JP2019030489A - Ultrasound endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ultrasound endoscope in which an ultrasound connector for connecting the ultrasound endoscope to an external cable can be downsized.SOLUTION: The ultrasound endoscope comprises: a plurality of coaxial lines having one-side ends connected to an ultrasound oscillator; a plurality of connection boards each connected to the other ends of the plurality of coaxial lines; an outer cover bundling up the plurality of coaxial lines; and an ultrasound board electrically connected to an external connector, the ultrasound board including a plurality of connector units for detachably accommodating one or some of the connection boards. The connection board includes a part which extends from a connector unit and is bent. The plurality of coaxial lines are divided into a plurality of coaxial line groups, each of which is composed of coaxial lines connected to the same connector unit. Each of the coaxial line groups has an end part on the connection board side, the end part being exposed in a length corresponding to a position of a connector unit to be connected to the end part, the exposed part being wound in a spiral shape so that the exposed part falls within a region forming an outer edge of the ultrasound board.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic endoscope.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ultrasonic endoscope system is used for diagnosis of a living body tissue or the like to which ultrasonic waves are applied. An ultrasonic endoscope system is an ultrasonic endoscope in which an ultrasonic transducer having a plurality of piezoelectric elements is connected to an ultrasonic endoscope via a cable and an ultrasonic endoscope provided at the distal end of an insertion portion. A processing device that processes the ultrasonic echo acquired by the child, generates information (ultrasonic image) based on the ultrasonic echo, and displays the ultrasonic image on a display unit or the like (for example, Patent Document 1). See). The surgeon makes a diagnosis based on the ultrasonic image displayed on the display device.

  The cable described above is electrically connected to one end of a plurality of coaxial wires inserted through the insertion portion. Each coaxial line is electrically connected to one of the plurality of piezoelectric elements described above at the other end. In Patent Document 1, a cable and a coaxial line are electrically connected via a connector (hereinafter referred to as an ultrasonic connector) of an ultrasonic endoscope. This ultrasonic connector has an ultrasonic substrate connected to a plurality of coaxial lines and a shield case covering the substrate. The coaxial line and the ultrasonic substrate are electrically connected by standing a connection substrate connected to an end of the coaxial line on a connector portion provided on the ultrasonic substrate. In Patent Document 1, a connection board is formed by soldering an extension board to a main board to which a coaxial line is connected, and the main board and the coaxial line are electrically connected via the extension board.

JP 2000-139927 A

  By the way, it is desired to reduce the size of the ultrasonic endoscope from the viewpoint of handling. At this time, downsizing of the connector described above is also required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope capable of reducing the size of an ultrasonic connector connected to an external cable.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention has an ultrasonic transducer at a distal end portion, and the ultrasonic endoscope is inserted into a subject. A plurality of coaxial lines, one end of which is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, a plurality of connection substrates respectively connected to the other ends of the plurality of coaxial lines, and an outer skin that bundles the plurality of coaxial lines; An ultrasonic substrate that is electrically connected to an external connector, and includes an ultrasonic substrate having a plurality of connector portions that detachably accommodates a part of the connection substrate, and the connection substrate includes the connector portion The plurality of coaxial lines are divided into a plurality of coaxial line groups composed of coaxial lines connected to the same connector part, and the plurality of coaxial line groups are divided into the coaxial lines. The end on the side of the connection board depends on the position of the connector part to be connected Exposed length, characterized in that it is wound spirally as the exposed portion is within eggplant region of the outer edge of the ultrasonic board.

  In the ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention, in the above invention, the plurality of connector portions form two rows facing each other, and the coaxial line groups connected to the facing connector portions are the length of the exposed portion. Are the same as each other.

  The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the plurality of connection boards are connected in the row direction in order from a connection board having a short exposed portion of a coaxial line group connected to each connection board. It is attached to the part.

  The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, the ultrasonic endoscope further includes an electrical connection member that supports a ground connection portion provided in the outer skin and is electrically connected to an external ground.

  The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is characterized in that in the above invention, the ultrasonic endoscope further includes a pressing member that presses the outer skin against the electrical connecting member.

  The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the ultrasonic endoscope further includes a cover member that has optical transparency and covers at least a part of the coaxial line located in the space on the ultrasonic substrate. To do.

  The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the ultrasonic endoscope further includes a conductive shield case that covers the cover member.

  The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, each of the plurality of coaxial lines extends on the same plane from a bent portion of the connection substrate.

  The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, the ultrasonic endoscope further includes a restraining member that restrains the coaxial lines in each coaxial line group.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that an ultrasonic connector connected to an external cable can be reduced in size.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an endoscope system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view of the endoscope connector shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front and from the upper left side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view in which the ultrasonic connector is removed from the endoscope connector shown in FIG. 2 and the ultrasonic connector is viewed from the inside of the exterior housing. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic connector shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing an ultrasonic probe connected to the FPC connector shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a flexible substrate connected to the FPC connector shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a manner of winding the coaxial line on the ultrasonic substrate shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of winding a coaxial line on an ultrasonic substrate. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of winding a coaxial line on an ultrasonic substrate. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main part of the ultrasonic connector of the endoscope system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of the ultrasonic connector of the endoscope system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which a part of the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is disassembled. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a distal end configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a side view showing a configuration in which a part of the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is disassembled. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic transducer provided at the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 17 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line BB in FIG. FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a part of the insertion portion of the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the imaging optical system of the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an endoscope system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. An endoscope system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that performs ultrasonic diagnosis in a subject such as a person using an ultrasonic endoscope. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2, an ultrasonic observation device 3, an endoscope observation device 4, and a display device 5.

