JP2018121910A - Connector for ultrasonic signal of ultrasonic endoscope and electric connector of endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector for an ultrasonic signal of an ultrasonic endoscope which secures connection strength of partial exterior parts constituting an exterior member without being restricted by a size or a shape.SOLUTION: A connector for an ultrasonic signal includes: a circuit board to which an ultrasonic signal cable is connected; an internal frame for supporting the circuit board; an exterior member constituted by combining a plurality of partial exterior parts in a watertight manner, which holds the internal frame and the circuit board in an internal space, and is fixed to the internal frame by fixing means; a separation regulation part provided to the exterior member and the internal frame at a position different from that of the fixing means for regulating separation of the plurality of partial exterior parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic signal connector provided in an ultrasonic endoscope and connected to an ultrasonic observation apparatus, and an electrical connector provided in the endoscope and connected to an external apparatus.

  In the medical field or the like, an ultrasonic endoscope that obtains an ultrasonic tomographic image of a subject and performs inspection and diagnosis is used. This type of ultrasonic endoscope transmits an ultrasonic wave to an object from an ultrasonic probe (ultrasonic probe) provided at the distal end of an insertion portion, receives a reflected wave, and supervises the received signal. An ultrasonic tomogram is obtained by processing with an acoustic observation device.

  As described in Patent Document 1, an ultrasonic endoscope is provided with an ultrasonic signal connector that can be attached to and detached from an ultrasonic observation apparatus. A circuit board is accommodated in the ultrasonic signal connector, and an ultrasonic signal cable for connecting the ultrasonic probe and the circuit board in the ultrasonic signal connector is disposed in the ultrasonic endoscope. . When the terminal group provided on the ultrasonic signal connector side is connected to the terminal group on the ultrasonic observation apparatus side, an ultrasonic signal can be transmitted and received between the ultrasonic endoscope and the ultrasonic observation apparatus.

JP 2014-18282 A

  The ultrasonic signal connector covers the outside of the internal frame that supports a built-in object such as a circuit board with an exterior member, and exposes a terminal group that is connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus by partially opening the exterior member. Yes. The inside of the ultrasonic signal connector has a watertight structure except for an opening that exposes the terminal group. When cleaning and disinfecting the ultrasonic endoscope, a cap that closes the opening in a watertight manner is attached, and immersion in a chemical solution or the like is performed with the watertightness in the ultrasonic signal connector secured. Prior to cleaning and disinfection, a watertight test is performed in which the inside of the ultrasonic endoscope including the ultrasonic signal connector is pressurized with the cap attached.

  The exterior member of the ultrasonic signal connector is often configured by combining a plurality of parts (partial exterior parts). When manufacturing the ultrasonic signal connector, each partial exterior part is screwed to the internal frame. While fixing using a fixing means, between each partial exterior part is sealed with the watertight sealing material. When the internal pressure of the ultrasonic signal connector is increased by pressurization during the water-tightness test described above, a force for separating the partial exterior portions from each other works. The ultrasonic signal connector is configured so that the partial exterior portion is not separated by the internal pressure during the watertight test (so that the partial exterior portion satisfies a predetermined bonding strength). However, depending on the size and shape of the ultrasonic signal connector, the space for providing the means for fixing the partial exterior portion may be restricted, and it may be difficult to partially secure the coupling strength of the partial exterior portion. Recently, in response to needs such as miniaturization of ultrasonic observation devices and improved handling of ultrasonic endoscopes, ultrasonic signal connectors that are smaller than conventional ones may be used, depending on size and shape. There is a need for an ultrasonic signal connector that can ensure the bonding strength of the partial exterior portion that constitutes the exterior member without being restricted.

  Further, in addition to the ultrasonic signal connector, the same requirements and problems are found in an electrical connector provided in an endoscope and detachable from an external device (for example, a video connector connected to a video processor in an electronic endoscope). Exists.

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic signal connector that is provided in an ultrasonic endoscope that transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal between an ultrasonic probe provided in an insertion portion and an ultrasonic observation apparatus, and is detachable from the ultrasonic observation apparatus. Is. The ultrasonic signal connector according to the present invention is configured by watertightly combining a circuit board to which an ultrasonic signal cable extending from an ultrasonic probe is connected, an internal frame that supports the circuit board, and a plurality of partial exterior portions. The internal frame and the circuit board are housed in an internal space surrounded by a plurality of partial exterior portions, and are provided on the exterior member and the internal frame at positions different from the securing means, and the exterior member fixed to the internal frame by the securing means, And a separation restricting portion that restricts separation of the plurality of partial exterior portions.

  According to this configuration, even when the fixing position of the exterior member and the internal frame by the fixing means is restricted, the separation of the plurality of exterior members can be restricted by the separation restricting portion, and the water tightness of the exterior member can be maintained.

  More specifically, it has a first partial exterior part and a second partial exterior part combined at the joint, and the internal frame is fixed to each of the first partial exterior part and the second partial exterior part by a fixing means. The separation regulating portion is fixed, and is provided on the inner frame projecting from the inner surface of the first partial exterior portion and the inner frame, and can contact the inner projecting portion from the opposite direction to the side where the joint portion is located. A contact portion between the inner surface protruding portion and the contact portion, the movement of the first partial exterior portion in the direction in which the joint portion is separated from the second partial exterior portion is regulated. It may be configured to do so.

  Connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus to send and receive ultrasonic signals to and from the circuit board, a cylindrical part provided in the first partial exterior part to accommodate the connection part, and provided in the internal frame And an insertion portion located inside the cylindrical portion, and it is preferable that an inner surface protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion, and a contact portion is provided on the insertion portion.

  The cylindrical portion has a rectangular tube shape, and at least one corner portion of the cylindrical portion has an inner surface protruding portion, and the contact portion has a bent shape along two wall portions sandwiching the corner portion of the cylindrical portion. It is preferable to have.

  More preferably, it has a pair of inner surface protruding parts located at two corners of the cylindrical part, and a pair of contact parts is provided on the insertion part.

  The first partial exterior portion includes a substantially rectangular bottom surface portion and a standing wall portion that protrudes from the bottom surface portion and is combined with the second partial exterior portion in a watertight state, and the standing wall portion constitutes a joint portion. The cylindrical portion protrudes from the bottom surface portion in the direction opposite to the standing wall portion at a position offset with respect to the center of the bottom surface portion. And a fixing means fixes the bottom face part of a 1st partial exterior part with respect to an internal frame in the position different from a cylindrical part. The present invention is particularly suitable for such an ultrasonic signal connector.

  In this case, the bottom surface portion of the first partial exterior portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction and a short side direction, and the fixing means is provided at a different position in at least the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface portion, It is a plurality of screws that fasten and fix the inner frame, and the cylindrical portion is preferably provided at a position different from that of at least one of the plurality of screws in the lateral direction of the bottom surface portion.

