Cable bushing and cable

Abstract

To provide a cable bushing capable of preventing a cable bent in a locally large curvature while forming an outer peripheral surface with a smooth surface, and also to provide a cable having the cable bushing.SOLUTION: A cable bushing 6 of a cable 5 is configured through arranging an outer layer member 62 having an outer peripheral surface 62b which has a smooth surface, onto an outer periphery of an inner layer member 61 having a cylindrical shape with a plurality of recesses 610 formed, opening at the outer peripheral surface 61a. An inner peripheral surface 62a of the outer layer member 62 may be arranged opposing to the outer peripheral surface 61a of the inner layer member 61 in a slidable manner. The outer layer member 62 may partially enter the plurality of recesses 610 of the inner layer member 61.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable bushing that prevents a cable from being locally bent with a large curvature, and a cable equipped with the cable bushing. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a cable connecting a terminal unit that an operator holds in his / her hand and a main unit is provided with a reinforcing member to prevent the cable from being locally bent at a large curvature, thereby preventing breakage, etc. Known examples of such reinforcing members include a cord bushing described in Patent Document 1 and a cable bushing described in Patent Document 2.

[0003] The code bushing described in Patent Document 1 is attached to a barcode reader cable for a barcode sensor, and has multiple circumferentially extending grooves formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction, with the depth of these grooves increasing with increasing distance from the barcode sensor.

[0004] The cable bushing described in Patent Document 2 is attached to a connection cable that connects an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound diagnostic device, and has a smooth surface without any irregularities, making it easy to wipe off any paste-like ultrasound jelly that is applied to the subject's body surface even if it adheres to the cable bushing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-282665 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-313491 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In a configuration in which multiple grooves are formed along the longitudinal direction, such as the cord bushing of Patent Document 1, it is possible to maintain a substantially constant curvature of the cable at the bent portion by adjusting and setting the spacing between the multiple grooves and the width and depth of each groove according to the hardness of the cable, etc. However, in cable bushings used in medical devices, such as those described in Patent Document 2, it is not possible to provide such grooves from a hygienic standpoint, and the cable may be bent at a large curvature at the end of the cable bushing, for example.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cable bushing that can prevent the cable from being bent with a large curvature locally while still having a smooth outer surface, and a cable equipped with such a cable bushing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a cable bushing having a tubular inner layer member having a plurality of recesses opening onto its outer peripheral surface, and an outer layer member provided on the outer periphery of the inner layer member and having a smooth outer peripheral surface.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a cable comprising a plurality of signal wires, a sheath covering the plurality of signal wires, and a reinforcing member provided on the outer periphery of the sheath, wherein the reinforcing member is the above-mentioned cable bush. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the cable bush and cable of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the cable from being locally bent with a large curvature while forming the outer peripheral surface of the cable bush as a smooth surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic probe in which a cable according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used as a probe cable, and a device main body that constitutes an ultrasonic diagnostic device in combination with this ultrasonic probe. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the cable bushing together with a probe and a part of the probe cable. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the probe cable and the cable bush taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing one signal line. [Figure 5] 2 is an external view showing an inner layer member and an outer layer member of the cable bushing, as well as a retainer. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cable bush according to a second embodiment together with a probe and a part of a probe cable. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the probe cable and the cable bush taken along line BB in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cable bush according to a third embodiment together with a probe and a part of a probe cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic probe using a cable according to a first embodiment of the present invention as a probe cable, and a device main body that constitutes an ultrasonic diagnostic device in combination with this ultrasonic probe.

[0013] The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is used by an operator such as a doctor or a clinical laboratory technician to diagnose a subject, and includes a device main body 10 and an ultrasound probe 2. The device main body 10 processes ultrasound images and displays the ultrasound images on a display 100. The ultrasound probe 2 includes a probe 3 having an ultrasound transmitting / receiving surface 3a, a probe connector 4 that fits into a body-side connector 101 provided on the device main body 10, and a probe cable 5 that connects the probe 3 and the probe connector 4. The probe 3 includes a probe case 31 formed by combining a first case member 311 and a second case member 312. The probe cable 5 includes a cable bush 6 at its end as a reinforcing member. In this embodiment, the cable bush 6 is provided at each end of the probe cable 5; however, the cable bush 6 may be provided only at the end of the probe cable 5 on the probe 3 side, for example.

[0014] A gel-like ultrasound jelly is applied to the body surface of the subject, and the ultrasound transmitting and receiving surface 3a of the probe 3 is pressed against the area where the ultrasound jelly has been applied. The ultrasound waves transmitted from the ultrasound transmitting and receiving surface 3a are reflected inside the subject's body and received by the ultrasound transmitting and receiving surface 3a. The received ultrasound waves are converted into electrical signals and sent to the device main body 10 via the probe cable 5 and the probe connector 4. The device main body 10 forms an ultrasound image based on this electrical signal and displays it on the display 100.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the probe 3 and the cable bush 6 provided at the end of the probe cable 5 on the probe 3 side. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the probe cable 5 taken along line AA in Fig. 2. The probe cable 5 includes a plurality of signal wires 51, a pressure wrapping tape 52 that is pressure wrapped around the outer periphery of the plurality of signal wires 51, a braided shield 53 that covers the outer periphery of the pressure wrapping tape 52, and a sheath 54 that covers the outer periphery of the braided shield 53, and the cable bush 6 is provided on the outer periphery of the sheath 54.

[0016] The probe case 31 is provided with an introduction hole 310 for introducing the multiple signal lines 51, the pressure wrapping tape 52, the braided shield 53, and the sheath 54 of the probe cable 5 into the interior. Of the first and second case members 311 and 312 of the probe 3, only the first case member 311 is shown in FIG. 2. The multiple signal lines 51 are led out from the pressure wrapping tape 52 inside the probe case 31 and connected to the ultrasonic sensor. Inside the probe case 31, the multiple signal lines 51, the pressure wrapping tape 52, and the braided shield 53 are fixed by fixing brackets 32 and bolts 33.

[0017] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing one signal wire 51. The signal wire 51 is a coaxial wire having an inner conductor 511, an outer conductor 512, an insulator 513 between the inner conductor 511 and the outer conductor 512, and a jacket 514 covering the outer periphery of the outer conductor 512. The probe cable 5 includes a large number of signal wires 51, for example, 100 or more, and these signal wires 51 are bundled together with a pressure wrapping tape 52.

[0018] The cable bush 6 prevents the probe cable 5 from being locally bent with a large curvature, thereby preventing damage such as breakage of the signal lines 51. The cable bush 6 is integrated with a retainer 7 fixed to the probe case 31 and is fixed to the outside of the probe case 31. The retainer 7 is cylindrical and has an insertion hole 70 formed in its center, through which the multiple signal lines 51, the pressure wrapping tape 52, the braided shield 53, and the sheath 54 of the probe cable 5 are inserted. In this embodiment, the retainer 7 is made of metal, but is not limited to this, and the retainer 7 may be made of, for example, a hard resin that is harder than the cable bush 6.

[0019] The cable bushing 6 has a two-layer structure made up of an inner layer member 61 and an outer layer member 62. The inner layer member 61 and the outer layer member 62 are elastic bodies made of, for example, a resin such as polyvinyl chloride or silicone rubber. In the present embodiment, as an example, the inner layer member 61 is made of a material harder than the outer layer member 62, but this is not limiting, and the outer layer member 62 may also be made of a material harder than the inner layer member 61.

[0020] 5 is an external view showing the inner layer member 61 and outer layer member 62 of the cable bushing 6 and the retainer 7. The retainer 7 integrally includes a small diameter portion 71 sandwiched between the first case member 311 and the second case member 312 of the probe case 31, a first large diameter portion 72 and a second large diameter portion 73 formed to have an outer diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion 71, and a cylindrical protruding portion 74 formed to protrude in the axial direction from the second large diameter portion 73. The small diameter portion 71 is accommodated in the introduction hole 310 of the probe case 31. The first large diameter portion 72 is disposed inside the probe case 31, and the second large diameter portion 73 and the protruding portion 74 are disposed outside the probe case 31.

[0021] The inner layer member 61 is cylindrical with a plurality of recesses 610 opening to its outer circumferential surface 61a, and its inner circumferential surface 61b is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 54a of the sheath 54 of the probe cable 5. Of both longitudinal ends of the inner layer member 61, an end face 611a of a base end 611, which is the end on the probe case 31 side, is joined to an end face 74a of a protruding portion 74 of the retainer 7, and is integrated with the retainer 7. Of both longitudinal ends of the inner layer member 61, a tip end 612, which is the end farther from the probe case 31, has an outer diameter smaller than that of the base end 611. The outer circumferential surface 61a of the inner layer member 61 is tapered, with the outer diameter gradually decreasing from the base end 611 side toward the tip end 612 side.

[0022] The inner layer member 61 is formed by insert molding, in which molten resin is injected into a cavity of a mold in which the retainer 7 is disposed. In order to increase the bonding strength between the inner layer member 61 and the retainer 7 by the anchor effect, it is desirable that the end surface 74a of the protruding portion 74 of the retainer 7 be roughened.

[0023] The outer layer member 62 is provided on the outer periphery of the inner layer member 61 and covers the entire inner layer member 61 from the base end 611 to the tip end 612 together with the second large diameter portion 73 and the protruding portion 74 of the retainer 7. The base end 621 of the outer layer member 62 is fixed to the second large diameter portion 73 and the protruding portion 74 of the retainer 7, for example, by adhesive. The outer layer member 62 also covers the sheath 54 over a longer range than the inner layer member 61, and the inner circumferential surface 622a of the tip end 622 of the outer layer member 62 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 54a of the sheath 54. The tip end 622 of the outer layer member 62 may be bonded to the outer circumferential surface 54a of the sheath 54. The tip end 612 of the inner layer member 61 may also be bonded to the outer circumferential surface 54a of the sheath 54.

[0024] In this embodiment, the outer layer member 62 is injection molded separately from the inner layer member 61 and is disposed outside the inner layer member 61. The outer layer member 62 does not enter the recess 610 of the inner layer member 61, and the inner peripheral surface 62a of the outer layer member 62, which faces the outer peripheral surface 61a of the inner layer member 61, faces the outer peripheral surface 61a of the inner layer member 61 so as to be slidable against the outer peripheral surface 61a of the inner layer member 61. The outer peripheral surface 62b of the outer layer member 62 is a smooth surface without any irregularities throughout, and is tapered so that the outer diameter gradually decreases from the base end 621 to the tip end 622. When the probe cable 5 is bent near the probe 3, the inner layer member 61 and the outer layer member 62 are elastically deformed and curved, and the outer peripheral surface 62b of the outer layer member 62 slides over the outer peripheral surface 61a of the inner layer member 61.

[0025] The number, shape, and spacing of the recesses 610 of the inner layer member 61 are set so that the probe cable 5 is not locally bent with a large curvature when the probe cable 5 is bent near the probe 3. Because the inner layer member 61 is entirely covered by the outer layer member 62, the number, shape, etc. of the recesses 610 can be set without considering the design of the inner layer member 61. Furthermore, because the outer peripheral surface 62b of the outer layer member 62 is a smooth surface without any irregularities, even if foreign matter such as ultrasonic jelly adheres to the inner layer member 61, it can be easily wiped off. In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the probe cable 5 from being locally bent with a large curvature while forming the outer peripheral surface 62b of the outer layer member 62, which is the outer peripheral surface of the cable bushing 6, with a smooth surface.

[0026] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a probe cable 5A according to the second embodiment where a cable bush 6A is provided, together with a part of a probe case 31. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the probe cable 5A taken along line BB in Fig. 6.

[0027] The cable bushing 6A according to the second embodiment has a two-layer structure consisting of an inner layer member 61 and an outer layer member 62, similar to the cable bushing 6 according to the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in that fitting portions 623, which are part of the outer layer member 62, fit into the multiple recesses 610 of the inner layer member 61. Furthermore, since the fitting portions 623 of the outer layer member 62 fit into the multiple recesses 610 of the inner layer member 61, the outer peripheral surface 61a of the inner layer member 61 and the inner peripheral surface 62a of the outer layer member 62 do not substantially move relative to each other.

[0028] Other configurations of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore, among the components shown in Figures 6 and 7, those that are common to the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals as those used in Figures 2 and 3, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0029] In the cable bushing 6A according to the second embodiment, the outer layer member 62 is made of a material that is softer than the inner layer member 61. A more suitable material for the outer layer member 62 is soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC), for example, to which a plasticizer has been added to increase flexibility. A more suitable material for the inner layer member 61 is polyvinyl chloride, for example, to which a smaller amount of plasticizer has been added than the outer layer member 62. When the probe cable 5A with the cable bushing 6A attached is bent near the probe 3, the fitting portion 623 of the outer layer member 62 at the inner side in the bending direction is compressed, and the fitting portion 623 of the outer layer member 62 at the outer side in the bending direction is stretched.

[0030] The cable bushing 6A can be formed by insert-molding the inner layer member 61 integrally with the retainer 7, as in the first embodiment, and then placing the inner layer member 61 and the retainer 7 in a separate mold and injecting molten resin into the mold. The solidified molten resin becomes the outer layer member 62, and the solidified portion within the recess 610 of the inner layer member 61 becomes the fitting portion 623.

[0031] The cable 5A and the cable bush 6A according to the second embodiment can also provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0032] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a probe cable 5B according to the third embodiment where a cable bush 6B is provided, together with a probe case 31.

[0033] The cable bush 6B of the third embodiment has an inner layer member 61 and an outer layer member 62 similar to those of the cable bush 6 of the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in that a tube body 8 is interposed between the outer peripheral surface 61a of the inner layer member 61 and the inner peripheral surface 62a of the outer layer member 62.

[0034] The tube body 8 is a heat-shrinkable tube that shrinks when heated. When manufacturing the cable bushing 6B, the cylindrical tube body 8 before shrinking is placed over the outer periphery of the inner layer member 61 and heated. The inner periphery 8a of the shrunk tube body 8 is then in close contact with the outer periphery 61a of the inner layer member 61, covering the recess 610. Thereafter, the outer periphery of the tube body 8 is covered with the outer layer member 62 that has been formed in advance, and the base end 621 of the outer layer member 62 is fixed to the second large diameter portion 73 and the protruding portion 74 of the retainer 7.

[0035] According to the cable 5B and cable bush 6B of this third embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the shape of the multiple recesses 610 on the outer surface 62b of the outer layer member 62 is less likely to rise, further improving the aesthetic appearance.

[0036] (Summary of the embodiment) Next, the technical ideas grasped from the above-described embodiments will be described by using the reference numerals and the like in the embodiments. However, the reference numerals in the following description do not limit the components in the claims to the members and the like specifically shown in the embodiments.

[0037] [1] A cable bush (6, 6A, 6B) having a cylindrical inner layer member (61) having a plurality of recesses (610) opening into its outer peripheral surface (61a), and an outer layer member (62) provided on the outer periphery of the inner layer member (61) and having a smooth outer peripheral surface (62b).

[0038] [2] The cable bush (6) described in [1] above, wherein the inner peripheral surface (62a) of the outer layer member (62) slidably faces the outer peripheral surface (61a) of the inner layer member (61).

[0039] [3] The cable bush (6A) according to [1] above, wherein a portion (623) of the outer layer member (62) is inserted into the plurality of recesses (610) of the inner layer member (61).

[0040] [4] A cable bush (6B) according to [1] above, in which a tube body (8) is interposed and arranged between the outer peripheral surface (61a) of the inner layer member (61) and the inner peripheral surface (62a) of the outer layer member (62).

[0041] [5] A cable (5, 5A, 5B) comprising a plurality of signal wires (51), a sheath (54) covering the plurality of signal wires (51), and a reinforcing member provided on the outer periphery of the sheath (54), wherein the reinforcing member is the cable bush (6, 6A, 6B) described in any one of [1] to [4] above.

[0042] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the invention according to the claims is not limited to the embodiments described above. It should be noted that not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention.

[0043] Furthermore, the present invention can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the outer periphery of the pressure wrapping tape 52 that bundles the multiple signal wires 51 is covered with the braided shield 53 has been described, but one or both of the pressure wrapping tape 52 and the braided shield 53 may be omitted. In other words, the sheath 54 may cover the multiple signal wires 51 via the pressure wrapping tape 52 and the braided shield 53, or may cover the multiple signal wires 51 directly. In the above embodiment, the case where the signal wires 51 are coaxial wires has been described, but this is not limiting, and the signal wires 51 may be, for example, a simple wire formed by covering a conductor with an insulator.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cable bushings 6, 6A, 6B are described as being used for the cables 5, 5A, 5B of the ultrasound probe 2 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, but the use of the cable bushings and cables of the present invention is not limited to this. However, the cable bushings of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in cables connecting a terminal portion and a main body portion of medical devices, such as electric scalpels and laser treatment devices, whose terminal portions are held in the hand of an operator such as a doctor. In the above embodiment, the probe 3 corresponds to the terminal portion, and the device main body 10 corresponds to the main body portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 5, 5A, 5B... Cable 51... Signal line 54...Sheath 6, 6A, 6B...Cable bushing (reinforcing member) 61...inner layer member 610...recess 61a... outer peripheral surface 62... outer layer member 623... fitting portion (part of outer layer member) 62a... inner peripheral surface 62b...Outer circumferential surface 8...Tube body

Claims

1. a cylindrical inner layer member having a plurality of recesses formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof; an outer layer member provided on the outer periphery of the inner layer member and having a smooth outer periphery surface; and A cable bushing, comprising a tube body interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the inner layer member and the inner peripheral surface of the outer layer member.

2. a plurality of signal lines, a sheath covering the plurality of signal lines, and a reinforcing member provided on an outer periphery of the sheath; The reinforcing member is the cable bushing according to claim 1. cable.

Images