JP2012065862A - Ultrasonic endoscope and method for assembling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic endoscope that can surely make a flexible substrate contact with a contact of an FPC connector without using members other than a slider, or eliminating the need of the slider even if the flexible substrate is thin, and to provide a method for assembling the ultrasonic endoscope.SOLUTION: The flexible substrate 113 includes a folding part 113b folded in a side of the slider 44 in a part opposite to a first signal cable 112 by sandwitching a part contacting with a contacting part 43d of the contact 43, and contacting with the slider in an insertion groove 43e of the contact.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic endoscope in which a plurality of flexible boards are connected to an extended end of a signal cable that transmits an ultrasonic signal, and an assembling method thereof.

In general, an ultrasonic endoscope has a flexible insertion portion extending forward from an operation portion, an ultrasonic probe for obtaining an ultrasonic tomographic image of an observation site provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, and an operation. A video connector provided at the end of the universal tube extending rearward from the unit, and an ultrasonic signal connector provided at the end of the branch cable extending from the video connector. The first signal cable extending rearward from the ultrasonic probe extends to the internal space of the video connector through the insertion portion, the operation portion, and the internal tube of the universal tube, and the extended end of the first signal cable ( A plurality of flexible boards having a connector function are provided at the rear end). A relay board integrated with the FPC connector is fixed in the video connector, and one end of the second signal cable disposed in the branch cable is connected to the relay board, and the other end of the second signal cable is connected to the video board. Extends to the ultrasonic signal connector. When the flexible board provided on the first signal cable is connected to the FPC connector, the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic signal connector are electrically connected, so the ultrasonic signal connector (second signal cable) is connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus. For example, the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic observation apparatus can be displayed on the ultrasonic observation image monitor.
When assembling an ultrasonic endoscope, in order to connect the flexible board to the FPC connector, it is necessary to insert the signal cable and flexible board from the front into the insertion section, the operation section, and the internal pipe of the universal tube and pull out backward. There is. However, the internal conduit is narrow, and when the flexible substrate is inserted into the internal conduit, the flexible substrates collide with each other in the internal conduit, so this drawing operation is not easy.

  Therefore, the inventor of the present application winds each flexible substrate while curving each flexible board around the outer surface of a long and slender guide rod that can be freely inserted into and removed from the inner conduit before inserting the signal cable through the inner conduit. After forming the rod-shaped integral object collectively wrapped in, the rod-shaped integral object is pulled out from the front end side to the rear end side of the internal conduit, and then the guide rod and the covering tube are removed from the flexible substrate, Is proposed to be connected to the FPC connector (Patent Document 2). According to this assembling method, a plurality of flexible boards can be easily inserted through the internal conduit.

Since the plurality of flexible boards are connected in a state of being sandwiched between insertion grooves formed in the contacts of the FPC connector, a certain thickness or more is required in order to contact the contacts with certainty. However, as each flexible board becomes thicker, the pattern on the flexible board cracks when it is passed through the insertion tube flexible tube in a curved state and later returned to its original state, and in the worst case it is disconnected. There is a risk that.
Therefore, the inventor of the present application, in Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-213149, inserts a flexible substrate and a slider (actuator) into an insertion groove of a contact of an FPC connector, and then adjusts the thickness between the flexible substrate and the slider (for raising the height) ) Is proposed. According to the present invention, even if each flexible substrate is thin, each flexible substrate and the contact of the FPC connector can be reliably brought into contact with each other. Moreover, since the flexible substrate is thin, the pattern on each flexible substrate is damaged even if it is curved. I do not receive it.

JP-A-7-193351 JP 2010-017204 A

  However, in the invention of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-213149, not only the slider but also an insulating sheet separate from the slider must be inserted into the connector (contact insertion groove), so that not only the number of parts is increased, but also the connection Workability was bad.

  Even if the flexible substrate is thin, the present invention does not use a member other than the slider, or eliminates the need for the slider, and can make the flexible substrate reliably contact with the contact of the FPC connector. An object is to provide a sonic endoscope and an assembling method thereof.