  Further, the inner frame has a bottom portion along the bottom surface portion of the first partial exterior portion, and a peripheral protrusion portion that protrudes from the peripheral edge of the bottom portion and extends along the standing wall portion of the first partial exterior portion. The part constitutes the joint part. The insertion portion is provided so as to protrude in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the peripheral protrusion with respect to the bottom.

  The insertion portion in the inner frame is preferably a plate-like portion that is continuous with the peripheral protrusion.

  The internal frame may be configured by combining the first internal frame fixed to the first partial exterior part and the second internal frame fixed to the second partial exterior part. The first inner frame and the second inner frame are fixed to each other by the frame fixing means. In this case, a contact portion may be provided on the first inner frame.

  It is preferable to provide an opening through which the ultrasonic signal cable passes in the second partial exterior portion.

  The present invention also provides an electrical connector that is provided in an endoscope and is detachable from an external device, and is configured by watertightly combining an internal frame that supports a circuit board and a plurality of partial exterior parts. An internal frame and a circuit board are accommodated in the enclosed internal space, and an exterior member fixed to the internal frame by a fixing means, and provided in the exterior member and the internal frame at a position different from the fixing means, and separating a plurality of partial exterior portions And a separation restricting portion for restricting the movement.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the connector for ultrasonic signals which can ensure the joint strength of the some partial exterior part which comprises an exterior member, without receiving restrictions by a magnitude | size or a shape, and the electrical connector of an endoscope can be obtained.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the ultrasonic endoscope provided with the connector for ultrasonic signals to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view of the connector for ultrasonic signals. It is a side view of the connector for ultrasonic signals. It is a side view of the connector for ultrasonic signals in the state where the upper cover and the lower cover were viewed in cross section to show the internal structure. It is a perspective view of the connector for ultrasonic signals in the state where the upper cover and the upper frame were removed. It is a side view of the state which attached the waterproof cap to the connector for ultrasonic signals shown in FIG. It is the figure which looked at the connector for ultrasonic signals of the state which attached the waterproof cap along the arrow VII of FIG. It is a single perspective view of a lower cover. It is a single perspective view of a lower cover. It is a perspective view of a lower frame in a state where a circuit board and a socket part 31 are supported. It is a side view which shows a part of connector for ultrasonic signals of the state which looked at the upper cover and the lower cover, and showed the internal structure. It is sectional drawing of the connector for ultrasonic signals which follows the XII-XII line | wire of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the connector for ultrasonic signals which follows the XIII-XIII line | wire of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the assembly | attachment process of a lower cover and a lower frame in order of (A), (B) and (C).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An ultrasonic endoscope 10 shown in FIG. 1 is used in the medical field, and has a thin insertion portion 11 to be inserted into a patient's body and an operation portion 12 connected to the base of the insertion portion 11. ing. A universal tube 13 and an ultrasonic signal tube 14, each of which is a flexible tubular body, are extended from the operation unit 12, and a video connector 15 (electric connector) is provided at the tip of the universal tube 13. An ultrasonic signal connector 16 (electric connector) is provided at the tip of the signal tube 14. The video connector 15 is detachable from the processor 17 (external device) virtually shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, and the ultrasonic signal connector 16 is an ultrasonic observation virtually shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. It can be attached to and detached from the device 18 (external device).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion portion 11 includes a distal end portion 20, a bending portion 21 that is bent by a remote operation from the operation portion 12, and a flexible flexible member in order from the front to be inserted into the patient's body. It has a tube 22. The operation section 12 performs a bending operation for bending the bending section 21, a treatment instrument insertion port 24 for inserting a flexible linear treatment instrument such as a puncture needle or forceps, and a suction operation at the distal end section 20. A suction button 25, an air / water supply button 26 for performing an air supply / water supply operation at the distal end portion 20, and a plurality of operation buttons 27 for inputting a signal such as image capturing are provided.

  An imaging lens system (not shown) and an imaging element (not shown) are provided in the distal end portion 20 of the insertion portion 11. An image to be observed is formed by the imaging lens system and converted into a signal by the imaging device. This signal is sent to the video connector 15 via an image signal cable and processed by an image processing circuit provided in the video connector 15 and the processor 17 to display an image on a monitor (not shown) or a recording medium. It is possible to record image data on the. The ultrasonic endoscope 10 and the processor 17 further include illumination means for distributing illumination light from the distal end portion 20.

  The ultrasonic endoscope 10 can acquire an ultrasonic tomographic image to be observed in addition to an image obtained by an imaging lens system or an imaging element. As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic probe 28 is provided at the distal end portion of the distal end portion 20 of the insertion portion 11. An ultrasonic signal cable (not shown) connected to the ultrasonic probe 28 is disposed inside the insertion portion 11, the operation portion 12, and the ultrasonic signal tube 14. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, a circuit board 30 is accommodated in the ultrasonic signal connector 16. The ultrasonic signal cable is guided from the ultrasonic signal tube 14 into the ultrasonic signal connector 16 and connected to the circuit board 30. The ultrasonic signal connector 16 has a socket portion 31 (connection portion) containing a connection terminal group that is electrically connected to the circuit board 30, and the socket portion 31 is attached to and detached from the socket portion 18 a on the ultrasonic observation apparatus 18 side. Is possible. When the socket unit 31 is connected to the socket unit 18a of the ultrasonic observation apparatus 18, an ultrasonic signal is transmitted between the ultrasonic observation apparatus 18 and the ultrasonic probe 28 through the ultrasonic signal cable, the circuit board 30, and the socket units 31 and 18a. Can be sent and received. The ultrasonic probe 28 has a curved convex acoustic lens. The ultrasonic lens is brought into contact with a target portion to transmit an ultrasonic wave and receive a reflected wave (echo). The received signal is received by the ultrasonic observation device 18. An ultrasonic tomogram is obtained by processing. Diagnosis and treatment are performed based on the ultrasonic tomogram thus obtained.

  Details of the ultrasonic signal connector 16 will be described with reference to FIG. The ultrasonic signal connector 16 includes an upper cover 35 (second partial exterior portion) and a lower cover 36 (first partial exterior portion) as exterior members that cover the outside (constitute the outer surface). In an internal space covered by the lower cover 36, an upper frame 37 (inner frame, second inner frame) and a lower frame 38 (inner frame, first inner frame) are provided. The upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 are made of a non-metallic material such as synthetic resin, and the upper frame 37 and the lower frame 38 are made of metal.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lower cover 36 has a substantially rectangular plate-like bottom surface portion 40. In the following description, the short side direction (short side direction) of the bottom surface portion 40 having a substantially rectangular shape is orthogonal to the X axis direction, and the long direction (long side direction) is orthogonal to the Y axis direction, the X axis direction, and the Y axis direction. Let the direction be the Z-axis direction. Further, the center position of the bottom surface portion 40 in the X-axis direction (virtual plane passing through the center of the bottom surface portion 40 in the X-axis direction) is set as the center CX (FIG. 7) of the ultrasonic signal connector 16 in the X-axis direction. The center position of the bottom surface portion 40 in the direction (virtual plane passing through the center of the bottom surface portion 40) is defined as the center CY in the Y-axis direction of the ultrasonic signal connector 16 (FIG. 3).

  The lower cover 36 has a standing wall portion 41 that protrudes from the periphery of the bottom surface portion 40. The upright wall portion 41 is positioned near both ends of the lower cover 36 in the Y-axis direction and is positioned near both ends of the lower cover 36 in the X-axis direction and a pair of short wall portions 41a and 41b extending in the X-axis direction. And a pair of long wall portions 41c and 41d extending in the Y-axis direction.

  The lower cover 36 further includes a cylindrical portion 42 that protrudes from the bottom surface portion 40 in the direction opposite to the standing wall portion 41. The cylindrical portion 42 is separated (opposite) in the Y-axis direction and extends in the X-axis direction, and the pair of short wall portions 42a and 42b is separated (opposed) in the X-axis direction and extends in the Y-axis direction. A rectangular tube shape having a pair of long wall portions 42c and 42d is formed, and a hollow internal space surrounded by these four wall portions 42a, 42b, 42c and 42d is formed. The bottom surface portion 40 is formed with a bottom surface opening 40 a communicating with the internal space of the cylindrical portion 42. The cylindrical portion 42 is an open end portion that opens outward also on the outer side (tip side in the Z-axis direction) located on the side opposite to the bottom surface opening 40a. The length of the cylindrical portion 42 (short wall portions 42a, 42b) in the X-axis direction is slightly more than half the length of the bottom surface portion 40 in the X-axis direction, and the center of the cylindrical portion 42 is the center CX in the X-axis direction. In contrast, they are arranged offset. Moreover, the length of the cylindrical part 42 (long wall part 42c, 42d) in the Y-axis direction is shorter than the length of the bottom part 40 in the Y-axis direction, and the center of the cylindrical part 42 in the Y-axis direction is relative to the center CY. It is arranged with an offset. More specifically, the short wall portion 42a and the long wall portion 42c of the cylindrical portion 42 are positioned close to the short wall portion 41a and the long wall portion 41c of the standing wall portion 41, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 8, screw hole protrusions 43 and screw hole protrusions 44 are formed on the surface of the bottom surface portion 40 on the side from which the standing wall portion 41 protrudes. Both the screw hole protrusion 43 and the screw hole protrusion 44 are cylindrical protrusions having a screw hole formed at the center. The screw hole protrusion 43 is at a position closer to the long wall portion 41d with respect to the center CX in the X-axis direction, and at a position closer to the short wall portion 41a with respect to the center CY in the Y-axis direction. The screw hole protrusion 44 is at a position close to the long wall portion 41d side with respect to the center CX in the X-axis direction, and at a position close to the short wall portion 41b side with respect to the center CY in the Y-axis direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, 7, 11, 12, and 13, the upper cover 35 includes an upper surface portion 50 and a standing wall portion 51 that protrudes from the periphery of the upper surface portion 50. The standing wall 51 is separated (opposite) in the Y-axis direction and extends in the X-axis direction, and the pair of short wall portions 51a and 51b is separated (opposed) in the X-axis direction and extends in the Y-axis direction. A pair of long wall portions 51c and 51d are provided. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a tube connection opening 52 is formed in the short wall portion 51 b of the standing wall portion 51. A screw insertion hole 54 and a screw insertion hole 55 are formed in the upper surface portion 50. The screw insertion hole 54 and the screw insertion hole 55 are on the center CX in the X-axis direction, and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the Y-axis direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the lower frame 38 has a bottom plate portion 60 (bottom portion) and a peripheral plate portion 61 (periphery protruding portion) protruding from the periphery of the bottom plate portion 60. The peripheral plate portion 61 is located in the vicinity of both ends of the lower frame 38 in the Y-axis direction and extends in the X-axis direction, and in the vicinity of both ends of the lower frame 38 in the X-axis direction. It has a pair of side plate parts 61c and 61d that are positioned and extend in the Y-axis direction. The high plate portion 61b has a larger protruding amount from the bottom plate portion 60 than the low plate portion 61a. The side plate portion 61c and the side plate portion 61d each have a small protruding amount from the bottom plate portion 60 on the side connected to the low plate portion 61a, and a large protruding amount from the bottom plate portion 60 on the side connected to the high plate portion 61b. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, the bottom plate portion 60 of the lower frame 38 is formed with a substantially rectangular bottom opening 60a that is long in the Y-axis direction. The bottom surface opening 60 a is located in the vicinity of the low plate portion 61 a and the side plate portion 61 c of the peripheral plate portion 61. Although not shown, the bottom plate portion 60 is formed with two screw insertion holes at positions corresponding to the screw holes of the screw hole protrusion 43 and the screw hole protrusion 44 of the lower cover 36. A plurality of screw insertion holes 62 are formed in the peripheral plate portion 61. Two screw insertion holes 62 are formed in the low plate portion 61a, and a plurality of screw insertion holes 62 are formed in each of the side plate portion 61c and the side plate portion 61d.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a pair of substrate support walls 64 are formed in the lower frame 38 at positions in the X-axis direction that overlap the bottom opening 60a. The pair of substrate support walls 64 are opposed to each other at different positions in the X-axis direction. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, a pair of socket support walls 65 projecting in the opposite direction to the peripheral plate portion 61 is formed from both edge portions in the X-axis direction of the bottom surface opening 60a. As shown in FIG. 5, a tube connection opening 66 is formed in the high plate portion 61b.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 11, 12, and 13, the upper frame 37 includes an upper plate portion 70, an end plate portion 71 protruding from one end of the upper plate portion 70 in the Y-axis direction, The plate portion 70 has a pair of side plate portions 72 and 73 protruding from both edges in the X-axis direction. Although not shown, two screw holes are formed in the upper plate portion 70 at positions corresponding to the screw insertion holes 54 and the screw insertion holes 55 of the upper cover 35. Although not shown, the end plate portion 71 and the pair of side plate portions 72 and 73 are each provided with a plurality of screw holes 63 (provided in the end plate portion 71 at positions corresponding to the plurality of screw insertion holes 62 of the lower frame 38). Only one is shown in FIG. 13).

  The respective covers 35 and 36 and the respective frames 37 and 38 constituting the ultrasonic signal connector 16 are combined as follows. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower cover 36 and the lower frame 38 are combined such that the bottom plate portion 60 is overlapped on the bottom surface portion 40 and the peripheral plate portion 61 is accommodated inside the standing wall portion 41. More specifically, the low plate portion 61a is along the short wall portion 41a, the high plate portion 61b is along the short wall portion 41b, the side plate portion 61c is along the long wall portion 41c, and the side plate portion 61d is along the long wall portion 41d. . In this state, the bottom opening 40a and the bottom opening 60a overlap, and the pair of socket support walls 65 protruding from the lower frame 38 are inserted into the cylindrical portion 42 of the lower cover 36 (positions along the pair of long wall portions 42c and 42d). (See FIG. 12).

