultrasonic waves are scanned within a scanning range along the curved surface on which the ultrasonic transducer array 50 is arranged, for example, within a range of about several tens of mm from the center of curvature of the curved surface.

[0054] Furthermore, when an echo signal reflected from the observation target area is received, the piezoelectric element 49 vibrates to generate a voltage, which is output as an electrical signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic echo to the ultrasonic processor 14. Then, various signal processing is performed in the ultrasonic processor 14, and the signal is displayed on the monitor 20 as an ultrasonic image.

[0055] 4 has a plurality of electrode pads 62 to which the plurality of individual electrodes 52a are electrically connected at one end, and a ground electrode pad 64 to which the vibrator ground 52b is electrically connected. Note that the first cable 100 is omitted from FIG. 4.

[0056] The electrical connection between the substrate 60 and the individual electrodes 52a can be established by, for example, a conductive resin material. Examples of the resin material include anisotropic conductive film (ACF) or anisotropic conductive paste (ACP), which are made by mixing fine conductive particles into a thermosetting resin and molding it into a film.

[0057] Another example of a resin material is a resin material in which conductive fillers such as metal particles are dispersed in a binder resin such as epoxy or urethane, so that the fillers form a conductive path after bonding. An example of such a resin material is a conductive paste such as silver paste.

[0058] 3, the first cable 100 includes a plurality of first non-coaxial cables 110 and an outer jacket 102 that covers the plurality of first non-coaxial cables 110. A signal line included in the first non-coaxial cables 110 is electrically connected to an electrode pad 62 on the substrate 60.

[0059] Next, the cross-sectional structure of the first non-coaxial cable 110 will be described with reference to Fig. 5, and then the cross-sectional structure of the first cable 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Here, the cross-sectional structure is a structure seen from a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction of the first non-coaxial cable 110 and the first cable 100.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 5, the first non-coaxial cable 110 includes a plurality of signal lines 112 and a plurality of ground lines 114. The signal line 112 includes, for example, a conductor 112a and an insulating layer 112b that covers the conductor 112a. The conductor 112a is, for example, a copper or copper alloy wire. The wire is plated with, for example, tin or silver. The conductor 112a has a diameter of 0.03 mm to 0.04 mm.

[0061] The insulating layer 112b can be made of a resin material such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), etc. The insulating layer 112b has a thickness of 0.015 mm to 0.025 mm.

[0062] The ground wire 114 is made of a conductor having the same diameter as the signal wire 112. The ground wire 114 is made of a copper or copper alloy wire, or a stranded wire made by twisting together multiple copper or copper alloy wires.

[0063] A first cable bundle 116 is formed by twisting together a plurality of signal wires 112 and a plurality of ground wires 114 .

[0064] The first non-coaxial cable 110 includes a first shield layer 118 that covers the first cable bundle 116. The first shield layer 118 can be made of an insulating film laminated with a metal foil via an adhesive. The insulating film is made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. The metal foil is made of aluminum foil or copper foil.

[0065] The first non-coaxial cable 110 is shielded by a first shield layer 118, with a plurality of signal lines 112 as one set. The signal lines 112 are handled as a first non-coaxial cable 110 unit.

[0066] 5, in the first non-coaxial cable 110 of the embodiment, the first cable bundle 116 is configured by twisting together seven wires: four signal wires 112 and three ground wires. One of the four signal wires 112 is arranged in the center. The remaining three signal wires 112 and three ground wires 114 are arranged adjacent to and around the central signal wire 112. However, the number of signal wires 112 and the number of ground wires 114, as well as their arrangement, in the first cable bundle 116 are not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 5.

[0067] 6, the first cable 100 includes a plurality of first non-coaxial cables 110. The plurality of first non-coaxial cables 110 form a second cable bundle 104.

[0068] The outer jacket 102 covers the second cable bundle 104. The outer jacket 102 can be made of a fluorine-based resin material such as extrusion-coated PFA, FEP, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The outer jacket 102 can be made of a wound resin tape (PET tape). Covering the second cable bundle 104 with the outer jacket 102 includes cases where the outer jacket 102 directly covers the outside of the second cable bundle 104 and cases where the outer jacket 102 is indirectly covered. Indirect covering involves placing another layer between the outer jacket 102 and the second cable bundle 104.

[0069] The first cable 100 of the embodiment includes, in order from the inside, a resin layer 106 and a second shield layer 108 between the outer sheath 102 and the second cable bundle 104. The resin layer 106 covers the second cable bundle 104. The resin layer 106 can be made of, for example, the above-mentioned fluorine-based resin material or resin tape.

[0070] The second shield layer 108 can be formed, for example, by braiding a plurality of wires. The wires are made of plated (tin-plated or silver-plated) copper wires or copper alloy wires.

[0071] The first cable 100 may not include either the resin layer 106 or the second shield layer 108 in addition to the above-described configuration, or may include only one of the resin layer 106 and the second shield layer 108.

[0072] The first cable 100 of the embodiment includes 16 first non-coaxial cables 110 and 64 signal lines 112. The numbers of the first non-coaxial cables 110 and signal lines 112 are not limited to these numbers.

[0073] As described above, unlike conventional coaxial cables, the first non-coaxial cables 110 included in the first cable 100 do not have a shielding layer and an outer sheath for each signal line 112. In particular, when the first cable 100 is configured using multiple first non-coaxial cables 110, the diameter of the first cable 100 can be made smaller than that of conventional coaxial cables. Furthermore, when the outer diameter of the first cable 100 is the same as that of a coaxial cable, the first cable 100 can include more signal lines 112 than that of a conventional coaxial cable.

[0074] Next, the electrical connection relationship between the ultrasonic transducer 48 and the ultrasonic processor device 14 in the ultrasonic inspection system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In order to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals in the ultrasonic transducer array 50, the ultrasonic transducer 48 and the ultrasonic processor device 14 are electrically connected. For this reason, the ultrasonic inspection system 10 includes, between the ultrasonic transducer 48 and the ultrasonic processor device 14, a substrate 60 electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer 48 of the tip portion 40, a connector substrate 150 electrically connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and disposed in the ultrasonic connector 32a, a relay substrate 160 disposed between the electrical paths between the substrate 60 and the connector substrate 150, a first cable electrically connecting the substrate 60 and the relay substrate 160, and a second cable 170 electrically connecting the relay substrate 160 and the connector substrate 150.

[0075] It is preferable that the relay board 160 is composed of a wiring board such as a printed circuit board (also called a PCB (Printed Circuit Board)) which is a rigid board with no flexibility and high rigidity, or a printed wiring board (also called a PWB (Printed Wired Board)).

[0076] The substrate 60 and the first cable 100 are electrically connected at the tip side of the first cable 100. The substrate 60 electrically connects the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 48 and the first cable 100. A signal line 112 (not shown) of a first non-coaxial cable 110 included in the first cable 100 is electrically joined to the substrate 60.

[0077] The relay substrate 160 and the first cable 100 are electrically connected to the base end side of the first cable 100. The signal line 112 (not shown) of the first non-coaxial cable 110 included in the first cable 100 is electrically joined to the relay substrate 160.

[0078] The relay substrate 160 and the second cable 170 are electrically connected at the tip side of the second cable 170. The relay substrate 160 electrically connects the base end side of the first cable 100 and the tip side of the second cable 170. The second cable 170 is electrically connected at the base end side of the second cable 170 to the connector substrate 150, which is closer to the base end than the first cable 100.

[0079] An electrical path is formed by the ultrasonic transducer 48, the substrate 60, the first cable 100, the relay substrate 160, the second cable 170, the connector substrate 150, and the ultrasonic processor device 14.

[0080] Next, the connection structure between the substrate 60 and the first cable 100, and the connection structure between the relay substrate 160 and the first cable 100 will be described.

[0081] 8, on the side of side 60a of the substrate 60, the resin layer 106 (not shown), the second shielding layer 108 (not shown), and the outer jacket 102 of the first cable 100 are removed to expose a plurality of first non-coaxial cables 110. Furthermore, on the side closer to side 60a of the substrate 60, the first shielding layer 118 of each first non-coaxial cable 110 is removed to expose a first cable bundle 116. The first non-coaxial cables 110 are arranged parallel to sides 60b and 60c that are perpendicular to side 60a.

[0082] When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate 60 (hereinafter referred to as a plan view), the substrate 60 and the first shield layer 118 overlap each other. The substrate 60 and the first shield layer 118 do not necessarily have to overlap each other.

[0083] A first cable bundle 116 formed by twisting together a plurality of signal wires 112 and a plurality of ground wires 114 is unwound at a tip 116a into the individual signal wires 112. The unwound signal wires 112 are electrically connected to the electrode pads 62 arranged on the substrate 60, forming a plurality of first electrical junctions 63. The tip 116a is the starting position for unwrapping the individual signal wires 112.

[0084] 8, the electrode pads 62 corresponding to each first non-coaxial cable 110 are arranged together. That is, the first electrical junctions 63 between the four signal lines 112 and the four electrode pads 62 are arranged together for each first cable bundle 116 on the substrate 60. In order to avoid disconnection of the signal lines 112 of the first non-coaxial cables 110, the distance between the first non-coaxial cables 110 and the electrode pads 62 is reduced.

[0085] In order to prevent disconnection of the signal line 112 even when a large load is applied to the first electrical junction 63, it is preferable to provide the first electrical junction 63 with a fixing member 130 that protects the first electrical junction 63. The fixing member 130 is preferably a highly rigid member. The fixing member 130 is preferably an insulating resin layer formed by adhesive curing or the like, a metal, or a resin member with high hardness. In particular, when the fixing member 130 is made of metal, radiated electromagnetic waves can be suppressed. Note that in some of the first cable bundles 116, the fixing member 130 on the substrate 60 is omitted for ease of understanding.

[0086] A ground electrode pad 64 is arranged on the substrate 60 in addition to the electrode pads 62. The ground wires 114 included in each first cable bundle 116 are electrically connected to the ground electrode pads 64. By electrically connecting the ground wires 114 to the ground electrode pads 64, the ground potentials of the multiple first cable bundles 116 can be made the same. Note that it is sufficient that at least one of the multiple ground wires 114 be electrically connected to the ground electrode pad 64. This is because the multiple ground wires 114 come into contact with each other in the first cable bundle 116. By reducing the number of ground wires 114 electrically connected to the ground electrode pads 64, the area occupied by the wiring can be reduced.

[0087] On the side 160a of the relay substrate 160, the first shield layer 118 of each first non-coaxial cable 110 is removed to expose the first cable bundle 116. The first non-coaxial cables 110 are arranged parallel to sides 160b and 160c that are perpendicular to side 160a. The relay substrate 160 includes first cable side electrode pads 162 that correspond to the signal lines 112 included in the first cable bundle 116. The signal lines 112 of the first non-coaxial cables 110 and the first cable side electrode pads 162 are electrically joined to form second electrical joints 163.

[0088] 8, the first cable electrode pads 162 corresponding to each first non-coaxial cable 110 are arranged together. That is, second electrical junctions 163 formed by four signal lines 112 and four first cable electrode pads 162 are arranged together for each first cable bundle 116 on the relay board 160. In order to avoid disconnection of the signal lines 112 of the first non-coaxial cables 110, the distance between the first non-coaxial cables 110 and the first cable electrode pads 162 is reduced.

[0089] Similarly to the first electrical junction 63, the second electrical junction 163 preferably includes a fixing member 130 that reinforces the second electrical junction 163 to prevent disconnection of the signal line 112 even when a large load is applied to the second electrical junction 163. The fixing member 130 is preferably a highly rigid member. The fixing member 130 is preferably an insulating resin layer formed by adhesive curing or the like, a metal, or a resin member with high hardness. In particular, when the fixing member 130 is made of metal, radiated electromagnetic waves can be suppressed. Note that in some of the first cable bundles 116, the fixing member 130 on the relay substrate 160 is omitted for ease of understanding.

[0090] When the fixing member 130 is a metal member, it is preferable to electrically connect it to the first shield layer 118 via a connecting member 132, for example.

[0091] Next, a description will be given of the connection structure between the relay substrate 160 and the second cable 170. As shown in Fig. 9, the relay substrate 160 has a second cable side electrode pad 164 on the base end side for electrically connecting to the second cable 170. The second cable side electrode pad 164 is arranged along the side 160d.

[0092] The second cable 170 has a structure similar to that of the first cable 100. The second cable 170 includes a plurality of second non-coaxial cables 180. The plurality of second non-coaxial cables 180 form a fourth cable bundle (not shown). The fourth cable bundle corresponds to the second cable bundle 104 of the first cable 100.

[0093] The second cable 170 includes an outer jacket 172 that covers a plurality of second non-coaxial cables 180. The outer jacket 172 is made of the same material and structure as the outer jacket 102 of the first cable 100.

[0094] The second non-coaxial cable 180 has a configuration similar to that of the first non-coaxial cable 110, and includes a plurality of signal lines 182 and a plurality of ground lines 184. The signal line 182 is composed of, for example, a conductor (not shown) and an insulating layer (not shown) that covers the conductor. The conductor and insulating layer of the second non-coaxial cable 180 are composed of the same material and structure as the conductor 112a and insulating layer 112b of the first non-coaxial cable 110. The plurality of signal lines 182 and the plurality of ground lines 184 are twisted together to form a third cable bundle 186. The third cable bundle 186 corresponds to the first cable bundle 116 of the first non-coaxial cable 110.

[0095] The second non-coaxial cable 180 includes a second shielding layer 188 that is wrapped around the third cable bundle 186. The second shielding layer 188 is made of similar materials and construction to the first shielding layer 118 of the first non-coaxial cable 110.

[0096] The second cable 170 may include a resin layer and a second shield layer of similar material and construction to the resin layer 106 and second shield layer 108 of the first cable 100 .

[0097] On the side 160d of the relay board 160, the second shield layer 188 of each second non-coaxial cable 180 is removed to expose the third cable bundle 186. The second non-coaxial cables 180 are arranged parallel to the sides 160b and 160c. The relay board 160 is provided with second cable side electrode pads 164 corresponding to the signal lines 182 included in the third cable bundle 186. The signal lines 182 of the second non-coaxial cables 180 and the second cable side electrode pads 164 are electrically joined to form third electrical joints 165.

[0098] 9, the second cable side electrode pads 164 corresponding to the second non-coaxial cables 180 are arranged together. That is, the third electrical junctions 165 formed by the four signal lines 182 and the four second cable side electrode pads 164 are arranged together for each third cable bundle 186 on the relay board 160.

[0099] Similar to the second electrical joint 163, the third electrical joint 165 is preferably provided with a fixing member 130 that reinforces the third electrical joint 165.

[0100] Next, a description will be given of the connection structure between the connector board 150 and the second cable 170. As shown in Fig. 10, on the side of side 150a of the connector board 150, the second shield layer 188 of each second non-coaxial cable 180 is removed, exposing the third cable bundle 186.

[0101] The connector substrate 150 includes connector electrode pads 152 corresponding to the signal lines 182 included in the third cable bundle 186. The connector electrode pads 152 are arranged along the side 150a. The signal lines 182 of the second non-coaxial cable 180 and the connector electrode pads 152 are electrically joined to form a fourth electrical joint 153.

[0102] 10 , the connector electrode pads 152 corresponding to the second non-coaxial cables 180 are arranged together. That is, the fourth electrical junctions 153 formed by the four signal lines 182 and the four connector electrode pads 152 are arranged together for each third cable bundle 186 on the connector substrate 150.

[0103] It is preferable that the fourth electrical junction 153 is provided with a fixing member 130 for protecting the fourth electrical junction 153 .

[0104] Next, a first form of the electrical path between the substrate 60 and the connector substrate 150 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. An electrical path is formed between the ultrasonic transducer 48 and the ultrasonic processor device 14 via the substrate 60, the first cable 100, the relay substrate 160, the second cable 170, and the connector substrate 150.

[0105] The ultrasonic processor device 14 transmits and receives ultrasonic signals to and from the ultrasonic transducers 48 to be driven, and therefore the ultrasonic processor device 14 and each ultrasonic transducer 48 are electrically connected in a one-to-one relationship.