  The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe that inputs and outputs an ultrasonic signal provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, and extends from the ultrasonic probe, and transmits the ultrasonic signal to an ultrasonic observation device. A first signal cable, a thin flexible substrate connected to the extending end of the first signal cable, having a conductive pattern on the surface and having a flat plate shape in a free state, and one end of the ultrasonic observation apparatus The FPC connector provided on the relay board to which the other end of the second signal cable connected to the cable is connected, the first signal cable and the flexible board in the curved state are inserted, and the relay board is located on the outside of the relay board. An internal conduit for guiding the first signal cable and the flexible board, wherein the FPC connector is electrically connected to the relay board, and the insertion groove into which the flexible board can be inserted and removed; A contact portion formed on the inner surface of the insertion groove so as to be electrically conductive with the conductor pattern, and located on the opposite side of the contact portion with the flexible substrate interposed therebetween and in contact with the inner surface of the insertion groove and the flexible substrate. In the ultrasonic endoscope comprising the slider that can be inserted into and removed from the insertion groove in a state in which the flexible substrate is placed, the flexible substrate is positioned on the opposite side of the first signal cable across the portion that contacts the contact portion. The portion is provided with a folding portion that is folded toward the slider and contacts the slider in the insertion groove.

  According to another aspect, the ultrasonic endoscope of the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion, which inputs and outputs an ultrasonic signal, and extends from the ultrasonic probe, and transmits the ultrasonic signal. A first signal cable to be transmitted to the ultrasonic observation apparatus, a thin flexible substrate connected to the extending end of the first signal cable, having a conductive pattern on the surface and having a flat shape in a free state, and one end Is inserted through the FPC connector provided on the relay board to which the other end of the second signal cable connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus is connected, the first signal cable and the flexible board in the bent state, and is positioned outside itself. An internal conduit for guiding the first signal cable and the flexible board to the relay board side, wherein the FPC connector is electrically connected to the relay board, and the flexible board is inserted and removed. In the ultrasonic endoscope, the flexible substrate is in contact with the contact portion. The ultrasonic endoscope includes a contact portion having a functionable insertion groove and a contact portion formed on the inner surface of the insertion groove so as to be electrically conductive with the conductor pattern. A folding portion that is folded on the opposite side of the contact portion with the flexible substrate interposed therebetween and in contact with the inner surface of the insertion groove is provided at a portion that is located on the opposite side of the first signal cable with the portion to be interposed therebetween. It is characterized by.

  A plurality of the flexible substrate and the FPC connector may be provided.

  The method for assembling an ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion for inputting / outputting an ultrasonic signal, an extension from the ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic observation of the ultrasonic signal. A first signal cable to be transmitted to the apparatus; a thin flexible substrate connected to the extending end of the first signal cable and having a conductive pattern on the surface and having a flat shape in a free state; The FPC connector provided on the relay board to which the other end of the second signal cable connected to the sound wave observation device is connected, the first signal cable and the flexible board in the curved state are inserted, and the relay located outside itself An internal conduit for guiding the first signal cable and the flexible board to the board side, wherein the FPC connector is electrically connected to the relay board, and the flexible board can be inserted and removed. A method of assembling an ultrasonic endoscope, comprising: a contact having a groove, a contact portion formed on the inner surface of the insertion groove so as to be conductive with the conductive wire pattern; and a slider detachable from the insertion groove. And inserting the flexible substrate into the inner conduit in a curved state smaller than the inner diameter of the inner conduit, drawing it out to the relay substrate, and returning the extracted flexible substrate to the original flat plate shape, And a step of forming a fold portion folded on the slider side on the flexible substrate, and inserting the flexible substrate into the insertion groove so as to be closer to the first signal cable than the fold portion of the conductor pattern. A step of contacting a portion located in the contact portion with the contact portion, and inserting the slider positioned on the opposite side of the contact portion with the flexible substrate in between, into the insertion groove, and the folding And is characterized by having the steps of contacting the inner surface of said insertion groove.

  According to another aspect, the method for assembling an ultrasonic endoscope of the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion, which inputs and outputs an ultrasonic signal, and extends from the ultrasonic probe. A first signal cable for transmitting a sound wave signal to an ultrasonic observation device, and a thin flexible substrate connected to an extending end of the first signal cable, having a conductive wire pattern on the surface, and having a flat plate shape in a free state And the FPC connector provided on the relay board to which the other end of the second signal cable connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus is connected to the first signal cable and the flexible board in the curved state, An internal conduit for guiding the first signal cable and the flexible board to the relay board side located on the outside, the FPC connector being electrically connected to the relay board, and the flexible board An assembly method for an ultrasonic endoscope comprising: an insertion groove through which a plate can be inserted / removed; and a contact having a contact portion formed on the inner surface of the insertion groove so as to be conductive with the conductor pattern, Inserting the flexible board into the inner pipe line in a curved state smaller than the inner diameter of the inner pipe line, drawing it out to the relay board side, returning the drawn out flexible board to the original flat plate shape, and A step of forming a folded portion folded on the slider side on the substrate, and a portion located on the first signal cable side of the folded portion of the conductor pattern by inserting the flexible substrate into the insertion groove And a step of bringing the folded portion into contact with the inner surface of the insertion groove.

In the present invention, since the fold portion is formed on the flexible substrate, the thickness of the entire flexible substrate in the portion where the fold portion is formed is larger than the thickness (thickness for one sheet) unique to the flexible substrate. The thickness can be adjusted by changing the number of folding times. Therefore, it is possible to reliably bring the conductive wire pattern of the flexible substrate into contact with the contact portion without using a member other than the slider or making the slider unnecessary.
If a fold part is formed in a flexible substrate, there is a possibility that a conducting wire pattern may be disconnected at the fold part. However, since this disconnection portion is located on the opposite side of the signal cable across the portion of the flexible substrate that contacts the contact portion, transmission of ultrasonic signals by the signal cable and the conductive pattern is not affected.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an embodiment of an ultrasonic endoscope to which the present invention is applied. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the front-end | tip structure of the insertion part of the same ultrasonic endoscope. It is a perspective view of the signal cable connected to the ultrasonic probe. It is a top view which shows a flexible substrate alone. It is a side view which shows a partially broken internal structure of a video connector. It is a perspective view which shows a relay substrate, an FPC connector, and a flexible substrate. It is sectional drawing which follows the VII-VII arrow line of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which curved the flexible substrate along the outer surface of a guide bar. It is a perspective view which shows the state which covered the flexible substrate curved along the outer surface of the guide bar with the covering tube.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope to which the present invention is applied. The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present embodiment is a bronchoscope for observing the inside of a trachea or a lung, and is a thin member having a diameter of about 7 mm inserted into a patient's body, and has a flexible insertion portion 1. An operation unit 2 connected to the base of the insertion unit 1, a video connector 4 provided at the tip of a flexible universal tube 3 extending from the operation unit 2, and a video connector 4 extending from the video connector 4. And an ultrasonic signal connector 6 provided at the tip of the branch cable 5 having flexibility.

  The insertion portion 1 includes a distal end portion 10 (FIG. 2) including an ultrasound scanning unit block 110 and an optical observation unit block 120 in order from the front (in order of insertion into the patient's body), and an operation lever provided on the operation unit 2. 21 has a bending portion 11 that is bent by a remote operation by means of 21 and a flexible tube 12 having flexibility. The outer periphery of the bending portion 11 is covered with a covering rubber 13, and the outer periphery of the flexible tube 12 is covered with an outer skin made of a flexible synthetic resin material.

  The operation unit 2 includes an operation member 21 such as an operation lever 21 for bending the bending portion 11 and an operation member such as a suction button 22 for performing a suction operation using the channel outlet opening 132 of the distal end portion 10, and a treatment instrument insertion protrusion 23. Is provided. The treatment instrument insertion protrusion 23 communicates with the end portion on the entrance side of the forceps channel inserted through the inside of the operation portion 2 and the insertion portion 1.

  In the internal conduits of the insertion unit 1, the operation unit 2, and the universal tube 3, a light guide fiber that transmits illumination light to the distal end portion 10, and electronic data of an optical image obtained by the optical observation unit block 120 of the distal end portion 10. And a first signal cable 112 (FIG. 3) for transmitting an ultrasonic signal input / output to / from the ultrasonic scanning block 110 of the distal end portion 10 is provided. The video connector 4 can be connected to a video processor (not shown), and the ultrasonic signal connector 6 can be connected to an ultrasonic observation apparatus (not shown). The video processor to which the ultrasonic endoscope is connected via the video connector 4 has a built-in or connected light source device for supplying illumination light.

  FIG. 2 shows the distal end portion 10 of the insertion portion 1 in an enlarged manner. The distal end portion 10 includes an ultrasonic scanning unit block 110 including an ultrasonic probe 111 that obtains an ultrasonic tomographic image of an observation site, and an optical device that is coupled to the ultrasonic scanning unit block 110 in a state where the ultrasonic scanning unit block 110 cannot rotate relative to the ultrasonic scanning unit block 110. An observation unit block 120 and a metal block 130 embedded and fixed in the optical observation unit block 120 are provided. The optical observation unit block 120 has an inclined surface 120A inclined with respect to its axis on the front end surface side connected to the ultrasonic scanning unit block 110, and an observation window for obtaining an optical image of the observation site on the inclined surface 120A. (Objective lens) 121 and illumination window (illumination lens) 122 are provided. A solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD is disposed behind the observation window 121, and an optical image transmitted through the observation window 121 is converted into an electronic image by the solid-state image pickup device and video by the signal cable connected to the solid-state image pickup device. The data is transmitted to the processor and displayed on a monitor (not shown) connected to the video processor. The illumination window 122 is connected to the insertion portion 1, the operation portion 2, the universal tube 3, and the front end of the light guide fiber disposed inside the video connector 4, and is emitted from a light source device in the video processor. The light is irradiated from the illumination window 122 to the outside through the light guide fiber. The metal block 130 is provided with a channel outlet opening 132 that is fixed facing the inclined surface 120A and is connected to the operation portion 2 and the front end portion of the forceps channel provided in the insertion portion 1.

  FIG. 3 shows a first signal cable 112 (a bundle of signal wires 114 bundled with a covering tube 115) that transmits an ultrasonic signal between the ultrasonic probe 111 and the ultrasonic observation apparatus. The first signal cable 112 extends from the rear of the ultrasonic probe 111, and a plurality (six in the illustrated embodiment) of flexible boards 113 having a connector function are extended to the extension end of the first signal cable 112. They are attached with their positions shifted in the outgoing direction. The flexible substrate 113 has a thin plate shape, and in a free state, has a flat plate shape as shown in FIGS. The first signal cable 112 is inserted into a cylindrical protruding portion that protrudes behind the ultrasonic scanning unit block 110 and is formed so as to penetrate the optical observation unit block 120 integrally with the cylindrical protruding portion. It is inserted into the connecting through-hole and extends to the rear of the optical observation block 120. The length of the first signal cable 112 is, for example, about 2 to 2.5 m, and the length of the portion projecting rearward from the covering tube 115 of the signal line bundle 114 to which the plurality of flexible boards 113 are attached (the first signal cable). The length from the extended end of 112 to the flexible substrate 113 is, for example, about 5 to 15 cm.

  FIG. 4 shows the flexible substrate 113 as a single unit. Each flexible substrate 113 is formed with a conductive pattern 113a that can be electrically connected to the FPC connector 41 provided on the relay substrate 40 in the video connector 4 only on one of the front and back surfaces. Since this flexible substrate 113 is very thin, about 0.15 mm, it is easy to bend, and even if it is bent, the conductor pattern 113a is not damaged.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing the video connector 4 with a part broken away. In the video connector 4, a pair of relay boards 40 that are parallel to each other are provided, and each relay board 40 has a second signal cable 116 provided in the branch cable 5 (separate from the first signal cable 112). The other end of the second signal cable 116 is connected to a circuit board (not shown) in the ultrasonic signal connector 6. Ultrasonic observation is performed when the ultrasonic signal connector 6 is connected to an ultrasonic observation apparatus. Connected to the board which is electrically connected to the device). Further, three FPC connectors 41 are provided on one surface of each relay board 40 (the surface opposite to the opposite surface).
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the FPC connector 41 includes an insulator 42 made of an insulating material, which is a hollow member having an opening on an end surface, and a metal that is electrically connected to a relay board 40 that is arranged inside the insulator 42. And a slider 44 made of an insulating material that can be inserted and removed by linear movement with respect to the insulator 42 and the contact 43. As shown in the drawing, the contact 43 includes a base portion 43a fixed to the insulator 42, and a fixing piece 43b and an elastic deformation piece 43c extending in parallel from the base portion 43a. A contact portion 43d protrudes from the tip of the elastic deformation piece 43c, and an insertion groove 43e is formed between the fixed piece 43b and the elastic deformation piece 43c.

  In the assembly process of the ultrasonic endoscope, the first signal cable 112 connected to the ultrasonic probe 111 is extended from the rear of the distal end portion 10, and further, the bending portion 11, the flexible tube 12, the operation portion 2, and Then, the flexible tube 113 is inserted into the internal conduit of the universal tube 3 and pulled out from the rear end of the universal tube 3 toward the internal conduit of the video connector 4, and then each flexible board 113 is connected to each FPC connector 41. However, a plurality of flexible boards 113 whose positions in the extending direction are different from each other are inserted into the internal pipe lines of the bending portion 11, the flexible tube 12, the operation portion 2, and the universal tube 3 while maintaining the natural shape (flat plate shape). It is difficult to pull it out to the video connector 4 side.

  Therefore, in the assembly process of the present embodiment, the first signal cable 112 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 before being inserted through the bending portion 11, the flexible tube 12, the operation portion 2, and the internal tube path of the universal tube 3. As described above, a rigid elongated guide rod 200 that can be loosely inserted into and removed from the curved pipe 11, the flexible pipe 12, the operation section 2, and the internal pipe of the universal tube 3 is prepared. In a state where the guide rod 200 is bent along the outer surface of the tube, the guide rod 200 is wrapped in a very thin covered tube 201 together.

  The length of the guide rod 200 may be a little longer than the signal wire bundle 114 protruding rearward from the covering tube 115 so as not to overlap the covering tube 115 of the first signal cable 112. The tip of the guide bar 200 is rounded into a hemisphere, and a threading groove 202 is formed in the vicinity thereof. Further, the coated tube 201 has a natural inner diameter size slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible substrate 113 in a state along the outer surface of the guide rod 200, and has a wall thickness of, for example, about 0.02 to 0.05 mm. Use a tube that has sex. As a result, the flexible substrate 113 is lightly fastened to the outer surface of the guide rod 200 by the covering tube 201, and the outer diameter of the covering tube 201 is smaller than the narrowest inner diameter portion of the internal conduit. . The region near the tip of the coated tube 201 may be temporarily fixed to the guide rod 200 with an adhesive or the like so that the coated tube 201 does not easily move with respect to the guide rod 200. Alternatively, the covering tube 201 may be formed in a bag shape with the tip side closed, and the bag-like portion may be covered with the tip 200 a of the guide rod 200.

  When the plurality of flexible boards 113 and the guide rods 200 are collectively wrapped by the covering tube 201, the guide rods 200 are drawn into the internal conduit of the flexible tube 12 from the distal end side of the bending portion 11, and the operation unit 2 is further operated. And, it passes through the internal pipe line of the universal tube 3 and is pulled out to the internal space side of the video connector 4. At this time, the thread material of the guide rod 200 is inserted into the bending pipe 11, the flexible pipe 12, the operation section 2, and the internal pipe of the universal tube 3 in advance and both ends thereof are pulled out to the outside of the internal pipe. The guide rod 200 may be connected to the threading groove 202 and pulled to the curved pipe 11, the flexible tube 12, the operation unit 2, and the internal tube 3 of the universal tube 3 using the yarn material.

  When the guide rod 200 is pulled out to the inner space side of the video connector 4, the covering tube 201 and the guide rod 200 are detached from the plurality of flexible boards 113, and the plurality of flexible boards 113 are returned to the original state (flat plate shape shown in FIG. 3). . Since each flexible substrate 113 is as thin as about 0.15 mm, it can be bent, and even if the bent state along the outer surface of the guide bar 200 is returned to the original flat plate shape, the conductive pattern 113a on the flexible substrate 113 is disconnected. There is no fear.

  Subsequently, each flexible board 113 of the first signal cable 112 and each FPC connector 41 of the relay board 40 are connected. Specifically, the surface on which the conductive wire pattern 113a of each flexible substrate 113 is formed faces the contact portion 43d side, and the end opposite to the first signal cable 112 is folded once on the fixed piece 43b side. The folding part 113b is formed, and each flexible board 113 is inserted into the insertion groove 43e of each contact 43 in this state. Then, the slider 44 is inserted into the space formed between the folding portion 113b and the fixed piece 43b, and the slider 44 is brought into contact with the folding portion 113b and the fixed piece 43b. Then, each conductive wire pattern 113a of the flexible substrate 113 comes into contact with the contact portion 43d while elastically deforming the elastic deformation piece 43c of the corresponding contact 43. Accordingly, since the first signal cable 112 and the second signal cable 116 are electrically connected via the flexible substrate 113, the contact 43, and the relay substrate 40, the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic observation apparatus is an ultrasonic wave. The image is displayed on the observation image monitor.

Since the thickness of the portion of the flexible board 113 where the folding part 113b is formed is larger than the thickness (one sheet thickness) unique to the flexible board 113, the conductive wire pattern of the flexible board 113 is not used without using a raising member other than the slider 44. It is possible to reliably contact 113a with the contact portion 43d of the contact 43.
Furthermore, the thickness of the folding part 113b of the flexible substrate 113 can be adjusted by changing the number of times of folding. Therefore, if the number of times of folding is increased to increase the thickness of the folding portion 113b, the slider 44 is omitted and the folding portion 113b is brought into direct contact with the fixed piece 43b, whereby the conductor pattern 113a of the flexible substrate 113 is obtained. Can be reliably brought into contact with the contact portion 43 d of the contact 43.
In addition, when the folding part 113b is formed in the flexible substrate 113, the conducting wire pattern 113a may be disconnected in the bending part. However, since this disconnection portion is located on the opposite side of the first signal cable 112 across the contact portion of the flexible substrate 113 with the contact portion 43d, even if a disconnection occurs, the disconnection portion may be caused by the first signal cable 112 and the conductor pattern 113a. It does not affect the transmission of sound wave signals.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Insertion part 2 Operation part 3 Universal tube 4 Video connector 5 Branch cable 6 Ultrasonic signal connector 10 Tip part 40 Relay board 41 FPC connector 42 Insulator 43 Contact 43a Base part 43b Fixing piece 43c Elastic deformation piece 43d Contact part 43e Insertion groove 44 Slider 45 Insulator sheet 110 Ultrasonic scanning unit block 111 Ultrasonic probe 112 First signal cable 113 Flexible substrate 113a Conductive pattern 113b Folding unit 114 Signal line bundle 115 Cover tube 116 Second signal cable 120 Optical observation unit block 130 Metal block 200 Guide Rod 201 Coated tube 202 Threading groove

Claims (5)

An ultrasonic probe for inputting / outputting an ultrasonic signal provided at the distal end of the insertion portion;
A first signal cable extending from the ultrasonic probe and transmitting the ultrasonic signal to an ultrasonic observation device;
A thin plate-like flexible substrate connected to the extending end of the first signal cable, having a conductive wire pattern on the surface, and forming a flat plate shape in a free state;
An FPC connector provided on a relay substrate to which one end of the second signal cable connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus is connected;
An internal conduit for guiding the first signal cable and the flexible board to the relay board side located outside the first signal cable and the flexible board in a curved state;
The FPC connector is
A contact having an insertion groove electrically connected to the relay substrate and capable of inserting / removing the flexible substrate, and a contact portion formed on the inner surface of the insertion groove so as to be conductive with the conductor pattern;
A slider that is located on the opposite side of the contact portion across the flexible substrate, and that can be inserted into and removed from the insertion groove while being in contact with the inner surface of the insertion groove and the flexible substrate;
In an ultrasonic endoscope comprising:
The flexible substrate is folded on the slider side at a portion located on the opposite side of the first signal cable across the portion that contacts the contact portion, and a folded portion that contacts the slider in the insertion groove An ultrasonic endoscope comprising the ultrasonic endoscope. An ultrasonic probe for inputting / outputting an ultrasonic signal provided at the distal end of the insertion portion;
A first signal cable extending from the ultrasonic probe and transmitting the ultrasonic signal to an ultrasonic observation device;
A thin plate-like flexible substrate connected to the extending end of the first signal cable, having a conductive wire pattern on the surface, and forming a flat plate shape in a free state;
An FPC connector provided on a relay substrate to which one end of the second signal cable connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus is connected;
An internal conduit for guiding the first signal cable and the flexible board to the relay board side located outside the first signal cable and the flexible board in a curved state;
The FPC connector is
A contact having an insertion groove electrically connected to the relay substrate and capable of inserting / removing the flexible substrate, and a contact portion formed on the inner surface of the insertion groove so as to be conductive with the conductor pattern;
In an ultrasonic endoscope comprising:
The flexible substrate is folded on the opposite side of the first signal cable with the portion in contact with the contact portion, and is folded on the opposite side of the contact portion with the flexible substrate in between. An ultrasonic endoscope comprising a folding portion that contacts an inner surface. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 or 2,
An ultrasonic endoscope having a plurality of the flexible substrate and the FPC connector. An ultrasonic probe for inputting / outputting an ultrasonic signal provided at the distal end of the insertion portion;
A first signal cable extending from the ultrasonic probe and transmitting the ultrasonic signal to an ultrasonic observation device;
A thin plate-like flexible substrate connected to the extending end of the first signal cable, having a conductive wire pattern on the surface, and forming a flat plate shape in a free state;
An FPC connector provided on a relay substrate to which one end of the second signal cable connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus is connected;
An internal conduit for guiding the first signal cable and the flexible board to the relay board side located outside the first signal cable and the flexible board in a curved state;
The FPC connector is
A contact having an insertion groove electrically connected to the relay substrate and capable of inserting / removing the flexible substrate, and a contact portion formed on the inner surface of the insertion groove so as to be conductive with the conductor pattern;
A slider that can be inserted into and removed from the insertion groove;
An ultrasonic endoscope assembly method comprising:
Inserting the flexible substrate into the inner conduit in a curved state smaller than the inner diameter of the inner conduit, and drawing it out to the relay substrate;
Returning the drawn flexible substrate to the original flat plate shape, and forming a folded portion folded on the slider side on the flexible substrate;
Inserting the flexible substrate into the insertion groove and contacting the contact portion with a portion located on the first signal cable side of the folded portion of the conductive wire pattern;
Inserting the slider positioned on the opposite side of the contact portion across the flexible substrate into the insertion groove and contacting the folding portion and the inner surface of the insertion groove;
A method for assembling an ultrasonic endoscope, comprising: An ultrasonic probe for inputting / outputting an ultrasonic signal provided at the distal end of the insertion portion;
A first signal cable extending from the ultrasonic probe and transmitting the ultrasonic signal to an ultrasonic observation device;
A thin plate-like flexible substrate connected to the extending end of the first signal cable, having a conductive wire pattern on the surface, and forming a flat plate shape in a free state;
An FPC connector provided on a relay substrate to which one end of the second signal cable connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus is connected;
An internal conduit for guiding the first signal cable and the flexible board to the relay board side located outside the first signal cable and the flexible board in a curved state;
The FPC connector is
A contact having an insertion groove electrically connected to the relay substrate and capable of inserting / removing the flexible substrate, and a contact portion formed on the inner surface of the insertion groove so as to be conductive with the conductor pattern;
An ultrasonic endoscope assembly method comprising:
Inserting the flexible substrate into the inner conduit in a curved state smaller than the inner diameter of the inner conduit, and drawing it out to the relay substrate;
Returning the drawn flexible substrate to the original flat plate shape, and forming a folded portion folded on the slider side on the flexible substrate;
The flexible substrate is inserted into the insertion groove, a portion of the conductive wire pattern located closer to the first signal cable than the folding portion is brought into contact with the contact portion, and the folding portion is inserted into the insertion groove. Contacting the inner surface of the
A method for assembling an ultrasonic endoscope, comprising: