Cable bundle and tube that accommodates cable bundle

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cable bundle that has high reliability, a tube that accommodates the cable bundle, and a method for producing the cable bundle. A cable bundle 300 according to the present invention comprises a tape and a plurality of cables, wherein: the plurality of cables include a first cable and a second cable that is adjacent to the first cable; the first cable includes one or a plurality of conductors, a first insulation layer that is formed around the conductor(s), and a first fusion layer that is formed on the first insulation layer; the second cable includes one or a plurality of conductors, a second insulation layer that is formed around the conductor(s), and a second fusion layer that is formed on the second insulation layer; the tape has a tape insulation layer and a first tape fusion layer that is formed on the tape insulation layer; a portion of the first fusion layer is fused to a portion of the second fusion layer; and the tape fusion layer is fused to a portion of the first fusion layer and a portion of the second fusion layer.

Description

Cable bundle and tube containing the cable bundle

[0001] The present invention relates to a highly reliable cable bundle and a tube containing the cable bundle.

[0002] In recent years, advances in medical technology have led to the increasing multi-functionality and performance of medical devices used in clinical settings. As a result, the number of signal transmission channels required for these medical devices, such as cables, has increased, and more stable signal transmission is required. Furthermore, medical instruments inserted into the body, such as catheters, are required to be thinner and more flexible to make them less invasive. Accordingly, internal components housed within catheters, such as cables, tubes, and forceps, are also required to be smaller, more flexible, and easier to pass through the catheter.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a flat cable in which multiple coaxial cables are arranged in parallel and integrated with an outer sheath made of an insulating material. This outer sheath is integrated with the coaxial cables by extrusion molding. It is difficult to control the thickness of the outer sheath of such a flat cable, leaving room for improvement in terms of miniaturization. Patent Document 2 discloses a flat cable having multiple wire cores arranged in parallel with an insulator bonded between adjacent wire cores, and a resin tape attached to the surface of the insulator along the peaks and valleys formed by the insulator in the cross section of the parallel wire cores. The insulators of the wire cores in this flat cable are heat-fused together. Such a flat cable requires a thick insulator to prevent conductor exposure, for example, when heat-fusing the insulators of the wire cores together, which is disadvantageous for miniaturization. Furthermore, the thickness of the insulator varies between the heat-fused area and other areas, resulting in unstable electrical characteristics and reliability issues. Patent Document 3 discloses a flat cable comprising a plurality of coaxial cables arranged in parallel, the coaxial cables having an outer diameter of 0.15 to 0.35 mm, at least a portion of the outer periphery of the coaxial cables being fixed to a laminate sheet made of porous polytetrafluoroethylene having a fusion layer, and configured to be able to pass through a through hole with an inner diameter of 2.0 to 5.5 mm. According to this flat cable, since the plurality of coaxial cables are fixed to the laminate sheet made of porous polytetrafluoroethylene having a fusion layer, the flat cable is soft and has excellent flexibility, and can be passed through an extremely narrow through hole by bending or rolling the flat cable in the longitudinal direction while maintaining good pitch accuracy between the coaxial cables.

[0004] However, cable bundles such as the flat cable described in Patent Document 3 can be made smaller by fixing the coaxial cables to a laminate sheet, and do not include thick components such as the outer jacket described in Patent Document 1 or the insulator described in Patent Document 2. However, there is still room for improvement in the adhesive strength between the cable and the laminate sheet. In particular, cable bundles to be passed through elongated objects such as catheters are required to be even smaller and thinner. Furthermore, such cable bundles are required to be reliable so that the cables and / or the cables and the tape will not break or separate even when various stresses are applied when the cable is passed through an elongated object such as a catheter.

[0005] Patent Document 4 discloses a tube-attached electric wire comprising a tube and one or more electric wires spirally wound around the outer surface of the tube. It states that the tube should be made of a material harder than the catheter tube to facilitate insertion into the catheter tube, and that this configuration allows the electric wires to be easily inserted into the catheter tube together with the tube. Such cable bundles have limited design freedom, such as the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to their longitudinal direction. Cable bundles to be passed through elongated objects such as catheters must not only be compact, but also require high reliability, such as ease of passing through narrow spaces and reduced resistance to peeling or breakage due to external stresses during insertion or bending. The reliability of such cable bundles has room for improvement.

[0006] JP 2008-112587 A JP 2000-322941 A JP 2006-222059 A JP 2021-159768 A

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the invention described in the present application aims to provide a cable bundle, a tube containing a cable bundle, and a method for manufacturing a cable bundle that are highly reliable while maintaining a small size.

[0008] A cable bundle according to one embodiment of the present invention is a cable bundle having a tape and a plurality of cables, wherein the plurality of cables comprises a first cable and a second cable adjacent to the first cable, wherein the first cable comprises one or more conductors, a first insulating layer formed around the conductors, and a first fusion layer formed on the first insulating layer, wherein the second cable comprises one or more conductors, a second insulating layer formed around the conductors, and a second fusion layer formed on the second insulating layer, wherein the tape has a tape insulating layer and a tape fusion layer formed on the tape insulating layer, wherein a portion of the first fusion layer is fused to a portion of the second fusion layer, and wherein the tape fusion layer is fused to a portion of the first fusion layer and a portion of the second fusion layer.

[0009] Furthermore, a cable bundle according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, when the arithmetic mean of the melting points of the first fusion layer and the second fusion layer measured by differential scanning calorimetry is Tm(c) (°C), the melting point of the tape fusion layer is Tm(t) (°C), the arithmetic mean of the melting points of the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer is Tm(c)' (°C), and the melting point of the tape insulating layer is Tm(t)' (°C), the following formulas 1 to 3 are satisfied: Tm(c)' - Tm(c) > 80 Formula 1 Tm(t)' - Tm(t) > 80 Formula 2 |Tm(c) - Tm(t)| < 50 Formula 3

[0010] A cable bundle according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the cable bundle is accommodated in the tube. In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle, when a region formed by melting and integrating a part of the first fusion layer and a part of the second fusion layer through fusion is defined as a first fixing portion, and regions formed by melting and integrating a part of the tape fusion layer, a part of the first fusion layer, and a part of the second fusion layer through fusion are defined as a second fixing portion and a third fixing portion, respectively, the cable bundle has an unfilled space that is not filled with resin and is surrounded by the first fixing portion, the second fixing portion, and the third fixing portion.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cable bundle 300A according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of one end portion 40 of the cable bundle 300A in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross section A-A of the cable bundle 300A in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a cable bundle 300B according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a cable bundle 300C according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a tube 500 including a cable bundle 300D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross section B-B of the tube 500 in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a cross section B-B of the tube 500 in FIG. 6; and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cable bundle 300E according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The following describes embodiments of the cable bundle, the tube containing such a cable bundle, and the method for manufacturing the cable bundle according to the claimed invention. The embodiments described below do not limit the scope of the claimed invention, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and example can be freely combined within the scope that does not lose the technical significance of the present invention.

[0013] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cable bundle 300A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a partial enlarged view of one end portion 40 of the cable bundle 300A in Fig. 1. Furthermore, Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the cable bundle 300A in the A-A cross section of the cable bundle 300A in Fig. 2. The longitudinal direction of the cable bundle 300A is the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the longitudinal directions of the first cable 110A, the second cable 120A, and the tape 200A are the X-axis direction in Fig. 1.

[0014] This cable bundle 300A includes a tape 200A, a first cable 110A, and a second cable 120A adjacent to the first cable 110A. In this specification, a cable refers to a long body that includes at least a linear conductor made of a conductive material, an insulating layer formed around the conductor, and a fusion layer formed on the insulating layer, and whose outer periphery is covered with the fusion layer.

[0015] The first cable 110A includes a conductor 111A, a first insulating layer 114A formed around the conductor 111A, and a first fusion layer 115A formed on the first insulating layer 114A. Similarly, the second cable 120A includes a conductor 121A, a second insulating layer 124A formed around the conductor 121A, and a second fusion layer 125A formed on the second insulating layer 124A. A portion of the first fusion layer 115A is fused to a portion of the second fusion layer 125A.

[0016] The tape 200A includes a tape insulating layer 201A and a tape adhesive layer 202A formed on the tape insulating layer 201A. The tape adhesive layer 202A is fused to a portion of the first adhesive layer 115A and a portion of the second adhesive layer 125A.

[0017] Furthermore, when the arithmetic mean of the melting points of the first fusion layer 115A and the second fusion layer 125A measured by differential scanning calorimetry (hereinafter referred to as DSC) is Tm(c) (°C), the melting point of the tape fusion layer 202A is Tm(t) (°C), the arithmetic mean of the melting points of the first insulating layer 114A and the second insulating layer 124A is Tm(c)' (°C), and the melting point of the tape insulating layer 201A is Tm(t)' (°C), the cable bundle 300A satisfies the following formulas 1 to 3: Tm(c)' - Tm(c) > 80 Formula 1 Tm(t)' - Tm(t) > 80 Formula 2 |Tm(c) - Tm(t)| < 50 Formula 3

[0018] According to the cable bundle having the above configuration, it is possible to provide a cable bundle with high reliability.

[0019] Furthermore, such a highly reliable cable bundle is subjected to external stresses during and after manufacture, such as external stress due to contact with components of a transport system or external stress applied when inserting the cable bundle into a catheter tube, but even under such external stresses, it is possible to suppress deterioration in reliability due to bending or damage to the cables, peeling of the fused regions where the components of the cable bundle are fused to each other, or poor insulation resulting from such peeling, etc. In promoting the development of a highly reliable cable bundle, the inventors of the present application discovered that by controlling the configuration of the cable bundle and the fused regions to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the adhesive strength of the adjacent cables constituting the cable bundle or in the fused regions between these cables and the tape, and to obtain a highly reliable cable bundle that combines excellent flexibility with ease of passing through narrow spaces.

[0020] The second cable 120A is arranged adjacent to the first cable 110A so as to extend along the first cable 110A. The outer diameters of the first cable 110A and the second cable 120A are preferably 0.800 mm or less, more preferably 0.500 mm or less, and particularly preferably 0.100 mm or less. This is because the smaller the outer diameter of the cables constituting the cable bundle, the more compact the cable bundle can be, and the easier it is to pass through narrow spaces. For example, when the cable bundle is used as an internal component of a catheter or the like, providing a smaller cable bundle allows the catheter itself to have a smaller diameter. Furthermore, the outer diameters of the first cable 110A and the second cable 120A are preferably 0.020 mm or more, more preferably 0.030 mm or more. A cable bundle including such cables is less likely to break or bend when compressive stress is applied in the longitudinal direction, and therefore is preferred because it can maintain high reliability. Furthermore, for example, when a cable bundle such as that described above is pushed and / or pulled through a narrow space such as a tube, even if there is friction with the inner wall of the tube or other components, deformation such as bending does not occur, which is preferable.

[0021] Conductor 111A and conductor 121A are conductors containing a conductive material. Examples of such conductive materials include copper, copper-containing alloys such as tin-containing copper alloy wire or copper-plated steel wire, silver, silver-containing alloys, and aluminum or aluminum-containing alloys. The conductor preferably contains copper and / or silver, which have excellent electrical conductivity. Conductor 111A and / or conductor 121A may be a single wire formed from a single strand, or a twisted wire formed by twisting together multiple strands. A single wire can stably transmit electricity and signals even over long distances and is therefore more preferable from the perspective of reliability. Furthermore, a twisted wire is more flexible and resistant to deformations such as vibration and bending than a single wire, making it more preferable from the perspectives of flexibility and reliability. The strands forming such conductors preferably have an outer diameter of 0.130 mm or less, more preferably 0.080 mm or less, and particularly preferably 0.055 mm or less. Using such strands can improve the flexibility of the cable. Furthermore, by reducing the diameter of the cable, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cable bundle is reduced, making it easier to pass the cable bundle through long and narrow spaces. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the stability of electrical and signal transmission, the wires forming the conductor can be 0.010 mm or more.

[0022] The first insulating layer 114A of the first cable 110A is formed around the conductor 111A. Similarly, the second insulating layer 124A of the second cable 120A is formed around the conductor 121A. Examples of materials for the first insulating layer 114A and the second insulating layer 124A include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or fluororesins. The thickness of these insulating layers is preferably 0.001 mm to 0.100 mm, and more preferably 0.003 mm to 0.030 mm. When the cable bundle 300 includes cables having the insulating layer described above, even if the fusion layer is destroyed during termination processing, such as peeling off a portion of the fusion bond between the cables, the insulation of the cable can be maintained by providing an inner insulating layer, thereby providing a highly reliable cable bundle. This is preferable because it also maintains high resistance to external stresses during and after manufacturing.

[0023] Furthermore, the difference between the melting points of the first insulating layer 114A and the second insulating layer 124A, as measured by DSC, is preferably 100° C. or less, more preferably 80° C. or less, and particularly preferably 50° C. or less. By ensuring the above-described relationship in the melting points of the respective insulating layers, differences in behavior under heat, such as thermal expansion, can be suppressed, and distortion of the fused region due to deformation of the insulating layer and resulting breakage, peeling, and the like can be suppressed, resulting in a highly reliable cable bundle.

[0024] The first fusion layer 115A of the first cable 110A is formed on the first insulating layer 114A. The first fusion layer 115A can be formed directly on the first insulating layer 114A. The first fusion layer 115A is disposed so as to cover the outer periphery of the first cable 110A, i.e., as the outermost layer of the cable. Similarly, the second fusion layer 125A of the second cable 120A is formed on the second insulating layer 124A so as to cover the outer periphery of the second cable 120A. The second fusion layer 125A can be formed directly on the second insulating layer 124A. Examples of materials for the first fusion layer 115A of the first cable 110A and the second fusion layer 125A of the second cable 120A include polymers such as polyolefins such as polyethylene (hereinafter referred to as PE) or polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane (hereinafter referred to as PU), polyamide, polyimide (hereinafter referred to as PI), polyamideimide, and fluororesin. The first fusion layer 115A and the second fusion layer 125A may contain one or more of the above polymers in combination, or may contain a modified polymer in which a part of the above polymer is modified. These materials can provide a highly reliable cable bundle and a tube equipped with a cable bundle that have flexibility and sufficient adhesive strength, depending on impurities and thickness.

[0025] The thickness of the first fusion layer 115A of the first cable 110A and the second fusion layer 125A of the second cable 120A is preferably 0.001 mm or more. Having the fusion layer with a predetermined thickness ensures sufficient adhesive strength between the first cable 110A, the second cable 120A, and the tape 200A, making them less likely to peel off. On the other hand, if the fusion layer is too thick, the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle will become larger, which is undesirable from the perspective of miniaturization. Therefore, the thickness of the first fusion layer 115A of the first cable 110A and the second fusion layer 125A of the second cable 120A is preferably 0.050 mm or less. Furthermore, since the thicker the fusion layer, the larger the fusion area becomes, it is particularly preferable to set the thickness of the first fusion layer 115A of the first cable 110A and the second fusion layer 125A of the second cable 120A to 0.010 mm or less and control the size of the fusion area, thereby obtaining a cable bundle 300A with improved flexibility that is easy to deform, such as by bending or curving. The cable bundle 300A may also include cables or other elongated objects. In this specification, adhesive strength refers to, for example, the resistance to peeling between the bonded components.

[0026] The materials for the first insulating layer 114A can be selected so that the melting point of the first fusion layer 115A is lower than that of the first fusion layer 115A. Similarly, the materials for the second insulating layer 124A can be selected so that the melting point of the second fusion layer 125A is lower than that of the second fusion layer 125A. When the arithmetic average of the melting points of the first insulating layer 114A and the second insulating layer 124A, measured by DSC, is Tm(c)' (°C), and the arithmetic average of the melting points of the first fusion layer 115A and the second fusion layer 125A is Tm(c)' (°C), it is preferable to select the materials so that the relationship Tm(c)' > Tm(c) (°C) is satisfied. Furthermore, the difference between Tm(c)' (°C) and Tm(c) (°C) is preferably greater than 80°C, more preferably greater than 100°C, and particularly preferably greater than 120°C. In cables with such a difference in melting point, the insulation layer can maintain its shape without melting, even when the cables are fused together and / or when the cables are fused to the tape, making the cables less susceptible to damage or deformation and resulting in a highly reliable cable bundle. In particular, in cable bundles containing cables with wires of AWG 45 or larger, the fused area of ​​the cables and tape is very small, so having such a difference in melting point is preferable because it can suppress damage and deformation of the insulation layer even if the heating temperature and heating range are not precisely controlled.

[0027] The first cable 110A and the second cable 120A extend adjacent to each other, with a portion of the first fusion layer 115A fused to a portion of the second fusion layer 125A. That is, the longitudinal direction of the first cable 110A and the longitudinal direction of the second cable 120A are parallel, and a portion of the first fusion layer 115A and a portion or all of the second fusion layer 125A located on the line where the first cable 110A and the second cable 120A meet along the longitudinal direction are fused to each other. When the cable bundle 300A is inserted through a tube, this fused region preferably extends over the entire length of the tube. This configuration of the cable bundle 300A makes it less likely to bend, bend, or otherwise deform even when a compressive load is applied in the longitudinal direction, making it easier to pass through narrow spaces such as the tube. Alternatively, when an unfused region exists in a portion of the first cable 110A of the cable bundle 300A in the longitudinal direction, the unfused portion becomes more flexible. Therefore, in a tube including such a cable bundle, the unfused region can be designed to align with the bending portion, thereby improving the flexibility of the tube and / or the catheter including the tube. In this specification, "parallel" is not limited to a true geometric parallel direction. For example, it may include an angular deviation due to manufacturing variations or the like. Alternatively, it may include a deviation of plus or minus 5 degrees or less. Furthermore, when the cable bundle according to the present invention is inserted into a narrow space such as a catheter tube, the cable bundle according to the present invention can be inserted into gaps around the internal components of the catheter other than the cable bundle housed in the catheter tube, thereby effectively utilizing the space inside the catheter. It is preferable that the tape 200A be a flat cable in which multiple cables are arranged parallel to each other on the main surface of the tape 200A.

[0028] The thickness of the tape 200A is preferably 0.001 mm or more and 0.100 mm or less, and more preferably 0.003 mm or more and 0.030 mm or less. From the viewpoints of miniaturizing the cable bundle 300A and improving flexibility, the thickness of the tape 200A is particularly preferably 0.005 mm or more and 0.020 mm or less. In this specification, a tape refers to a film-shaped member having a base layer (e.g., the tape insulating layer 201 in FIG. 1 ) and a fusion layer (e.g., the tape fusion layer 202 in FIG. 1 ) on at least one of the main surfaces of the base layer. The main surfaces of the tape 200A are the two largest surfaces, facing front and back. The main surfaces of the tape insulating layer 201A of the tape 200A are preferably smooth. The main surface of the base layer of the tape 200A may include the interface with the fusion layer of the tape 200A. Examples of materials for the tape insulating layer 201A include polyesters such as PET, PI, polyether ether ketone (hereinafter referred to as PEEK), and fluororesin. Materials similar to those listed as examples of materials for the first and second fusion layers 115A and 125A can be selected for the tape fusion layer 202A. The materials for the tape insulating layer 201A and the tape fusion layer 202A are preferably selected so that the relationship Tm(t)' > Tm(t) is satisfied, where Tm(t) (°C) is the melting point of the tape fusion layer 202A measured by DSC, and Tm(t)' (°C) is the melting point of the tape insulating layer 201A. Furthermore, the difference between Tm(t)' (°C) and Tm(t) (°C) is preferably greater than 80°C, more preferably greater than 100°C, and particularly preferably greater than 120°C. Tape 200A with such a difference in melting point can maintain stable strength in the tape insulation layer even under high heat, for example, when fused to a cable, making it less likely to break or deform, resulting in a cable bundle with high reliability.

[0029] The thickness of the tape insulating layer 201A is preferably 0.001 mm or more and 0.100 mm or less, more preferably 0.003 mm or more and 0.030 mm or less. The thickness of the tape fusion layer 202A is preferably 0.0005 mm or more and 0.050 mm or less, more preferably 0.001 mm or more and 0.010 mm or less. The tape insulating layer 201A can also function to support the cable fusion-bonded via the tape fusion layer 202A. Therefore, the thickness of the tape insulating layer 201A is preferably greater than the thickness of the tape fusion layer 202A. The thickness of the tape insulating layer 201A is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 3.0 times or more, the thickness of the tape fusion layer 202A. However, if the insulating layer 201A is too thick, it may impair the flexibility and compactness of the cable bundle 300A. Therefore, the thickness of the tape insulating layer 201A can be set to 10 times or less the thickness of the tape fusion layer 202A. Furthermore, when the arithmetic mean of the melting points of the first fusion layer 115A and the second fusion layer 125A measured by DSC is Tm(c) (°C) and the melting point of the tape fusion layer 202A is Tm(t) (°C), the absolute value of the difference between them is preferably smaller than 80°C, more preferably smaller than 50°C, even more preferably smaller than 45°C, and particularly preferably smaller than 30°C. The smaller this value, the higher the overall adhesive strength, and the more reliable the cable bundle can be provided.

[0030] In a cross section (e.g., FIG. 3 ) of the cable bundle 300A perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle 300A, the cable bundle 300A includes a fused region R3 where a portion of the first fusion layer 115A of the first cable 110A is fused to a portion of the second fusion layer 125A of the second cable 120A. The cable bundle 300A further includes a fused region R1 where a portion of the tape fusion layer 202A is fused to a portion of the first fusion layer 115A, and a fused region R2 where a portion of the tape fusion layer 202A is fused to a portion of the second fusion layer 125A. The region surrounded by the fused regions R1, R2, and R3 preferably includes an unfilled space that is not filled with resin or the like. That is, for example, the unfilled space indicated by 1000 in FIG. 3 is preferably included. By providing such spaces in the cable bundle 300A, when the cable bundle 300A is bent, for example, the unfilled spaces can change shape, absorbing deflection of the cables and tape, making the cables 300A more flexible. This ensures flexibility in the cable bundle 300A. Furthermore, when the cable bundle 300A is bent in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the tape 200A, the tape 200A supports the cables, preventing localized stress concentration on the cables and reducing damage due to bending. Furthermore, having a closed area surrounded by the three fused regions R1, R2, and R3 as described above ensures high strength against compressive stress in the longitudinal direction, thereby enabling the cable bundle 300A to withstand frictional resistance, etc., when passing through a narrow space such as a tube. The tape 200A of the cable bundle 300A is also prevented from bending or deforming in the longitudinal direction, thereby reducing damage such as cable bending or partial destruction of the fused region. The above-described configuration makes it possible to obtain the cable bundle 300A, which has excellent flexibility and can be easily passed through narrow spaces due to the effect of its shape. The cable bundle 300A having the above-described space is particularly preferable for use as a cable bundle to be housed in a catheter tube.

[0031] Furthermore, although the cable bundle 300A described in the present claims includes one tape 200A in Figures 1, 2, and 3, it may also include another tape. That is, for example, the cable bundle 300A may include one or two tapes 200A arranged so that the first cable 100A and the second cable 200A are sandwiched between the tapes 200A from the top and bottom of the page in Figure 3. The cable bundle 300A may also include three or more tapes depending on the number of cables included in the cable bundle 300A and the cross-sectional shape of the cable bundle 300A. This configuration is preferable because it relatively increases the enclosed area surrounded by the three fused regions of the cable bundle 300A, thereby further achieving the effects of the shape described above. Furthermore, when used as a cable bundle housed in a catheter tube, it is particularly preferable because it can suppress damage to the cables or internal components due to contact with other internal components and transfer phenomena such as adhesion of material components derived from the cables to other components.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cable bundle 300A viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the tape 200A, illustrating the first cable 110A, the second cable 120A, and the outline of the tape 200A. The main surface of the tape 200A is a plane including the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the tape 200A has a first side and a second side parallel to the first side. The first cable 110A and the second cable 120A are arranged on either main surface of the tape 200A as shown in the figure. The first cable 110A and the second cable 120A are arranged parallel to each other. The first cable 110A and the first side of the tape 200A are arranged parallel to each other. Here, it is preferable that the width of the area in which the cables are formed (the size indicated by W1 in FIG. 2) be smaller than the width of the tape, i.e., the distance between the first side and the second side of the tape (the size indicated by W2 in FIG. 2). With this configuration, even if external stress such as bending is applied to the cables, the tape 200A can adequately support the cables, preventing stress concentration in one part of the cables, thereby providing a highly reliable cable bundle. However, an excessively large tape width is undesirable from the standpoint of flexibility and compactness. For example, the tape width W2 can be set to 1.3 times or less the width W1 of the cables constituting the cable bundle. In this specification, when examining the length and positional relationship of the cables and tape in a cable bundle, if the tape is curled, it is recommended to stretch it out on a surface plate and leave it there to check the cables, tape, and other components. The width W1 of the region in which the cables are formed can be defined as the distance between the outermost cables among the multiple cables, i.e., the cables closest to the first and second sides.

[0033] Second Embodiment FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a cable bundle 300B in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle 300B according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The cable bundle 300B includes a tape 200B, a first cable 110B, a second cable 120B adjacent to the first cable, and seven other cables (130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 in FIG. 4 ). The first cable 110B is a coaxial cable. That is, the first cable 110B includes a conductor 111B, a resin layer 112B formed on the conductor 111B, a metal layer 113B formed on the resin layer 112B, a first insulating layer 114B formed on the metal layer 113B, and a first fusion layer 115B formed on the first insulating layer 114B. The cable bundle of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes multiple cables with different outer diameters, but otherwise can have the same configuration as the first embodiment.

[0035] While the cable bundle 300B in FIG. 4 includes nine cables and one tape, the number of cables included in the cable bundle according to the present invention may be 2 to 128, 4 to 70, or 4 to 20. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the cable with the largest outer diameter (e.g., first cable 110B in FIG. 4 ) among the cables included in the cable bundle 300B may be 8 times or more, 5 times or more, or 3 times or more the outer diameter of the cable with the smallest outer diameter (e.g., cables 160, 170, 180, and 190 in FIG. 4 ). If the number of cables included in the cable bundle 300B or the outer diameters of the cables vary significantly, the fused area and / or adhesive strength between components such as cables and tapes required to maintain reliability when passing through narrow spaces such as tubes or when bending the cable may increase. Furthermore, the fused positions of adjacent cables may differ, resulting in localized differences in adhesive strength and potentially reducing the reliability of the cable bundle. However, in the cable bundle according to the present invention, the cables constituting the cable bundle can have at least two fused areas with adjacent cables and tapes, thereby improving the adhesive strength of the cable bundle 300B as a whole, and providing a cable bundle that is both compact enough to pass through narrow spaces and reliable with no peeling of the fused areas.

[0036] The cable bundle 300B in this embodiment includes multiple cables with different outer diameters. The cable bundle 300B in FIG. 4 includes a large cable (i.e., first cable 110) with the largest outer diameter among the cables in the cable bundle 300B; small cables (i.e., cables 160, 170, 180, and 190) with the smallest outer diameter; and medium cables (i.e., second cable 120B, cables 130, 140, and 150) with smaller outer diameters than the large cables but larger than the small cables. The difference in outer diameter between the small cables (i.e., cables 160, 170, 180, and 190) is less than 1.3 times the difference between the large and small cables. Similarly, the difference in outer diameter between the medium cables (i.e., second cable 120B, cables 130, 140, and 150) is less than 1.3 times the difference between the large and small cables. The cable bundle 300 preferably includes a medium cable between the large and small cables. That is, the cables are preferably arranged in ascending or descending order of outer diameter, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0037] When the difference in outer diameter between adjacent cables is 1.3 times or more, the ratio of the size of the fused region to the cable's outer circumference differs between the cable with a relatively large outer diameter and the cable with a relatively small outer diameter. This may result in a lower adhesive strength for the entire cable bundle compared to when cables with similar outer diameters are integrated via a fusion layer. Furthermore, the outer circumference of the space surrounded by the three fused regions where the tape and the cables are fused (the region indicated by 1000 in Figure 4) is larger for the cable with the larger outer diameter than for the cable with the smaller outer diameter. This may result in uneven bending stresses on the cable, tape, and their fused regions when the cable bundle 300B includes cables with significantly different outer diameters. This may result in the cable bundle being unable to maintain its shape due to damage to the fused regions. However, by arranging the cables in ascending or descending order of outer diameter as described above, the number of fusion regions for fusing cables with significantly different outer diameters can be reduced, and the number of fusion regions for fusing cables with the same or similar outer diameters can be relatively increased. This is preferable because the cable bundle 300B contains fusion regions with relatively low adhesive strength, which can prevent damage such as partial peeling and further improve the reliability of the cable bundle 300B as a whole.

[0038] As a means for improving the adhesive strength of the components of a cable bundle, for example, thickening the fusion layer of the cables or tape so as to fill the unfilled space surrounded by the two cables and the tape, as in the area indicated by 1000 in Fig. 4, or arranging the tape closely so as to fill the unfilled space, is not preferable because it reduces flexibility. In particular, a tube housed in a catheter or the like needs to be able to be flexibly bent in all directions.

[0039] Third Embodiment FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a cable bundle 300C in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle 300C according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] 5 includes three tapes 200C, 200D, and 200E and nine cables 110C, 120C, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190. The cable bundle of this embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle 300C, in addition to a plurality of cables being arranged adjacent to each other on one main surface of the tape 200D, cables are also arranged on the other main surface of the tape 200D; however, the cable bundle of this embodiment can otherwise have the same configuration as the other embodiments.

[0041] 5, cable bundle 300C includes a tape and multiple cables. In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of cable bundle 300C, cables 110C, 120C, 130, and 140 are arranged in a row on one main surface of tape 200D with their respective longitudinal directions parallel to one another, and directly adjacent members are fused together via their respective fusion layers. Cables 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 are also arranged in a row on the other main surface of tape 200D with their respective longitudinal directions parallel to one another, and directly adjacent members are fused together via their respective fusion layers. Furthermore, cables 110C, 120C, 130, and 140 are also fused together with tape 200C via their respective fusion layers. The cables 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 are also fused and integrated with the tape 200E via their respective fusion layers. The cable bundle 300C described in the present application may have cables arranged in multiple layers. When housed in a tube, the cross-sectional shape of the cable bundle 300C perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can be controlled to match the shape of the tube's lumen, thereby effectively utilizing the space within the tube's lumen. Furthermore, if the tube includes other internal components, the cross-sectional shape of the cable bundle 300C perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can also be controlled to match the shape of the other internal components. Such cable bundles are preferable because they contribute to reducing the diameter of catheters and other devices, thereby improving their non-invasiveness. Also, the cable bundle shown in FIG. 5 includes three tapes. The tape 200D includes a tape insulating layer 201D and a tape fusion layer 202D on each side of the tape insulating layer 201D, and each tape fusion layer 202D is fused and integrated with the cables arranged on the tape and the fusion layer of each cable. When cables are arranged on the tape in multiple stages like this, it is preferable that a tape having fusion layers on both sides, such as the tape 200D, is arranged between the stages.In particular, it can be difficult to ensure a sufficient area for the fusion region with adjacent cables when using irregularly shaped cables that do not have a circular cross section, such as cables 140 and 150 in Figure 5. However, by using tape 200D that is sheet-shaped and flexible, a sufficient area for the fusion region can be ensured, which is preferable.

[0042] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a tube 500 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section taken along line B-B of the tube 500 in Fig. 6, and Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a cross section taken along line B-B of the tube 500 in Fig. 6.

[0043] The tube 500 in FIG. 7 includes a single lumen 510, a tube 501 within the lumen 510, and a cable bundle 300D. The tube 501 is used, for example, as an internal component of a catheter for passing a medicinal solution or the like. The cable bundle of the present invention can be disposed within the lumen 510. The tube 500 may also include other internal components. The tube 500 in FIG. 8 includes multiple lumens, i.e., lumens 510 and 520, and a cable bundle 300D within the lumen 510. The cable bundle of the present invention can be disposed within the lumen 510 and / or the lumen 520. Furthermore, because the cable bundle of the present invention is flexible, the cable bundle can be inserted in a curved or folded state to match the shape of the tube lumen. In particular, when the above-described tube 500 is applied to a catheter, the tube 500 may include an internal component separate from the cable bundle within the lumen 510, or each internal component may include multiple lumens, resulting in a variety of shapes of the space in which the cable bundle is disposed. Even in such cases, the cable bundle described in the present application allows the placement of the cables and tapes to be determined based on the shape of the tube lumen, including other internal components, while still achieving both ease of threading through the tube and flexibility, and allows for effective use of the space within the tube, thereby achieving the effect of improved non-invasiveness due to the thinner diameter.

[0044] The tube 500 in this embodiment includes a cable bundle according to the present invention. The number and configuration of cables included in the cable bundle can be determined depending on the application. Furthermore, the tube 500 may include a plurality of overlapping cable bundles according to the present invention, or may house them in a spiral shape. In particular, in a configuration in which the cables constituting the cable bundle are arranged in parallel in a row on a single tape, the cable bundle can be housed in the tube 500 in a stacked arrangement. The cable bundle of the present invention allows the tape and multiple cables to be designed and arranged in a shape that matches the lumen, thereby making effective use of the narrow lumen of the catheter.

[0045] For the tube 500 and a cable bundle housed in the lumen of the tube 500, the dynamic friction coefficient measured in accordance with JIS K 7125 (ISO 8295) between the inner circumferential surface of the lumen of the tube 500 in which the cable bundle is housed and the outer surface of the tape disposed on the outer periphery of the cable bundle (e.g., the tape insulating layer 201 in FIG. 3 ) is preferably 0.40 or less, more preferably 0.20 or less, and particularly preferably 0.10 or less. These dynamic friction coefficients can be controlled, for example, by the materials of the tube 500 and the tape insulating layer. A smaller value is preferable because it improves the sliding properties when the cable bundle is housed in the tube 500 and makes it easier to pass the cable bundle through the tube 500. The dynamic friction coefficient may also be 0.05 or more.

[0046] (Manufacturing Method) The manufacturing method of the cable bundle of the present invention will be specifically described below. However, the cable bundle of the present invention is not limited to the structure and manufacturing method described below. Furthermore, the number of times and embodiments of each step are not limited to those described below, and each step can be performed multiple times or combined with other steps before or after it, as long as the technical significance of each step is not lost.

[0047] The method for manufacturing a cable bundle according to the present invention includes the steps of preparing a cable, preparing a tape, and fusing and integrating the tape and a plurality of cables. First, the cables and tape are prepared. The cable may be a commercially available cable, or it may be manufactured. When manufacturing a cable, it can be manufactured by forming an insulating layer around a conductor formed by twisting together a plurality of conductor strands, and then forming a fusion layer around the insulating layer. For a coaxial cable, after forming the insulating layer, a shielding layer is formed as an outer conductor layer by winding conductor strands around the insulating layer, and an outer insulating layer is then formed around the outer conductor layer. A fusion layer is then formed around the outer insulating layer to form a coaxial cable. The insulating layer, outer insulating layer, and / or fusion layer may be formed around the conductor by extruding a resin material, by winding a tape around the conductor as the insulating layer, outer insulating layer, and / or fusion layer, or by other known methods.

[0048] Furthermore, a cable with a thinner fusion layer can be produced by, for example, immersing conductor wires in a varnish containing polyurethane or polyimide and passing them through a coating furnace at a temperature of 150°C to 450°C at a speed of about 10 m / min to about 60 m / min. The thickness of the fusion layer can be adjusted by controlling the number of coating processes. Multiple cables may also be bundled together to form a composite cable. For example, a composite cable may be formed by twisting three insulated cables, each with an insulating layer, around a conductor formed by twisting multiple conductor wires together, providing an outer insulating layer around the conductor, and providing a fusion layer around the outer insulating layer. The cable bundle described in the present claims may be formed by wrapping a tape, on which an insulating layer and a fusion layer have already been laminated, around the conductor.

[0049] The tape is prepared, for example, with an insulating layer made of PET and a fusion layer made of PE. A commercially available tape may be used. A plurality of prepared cables are arranged on the fusion layer side of the prepared tape so that they are parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction and so that portions of the fusion layers of adjacent cables are in contact with each other. The cables and tape thus arranged are heated with a heater or the like to melt the portions where the fusion layers are in contact, thereby forming a cable bundle in which the cables and the tape are fused and integrated. The heater temperature may be, for example, 130°C or higher and 300°C or lower. The above process may also be performed multiple times. For example, a cable bundle may be produced by preparing a plurality of cables fused and integrated with each other via portions of their fusion layers, and then arranging the tape and cables so that they are in contact with portions of their fusion layers and applying heat with a heater or the like to fuse them together.

[0050] Furthermore, by inserting the cable bundle into a tube such as a catheter tube, a tube equipped with the cable bundle can be obtained. The cable bundle can be inserted into the tube by any known method, such as pushing the cable bundle into the tube or using a wire to pull the cable bundle into the tube.

[0051] Example 1: A conductor with an outer diameter of approximately 0.06 mm was prepared by twisting together seven conductor wires made of silver-plated silver-containing copper alloy with an outer diameter of approximately 0.02 mm. A resin layer made of tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (hereinafter referred to as PFA) with a thickness of approximately 0.045 mm was formed around the conductor. A conductor wire made of silver-plated silver-containing copper alloy with an outer diameter of approximately 0.02 mm was wound around the resin layer to form a spirally wound shield layer (metal layer). An insulating layer made of PET with a thickness of approximately 0.007 mm was then formed around the metal layer, and a fusion layer made of PE with a thickness of approximately 0.002 mm was further formed around the insulating layer. Two coaxial cables (Cable A) with an outer diameter of approximately 0.21 mm were prepared using the above method. Seven cables (Cable B) with an outer diameter of approximately 0.063 mm were prepared. Each cable consisted of a conductor wire made of silver-plated silver-containing copper alloy with an outer diameter of approximately 0.051 mm, coated with a polyurethane layer approximately 0.004 mm thick, and then coated with a polyamide layer approximately 0.002 mm thick. One tape (Tape A) was also prepared, consisting of a laminate of a PET film approximately 0.007 mm thick and a PE film approximately 0.002 mm thick. The two coaxial cables were placed on the PE film side of the tape, parallel to each other, with the fusion layers of adjacent cables in contact, and heated to 120°C with a heater to integrate them. Seven of the cables prepared above were then placed next to the two coaxial cables, parallel to each other, with the fusion layers of adjacent cables in contact, and heated to 300°C with a heater to integrate them, to produce a cable bundle.

[0052] Example 2 Six coaxial cables (cables A) similar to those in Example 1 were prepared. A conductor with an outer diameter of approximately 0.06 mm was prepared by twisting together seven conductor strands made of silver-plated silver-containing copper alloy with an outer diameter of approximately 0.02 mm. Three elongated bodies with an outer diameter of approximately 0.11 mm were prepared, each having a PFA resin layer of approximately 0.025 mm formed around the conductor. These were twisted together, and an insulating layer of approximately 0.007 mm thick made of PET was provided around the conductor. Two composite cables (cables C) were prepared, each having a fusion layer of approximately 0.003 mm thick made of PE around the insulating layer. Two tapes (tape A) similar to those in Example 1 were also prepared. The coaxial cables were arranged adjacent to each other on the PE film side of one tape with their longitudinal directions parallel, and next to the group of six coaxial cables, two of the prepared composite cables were arranged with their longitudinal directions parallel, and another tape was placed with the cable side facing the PE film so that multiple cables were sandwiched between the two tapes.The adjacent cables were arranged so that their fusion layers were in contact with each other, and the tapes were heated to 120°C with a heater to combine them into a cable bundle.

[0053] For the above examples, the melting points of the insulating layers and adhesive layers of the cables and tapes that make up the cable bundle are shown in Table 1, and the results of applying these melting points to the left sides of Equations 1 to 3 described above are shown in Table 2.

[0054]

[0055]

[0056] All of the cable bundles described above could be easily threaded using a pull-through wire into a tube with an inner diameter of 2.0 mm and a longitudinal length of 2.0 m. Furthermore, the shape of each of these cable bundles was maintained without damage, such as peeling of the tape or fused cables, before and after threading, and the tube through which they were inserted could be flexibly deformed without any bias. Furthermore, the cable bundles described above could be easily threaded using a pull-through wire into a multi-lumen tube with a width of 1.80 mm, a height of 0.60 mm, and a longitudinal length of 2.0 m. The shape of each of these cable bundles was maintained without damage, such as peeling of the tape or fused cables, before and after threading, and the tube through which they were inserted could be flexibly deformed without any bias.

[0057] (DSC Measurement Method) DSC can be performed in accordance with JIS K 7122 using a NETZSCH JAPAN DSC3200. Measurement samples were cut out in amounts of 5 mg to 10 mg from the adhesive layer and insulating layer of each cable and tape. The measurement samples were clamped in an aluminum pan to prevent the effects of thermal shrinkage. The baseline of the crystalline melting curve (DSC curve) obtained during the heating process from room temperature to 400°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min was adjusted and the heat of transition was determined in accordance with JIS K 7122. The melting endothermic peak temperature obtained from this data was taken as the melting point. Here, if multiple endothermic peaks are present, the endothermic peak temperature with the largest peak area was taken as the melting point. Furthermore, for resins in the insulating layer whose melting point cannot be determined, such as amorphous resins, the softening point can be used instead of the melting point. If it is difficult to prepare the above-mentioned measurement samples due to reasons such as the small size of the cable or tape, the same materials as the adhesive layer and insulating layer of each of the cable and tape to be measured may be prepared and measured.

[0058] (Method of Measuring Dimensions) The outer diameter of the cable was calculated by cutting the prepared cable bundle in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, embedding it in resin, and polishing it. Various components, such as the outer diameter of the cable, the thickness of the tape, and the thickness of the insulation layer and fusion layer of each cable and tube, were measured using a microscope or other device. Other processing methods, such as a microtome or focused ion beam device, may also be used to prepare the observation surface. For measuring dimensions, the center of gravity of each cable was identified in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle. The outer diameter of the cable was determined by the length of the longest line segment among any line segments passing through the center of gravity of each cable and having the cable's outer circumference as its endpoint. In the fusion region where the cables or the cable and the tape are fused together, if it is difficult to distinguish the cable's outer circumference and identify the center of gravity, the outer circumference of the outermost insulation layer of the cable may be used as the cable's outer circumference. Here, it is preferable not to select the fusion region where the cables or the cable and the tape are fused together as a measurement point because it may be difficult to identify the cable's outer circumference. The outer diameter of the cable was the maximum value measured for each cable, and the other values ​​such as the tape thickness, the thickness of the insulating layer and fusion layer of each cable and tube, and the outer diameter of the conductor were measured at five or more locations excluding the fusion areas where the cables or the cables and tape were fused together as described above, and the arithmetic mean value was used as the dimension of the above configuration.

[0059] (Method for Measuring the Dynamic Friction Coefficient) The dynamic friction coefficient can be measured in accordance with JIS K 7125 (ISO 8295). A tube was cut open to expose the inner circumferential surface of the tube containing the cable bundle. The tape of the cable bundle located on the outer surface was cut out and placed on top of the tape so that the outer surface faced the exposed inner circumferential surface of the tube. A 200 g weight was placed on top of the cutout. The weight was pulled horizontally at a sample movement speed of 100 mm / min with a contact area of ​​80 mm x 200 mm. The average load (F) during the weight movement was measured, and the dynamic friction coefficient was calculated using the following formula 4: (Dynamic friction coefficient) = F (gf) / Weight of weight (gf) Formula 4. If the sample is too small or otherwise difficult to measure under the above conditions, the tube may be cut open to expose the inner circumferential surface, and a 0.030 mm thick press sheet may be prepared. The tape may also be subjected to the same treatment to obtain a measurement sample for the measurement.

[0060] The present specification includes the following invention: A cable bundle having a tape and a plurality of cables, the plurality of cables comprising a first cable and a second cable arranged so that their longitudinal directions extend parallel to each other with the first cable, the first cable and the second cable each comprising a conductor, an insulating layer formed around the conductor, and a fusion layer formed on the insulating layer, the tape having a base material with a first surface and a fusion layer formed on the first surface of the base material, the cable bundle having the first cable and the second cable arranged on the first surface side of the tape, and the fusion layer of the first cable and the fusion layer of the second cable each fused and integrated with the fusion layer of the tape.

[0061] A more detailed description will be given with reference to FIG. 9 . FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a cable bundle 300E according to the present invention, taken in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle 300E. The cable bundle 300E includes a cable 110D, a cable 120D, and a tape 200F. The cables 110D and 120D each include a conductor, an insulating layer formed around the conductor, and a fusion layer formed around the insulating layer. The tape includes a base material 201F and a fusion layer 202F formed on the base material. The cables 110D and 120D are arranged so that their longitudinal directions extend parallel to each other and so that the fusion layer 202F contacts the main surface of the tape 200F. The fusion layers of the cables 110D and 120D are fused and integrated with the fusion layer 202F of the tape. Furthermore, the fusion layers of the cables 110D and 120D are not fused and integrated with each other. The configurations of these cables and tapes may be the same as those in the other embodiments.

[0062] After extensive research, the inventors of the present invention discovered that, when viewed microscopically, the region where the cable and tape are fused together exhibits an adhesive mechanism different from that of conventional integrated cable bundles. The cable bundle of the present invention includes a fusion layer on each of the cables and the tape. The fusion layer of the cable and the fusion layer of the tape are positioned so that they contact each other and are fused together to form an integrated structure. Specifically, the fusion layers are molten and blend together to form an integrated structure. The interface between the fused cable and tape is unclear because the fusion layers are fused together. Furthermore, a fillet structure is formed between the cable and tape at the end of the region where the cable and tape are fused together, as the fusion layers of both the tape and the cable melt and flow into the area where the cable and tape are fused together during the fusion integration. This fillet structure prevents stress from concentrating at the end of the region where the cable and tape are fused together when the cable bundle is bent, thereby suppressing reliability degradation due to peeling or breakage. It is believed that this adhesive mechanism enables strong adhesion between the cable and tape. It is preferable that each fusion layer is compatible with the other, and it is particularly preferable that they are made of the same resin material in order to improve adhesive strength. On the other hand, when only the tape has a fusion layer and the cable does not, the integration by fusion is achieved microscopically by the fusion layer of the tape only melting and spreading along the outer shape of the cable. In this type of integration, the adhesive interface follows the outer shape of the cable, and the formation of the fillet structure described above does not progress, so the adhesion is easily peeled off due to external stress such as bending. The same is true when only the cable has a fusion layer and the tape does not have a fusion layer.

[0063] The cable bundle of the present invention can be suitably used, for example, as an internal component of a catheter, which is susceptible to stress from various directions, such as external compressive stress and bending stress, during insertion and use. The above-described strong fused and integrated structure increases the degree of freedom in the connection configuration between the cable and tape. For example, it is possible to adjust the distance between the cables to match the bending shape of the tape or the shape of the connector to be connected.

[0064] The present invention includes the following: A cable bundle having a tape and a plurality of cables, the plurality of cables comprising a first cable and a second cable arranged so as to extend longitudinally parallel to the first cable, the first cable and the second cable each comprising a conductor, an insulating layer formed around the conductor, and a fusion layer formed on the insulating layer, the tape having a base material with a first surface and a fusion layer formed on the first surface of the base, the cable bundle having the first cable and the second cable arranged on the first surface side of the tape, and comprising, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle, a first fixing portion where the fusion layer of the first cable and the fusion layer of the second cable are fused together, and a second fixing portion and a third fixing portion where the fusion layer of the first cable and the fusion layer of the second cable are fused together with the fusion layer of the tape, respectively, and an unfilled space that is not filled with resin and is surrounded by the first fixing portion, the second fixing portion, and the third fixing portion.

[0065] A specific description will be given with reference to Fig. 3. The cable bundle 300A includes a cable 110A, a cable 120A, and a tape 200A. The cables 110A and 120A each have a conductor, an insulating layer formed around the conductor, and a fusion layer formed around the insulating layer. The tape includes a base material 201A and a fusion layer 202A formed on the base material. The cables 110A and 120A are arranged so that their longitudinal directions extend parallel to each other and so that the fusion layer 202A contacts the main surface of the tape 200F. The fusion layers of the cables 110A and 120A are formed by the fusion layer 202A of the tape and the fixing portion R. １ and fixed part R ２ The cables 110A and 120A are arranged to be in contact with each other, and the fusion layers and the fixing portions R ３ Furthermore, the cable bundle 300A is fused and integrated at the fixing portion R １ , fixed part R ２ , and fixed portion R ３The area surrounded by the three portions has an unfilled space that is not filled with resin. This unfilled space is located between the fixing portion R １ , fixed part R ２ , and fixed portion R ３ and the area surrounded by the outlines of the fusion layer 115A of the cable 110A, the fusion layer 125A of the cable 120A, and the fusion layer 202A of the tape, which are surrounded by these parts. The configurations of these cables and tapes can be similar to those of the other embodiments.

[0066] The above configuration makes it possible to obtain a cable bundle with improved reliability. Specifically, by providing strong mutual adhesion at the fixing portion, flexibility, and resistance to external stresses such as bending, it is possible to prevent the integrated cables or the cable and tape from peeling off due to damage to the fusion layer near the fixing portion, thereby providing a cable bundle with improved reliability.

[0067] The reason why such an effect can be obtained is assumed to be, for example, as follows. １ , fixed part R ２ , and fixed portion R ３is formed by the same adhesive mechanism as described above. Specifically, the respective fusion layers are melted and mixed together. The interface between the fused cables or the cable and tape is unclear because the respective fusion layers are melted together. Furthermore, a fillet structure is formed between the cable and tape at the end of the region where the cables and the tape are fused together, as the fusion layers of both the cable and the cable or the tape and the cable melt during the fusion integration and flow into the area. This fillet structure prevents stress from concentrating at the end of the region where the cables and the tape are fused together when the cable bundle is bent, thereby suppressing deterioration in reliability due to peeling or breakage. We believe that this adhesive mechanism enables strong adhesion between the cables or the cable and the tape. Note that the respective fusion layers are preferably compatible, and it is particularly preferable that they be made of the same resin material to improve adhesive strength.

[0068] Furthermore, the cable bundle 300A has the fixing portion R １ , fixed part R ２ , and fixed portion R ３ The cable bundle of the present invention has an unfilled space surrounded by the three parts, which is not filled with resin. If this space were completely filled with resin or the like, the cable bundle would become rigid, and when external stress such as bending or compression is applied, the stress would not be able to escape, resulting in cracks, peeling, etc., and causing a decrease in reliability. Since the cable bundle of the present invention has the unfilled space as described above, it is endowed with flexibility, and for example, this space can flexibly deform in accordance with stress applied by bending, etc., making it easier to disperse stress and leading to improved reliability.

[0069] The cable bundle of the present invention can be suitably used as an internal component of a catheter. Catheters are required to be compact (e.g., have a small diameter) to reduce the burden on patients, as well as flexible and reliable, preventing cable damage. The cable bundle of the present invention can provide a compact cable bundle with high-density cables, yet flexible and less susceptible to peeling.

[0070] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. A cable bundle 300B includes a tape 200B, a cable 110B, a cable 120B adjacent to the cable 110B, and seven additional cables (130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 in FIG. 4). The tape includes a substrate 201B and a bonding layer 202B formed on the substrate. The cable 120A has a larger outer diameter than the cable 120B. The outer diameter of the cable 120A may be 1.3 times, 3 times, or 8 times larger than the outer diameter of the cable 120B. Furthermore, the cable bundle of the present invention includes an unfilled space, not filled with resin, surrounded by the tape, the cable 110B, and the cable 120B, which are arranged so as to be in contact with each other, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle 300B. The first cable 110B may be a coaxial cable. In this case, the first cable 110B includes a conductor 111B, a resin layer 112B formed on the conductor 111B, a metal layer 113B formed on the resin layer 112B, a first insulating layer 114B formed on the metal layer 113B, and a first fusion layer 115B formed on the first insulating layer 114B. The respective configurations of these cables and tapes can be similar to those of the other embodiments.

[0071] The cable bundle of this embodiment allows for strong bonding even between cables with different outer diameters. Bonding between cables with different outer diameters can often be unreliable due to, for example, differences in the strength of the cables and the tendency for stress to concentrate at the bonding interface. However, with a cable bundle as in the present invention, in which the fusion layers are in a molten state, melted and mixed together, and furthermore, the fusion layers flow and penetrate into the corners at both ends of the fused and integrated area between the cables or the cable and the tape, forming a fillet structure, a cable bundle with sufficient reliability can be provided.

[0072] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 . A cable bundle 300C of this embodiment includes a tape 200D, cables 110C, and cables 120C. The tape includes a substrate 201D and a fusion layer 202D formed on both main surfaces of the substrate. In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle 300C, the fusion layer 202D of the tape and the cables 110C and 120C, which are arranged so as to contact each other, are surrounded by an unfilled space that is not filled with resin. In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle 300C, the cable bundle of this embodiment includes multiple cables, such as cables 110C and 120C, arranged adjacent to each other on one main surface of the tape 200D, and additional cables arranged on the other main surface of the tape 200D. The configurations of these cables and tapes may be similar to those of the other embodiments.

[0073] The cable bundle of this embodiment may further include a twisted cable, such as cable 140 or cable 150 in FIG. 5, in which multiple cables are twisted together, an insulating layer is formed around the twisted cables, and a fusion layer is formed around the insulating layer. It may also include another tape 200C or yet another tape 200E. The cables constituting the cable bundle may have different structures, such as one coaxial cable and the other simple wire. According to the cable bundle of the present invention, even if the cables have different configurations and differ in stiffness against bending, etc., the cables and tapes can be firmly bonded at the fixing portion. Furthermore, the provision of unfilled spaces allows deformation in response to external stress, thereby dispersing stress concentrations that tend to be uneven. Furthermore, because the cables and tapes are firmly bonded, the cable bundle is prevented from breaking or deforming due to compressive stress in the longitudinal direction. This ensures ease of insertion into catheters and other devices, resulting in a cable bundle with high insertion reliability.

[0074] The cable bundle of the present invention allows for the flexible three-dimensional configuration of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle. Specifically, the cables and tapes can be freely arranged to achieve the configuration of the present invention depending on the required type and number of cables, the shape of the lumen of the catheter to be inserted, the size and shape of the gap left in the catheter lumen when other internal components of the catheter are inserted, etc.

[0075] As described above, the cable bundle and the tube containing the cable bundle according to the present invention can provide a highly reliable cable bundle.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications can be made to the above embodiments within the scope of the same or equivalent to the present invention.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, all of which are included in the technical concept of the present invention.

[0078] The cable bundle of the present invention is excellent in compactness, flexibility, and ease of passing through narrow spaces. Furthermore, it is an integrated cable bundle that is strong enough to withstand external stresses such as friction and compressive stress when passing through narrow spaces. Therefore, it can be suitably used for signal transmission applications, particularly for catheters, which are placed in narrow spaces.

[0079] 300 Cable bundle 200 Tape 110 First cable 120 Second cable

Claims

1. A cable bundle having a tape and a plurality of cables, wherein the plurality of cables comprises a first cable and a second cable adjacent to the first cable, wherein the first cable comprises one or more conductors, a first insulating layer formed around the conductors, and a first fusion layer formed on the first insulating layer, wherein the second cable comprises one or more conductors, a second insulating layer formed around the conductors, and a second fusion layer formed on the second insulating layer, wherein the tape has a tape insulating layer and a tape fusion layer formed on the tape insulating layer, wherein a portion of the first fusion layer is fused to a portion of the second fusion layer, and wherein the tape fusion layer is fused to a portion of the first fusion layer and a portion of the second fusion layer, A cable bundle that satisfies the following formulas 1 to 3, where Tm(c) (°C) is the arithmetic mean of the melting points of the first fusion layer and the second fusion layer, Tm(t) (°C) is the melting point of the tape fusion layer, Tm(c)' (°C) is the arithmetic mean of the melting points of the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer, and Tm(t)' (°C) is the melting point of the tape insulating layer, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Tm(c)' - Tm(c) > 80... Formula 1 Tm(t)' - Tm(t) > 80... Formula 2 |Tm(c) - Tm(t)| < 50... Formula 3 2. The cable bundle according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the conductor of said first cable is 0.055 mm or less.

3. The cable bundle according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first fusion layer, the second fusion layer and the tape fusion layer is 0.050 mm or less.

4. The cable bundle according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the tape insulation layer is 0.100 mm or less.

5. The cable bundle according to claim 1, wherein the first cable further comprises a plurality of conductors and a resin layer formed around each of the plurality of conductors.

6. A tube having multiple lumens, wherein the cable bundle according to claim 1 is housed within said lumens.

7. The cable bundle according to claim 1, wherein, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable bundle, when a region formed by a part of the first fusion layer and a part of the second fusion layer being fused and integrated together is defined as a first fixing portion, and regions formed by the tape fusion layer and a part of the first fusion layer and a part of the second fusion layer being fused and integrated together are defined as a second fixing portion and a third fixing portion, respectively, the cable bundle comprises an unfilled space that is not filled with resin and is surrounded by the first fixing portion, the second fixing portion and the third fixing portion.

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