  The endoscope 2 can be partially inserted into a subject, transmits an ultrasonic pulse toward a body wall in the subject, receives an ultrasonic echo reflected by the subject, and receives an echo signal. An ultrasonic endoscope having a function of outputting and a function of imaging an inside of a subject and outputting an image signal. The detailed configuration of the endoscope 2 will be described later.

  The ultrasonic observation device 3 is electrically connected to the endoscope 2 via the ultrasonic cable 31, outputs a pulse signal to the endoscope 2 via the ultrasonic cable 31, and echo signals from the endoscope 2. Enter. Then, the ultrasonic observation device 3 performs a predetermined process on the echo signal to generate an ultrasonic image.

An endoscope connector 6 (described later) of the endoscope 2 is detachably connected to the endoscope observation apparatus 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope observation apparatus 4 includes a video processor 41 and a light source device 42.
The video processor 41 outputs a control signal to the endoscope 2 via the endoscope connector 6 and inputs an image signal from the endoscope 2 via the endoscope connector 6. Then, the video processor 41 performs a predetermined process on the image signal to generate an endoscopic image.
The light source device 42 supplies illumination light for illuminating the inside of the subject to the endoscope 2 via the endoscope connector 6.

  The display device 5 is configured using liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence), and an ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic observation device 3, an endoscope image generated by the endoscope observation device 4, and the like. Is displayed.

  Next, the configuration of the endoscope 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 2 includes an insertion portion 21, an operation portion 22, a universal cord 23, and an endoscope connector 6. Illumination light supplied from the light source device 42 is not shown inside the endoscope 2 (inside the insertion portion 21, the operation portion 22, the universal cord 23, and the endoscope connector 6). Light guide for transmission, US cable 71 for ultrasonic observation (for transmission of pulse signals and echo signals) (see FIG. 6), imaging cable for endoscope observation (for transmission of control signals, image signals, etc.), etc. Has been routed.

  The insertion part 21 is a part inserted into the subject. As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion portion 21 includes a vibration portion 211 provided at a distal end, a rigid member 212 connected to a proximal end side (operation portion 22 side) of the vibration portion 211, and a proximal end of the rigid member 212. A bending portion 213 that can be bent and connected to the side, and a flexible tube portion 214 that is connected to the proximal end side of the bending portion 213 and has flexibility. Although specific illustration is omitted inside the insertion portion 21 (the rigid member 212, the bending portion 213, and the flexible tube portion 214), in addition to the light guide and the US cable 71 (see FIG. 6) described above, An image guide for guiding an optical image in the specimen and a treatment instrument tube through which various treatment instruments (for example, a puncture needle) are inserted are drawn.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the vibration unit 211 is a radial ultrasonic transducer, and has a configuration in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements (not shown) are regularly arranged in the circumferential direction. The ultrasonic transducer has a plurality of piezoelectric elements, an acoustic lens, and a matching layer, and acquires an ultrasonic echo that contributes to an internal ultrasonic tomographic image rather than a body wall in the subject. The vibrating unit 211 converts the pulse signal input from the ultrasonic observation device 3 into an ultrasonic pulse via the US cable 71 (see FIG. 6) and the ultrasonic cable 31 described above, and transmits the ultrasonic pulse into the subject. To do. The vibrating unit 211 converts an ultrasonic echo reflected in the subject into an electrical echo signal, and the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 via the US cable 71 (see FIG. 6) and the ultrasonic cable 31. Output to.

The hard member 212 is a hard member made of a resin material or a metal material, and has a substantially cylindrical shape. Although not specifically shown, the rigid member 212 is formed with an observation window, an illumination window, a treatment instrument passage, and the like. The observation window, the illumination window, and the treatment instrument passage are holes that penetrate from the proximal end (end portion on the operation unit 22 side) of the rigid member 212 toward the distal end, and specifically have the following functions.
The observation window is a hole for acquiring an optical image in the subject. And the entrance end side of the image guide mentioned above is penetrated inside the observation window. An objective lens (not shown) is coupled to the incident end of the image guide.
The illumination window is a hole for irradiating illumination light into the subject. And the exit end side of the light guide mentioned above is inserted in the illumination window.
The treatment instrument passage is a hole for projecting various treatment instruments to the outside. The above-described treatment instrument tube is connected to the treatment instrument passage.

The operation unit 22 is connected to the proximal end side of the insertion unit 21 and is a part that receives various operations from a doctor or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 22 includes a bending knob 221 for bending the bending portion 213 and a plurality of operation members 222 for performing various operations.
In addition, the operation section 22 is formed with a treatment instrument insertion port 223 that communicates with the treatment instrument tube described above and allows various treatment instruments to be inserted into the treatment instrument tube.
Further, an imaging device (not shown) that outputs an image signal corresponding to the optical image in the subject and an optical image guided by the above-described image guide are formed on the imaging device 22 inside the operation unit 22. An optical system (not shown) is provided. The image signal output from the imaging device is transmitted to the endoscope observation apparatus 4 (video processor 41) via the imaging cable described above.

  The universal cord 23 is a cable having one end connected to the operation unit 22 and having the above-described light guide, US cable 71 (see FIG. 6), an imaging cable, and the like.