[0106] For example, in order to identify each ultrasonic vibrator, an element number (1 to N) is assigned to the ultrasonic vibrator 48. The electrode of the ultrasonic vibrator 48 corresponding to the element number is electrically connected in a one-to-one relationship to the electrode of the ultrasonic processor device 14 having the electrode number corresponding to the element number.

[0107] In an actual ultrasonic endoscope 12, the electrode pads 62 of the substrate 60 that are electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer 48 are arranged in a predetermined position in order to, for example, suppress the occurrence of crosstalk. On the other hand, the arrangement of the connector electrode pads 152 of the connector substrate 150 is also arranged in a position determined by the ultrasonic processor device 14 to which it is connected. In particular, when using the first cable 100 including the first non-coaxial cable 110 and the second cable 170 including the second non-coaxial cable 180, it is important to align the arrangements of the electrode pads (electrode pads 62 and connector electrode pads 152) of the substrate 60 and the connector substrate 150.

[0108] Here, an example will be described in which there are 64 ultrasonic transducers 48. As shown in Fig. 11, electrode pads 62 (not shown) on the side of the ultrasonic transducers 48 are configured in a predetermined arrangement on the substrate 60. For example, on the substrate 60, the first electrical junctions 63 are arranged in the order of "1", "12", "32", "24", "21", "7", "9", "11", ... "64", which correspond to the element numbers of the ultrasonic transducers 48. Each first electrical junction 63 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer 48 corresponding to the element number at the tip portion 40 (not shown).

[0109] On the other hand, on the connector board 150, the fourth electrical junctions 153 are arranged in the order of "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8", ... "64" in accordance with the electrode numbers of the electrodes of the ultrasonic processor device 14. The first electrical junctions 63 and the fourth electrical junctions 153 are electrically connected to each other at the points having the same numbers (element number and electrode number).

[0110] It is also possible to electrically connect the substrate 60 and the connector substrate 150 using only the first cable 100 including the first non-coaxial cable 110. However, the first non-coaxial cable 110 requires handling four signal lines 112 as one set, and there is a concern that connection may be difficult if the arrangement of the electrode pads on the substrate 60 and the connector substrate 150 differs.

[0111] Therefore, in the embodiment, a relay substrate 160 is applied. As shown in Fig. 11, the substrate 60 and the relay substrate 160 are electrically connected by the first cable 100. The plurality of first electrical junctions 63 and the plurality of second electrical junctions 163 corresponding to each first non-coaxial cable 110 are electrically connected in a one-to-one correspondence and are arranged together. As a result, when the plurality of first electrical junctions 63 and the plurality of second electrical junctions 163 are compared, the respective arrangement orders are the same or nearly the same.

[0112] When viewed in units of the first non-coaxial cable 110, if the arrangement order of the plurality of first electrical junctions 63 and the plurality of second electrical junctions 163 is the same, the arrangement order can be said to be equal. In the embodiment, this is the case when the first electrical junctions 63 are arranged in the order of "1", "12", "32", and "24", and the second electrical junctions 163 are arranged in the order of "1", "12", "32", and "24".

[0113] When viewed as a unit of the first non-coaxial cable 110, even if the arrangement order of the multiple first electrical junctions 63 and the multiple second electrical junctions 163 arranged together is different, the arrangement order can be said to be approximately equal. For example, this would be the case if the first electrical junctions 63 are arranged in the order of "1," "12," "32," and "24," and the second electrical junctions 163 are arranged in the order of "1," "32," "24," and "12." This is because the first non-coaxial cable 110 allows different arrangement orders between the first electrical junctions 63 and the second electrical junctions 163 as long as the four signal lines 112 are treated as one set.

[0114] Furthermore, when viewed in units of the first non-coaxial cable 110, even if the order of arrangement of the multiple first electrical junctions 63 and multiple second electrical junctions 163 arranged together is different in position on the substrate 60 and the relay substrate 160, the order of arrangement can be said to be approximately the same.

[0115] For example, this is the case when the first electrical junctions 63 are arranged in the order of "1", "12", "32", and "24" in positions close to side 60b of substrate 60, and the second electrical junctions 163 are arranged in the order of "1", "12", "32", and "24" in positions close to side 160c of relay substrate 160. This is because the first non-coaxial cable 110 allows the positions of the first electrical junctions 63 relative to substrate 60 and the positions of the second electrical junctions 163 relative to relay substrate 160 to be different as long as the four signal lines 112 are treated as one set.

[0116] Furthermore, the connector substrate 150 and the relay substrate 160 are electrically connected by a second cable 170. The plurality of third electrical junctions 165 and the plurality of fourth electrical junctions 153 corresponding to each second non-coaxial cable 180 are electrically connected in a one-to-one correspondence and are arranged together. As a result, when the plurality of third electrical junctions 165 and the plurality of fourth electrical junctions 153 are compared, the respective arrangement orders are the same or nearly the same.

[0117] The plurality of third electrical junctions 165 and the plurality of fourth electrical junctions 153 can be arranged in the same order as the plurality of first electrical junctions 63 and the plurality of second electrical junctions 163 described above.

[0118] The first cable 100 and the second cable 170 are electrically connected to the relay substrate 160. The multiple second electrical junctions 163 and the multiple third electrical junctions 165 are arranged in different orders. This is because the multiple second electrical junctions 163 reflect the arrangement of the electrode pads 62 on the ultrasonic transducer 48 side, and the multiple third electrical junctions 165 reflect the arrangement of the connector electrode pads 152 on the ultrasonic processor device 14 side. On the other hand, the relay substrate 160 can electrically connect the multiple second electrical junctions 163 and the multiple third electrical junctions 165 arranged in different orders in a one-to-one correspondence. In the relay substrate 160, the second electrical junctions 163 and the third electrical junctions 165 are electrically connected by wiring (not shown) so that corresponding element numbers and electrode numbers match. By applying the relay board 160, even if the arrangement between the electrode pads differs between the board 60 and the connector board 150, the ultrasonic transducer 48 and the ultrasonic processor device 14 can be electrically connected using non-coaxial cables (first non-coaxial cable 110 and second non-coaxial cable 180).

[0119] Next, a second form of the electrical path between the substrate 60 and the connector substrate 150 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The second form of the electrical path applies a second cable 190 having a different structure from the second cable 170. The second cable 190 is configured by bundling together a plurality of coaxial cables 192 each having a signal line 194, for example, with an outer sheath 196. The coaxial cable 192 includes the signal line 194 at the center, and is configured by an insulating outer sheath provided on the outer layer of the signal line 194, a shielding layer provided on the outer layer of the outer sheath, and an insulating outer sheath provided on the outermost layer.

[0120] 12, the relay substrate 160 and the connector substrate 150 are electrically connected by a second cable 190. As in the first form of the electrical path, the relay substrate 160 can electrically connect a plurality of second electrical junctions 163 and a plurality of third electrical junctions 165 arranged in different orders in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0121] When second cable 190 is configured with a plurality of coaxial cables 192, third electrical junction 165 and fourth electrical junction 153 can be arranged in any order without any restrictions. This is because coaxial cables 192 have a structure that makes them less susceptible to breakage, and therefore can be electrically connected freely even if the arrangement of third electrical junction 165 and fourth electrical junction 153 is different.

[0122] In the first and second types of electrical paths, one relay board 160 is used, so the structure is simple, the number of parts can be reduced, and the relay board 160 can be made small.

[0123] Furthermore, it is preferable that signal line 182 included in second cable 170 and signal line 194 included in second cable 190 have a larger outer diameter, a longer circumferential length, or both, than signal line 112 included in first cable 100. When signal line 182 and signal line 194 have the above relationship with signal line 112, attenuation of the ultrasonic signal can be reduced throughout the entire electrical path. This is because, in general, a signal line having a larger outer diameter or a longer circumferential length, or both, can reduce the attenuation rate. In particular, in locations that do not enter the human body, there are no restrictions on the outer diameter or the like of the signal line, so the above configuration can be applied to signal lines 182 and 194 of second cables 170 and 190.

[0124] Next, a preferred embodiment of the relay board will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13(A) shows a first embodiment of the relay board, and Fig. 13(B) shows a second embodiment of the relay board. The relay board in Fig. 13 can be configured with multiple detachable relay boards.

[0125] 13(A), the relay board 200 is composed of a first relay board 200a and a second relay board 200b. The first relay board 200a has a board connector 200c. The second relay board 200b has a board connector 200d. In the relay board 200, the first relay board 200a and the second relay board 200b are configured to be detachable by the board connector 200c and the board connector 200d. In addition, the board connector 200c and the board connector 200d can be electrically connected by a cable (not shown).

[0126] 13(B), the relay board 210 is composed of a first relay board 210a, a second relay board 210b, and a third relay board 210c. The first relay board 210a has a board connector 210d. The second relay board 210b has a board connector 210e and a board connector 210f. The third relay board 210c has a board connector 210g. The board connector 210d and the board connector 210e allow the first relay board 210a and the second relay board 210b to be detachable from each other. The board connector 210f and the board connector 210g allow the second relay board 210b and the third relay board 210c to be detachable from each other. The board connectors 210d and 210e, and the board connectors 210f and 210g can be electrically connected by cables (not shown).

[0127] 13, the ultrasonic transducer 48 side and the ultrasonic processor device 14 side can be separated, so that only the necessary parts can be replaced during maintenance or repair, for example. Also, only the first relay boards 200a and 210a electrically connected to the first cable 100 can be made small, allowing the diameter of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 to be reduced.

[0128] Next, a preferred arrangement position of the relay board will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14(A) is a diagram showing a first arrangement position of the relay board 160, and Fig. 14(B) is a diagram showing a second arrangement position of the relay board 160.

[0129] As shown in Fig. 14(A), the relay board 160 is disposed inside the operation section 24 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12, which is surrounded by a dashed line. The operation section 24 has a relatively large space, which makes it easy to arrange the relay board 160. When disposing the relay board 160 in the operation section 24, not only the relay board 160 consisting of a single board but also the detachable relay boards 200 and 210 shown in Fig. 13 can be applied.

[0130] 14(B), the relay board 160 is disposed closer to the base end than the tip portion 40 in the insertion section 22. For example, the relay board 160 can be disposed inside the flexible section 43 surrounded by the dashed line.

[0131] Next, the insulating covering member 134 that covers the relay board 160 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0132] 15(A) is a plan view of the relay substrate 160, FIG. 15(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB, and FIG. 15(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC.

[0133] Since the ultrasonic vibrator 48 (not shown) is driven by a high voltage of about 40 V, it is preferable that the relay substrate 160 be covered with an insulating covering member 134 as shown in FIG. 15(A).

[0134] 15(B), the insulating covering member 134 is, for example, insulating tape. The relay board 160 can be sandwiched from both sides by the insulating covering member 134. Instead of insulating tape, an insulating tube can be used as the insulating covering member 134.

[0135] 15(C), the second electrical junction 163 and the third electrical junction 165 are preferably covered with an insulating covering member 134. This improves safety, as in the case of FIG. 15(B). The insulating covering member 134 preferably has a breakdown voltage of 2 kV or more.

[0136] Although the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 10 Ultrasonic Inspection System 12 Endoscopic Ultrasound 14 Ultrasonic processor 16. Endoscope processor unit 18 Light source device 20 monitors 21a Water tank 21b Suction pump 22 Insertion section 24 Control section 26 Universal Code 28a Air and water supply button 28b Suction button 29 Angle knob 30 Treatment tool insertion port 32a connector 32b connector 32c connector 34a Air and water supply tube 34b Suction tube 36 Ultrasound Observation Department 38 Endoscopic observation section 40 Tip 41 Exterior materials 42 Curved section 43 Soft part 44 Treatment tool outlet 45 Treatment tool channel 46 Ultrasonic transducer unit 47 Laminate 48 Ultrasonic transducer 49 Piezoelectric 50 Ultrasound transducer array 52 electrodes 52a Individual electrode 52b Resonator ground 54 Backing material layer 55 Interior Space 60 boards Around 60a Around 60b Around 60c 62 Electrode Pads 63 First Electrical Junction 64 Ground electrode pad 76 Acoustic matching layer 78 Acoustic Lens 80 Filler layer 82 Observation window 84 Objective Lens 86 Solid-state imaging device 88 Lighting window 90 Cleaning nozzle 92 Wiring cable 100 First Cable 102 Hull 104 Second Cable Bundle 106 Resin layer 108 Second Shield Layer 110 First non-coaxial cable 112 signal line 112a conductor 112b insulating layer 114 Grand Line 116 First Cable Bundle 116a tip 118 First Shield Layer 130 Fixing member 132 connecting member 134 Insulating coating material 150 Connector board Around 150a 152 Connector electrode pad 153 Fourth Electrical Junction 160 Relay board Around 160a Around 160b Around 160c 160d side 162 First cable side electrode pad 163 Second Electrical Junction 164 Second cable side electrode pad 165 Third Electrical Junction 170 Second Cable 172 Hull 180 Second non-coaxial cable 182 signal line 184 Grand Line 186 Third Cable Bundle 188 Second Shield Layer 190 Second Cable 192 Coaxial Cable 194 Signal Line 196 Hull 200 Relay board 200a First relay board 200b Second relay board 200c PCB Connector 200d PCB Connector 210 Relay board 210a First relay board 210b Second relay board 210c Third relay board 210d PCB Connector 210e PCB Connector 210f PCB Connector 210g PCB Connector

Claims

1. an insertion section including a tip section having an ultrasound transducer array in which a plurality of ultrasound transducers are arranged; a first cable inserted through the insertion portion; a substrate that electrically connects the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to the tip end side of the first cable; a second cable disposed closer to a base end than the first cable, the second cable having a base end electrically connected to a connector board; a relay board that electrically connects a base end side of the first cable and a tip end side of the second cable; An ultrasonic endoscope comprising: The first cable includes: a plurality of first non-coaxial cables, each including a first cable bundle including a plurality of signal lines and a plurality of ground lines, and a first shield layer covering the first cable bundle; an outer jacket covering the plurality of first non-coaxial cables; and the substrate includes a plurality of electrode pads connected to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, the electrode pads and the signal lines of the first cable bundle are electrically connected to form a plurality of first electrical junctions; a plurality of the first electrical junctions are arranged together for each of the first cable bundles; the relay board includes a plurality of first cable side electrode pads corresponding to the signal lines included in the first cable bundle, the first cable-side electrode pads are connected to the signal lines of the first cable bundle to form a plurality of second electrical junctions; a plurality of the second electrical junctions are arranged together for each of the first cable bundles; The relay board is disposed in the insertion portion. Ultrasound endoscope.

2. The second cable includes: a second non-coaxial cable including a third cable bundle consisting of a plurality of signal lines and a plurality of ground lines, and a second shield layer covering the third cable bundle; an outer sheath covering a fourth cable bundle consisting of a plurality of the second non-coaxial cables; and the relay board includes a plurality of second-cable-side electrode pads corresponding to the signal lines included in the third cable bundle of the second cable, the second cable-side electrode pads are connected to the signal lines of the third cable bundle to form a plurality of third electrical junctions; a plurality of the third electrical junctions are arranged together for each of the third cable bundles; the relay substrate electrically connects the second electrical junctions and the third electrical junctions arranged in different orders in a one-to-one correspondence relationship; The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 .

3. the connector substrate includes a plurality of connector electrode pads corresponding to the signal lines included in the third cable bundle of the second cable, the connector electrode pads are connected to the signal lines included in the third cable bundle to form a plurality of fourth electrical junctions; a plurality of the fourth electrical junctions are arranged together for each of the third cable bundles; 3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2.

4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the second cable is configured by collecting together a plurality of coaxial cables each having a signal line.

5. 5. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the signal line included in the second cable has a larger outer diameter, a longer outer circumferential length, or both, than the signal line included in the first cable.

6. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 , further comprising a fixing member for reinforcing the relay board.

7. 7. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the fixing member is a metal member, and the metal member is electrically connected to the first shield layer of the first non-coaxial cable.

8. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 , further comprising an insulating covering member that covers the relay board.

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