  The lower cover 36 and the lower frame 38 are fixed to each other by screws 45 and 46 (fixing means) shown in FIG. The screw 45 and the screw 46 are respectively screwed into the screw holes of the screw hole protrusion 43 and the screw hole protrusion 44 of the lower cover 36 through two screw insertion holes (not shown) formed in the bottom plate portion 60 of the lower frame 38. The lower cover 36 and the lower frame 38 are fastened and fixed.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 11, and 12, the upper frame 37 and the lower frame 38 overlap the end plate portion 71 and the short wall portion 41 a, and a pair of side plate portions 72 and 73 and a pair of low plate portions. 61c and 61d are overlapped and combined. As shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, the upper frame 37 and the lower frame 38 are fixed to each other by a plurality of screws 67 (frame fixing means). Each screw 67 is screwed into a plurality of screw holes 63 (see FIG. 13) of the upper frame 37 through a plurality of screw insertion holes 62 formed in the lower frame 38, and the upper frame 37 and the lower frame 38 are fastened and fixed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 13, the upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 have an end portion of the standing wall portion 41 and an end portion of the standing wall portion 51 at the Z axis. Combined by fitting close to the direction. More specifically, the end portions of the short wall portion 41a and the short wall portion 51a are fitted, the end portions of the short wall portion 41b and the short wall portion 51b are fitted, and the long wall portion 41c and the long wall portion 51c are fitted. The end portions of the long wall portion 41d and the long wall portion 41d are fitted to each other. A portion where the end portion of the standing wall portion 41 and the end portion of the standing wall portion 51 are fitted and combined is referred to as a joint portion G. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 11, 12, and 13, a stepped shape is formed on the outer surface of the standing wall portion 41 of the lower cover 36, and the joint portion G covers the stepped shape. The standing wall portion 51 of the cover 35 is attached. As shown in FIG. 12, the joint portion G is provided with a hook portion 53 projecting inwardly from the standing wall portion 51, and the end portion of the standing wall portion 41 is between the standing wall portion 51 and the hook portion 53. enter in.

  A sealing material 74 is disposed between the overlapping portions of the standing wall portion 41 and the standing wall portion 51 in the joint portion G. The sealing material 74 is made of a non-water-permeable material that can be elastically deformed, and is supported along a groove formed on the outer surface of the standing wall portion 41. When the standing wall portion 51 is fitted to the standing wall portion 41, the sealing material 74 is crushed and the space between the overlapping portions of the standing wall portion 41 and the standing wall portion 51 is closed in a watertight state.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 11, the upper cover 35 is fixed to the upper frame 37 using screws 75 and 76 (fixing means). The screw 75 and the screw 76 are screwed into a screw hole (not shown) formed in the upper plate portion 70 of the upper frame 37 through the screw insertion hole 54 and the screw insertion hole 55 of the upper cover 35, respectively. The space between the screw 75 and the screw insertion hole 54 and the space between the screw 76 and the screw insertion hole 55 are closed in a watertight state by an annular sealing material 77 made of a non-water-permeable material that can be elastically deformed.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the end portion of the ultrasonic signal tube 14 is inserted into the ultrasonic signal connector 16 through the tube connection opening 52 of the upper cover 35 and into the tube connection opening 66 of the lower frame 38. Connect in a state where it is secured against disconnection. A space between the inner periphery of the tube connection opening 52 and the end of the ultrasonic signal tube 14 is sealed with an annular sealing material 78 made of a non-water-permeable material that can be elastically deformed to be in a watertight state. The ultrasonic signal cable disposed in the ultrasonic signal tube 14 exits from the end of the ultrasonic signal tube 14 and passes through the tube connection opening 52 and the tube connection opening 66 at the upper frame 37 and the lower frame 38. Guided into the enclosed space.

  A circuit board 30 (FIGS. 5 and 10) is disposed in a space surrounded by the upper frame 37 and the lower frame 38. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the circuit board 30 is sandwiched between a pair of board support walls 64 of the lower frame 38 with the plate thickness direction in the X-axis direction and the longitudinal direction in the Y-axis direction. Supported. In addition, the socket portion 31 is disposed in the cylindrical portion 42 of the lower cover 36. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the socket portion 31 is sandwiched and supported between a pair of socket support walls 65 provided on the lower frame 38. The socket part 31 is fixed to the socket support wall 65 via a screw 79 (FIGS. 11 and 12). In this fixed state, the socket part 31 faces the outside of the cylindrical part 42 (the open end side of the cylindrical part 42). The connection terminal group in the part 31 is exposed.

  In the ultrasonic signal connector 16, the space between the upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 is water-tightly closed with a sealing material 74, and the tube connection opening 52 and the inside of the screw insertion holes 54 and 55 that are openings in the upper cover 35 are formed. Each is sealed watertight with an annular sealing material 77 and an annular sealing material 78. On the other hand, the portion from the cylindrical portion 42 of the lower cover 36 to the bottom opening 60a has a built-in socket portion 31 that can be attached to and detached from the socket portion 18a on the ultrasonic observation device 18 side. (See FIGS. 11 and 12). When cleaning and disinfecting the ultrasonic endoscope 10, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cylindrical portion 42 is used to prevent the intrusion of a chemical solution or the like from the cylindrical portion 42 into the ultrasonic signal connector 16. A waterproof cap 90 is attached to the outside of the. The waterproof cap 90 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the tubular portion 42 and closes the distal end portion (open end portion) of the tubular portion 42.

  In order to confirm whether the watertightness in the ultrasonic endoscope 10 is actually secured with the waterproof cap 90 attached, a watertight test is performed. In the watertight test, the inside of the ultrasonic endoscope 10 is pressurized to detect the presence or absence of air leakage. When the inside of the ultrasonic endoscope 10 is pressurized, a force for separating the upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 acts on the ultrasonic signal connector 16. More specifically, air flows into the ultrasonic signal connector 16 through the ultrasonic signal tube 14 in response to the pressurization in the ultrasonic endoscope 10, and the internal pressure rises. A force acts to separate the cover 36 in the Z-axis direction.

  The upper cover 35 is fixed (screwed) to the upper frame 37, the lower cover 36 is fixed (screwed) to the lower frame 38, and the upper frame 37 and the lower frame 38 are fixed (screwed) to each other. Yes. That is, the upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 are in a relative fixed relationship via the upper frame 37 and the lower frame 38. Therefore, even when the internal pressure of the ultrasonic signal connector 16 increases during the watertight test, the coupling relationship between the upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 is maintained. However, the ultrasonic signal connector 16 partially has an asymmetric configuration with respect to the center CX in the X-axis direction, and an uneven load in the separation direction is applied between the upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 when the internal pressure increases. It is easy to act.

  Specifically, since the screws 75 and 76 for fixing the upper cover 35 and the upper frame 37 are positioned at the center CX in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 2), the X-axis The load is less likely to be biased in the direction. On the other hand, because the circuit board 30 and the socket part 31 are arranged at positions shifted toward the long wall parts 41c and 51c with respect to the center CX in the X-axis direction, the cylindrical part 42 (the bottom part 40) of the lower cover 36 is obtained. Similarly, the bottom opening 40a) is also offset from the center CX in the X-axis direction. Since the screwing portion cannot be set in the region overlapping the bottom surface opening 40a of the bottom surface portion 40 or the circuit board 30, this offset causes approximately half the region in the X-axis direction (center CX and long wall) on the bottom surface portion 40 of the lower cover 36. Screw hole projections 43 and 44 that are screwed portions by screws 45 and 46 are arranged in the remaining half region in the X-axis direction. That is, in the lower cover 36, since the bottom surface portion 40 is screwed to the lower frame 38 at a position offset in the X-axis direction, the load is biased in the X-axis direction when the internal pressure is increased only by fixing with the screws 45 and 46. It's easy to do. In other words, when the lower cover 36 is fixed to the lower frame 38 with only the screws 45 and 46, the long wall portion 41c side far from the fixing position by the screws 45 and 46 is separated from the upper cover 35 when the internal pressure is increased. It becomes easy.

  In addition, when removing the waterproof cap 90 (FIGS. 6 and 7) attached to the cylindrical portion 42, a load is applied to the cylindrical portion 42 from the waterproof cap 90, so that the fixed position by the screws 45 and 46 is removed. There is a possibility that a force for separating the lower cover 36 from the upper cover 35 in a far region is applied.

  In order to realize a reliable and stable coupling to the lower cover 36 to which the bottom surface portion 40 is screwed at a position offset in the X-axis direction in this way, the ultrasonic signal connector 16 is fixed by the previous screwing. Apart from the means, it has a coupling structure described below.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 10 and 12, the low plate portion 61a constituting the peripheral plate portion 61 of the lower frame 38 is connected to the first plate portion 61a-1 connected to the side plate portion 61c and the side plate portion 61d. And a second plate portion 61a-2 to be connected. Of these, the extension plate portion 81 (insertion portion) extends from the first plate portion 61a-1 in the Z-axis direction.

  The extension plate portion 81 is an elongated plate-like portion whose longitudinal direction is oriented in the Z-axis direction and whose transverse direction (width direction) is oriented in the X-axis direction. It protrudes on the opposite side to the protruding direction (the same protruding direction as the socket support wall 65). As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 13, the extension plate portion 81 extends along one end of the socket portion 31 in the Y-axis direction, and the socket portion 31 is moved in three directions by the pair of socket support walls 65 and the extension plate portion 81. A U-shaped structure is formed to surround.

  In the present embodiment, the side plate portion 61c of the lower frame 38 made of a metal material is bent at a substantially right angle to constitute the first plate portion 61a-1, and the extension plate portion 81 is the first plate portion 61a-. 1 is provided as a single plate-like portion continuous to 1 (see FIGS. 10, 12, and 13). As shown in FIG. 12, the extension plate portion 81 is narrower than the first plate portion 61a-1 in the X-axis direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the lower frame 38 further has a pair of hook portions 82 (separation restricting portions, contact portions) at the end portion in the Z-axis direction of the extension plate portion 81. Each of the pair of hook portions 82 has a bent shape that protrudes in the X-axis direction with respect to the extension plate portion 81 and is bent in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 10, the bent portion of each hook portion 82 is a curved portion 82a having a curved shape.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a pair of ribs 85 (separation restricting portion, inner surface protruding portion) are formed to protrude from the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 42 of the lower cover 36. One rib 85 is provided at a boundary portion between the short wall portion 42a and the long wall portion 42c, and the other rib 85 is provided at a boundary portion between the short wall portion 42a and the long wall portion 42d. That is, each of the ribs 85 is provided on the inner surface of the corner portion of the tubular portion 42 having a rectangular tube shape. The boundary portion between the short wall portion 42a and the long wall portion 42 and the boundary portion between the short wall portion 42a and the long wall portion 42d each have a shape that connects the two wall portions while curving, and each rib 85 has It has a curved inner surface shape that projects inward of the cylindrical portion 42 with respect to the curved wall portion. The protruding amount of each rib 85 to the inside of the cylindrical portion 42 is larger than the plate thickness of each hook portion 82 provided on the lower frame 38 and does not interfere with the socket portion 31 in the cylindrical portion 42. Is set.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, with the lower cover 36 and the lower frame 38 combined, the extension plate portion 81 of the lower frame 38 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 42 of the lower cover 36, and the short wall portion 42a is inserted. The extension plate part 81 is located along. In this state, a pair of ribs 85 are positioned on both sides of the extension plate portion 81 in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 12). One of the pair of hook portions 82 provided on both sides of the extension plate portion 81 has a bent shape along the short wall portion 42a and the long wall portion 42c (two wall portions sandwiching the corner portion of the tubular portion 42). The other of the hook portions 82 has a bent shape along the short wall portion 42a and the long wall portion 42d (two wall portions sandwiching the corner portion of the tubular portion 42). The curved portion 82 a of each hook portion 82 is at a position along the corner portion of the tubular portion 42.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the distance in the X-axis direction between the pair of hook portions 82 provided on the lower frame 38 and the distance in the X-axis direction between the pair of ribs 85 provided on the lower cover 36 are substantially the same. More specifically, in the X-axis direction, the interval between the curved portions 82a of the pair of hook portions 82 is substantially the same as the interval between the pair of ribs 85. Further, the distance in the Z-axis direction from the bottom plate portion 60 of the lower frame 38 to the pair of hook portions 82 is larger than the distance in the Z-axis direction from the bottom surface portion 40 of the lower cover 36 to the pair of ribs 85. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, each hook portion 82 (more specifically, the curved portion 82 a) is Z with respect to each rib 85 with the bottom plate portion 60 of the lower frame 38 overlapped with the bottom surface portion 40 of the lower cover 36. It is located on the outer side (open end side) of the cylindrical portion 42 in the axial direction. That is, in the Z-axis direction, each hook portion 82 is located on the opposite side to the side where the joint portion G is located with respect to each rib 85 (see FIG. 12).

  FIGS. 14A to 14C show a process of assembling the lower frame 38 to the lower cover 36. As indicated by an arrow S <b> 1 in FIG. 14A, the lower frame 38 is moved in the Z-axis direction with respect to the lower cover 36, and the socket support wall 65 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 42. During this insertion, if the pair of ribs 85 in the tubular portion 42 are positioned on the movement trajectory of the pair of hook portions 82 provided on the lower frame 38, the hook portions 82 abut against the ribs 85. Thus, insertion in the Z-axis direction is restricted.

  In this case, as indicated by an arrow S2 in FIG. 14B, the lower frame 38 is slightly moved in the Y-axis direction with respect to the lower cover 36, and each hook portion 82 is moved in the Z-axis direction with respect to each rib 85. (The hooks 82 are released from the ribs 85 in the Y-axis direction). Specifically, the lower frame 38 is slid in a direction in which the extension plate portion 81 is separated from the short wall portion 42 a of the cylindrical portion 42. A clearance that can change the relative position in the Y-axis direction within a predetermined range is secured between the lower cover 36 and the lower frame 38. Then, by making the positions of the ribs 85 and the hook portions 82 different in the Y-axis direction, the lower frame 38 can be inserted in the Z-axis direction without the hook portions 82 and the ribs 85 interfering with each other.

  When the positional relationship in the Y-axis direction between the lower cover 36 and the lower frame 38 is in the state shown in FIG. 14B from the beginning, the sliding operation of the lower frame 38 indicated by the arrow S2 in FIG. The lower frame 38 can be inserted in the Z-axis direction.

  The lower frame 38 is inserted in the Z-axis direction with respect to the lower cover 36 until the bottom plate portion 60 overlaps the bottom surface portion 40. Subsequently, as indicated by an arrow S <b> 3 in FIG. 14C, the lower frame 38 is slid in the direction in which the extension plate 81 is brought closer to the short wall portion 42 a of the cylindrical portion 42 in the Y-axis direction. When the lower frame 38 is slid to the position shown in FIG. 14C, the pair of hook portions 82 and the pair of ribs 85 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Z-axis direction. It is located on the outer side (open end side) of the cylindrical portion 42. At this time, each hook part 82 and each rib 85 are located close to the Z-axis direction.

  14C, two screw insertion holes (not shown) formed in the bottom plate portion 60 of the lower frame 38 are screw holes of the screw hole protrusion 43 and screw hole protrusion 44 of the lower cover 36. It is located overlapping the hole. Then, the lower cover 36 and the lower frame 38 are fixed to each other via screws 45 and 46 shown in FIG.

  Further, the upper cover 35 and the upper frame 37 are assembled to the combined body of the lower cover 36 and the lower frame 38, and the completed state shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, 6, 7, 11, and 12 is obtained. An ultrasonic signal connector 16 is formed.

  The lower frame 38 is preferably assembled to the lower cover 36 before the upper cover 35 and the upper frame 37 are assembled. As described above, in assembling the lower frame 38 to the lower cover 36, the screws 45 and 46 (FIG. 5) are fixed through the steps shown in FIGS. 14 (A) to 14 (C). At this time, if the fixing portion by the screws 45 and 46 is not covered by the upper cover 35 or the upper frame 37, the screwing operation is easily performed.

  In the ultrasonic signal connector 16 configured as described above, the pair of hook portions 82 (curved portion 82 a) of the lower frame 38 are positioned on the extension of the pair of ribs 85 in the cylindrical portion 42 in the Z-axis direction. Each hook portion 82 is located on the outer side (open end side) of the tubular portion 42 with respect to each rib 85. Therefore, when a force is applied to separate the upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 (joint portion G) in the Z-axis direction, each rib 85 is separated from the side opposite to the side where the joint portion G is located. The hook portion 82 abuts, and the abutment can regulate the movement of the lower cover 36 in the separating direction. Therefore, each hook part 82 and each rib 85 contribute to the improvement of the joint strength between the lower cover 36 and the lower frame 38 in the region where the screwing at the bottom face part 40 is restricted in the X-axis direction. As a result, when the internal pressure of the ultrasonic signal connector 16 becomes high in the watertight test or when a load is applied when the waterproof cap 90 is removed, the watertightness by the sealing material 74 is applied to the entire standing wall 41 and the standing wall 51. It is possible to reliably maintain the coupling of the upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 without impairing the performance.

  A portion of the lower frame 38 that is inserted into the cylindrical portion 42 of the lower cover 36 is a thin plate-like extension plate portion 81 that extends the low plate portion 61a (first plate portion 61a-1) in the Z-axis direction. Since it is composed of a pair of hook portions 82 along the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 42, it is efficiently stored in a narrow space between the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 42 and the socket portion 31 and the socket support wall 65. Accordingly, the coupling strength between the lower cover 36 and the lower frame 38 can be increased with a simple and space-saving configuration.

  The pair of hook portions 82 are provided as a part of the lower frame 38, and the pair of ribs 85 are formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 42 of the lower cover 36, so that it is simple without adding new parts. With a simple structure, the coupling strength between the upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 can be ensured.

  In addition, since the first frame 61a-1 of the lower frame 38 extends from the first plate 61a-1 to the hooks 82 through the extension plate 81, it is excellent in securing strength (rigidity) around the hook 82. ing. When a force is applied to separate the upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 in the Z-axis direction and a load from each rib 85 is received by each hook portion 82, a tensile load in the Z-axis direction is applied to the extension plate portion 81. Work. Here, since the extension plate portion 81 and the first plate portion 61a-1 have an integral structure extending in the Z-axis direction, the extension plate portion 81 is not easily deformed by a load, and has excellent load resistance. Performance can be obtained.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the extension plate portion 81 protruding in a cantilever manner and the first plate portion 61 a-1, which is the base of each hook portion 82, are arranged in the Z-axis direction in the upper cover 35. The upright wall portion 51 and the upright wall portion 41 of the lower cover 36 are disposed so as to straddle the overlapping region. With this configuration, it is possible to enhance the load resistance performance of the extension plate portion 81 and the hook portions 82 against a load that attempts to separate the standing wall portion 41 and the standing wall portion 51 in the Z-axis direction.

  Inside the ultrasonic signal connector 16, the circuit board 30 and a part of the ultrasonic signal cable connected to the circuit board 30 are accommodated. The ultrasonic signal cable is inserted into the ultrasonic signal connector 16 with a sufficient length in order to prevent disconnection due to the load. Therefore, in the ultrasonic signal connector 16, a space for accommodating the circuit board 30 and a space for accommodating the extra length of the ultrasonic signal cable are required, and these two accommodating spaces are arranged in the X-axis direction. They are in a line-up relationship (the ultrasonic signal cable is accommodated in the space between the side plate 61d and the circuit board 30 shown in FIGS. 5 and 10). The ultrasonic signal connector 16 according to the present embodiment has a small configuration in the X-axis direction with little extra space other than the storage space for the circuit board 30 and the storage space for the ultrasonic signal cable in the X-axis direction. Has been. As a result of this miniaturization, there is a restriction on the fixing position of the lower cover 36 and the lower frame 38 by the screws 45 and 46 described above (bias with respect to the center CX in the X-axis direction). However, the coupling structure via the hook portion 82 and the rib 85 can ensure the coupling strength and water tightness of the upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 without impairing the downsizing merit of the ultrasonic signal connector 16. Can do.

  For example, as a comparative example different from the ultrasonic signal connector 16 of this embodiment, if the space between the circuit board 30 and the side plate portion 61c of the lower frame 38 is increased to widen the internal space in the X-axis direction, the circuit board 30 is It is possible to obtain screwing portions on both sides in the X-axis direction by sandwiching them. However, by increasing the distance between the substrate 30 and the side plate portion 61c, a dead space is generated and the ultrasonic signal connector is enlarged (increase in the width in the X-axis direction). The ultrasonic signal connector 16 of the present embodiment can obtain a high water tightness performance while keeping the size compact compared to such a comparative example, and the ultrasonic signal connector 16 can be reduced in size (shape and shape). High degree of freedom in configuration) and high watertightness can be achieved.

  As mentioned above, although demonstrated based on illustration embodiment, this invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the ultrasonic signal connector 16 of the embodiment constitutes an internal frame by combining an upper frame 37 and a lower frame 38. As described above, the internal frame composed of a plurality of members can easily access the internal structure as shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, and therefore has excellent workability during assembly and maintenance. However, the present invention can also be applied to a type of ultrasonic signal connector in which the inner frame is not divided into a plurality of members.

  In the embodiment, of the rectangular tube-shaped cylindrical portion 42 provided in the lower cover 36, two corner portions (a boundary portion between the short wall portion 42a and the long wall portion 42c, the short wall portion 42a and the long wall portion) that are separated in the axial direction. 42d) is provided with one rib 85 in each case. Accordingly, the lower frame 38 includes a pair of hook portions 82 in a positional relationship that is separated in the X-axis direction. According to this configuration, the pair of ribs 85 and the pair of hook portions 82 are coupled in the vicinity of both ends of the cylindrical portion 42 in the X-axis direction, so that the upper portion around the cylindrical portion 42 that is difficult to screw to the lower frame 38 is difficult. Separation of the cover 35 and the lower cover 36 can be reliably suppressed. However, the number and arrangement of the exterior member coupling portions corresponding to the hook portions 82 and the inner surface protruding portions corresponding to the ribs 85 may be different from those described in the embodiment. For example, the number of hook portions 82 and ribs 85 can be set to one or three or more. In addition, the position where the rib 85 is formed can be set at a location other than the corner portion of the cylindrical portion 42. For example, a configuration in which only one rib 85 is provided in the vicinity of the center in the X-axis direction of the short wall portion 42a is also established.

  In the lower frame 38 of the embodiment, an extension plate portion 81 having a shape in which the first plate portion 61a-1 in the low plate portion 61a is extended as it is in the Z-axis direction is provided, and a pair of sides from the extension plate portion 81 toward the side is provided. The hook part 82 is protruded. As described above, this configuration is excellent in load bearing performance when a load is applied to each hook portion 82. Further, the side plate portion 61 c of the lower frame 38 is bent to form a continuous portion from the first plate portion 61 a-1 to the extension plate portion 81, and each hook portion 82 is bent with respect to the extension plate portion 81. Therefore, it can be obtained easily and inexpensively by pressing the plate-like metal material.

  However, in the present invention, the configuration for providing the exterior member coupling portion corresponding to the hook portion 82 is not limited to this. For example, two extension plate portions that are separated from the first plate portion 61a-1 in the X-axis direction (each extension plate portion has a narrower width in the X-axis direction than the extension plate portion 81 of the embodiment) Z It is also possible to provide an exterior member coupling portion corresponding to the pair of hook portions 82 by individually projecting in the axial direction and bending the tip of each extension plate portion. This modification is disadvantageous in strength as compared with the configuration of the embodiment in which the pair of hook portions 82 protrudes from the wide extension plate portion 81, but the width that the extension plate portion occupies in the X-axis direction. Since it can be made smaller, it becomes difficult to be restricted by space.

  Since the load when the upper cover 35 and the lower cover 36 are to be separated mainly acts in the Z-axis direction, the extension plate portion 81 and the first plate that continuously extend in the Z-axis direction as in the embodiment. A configuration in which the pair of hook portions 82 are supported via the portion 61a-1 is preferable. However, as a different modification, the portions corresponding to the extension plate portion 81 and the pair of hook portions 82 of the embodiment are projected from the bottom plate portion 60 instead of the peripheral plate portion 61 (first plate portion 61a-1). It is also possible to select a different configuration.

  In the embodiment, when the lower frame 38 is assembled to the lower cover 36, as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, sliding in the Y-axis direction is performed, and the hook portion 82 and the rib 85 are moved. To prevent interference. As a different modification, the extension plate portion 81 is elastically deformed in the Y-axis direction (plate thickness direction) in accordance with the insertion operation of the lower frame 38 in the Z-axis direction to prevent the hook portion 82 and the rib 85 from interfering with each other. When the lower frame 38 is inserted to a predetermined position in the Z-axis direction (a position where the bottom surface portion 40 of the lower cover 36 contacts the bottom plate portion 60 of the lower frame 38), the elastic deformation of the extension plate portion 81 is released. It is also possible to adopt a configuration. The configuration in which the hook portion 82 is released from the rib 85 by sliding without elastically deforming the extension plate portion 81 as in the embodiment is superior in terms of securing rigidity around the hook portion 82. On the other hand, in the configuration using the elastic deformation of the extension plate portion 81 as in this modified example, the Y frame direction slide of the lower frame 38 can be omitted to improve the assemblability.

  In the embodiment, the hook portion 82 provided on the lower frame 38 is coupled to the rib 85 of the lower cover 36. In this configuration, the lower cover 36 and the lower frame 38 are first coupled as shown in FIG. 5 to complete the support structure around the circuit board 30 and then covered with the upper cover 35 and the upper frame 37. It is excellent in terms of ease of assembly. However, even when the exterior member coupling portion corresponding to the hook portion 82 is provided not in the lower frame 38 but in the upper frame 37, the movement of the lower cover 36 in the separating direction with respect to the upper cover 35 can be restricted. The invention also holds in such modifications.

  In the embodiment, since the fixing position of the lower cover 36 with respect to the lower frame 38 is offset with respect to the center CX in the X-axis direction, the hook portion 82 provided on the lower frame 38 is coupled to the rib 85 of the lower cover 36. . In contrast to this, when the fixing position of the upper cover 35 with respect to the upper frame 37 is offset with respect to the center CX in the X-axis direction, the coupling portion corresponding to the hook portion 82 and the rib 85 is connected to the upper cover 35 and the upper frame 35. It can also be provided on the frame 37.

  The ultrasonic endoscope 10 according to the embodiment is of a type in which a universal tube 13 and an ultrasonic signal tube 14 are separately extended from the operation unit 12, but branches from the video connector 15 and the ultrasonic signal tube 14. The present invention can also be applied to an ultrasonic endoscope of a type in which is extended.

  The embodiment is directed to the ultrasonic signal connector 16 in the ultrasonic endoscope 10, but the present invention is not limited to the ultrasonic signal connector, and is applicable to all endoscope electrical connectors. Is possible. For example, the ultrasonic endoscope 10 according to the embodiment includes not only the ultrasonic observation device 18 but also a processor 17 as an external device. The present invention can also be applied to the video connector 15 connected to the processor 17.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ultrasonic endoscope 11 Insertion part 12 Operation part 13 Universal tube 14 Ultrasound signal tube 15 Video connector (electric connector)
16 Ultrasonic signal connector (electrical connector)
17 Processor (external device)
18 Ultrasonic observation equipment (external equipment)
20 distal end portion 21 bending portion 22 flexible tube 23 bending operation knob 24 treatment instrument insertion port 25 suction button 26 air / water supply button 27 operation button 28 ultrasonic probe 30 circuit board 31 socket portion (connection portion)
35 Upper cover (exterior member, second partial exterior part)
36 Lower cover (exterior member, first partial exterior part)
37 Upper frame (inner frame, second inner frame)
38 Lower frame (inner frame, first inner frame)
40 bottom surface portion 40a bottom surface opening 41 standing wall portions 41a, 41b short wall portions 41c, 41d long wall portions 42 cylindrical portions 42a, 42b short wall portions 42c, 42d long wall portions 43, 44 screw hole protrusions 45, 46 screws (fixing means)
50 Upper surface portion 51 Standing wall portion 51a, 51b Short wall portion 51c, 51d Long wall portion 52 Tube connection opening 54, 55 Screw insertion hole 60 Bottom plate portion (bottom portion)
60a Bottom opening 61 Peripheral plate part (periphery protruding part)
61a Low plate portion 61a-1 First plate portion 61a-2 Second plate portion 61b High plate portion 61c, 61d Side plate portion 62 Screw insertion hole 63 Screw hole 64 Substrate support wall 65 Socket support wall 66 Tube connection opening 67 Screw (Frame fixing means)
70 Upper surface portion 71 End wall portion 72, 73 Side wall portion 74 Sealing material 75, 76 Screw (fixing means)
77, 78 Annular sealing material 79 Screw 81 Extension plate part (insertion part)
82 Hook part (separation restriction part, contact part)
82a curved portion 85 rib (separation regulating portion, inner surface protruding portion)
90 waterproof cap

Claims (12)

In an ultrasonic signal connector that is provided in an ultrasonic endoscope that transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal between an ultrasonic probe provided in an insertion portion and an ultrasonic observation device, and is detachable from the ultrasonic observation device,
A circuit board to which an ultrasonic signal cable extending from the ultrasonic probe is connected;
An internal frame that supports the circuit board;
An exterior member configured by watertightly combining a plurality of partial exterior parts, housing the internal frame and the circuit board in an internal space surrounded by the multiple partial exterior parts, and being fixed to the internal frame by a fixing means; ,
A separation restricting portion that is provided on the exterior member and the inner frame at a position different from the fixing means and restricts separation of the plurality of partial exterior portions;
A connector for ultrasonic signals of an ultrasonic endoscope, comprising: The plurality of partial exterior portions include a first partial exterior portion and a second partial exterior portion that are combined with each other at a joint portion, and the internal frame is connected to the first partial exterior portion and the second partial exterior portion by the fixing means. Fixed to each of the partial exterior parts,
The separation regulating unit is
An inner surface projecting portion projecting from the inner surface of the first partial exterior portion;
An abutting portion provided on the inner frame and capable of abutting on the inner surface protruding portion from a direction opposite to a side where the joining portion is located;
With
2. The movement of the first partial exterior portion in a direction in which the joint portion is separated from the second partial exterior portion by the contact of the inner surface protruding portion and the contact portion. The connector for ultrasonic signals of the ultrasonic endoscope as described in 1. A connection unit that is connected to the ultrasonic observation device and transmits / receives the ultrasonic signal to / from the circuit board;
A cylindrical portion provided in the first partial exterior portion and containing the connection portion therein;
An insertion portion provided in the inner frame and positioned inside the cylindrical portion;
With
The ultrasonic signal connector of an ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the inner surface protruding portion is provided on an inner surface of the cylindrical portion, and the contact portion is provided on the insertion portion. The cylindrical portion is in a rectangular tube shape, and has the inner surface protruding portion at at least one corner portion of the cylindrical portion,
The ultrasonic contact connector for an ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the contact portion has a bent shape along two wall portions sandwiching the corner portion of the cylindrical portion.   5. The ultrasonic wave according to claim 3, further comprising: a pair of inner surface protrusions positioned at the two corners of the cylindrical part, wherein the insertion part has a pair of the contact parts. Connector for ultrasonic signal of endoscope. The first partial exterior portion includes a substantially rectangular bottom surface portion and a standing wall portion that protrudes from the bottom surface portion and is combined with the second partial exterior portion in the watertight state, and the standing wall portion is the joint portion. Configure
The cylindrical portion protrudes from the bottom surface portion in a direction opposite to the standing wall portion at a position offset with respect to the center of the bottom surface portion,
The ultrasonic signal for an ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the fixing means fixes the bottom surface portion to the inner frame at a position different from the cylindrical portion. connector. The bottom surface portion of the first partial exterior portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction,
The fixing means is a plurality of screws that are provided at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface portion and fasten and fix the bottom surface portion and the internal frame.
The ultrasound of the ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the cylindrical portion is provided at a position different from that of at least one of the plurality of screws in the lateral direction of the bottom surface portion. Connector for sound wave signal. The inner frame has a bottom portion along the bottom surface portion of the first partial exterior portion, and a peripheral protrusion portion that protrudes from the bottom portion and extends along the standing wall portion of the first partial exterior portion, A peripheral protrusion constitutes the joint,
The ultrasonic signal connector of an ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the insertion portion is provided so as to protrude in a direction opposite to a protruding direction of the peripheral protrusion with the bottom as a reference.   The ultrasonic signal connector of an ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the insertion portion is a plate-like portion continuous with the peripheral protrusion. The internal frame includes a first internal frame fixed to the first partial exterior part, and a second internal frame fixed to the second partial exterior part,
Frame fixing means for fixing the first inner frame and the second inner frame to each other;
The ultrasonic signal connector for an ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the contact portion is provided on the first inner frame.   The ultrasonic signal connector for an ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the second partial exterior portion has an opening through which the ultrasonic signal cable is passed. In an electrical connector provided in an endoscope and detachable from an external device,
An internal frame that supports the circuit board;
An exterior member configured by watertightly combining a plurality of partial exterior parts, housing the internal frame and the circuit board in an internal space surrounded by the multiple partial exterior parts, and being fixed to the internal frame by a fixing means; ,
A separation restricting portion that is provided on the exterior member and the inner frame at a position different from the fixing means and restricts separation of the plurality of partial exterior portions;
An electrical connector for an endoscope, comprising:

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