  Next, the configuration of the endoscope connector 6 will be described. The endoscope connector 6 is provided at the other end of the universal cord 23 and is connected to the ultrasonic cable 31 connected to the ultrasonic observation device 3 and the endoscope observation device 4 (video processor 41 and light source device 42). It is a connector to do. In the following, based on the posture when the endoscope connector 6 is connected to the endoscope observation apparatus 4, the upper side in the posture is “up”, the lower side in the posture is “lower”, and the endoscope When the side close to the observation device 4 is “front”, the side far from the endoscope observation device 4 is “rear”, the left side when viewed from the front in the posture is “left”, and when viewed from the front with the posture Let the right side of

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the endoscope connector 6 as viewed from the front and from the upper left side. Further, in FIG. 2, XYZ orthogonal coordinates are illustrated in order to identify the above-described “upper and lower”, “front and rear”, and “left and right” of the endoscope connector 6. Here, the + Z-axis direction is the “upward direction” of the endoscope connector 6. The + X-axis direction is the “left direction” of the endoscope connector 6. The + Y-axis direction is the “front direction” of the endoscope connector 6.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope connector 6 includes an exterior housing 61, a plug portion 62, and an ultrasonic connector 63.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the exterior housing 61 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). And the universal cord 23 (The light guide mentioned above, US cable 71 (refer FIG. 6), an imaging cable, etc.) is penetrated by the exterior housing | casing 61 through the opening part of the rear side. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a bend preventing member 611 is provided on the rear side of the outer casing 61.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a bulging portion 612 that bulges in the + X-axis direction is formed on the side surface of the outer casing 61 described above. The bulging portion 612 communicates with the interior of the exterior housing 61 and has a hollow shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the bulging portion 612 is formed with a mounting hole 612 </ b> A having an opening surface located in the YZ plane and communicating between the inside and outside of the exterior housing 61. The attachment hole 612A is a hole to which the ultrasonic connector 63 is attached.

  The plug portion 62 is a portion that is inserted into the endoscope observation device 4 and is connected to the video processor 41 and the light source device 42, and is attached to an opening portion on the front side in the exterior housing 61 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the plug portion 62 includes first and second electrical connector portions 621 and 622 and a light guide base 623.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first electrical connector portion 621 has a cylindrical shape that is located on the farthest rear side of the plug portion 62 and extends in the front-rear direction. In the first electrical connector portion 621, a plurality of first electrical contacts 621A are provided in a part of the outer peripheral surface along the circumferential direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the second electrical connector portion 622 is integrally formed on the front side of the first electrical connector portion 621, and has a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first electrical connector 621. . In the second electrical connector portion 622, a plurality of second electrical contacts 622A are provided in a part of the outer peripheral surface along the circumferential direction.

  The plurality of first and second electrical contacts 621A and 622A described above are electrically connected to the imaging cable described above. The plurality of first and second electrical contacts 621A and 622A are electrically connected to the video processor 41 in a state in which the plug portion 62 is inserted into the endoscope observation apparatus 4. That is, the plurality of first and second electrical contacts 621A and 622A are portions that electrically connect the imaging cable and the video processor 41 described above.

  The light guide base 623 is attached to the front end face of the second electrical connector portion 622 and protrudes in the + Y-axis direction from the front end face. The light guide base 623 is inserted through the light guide incident end side. The light guide base 623 is connected to the light source device 42 in a state where the plug portion 62 is inserted into the endoscope observation device 4. That is, the light guide base 623 is a portion that optically connects the light guide and the light source device 42 described above.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view in which the ultrasonic connector 63 is removed from the endoscope connector 6 and the ultrasonic connector 63 is viewed from the inside of the exterior housing 61. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic connector 63 shown in FIG. For the sake of explanation, a part of the coaxial line 711 is omitted in FIG. 4, and the flexible substrate 72 and the coaxial line 711 are omitted in FIG.

  The ultrasonic connector 63 is an electrical connector for electrically connecting the US cable 71 (see FIG. 6) and the ultrasonic cable 31 described above. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the ultrasonic connector 63 includes an ultrasonic substrate 631, a frame member 632, a spacer 633, an electrical connection member 634, a pressing member 635, and a shield case 636.

  The ultrasonic substrate 631 has a substantially disk shape, and is a substrate on which a plurality of FPC connectors 6311 (see FIG. 5), a plurality of pin-like terminals 6312 (see FIG. 5), and the like are mounted. A plurality (12 in this embodiment) of FPC connectors 6311 are connector portions to which a plurality of flexible boards 72 (see FIG. 6) in the ultrasonic probe 7 (see FIG. 6) are respectively connected. The configuration of the ultrasonic probe 7 will be described later.

  The twelve FPC connectors 6311 are divided into six pieces on both sides (left and right sides in FIG. 4) sandwiching the plurality of pin-like terminals 6312, respectively. In FIG. 5, the six FPC connectors 6311 arranged on the right side and the six FPC connectors 6311 arranged on the left side are arranged in an upside down posture in FIG. .

  The plurality of pin-like terminals 6312 are arranged in a matrix at a substantially central portion of the ultrasonic substrate 631. The plurality of pin-like terminals 6312 are electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe 7 via the 12 FPC connectors 6311, and when the connector of the ultrasonic cable 31 is connected to the ultrasonic connector 63, It is electrically connected to the ultrasonic cable 31.

  The ultrasonic substrate 631 is formed with a vent hole penetrating the front and back, although not specifically shown. A vent hole base having a hole communicating with the vent hole is attached to the vent hole. Although not shown in the drawings, a ventilation waterproof sheet having air permeability and waterproofness is provided inside the ventilation hole so as to close the above-described hole.

  As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the frame member 632 is a portion made of a cylindrical metal member and mechanically connected to the connector on the ultrasonic cable 31 side. The frame member 632 supports the ultrasonic substrate 631 at an opening portion on one end side (inside the exterior casing 61).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the spacer 633 is a substantially cylindrical metal member (shield member) that covers a part of the outer edge portion of the ultrasonic substrate 631, and is one end side of the frame member 632 (inside the exterior casing 61). Fixed to.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical connection member 634 is formed of a metal member having an L-shaped cross section, and a portion 6341 on one end side of the L-shaped cross section is a surface of the ultrasonic substrate 631 (a surface on the inside of the exterior housing 61). The portion 6342 on the other end side of the L-shaped cross section is connected to the frame member 632 in a posture that faces the frame member 632. And the extension end 71B (refer FIG. 6) from the vibration part 211 in the US cable 71 (refer FIG. 6) is fixed to the part 6341 of the L-shaped cross section in the electrical connection member 634. FIG. At this time, the electrical connection member 634 is fixed to the spacer 633 by the screw 100, and the extension member 71B is fixed by fixing the pressing member 635 by the screw 101. The extended end 71B is provided with a conductive ground connection portion 71C that comes into contact with the electrical connection member 634. The ground connection portion 71C is electrically connected to the shield of the US cable 71. When the electrical connection member 634 is assembled to the endoscope 2, the electrical connection member 634 is connected to an external ground via the exterior casing 61.

  The shield case 636 has a cup shape that covers the surface of the ultrasonic substrate 631 (the surface inside the exterior casing 61) and the coaxial line 711 located in the space S on the ultrasonic substrate 631. The shield case 636 is formed using a conductive material such as metal, for example. The inside of the shield case 636 is shielded. Further, the shield case 636 has a hole 636a through which the extended end 71B is inserted. The shield case 636 is further covered with a connector case having rigidity and insulation (not shown). The connector case and the shield case may be integrated.

  Next, the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 7 will be described. FIG. 6 is a view showing the ultrasonic probe 7 connected to the FPC connector 6311. As shown in FIG. 6, the ultrasonic probe 7 includes a vibrating part 211, a US cable 71, and a plurality of flexible boards 72.

  As described above, the US cable 71 is a cable that transmits a pulse signal and an echo signal between the vibration unit 211 and the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the US cable 71 is bundled by a covering tube 71 </ b> A in which a plurality of coaxial wires 711 that are electrically connected to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers in the vibrating portion 211 are outer shells. Have a configuration. In the US cable 71, the coaxial line 711 is exposed from the extending end 71B opposite to the vibrating portion 211 side. The extension end 71B is formed with a ground connection portion 71C that is connected to a ground film provided on the inner peripheral surface of the covering tube 71A and is connected to an external ground via the ultrasonic connector 63.

  The coaxial line 711 includes a core wire that transmits a signal, a dielectric that covers the core, an outer conductor (shield) that covers the dielectric, and a sheath that covers the outer conductor. In the plurality of coaxial wires 711, the extending ends from the vibrating portion 211 are bundled by a bundling member 712 for each plurality, as shown in FIG. 6, and a plurality (12 in this embodiment) of flexible substrates 72. Are attached to each. In other words, the plurality of coaxial wires 711 electrically connect the vibrating portion 211 and the twelve flexible boards 72. A core wire is exposed at one end of the plurality of coaxial wires 711 and connected to the flexible substrate 72, and a connection portion (for example, an electrode) in which the exposed core wire is formed on the flexible substrate 72. Connected to. In the case of a radial type ultrasonic transducer, 100 or more coaxial lines are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the flexible substrate 72 is configured as an L-shaped flat plate from one end 72A to the other end 72B in a free state. A bundle of coaxial wires 711 among a plurality of bundles is electrically connected to one end 72 </ b> A of the flexible substrate 72. Here, the bundle includes about 5 to 20 coaxial lines.

  Here, in the plurality of coaxial wires 711, 12 coaxial wire groups are formed corresponding to the FPC connector 6311. The twelve coaxial line groups are divided into six groups in which the lengths of the coaxial lines 711 extending from the extending end 71B are the same. The flexible substrate 72 connected to the end of each coaxial line group has the same length extending from the extended end 71B (the length of the portion exposed from the covering tube 71A) for each set of the coaxial line group. It is divided into a set of flexible substrates 72 (substrate sets 721 to 726).

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the flexible substrate 72 connected to the FPC connector 6311 shown in FIG. The other end 72B of the flexible substrate 72 is connected to the FPC connector 6311. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the FPC connectors 6311 are arranged in two rows, but the flexible substrate 72 connected to the FPC connector 6311 has one end 72A of the flexible substrate 72 in one row as shown in FIG. And one end 72A of the flexible substrate 72 in the other row face each other. At this time, the same set of flexible boards 72 face each other, and the flexible boards 72 in one row and the flexible boards 72 in the other row are bent in opposite directions.

  Note that the number of flexible substrates 72 is equal to or less than the number of FPC connectors 6311. The flexible board 72 is attached to a preset location, and when the number of flexible boards 72 is smaller than the number of FPC connectors 6311, empty FPC connectors are generated.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a manner of winding the coaxial line on the ultrasonic substrate shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the coaxial line 711 in the space S described above is accommodated in the shield case 636 in a state where the portion exposed from the covering tube 71A is wound in a spiral shape. At this time, the wound coaxial line 711 is located inside the region formed by the outer edge of the ultrasonic substrate 631. More specifically, when the shield case 636 is attached, the wound coaxial line 711 fits inside the region formed by the opening of the shield case 636 (for example, the broken line Q shown in FIG. 8). It is wound around.

  Next, a procedure for assembling the ultrasonic connector 63 while being connected to the ultrasonic probe 7 will be described. The ultrasonic connector 63 first inserts the flexible board 72 into the FPC connector 6311. Each flexible substrate 72 is bent along the boundary between one end 72A and the other end 72B. At this time, each of the plurality of coaxial wires 711 extends from the bent portion of the flexible substrate 72 on the same plane. Further, the flexible substrate 72 in one row and the flexible substrate 72 in the other row are bent in opposite directions. After the flexible substrate 72 is inserted into the FPC connector 6311, the portion located in the space S described above on the coaxial line 711 and exposed from the covering tube 71A is wound in a spiral shape.

  9 and 10 are schematic views for explaining a method of winding a coaxial line on the ultrasonic substrate. In a state where the flexible board 72 is inserted into the FPC connector 6311, as shown in FIG. 9, the coaxial lines 711 extending from the opposing flexible board 72 extend so as to protrude in opposite directions. From this state, the coaxial line 711 extending to one side is bent so as to overlap the coaxial line 711 extending to the other side (see FIG. 10).

  In a state in which the coaxial wires 711 are grouped together (see FIG. 10), the US cable 71 is rotated around the outer periphery of the ultrasonic substrate 631 or the ultrasonic substrate 631 is rotated. For example, the US cable 71 is circulated once and a half. The coaxial line 711 is wound in a spiral shape as shown in FIG. At this time, a region formed by the outermost coaxial line 711 among the wound coaxial lines 711 is smaller than the opening of the shield case 636.

  After winding the coaxial wire 711, the electrical connection member 634 is attached to the spacer 633. Thereafter, the extending end 71 </ b> B of the covering tube 71 is fixed to the electrical connection member 634 and covered with the shield case 636, thereby confining the coaxial line 711 located in the space S on the ultrasonic substrate 631. Further, the shield case 636 is covered with a connector case. As described above, the ultrasonic connector 63 is assembled. The ultrasonic connector 63 is fixed with screws or the like in a state where the ultrasonic substrate 631 side is inserted into the mounting hole 612A.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the flexible substrate 72 is connected to the FPC connector 6311, the flexible substrate 72 is bent and positioned in the space S on the ultrasonic substrate 631, and the coated tube 71A. The coaxial line 711 exposed from is wound in a spiral shape. According to the first embodiment, as compared with a conventional configuration in which a connection board is erected on the FPC connector 6311 and the coaxial line extending from the connection board is irregularly arranged, ultrasonic waves are provided. The area occupied by the flexible substrate 72 and the coaxial line 711 located on the substrate 631 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the ultrasonic connector 63 that is a connector portion connected to an external cable.

  In the first embodiment described above, the coaxial line 711 is spirally wound, and then the ultrasonic substrate 631 and the coaxial line 711 are covered with the shield case 636 to shield the coaxial line 711 and the ultrasonic substrate 631. I tried to do it. Accordingly, when the ultrasonic connector 63 is assembled, the shield case 636 can be disposed without the coaxial case 711 being sandwiched between the shield case 636 and the ultrasonic substrate 631. Thereby, the fall of the yield at the time of manufacture of the ultrasonic connector 63 is suppressed, As a result, the fall of the yield in manufacture of an ultrasonic endoscope can be suppressed.

  Moreover, according to Embodiment 1 mentioned above, the same effect can be acquired also when repairing the ultrasonic connector 63. FIG. That is, at the time of repair, it is possible to prevent the coaxial wire 711 from being sandwiched between the shield case 636 and the ultrasonic substrate 631 during assembly after disassembly, and to suppress unnecessary replacement of the ultrasonic probe 7.

  Further, according to the first embodiment described above, the US cable 71 is pressed against the ultrasonic substrate 631 by the pressing member 635, so that the US cable 71 and the coaxial line 711 are compactly accommodated in the ultrasonic connector 63. be able to. Thereby, the structure of the US cable 71 and the ultrasonic connector 63 can be further reduced in size.

  In the first embodiment described above, the plurality of coaxial lines 711 are described as being bundled for each coaxial line group. However, the coaxial lines may be wound in a spiral shape without being bundled. In the first embodiment, each of the flexible substrates 72 extends from the bent portion on the same plane. However, depending on the bending mode of the flexible substrate 72 attached to the FPC connector 6311, each flexible substrate 72 In some cases, the coaxial lines 711 of the substrate 72 extend in different directions and do not extend on the same plane.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic connector according to the second embodiment. For the sake of explanation, the flexible substrate 72 and the coaxial line 711 are omitted in FIG. In the second embodiment, a cover member 637 is further provided for the configuration of the ultrasonic connector 63 described above. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the ultrasonic connector according to the second embodiment includes an ultrasonic substrate 631, a frame member 632, a spacer 633, an electrical connection member 634, a pressing member 635, a shield case 636, A cover member 637. The ultrasonic connector shown in FIG. 11 further includes a cover member 637 with respect to the configuration of the ultrasonic connector 63 described above. Therefore, only the cover member 637 and portions related to the cover member 637 will be described below.

  The cover member 637 is provided inside the shield case 636 described above. The cover member 637 is a transparent cup-shaped member that covers the surface of the ultrasonic substrate 631 (the surface on the inside of the exterior housing 61) and the coaxial line 711 located in the space S described above. The cover member 637 has a light transmission property that transmits visible light. The cover member 637 is provided inside the spacer 633, and includes an FPC connector 6311 mounted on the ultrasonic substrate 631, a flexible substrate 72 (see FIG. 6) connected to the FPC connector 6311, and a plurality extending from each flexible substrate 72. A part of the coaxial line 711 is covered. The coaxial line 711 located in the space S (see FIG. 4) on the ultrasonic substrate 631 is confined by the cover member 637. The cover member 637 has a hole 637a that is an opening through which the extended end 71B is inserted in a part of the side surface. The cover member 637 is formed using, for example, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or the like, and can be elastically deformed. Note that the cover member 637 may be rigid, or may be a bag formed using a vinyl resin or the like.

  When assembling the ultrasonic connector, the coaxial wire 711 is wound as shown in FIG. 8, the extension end 71B is fixed to the electrical connection member 634, and then the ultrasonic connector 631 including the wound coaxial wire 711 is placed on the ultrasonic substrate 631. The cover member 637 is put on the member. At this time, since the cover member 637 is transparent, the inside of the cover member 637 can be confirmed, and it can be attached while confirming whether the coaxial line 711 is accommodated in the cover member 637. In the state where the cover member 637 is attached, the US cable 71 extends from the hole 637a. Thereafter, the shield case 636 is attached so as to cover the cover member 637. Further, the shield case 636 is covered with a connector case. In this way, the ultrasonic connector is assembled. The ultrasonic connector is fixed with screws or the like in a state where the ultrasonic substrate 631 side is inserted into the mounting hole 612A.

  In the second embodiment described above, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, a part of the coaxial line 711 on the ultrasonic substrate 631 is confined by the transparent cover member 637, and then the ultrasonic wave is generated by the shield case 636. The substrate 631, the coaxial line 711, and the cover member 637 are covered so that the coaxial line 711 and the ultrasonic substrate 631 are shielded. According to the second embodiment, the effects of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and the shield case 636 does not sandwich the coaxial line 711 with the ultrasonic substrate 631 when assembling the ultrasonic connector. The shield case 636 can be disposed. Thereby, the fall of the yield at the time of manufacture of an ultrasonic connector is suppressed, As a result, the fall of the yield in manufacture of an ultrasonic endoscope can be suppressed. In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the same effect can be obtained when the ultrasonic connector is repaired.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic connector according to the second embodiment. For the sake of explanation, the flexible substrate 72 and the coaxial line 711 are omitted in FIG. In the third embodiment, a cover member 637A is further provided for the configuration of the ultrasonic connector 63 described above. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The ultrasonic connector according to the third embodiment is an electrical connector for electrically connecting the US cable 71 (see FIG. 6) and the ultrasonic cable 31 described above. As shown in FIG. 12, the ultrasonic connector includes an ultrasonic substrate 631, a frame member 632, a spacer 633, an electrical connection member 634, a pressing member 635, a shield case 636, and a cover member 637A. . In the third embodiment, only the cover member 637A is different from the configuration of the ultrasonic connector 63 described above. Therefore, only the cover member 637A and portions related to the cover member 637A will be described below.

  The cover member 637A is a transparent box-shaped member that covers the coaxial line 711 located in the space S on the surface of the ultrasonic substrate 631 (the surface inside the exterior housing 61). The cover member 637 </ b> A is provided on the upper portion of the flexible substrate 72 connected to the FPC connector 6311, and covers a part of the plurality of coaxial lines 711 extending from each flexible substrate 72. A part of the coaxial line 711 located in the space S on the ultrasonic substrate 631 is confined by the cover member 637A. Further, the cover member 637A is formed with a hole 637b which is an opening through which the extended end 71B is inserted, and a slit 637c through which the coaxial line 711 extending from the flexible substrate 72 is inserted. The hole 637b is formed on one of the four side surfaces. The slit 637c is formed on the bottom surface, and one end is connected to the hole 637b. The cover member 637A is formed using, for example, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, vinyl resin, or the like, and can be elastically deformed. Note that the cover member 637A may have rigidity, or may have a bag shape in which an opening and a slit are formed.

  When assembling the ultrasonic connector, the coaxial wire 711 is wound as shown in FIG. 8, the extension end 71B is fixed to the electrical connection member 634, and then the cover member 637A is attached to the wound coaxial wire 711. A part of the coaxial line 711 located in the space S on the ultrasonic substrate 631 is accommodated in the cover member 637A. The cover member 637A is attached by sliding from the side opposite to the extending end 71B side. The cover member 637A accommodates a part of the coaxial line 711 while allowing the coaxial line 711 to pass through the slit 637c. At this time, since the cover member 637A is transparent, the inside of the cover member 637A can be confirmed, and it can be attached while confirming whether the coaxial line 711 is accommodated in the cover member 637A. In a state where the cover member 637A is attached, the coaxial line 711 passes through the hole 637b and the slit 637c. The coaxial line 711 passes through the hole 637b while being covered with the extending end 71B of the covering tube 71A.

  Thereafter, the shield case 636 is attached so as to cover the cover member 637A. Further, the shield case 636 is covered with a connector case. In this way, the ultrasonic connector is assembled. The ultrasonic connector is fixed with screws or the like in a state where the ultrasonic substrate 631 side is inserted into the mounting hole 612A.

  In the third embodiment described above, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, a part of the coaxial line 711 on the ultrasonic substrate 631 is accommodated by the transparent cover member 637A, and then the ultrasonic wave is emitted by the shield case 636. The substrate 631, the coaxial line 711, and the cover member 637A are covered to shield the coaxial line 711 and the ultrasonic substrate 631. According to the third embodiment, the effects of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and the shield case 636 does not sandwich the coaxial line 711 with the ultrasonic substrate 631 when assembling the ultrasonic connector. The shield case 636 can be disposed. Thereby, the fall of the yield at the time of manufacture of an ultrasonic connector is suppressed, As a result, the fall of the yield in manufacture of an ultrasonic endoscope can be suppressed. In the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the same effect can be obtained when repairing the ultrasonic connector.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the radial ultrasonic transducer has been described as an example of the vibration unit 211. However, a convex ultrasonic transducer or a linear ultrasonic transducer may be used. . Note that the convex type ultrasonic transducer has about half the number of coaxial lines as compared with the radial type ultrasonic transducer. The endoscope 2 may be one that mechanically scans an ultrasonic transducer, or a plurality of elements are arranged in an array as the ultrasonic transducer, and the elements involved in transmission and reception are switched electronically. Alternatively, electronic scanning may be performed by delaying transmission / reception of each element.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which a part of the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is disassembled. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a distal end configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and is a view seen from an angle different from the perspective view shown in FIG. The endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the endoscope system 1 described above. Hereinafter, only the detailed configuration of the endoscope 2 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

  The rigid member 212 is provided with an inclined surface 212a on which an observation window, an illumination window, and the like are arranged on the proximal end side with respect to the balloon locking groove 215.

  Inside the rigid member 212, a metal tube (attachment member) at the end of the light guide is provided with a flange, and the tube end covering the glass fiber of the light guide is disposed so as to abut against the flange. In addition to the tube covering the coaxial line connected to the ultrasonic transducer, tubes such as a forceps channel are similarly fixed so as to abut against the flange of the mounting member. Furthermore, a tube that protects a covering tube such as a US cable, an imaging cable, and a ride guide is also positioned against the flange portion of the mounting member. Each pipe line has a structure in which a tube and a pipe are fitted, and the outer periphery of the fitting part is covered with an adhesive. A heat shrinkable tube is disposed so as to cover the adhesive from the outside.

  The vibration part 211 and the rigid member 212 are fixed using screws. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, a screw 200 having no head is inserted into an opening 212 b formed in the rigid member 212, and the screw 200 is applied to the vibration part 211, so that the vibration part 211 is placed. It is fixed to the rigid member 212. The screw 200 is also used for fixing a light guide, for example. Further, the screw 200 is covered with a cap 201 on the side opposite to the side that contacts the vibrating portion 211. The cap 201 is made of water-resistant metal or resin.

  The rigid member 212 is formed with a balloon suction conduit that sucks the liquid in the balloon attached to the balloon locking groove 215. The balloon suction conduit has a distal end bent toward the outside in the longitudinal direction. The opening 212c of the balloon suction conduit is provided on the tip side of the balloon locking groove 215. The opening 212c is formed at a position where the balloon cleaning brush protruding from the opening 212c can protrude without interfering with the outer surface of the rigid member 212 or the vibrating portion 211 when the balloon suction conduit is cleaned with the balloon cleaning brush. .

  FIG. 15 is a side view showing the internal configuration of the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the vibrating part 211 is drawn from the rigid member 212. A horseshoe-shaped metal member 216 is provided between the vibrating portion 211 and the rigid member 212 in order to prevent rattling. The metal member 216 includes a convex portion 216a fitted into a concave portion 212d formed in the hard member 212, and a V-shaped groove 216b with which a screw for fixing the vibration portion 211 and the hard member 212 abuts. Is formed. By fitting the convex portion 216a into the concave portion 212d, the vibration portion 211 is suppressed from rotating with respect to the rigid member 212. The rigid member 212 is provided with a ring-shaped extending portion 212e extending from the surface on which the opening 212c is formed. The extending part 212e extends from the inner peripheral end of the surface on which the opening 212c is formed. The recessed portion 212d is formed by cutting out a part of the extended portion 212e. The recess 212d is formed at a position offset in the circumferential direction from other openings such as the opening 212c when the rigid member 212 is viewed from the vibrating section 211 side in the longitudinal direction.

  FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic transducer provided at the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 17 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line BB in FIG. A plurality of substrates 211 b to which the coaxial line 711 is connected are provided inside the vibration unit 211. These substrates 211b are larger as they are arranged at the center of the vibration part 211, and the number of coaxial lines 711 to be connected is larger. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 17, twelve, eleven, ten, nine, and four coaxial wires 711 are connected in order from the two substrates 211b from the center.

  Two O-rings 217 are provided around the substrate 211 b and the coaxial line 711. The O-ring 217 adjusts the core of the bundle of coaxial wires 711 while fixing the plurality of coaxial wires 711.

  FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a part of the insertion portion of the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The metal coil 214a running spirally inside the flexible tube portion 214 of the insertion portion 21 and the base 214b of the insertion portion 21 are electrically connected via a metal member 214c having a spring property.

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the imaging optical system of the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The imaging optical system is formed by connecting a first holding member 218 that holds the optical system including the objective lens 218a and a second holding member 219 that holds the imaging element I _MS and the cover glass C ₁ . The objective lens 218a is fitted into the observation window described above. Here, the image sensor _IMS will be described as a CCD.

  A gap (clearance SP) is provided at the connection point between the first holding member 218 and the second holding member 219 in order to enable shift adjustment not only in the distance between the lenses but also in the vertical and horizontal directions during focus adjustment. .

Cover glass C ₁ on the light receiving surface of the imaging element I _MS is bonded. CCD structural, sometimes the placement of the imaging element I _MS is biased with respect to the light-receiving surface. Therefore, as the thickness of the adhesive layer B _1, B ₂ around the light-receiving surface is made uniform, are arranged by shifting the member covering the periphery of the imaging element I _MS with respect to the center of the optical axis.

  The second holding member 219 is provided with a mask 219a that shields light outside the imaging range. The mask 219a has a size corresponding to the inner diameter of the second holding member 219. Thereby, the centering operation between the mask 219a and the lens becomes unnecessary.

  In order to adjust the focus, the first holding member 218 and the second holding member 219 are separated in the middle of the assembly. After the focus adjustment, the heat-shrinkable tube 220 is put on the connected first holding member 218 and second holding member 219. At this time, the heat shrinkable tube 220 has an inner diameter before heat shrinkage that is larger than the outer diameter of the first holding member 218 so that the heat shrinkable tube 220 is covered from the hand side (first holding member 218 side) after focus adjustment. large.

Further, in order to improve the shielding of the imaging cable C _IM covering the coaxial line connected to the imaging element I _MS, which shield a double structure.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the ultrasonic probe 7 according to the fourth embodiment, the core cable 73 is inserted into the US cable 71. The core yarn 73 is composed of a plurality of fibers, one end is fixed in the vicinity of the vibrating portion 211, and the other end extends from the extending end 71B. In the core yarn 73, two knots 731 and 732 are formed at the end portion on the side extending from the extending end 71B. The core yarn 73 is provided with a slit 73a formed by dividing the fiber between the two knots 731 and 732 into two.

  When assembling the ultrasonic endoscope 2, the ultrasonic probe 7 is inserted from the distal end side of the insertion portion 21. At this time, the flexible substrate 72 is inserted into the insertion portion 21 in a state where the flexible substrate 72 is bundled by thin heat-shrinkable tubes for each of the substrate sets 721 to 726. A cable for pulling the ultrasonic probe 7 into the insertion portion 21 is hooked on the slit 73 a of the core yarn 73, and this cable is pulled out from the opposite side of the insertion portion 21. Thereby, the ultrasonic probe 7 can be easily pulled into the insertion portion 21.

  As described above, the present invention can include various embodiments without departing from the technical idea described in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope system 2 Endoscope 3 Ultrasonic observation apparatus 4 Endoscope observation apparatus 5 Display apparatus 6 Endoscope connector 7 Ultrasonic probe 21 Insertion part 22 Operation part 23 Universal cord 61 Exterior casing 62 Plug part 63 Ultrasonic connector 71 US cable 71A Covered tube 71B Extension end 71C Ground connection portion 72 Flexible substrate 631 Ultrasonic substrate 632 Frame member 633 Spacer 634 Electrical connection member 635 Holding member 636 Shield case 637, 637A Cover member 711 Coaxial wire 712 Bundling member 6311 FPC connector

Claims (9)

An ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic transducer at a distal end, the distal end being inserted into a subject,
A plurality of coaxial wires having one end connected to the ultrasonic transducer;
A plurality of connection substrates respectively connected to the other ends of the plurality of coaxial wires;
An outer shell for bundling the plurality of coaxial wires;
An ultrasonic substrate that is electrically connected to an external connector, the ultrasonic substrate having a plurality of connector portions that detachably accommodate a part of the connection substrate; and
With
The connection board has a bent portion extending from the connector portion,
The plurality of coaxial lines are divided into a plurality of coaxial line groups consisting of coaxial lines connected to the same connector part,
In the plurality of coaxial line groups, the end of each coaxial line on the side of the connection board is exposed with a length corresponding to the position of the connector part to be connected, and the exposed part is an area formed by the outer edge of the ultrasonic board An ultrasonic endoscope characterized by being wound in a spiral shape so as to fit inside. The plurality of connector portions form two rows facing each other,
The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the coaxial line groups connected to the opposing connector portions have the same length of the exposed portion. The plurality of connection boards are attached to the connector portion along the column direction in order from a connection board having a short exposed portion of a coaxial line group connected to each connection board. Ultrasound endoscope. An electrical connection member that supports the ground connection provided in the outer skin and is electrically connected to an external ground,
The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, further comprising: A pressing member for pressing the outer skin against the electrical connecting member;
The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 4, further comprising: A cover member that has optical transparency and covers at least a part of a coaxial line located in a space on the ultrasonic substrate;
The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising: A conductive shield case covering the cover member;
The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6, further comprising: The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of coaxial lines extends on the same plane from a bent portion of the connection substrate. A restraining member that restrains the coaxial wires in each coaxial wire group,
The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising: