JP2020110307A - Electric connector, complex connector and endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electric connector capable of easing restrictions on design specific to millimeter-wave connectors, while eliminating problems of using millimeter waves, such as a problem of positioning accuracy of optical communication connectors and a problem of communication disruption caused by adhesion of mote and dust.SOLUTION: An electric connector 11, the electric connector 11 for performing Gbps or more high-speed communication connections by millimeter waves, includes a millimeter-wave unit 24 having a millimeter-wave circuit for transmitting or receiving the millimeter waves, and a flexible waveguide 28 for transmitting the transmitted or received millimeter waves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to an electric connector, a composite connector, and an endoscope that perform high-speed communication using millimeter waves.

In recent years, a communication environment having a communication speed exceeding 1 Gbps has permeated even general households by a technique such as so-called FTTH (Fiber To The Home). In addition, terminals having high processing capabilities such as smartphones have become widespread, and available communication technologies and information processing speed, that is, “hard performance” have been significantly improved.

In addition, the quality of information that can be used by individuals or companies by using high-definition/large-capacity video represented by 4K/8K images that exceed the so-called FHD (Full High Definition) and expanding information access via the Internet. The quantity and the amount of “software use” are also expanding dramatically.

As a result, it becomes necessary to transmit and receive a large amount of data as an electric signal at high speed through the connector. For example, in the above-described transmission of high definition/large capacity video, it is necessary to secure an information transmission speed of at least about 3 Gbps. Further, when transmitting a more realistic image, for example, when transmitting an image in which luminance information is increased or the number of frames per second is increased, even an information transmission rate exceeding 50 Gbps is required. Has become.

By the way, separation of units such as devices that have many units, devices that need to be partially removed and processed (for example, cleaning/sterilization, periodic repair), or devices that require disassembled transportation. / There are devices and systems that cannot avoid repeated connections. These devices/systems also require high-speed communication of Gbps or higher as described above, and a connector for connecting a communication line of Gbps or higher as described above.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-174515 discloses a connector for transmitting an electric signal by using a metal wire. Impedance mismatch at a connecting portion and crosstalk between lines which are likely to occur when communication speed becomes high. A method of reducing is disclosed.

Further, Japanese Patent No. 6146580 discloses an optical communication connector. The optical communication is suitable for high-speed communication, and the optical communication connector can realize the above-mentioned connection at Gbps or higher and high-speed communication.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-160978 discloses a connector using millimeter wave radio waves. This connector enables high-speed communication at Gbps or higher by utilizing the characteristics of millimeter wave radio waves.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-115706, when an antenna substrate and a main substrate for signal processing are separately configured and the antenna substrate is laminated and integrated on the main substrate, the antenna substrate is damaged by vibration. A millimeter-wave antenna device that prevents this is disclosed. As a result, by solving the technical problems peculiar to the millimeter wave, the practicality of the millimeter wave is rapidly increasing in recent years.

JP, 2017-174515, A Japanese Patent No. 6146580 JP, 2010-160978, A JP, 2005-115706, A

However, in the connector for transmitting an electric signal of JP-A-2017-174515 by a metal wire, the higher the information transmission speed, the more easily problems such as impedance mismatch at the connection portion and crosstalk between lines occur. The constraints for avoiding these problems are becoming very strict. Due to these constraints, the design of the connector is very difficult, and if the communication speed is high, the connection itself may not be feasible.

Further, Japanese Patent No. 6146580 discloses an optical communication connector suitable for high-speed communication. However, in addition to the expensive photoelectric/electro-optical conversion element for optical communication, the optical fiber which is the transmission line Since the connection requires highly accurate positioning, it is difficult to realize an inexpensive connector.

Further, considering that there are devices and systems in which it is unavoidable to repeatedly separate/connect the units described above, the optical communication connector can maintain the positioning accuracy due to wear or the like when repeatedly attached and detached. difficult. Further, the optical communication connector has a problem that communication is interrupted if dust or dirt adheres to the connection portion at the time of attachment/detachment, and it is difficult to maintain stable communication as a whole.

Further, the connector using millimeter wave radio waves disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-160978 has almost no problem of positioning accuracy as in the connector for optical communication, and there is almost no possibility of communication breakage due to adhesion of dust and dirt. , It is very useful for a device/system in which it is inevitable to repeatedly separate/connect the above units.

However, in a connector using millimeter-wave radio waves, it is generally necessary to integrate a millimeter-wave transmission/reception circuit and an antenna as described in detail in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-115706, which means that there are large restrictions on the connector design. There's a problem.

This design restriction causes a problem that it is difficult to adopt a free shape and a connector tends to be enlarged, particularly in a connector that simultaneously connects a plurality of lines and a composite connector that simultaneously connects different types of lines. In addition, since the radio waves radiated from the antenna arranged inside the connector easily propagate around the device, it is necessary to treat the device to be used as a wireless device, and there is also a problem that the device must be handled according to the Radio Law. ..

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and by using the millimeter wave, while eliminating the problem of positioning accuracy of the optical communication connector and the problem of communication breakage due to dust and dust adhesion, the millimeter wave connector. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector, a composite connector, and an endoscope that can alleviate unique design restrictions.

An electrical connector according to an aspect of the present invention is an electrical connector that performs high-speed communication connection of Gbps or higher by millimeter waves, and includes a millimeter wave unit including a millimeter wave circuit for transmitting or receiving millimeter wave radio waves, and a transmission or A flexible waveguide for transmitting the received millimeter-wave radio wave.

A composite connector according to one aspect of the present invention is a composite connector that connects a plurality of signals, and connects the millimeter wave by the electric connector.

Further, an endoscope of one embodiment of the present invention is an endoscope used for examination or treatment of a living body and has the electric connector.

According to the electrical connector, the composite connector, and the endoscope of the present invention, by using the millimeter wave, while eliminating the problem of the positioning accuracy of the optical communication connector and the problem of communication breakage due to dust and adhesion of the millimeter wave, The design restrictions peculiar to the wave connector can be relaxed.

It is a whole lineblock diagram showing an example of the whole endoscope system composition provided with the connector which has a flexible waveguide concerning a 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of the electrical connector which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connector receiving portion of the processor according to the first embodiment. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the connection state of the electric connector of the endoscope and the connector receiving part of a processor which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of the electrical connector which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the connector receiving part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of the electrical connector which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the connector receiving part which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the connection state of the electrical connector of the endoscope and the connector receiving part of a processor which concern on 3rd Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Each of the following embodiments will be described by taking an endoscope system including a connector having a flexible waveguide as an example.

It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each member, the ratio of each member, and the like are different from reality. Further, the drawings include portions whose dimensions and ratios are different from each other.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an endoscope system including a connector having a flexible waveguide according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 1 is a so-called upper digestive tract endoscope system, which captures an in-vivo image of the subject P by inserting the tip into the body cavity of the subject P. The endoscope 2 including an imaging unit that outputs an image signal of a subject image, and an image processing unit that performs predetermined image signal processing on the image signal output from the imaging unit of the endoscope 2 A video processor 3 that controls the overall operation of the mirror system 1, a light source device 4 that generates illumination light to be emitted from the tip of the endoscope 2, and an image that has been subjected to image processing by the video processor 3. The display device 5 for displaying is mainly provided.

The endoscope 2 is provided with an image pickup section having an image pickup element at its tip and also has an insertion section 6 mainly composed of a flexible elongated section, and various operation signals connected to the proximal end side of the insertion section 6. Is input, an universal cable 8 which is a composite cable extending from the operating section 7, a light source connector 9 arranged at an extension end of the universal cable 8, and a side portion of the light source connector 9. It is configured to have a signal cable 10 to be output and an electric connector 11 arranged at an extension end of the signal cable 10. The light source connector 9 is detachably connected to the light source device 4. Further, the electric connector 11 is detachably connected to the connector receiving portion 40 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the video processor 3.

The insertion portion 6 is provided with a distal end portion 12 provided at a distal end, a bendable bending portion 13 provided on the proximal end side of the distal end portion 12 and configured by a plurality of bending pieces, and a proximal end of the bending portion 13. And a flexible tube portion 14 which has flexibility and is connected to the distal end side of the operation portion 7. The tip portion 12 is provided with an imaging unit for acquiring image information of the subject.

The video processor 3 controls the entire endoscope system 1. For example, the video processor 3 controls to switch the illumination light emitted by the light source device 4 and to switch the imaging mode of the endoscope 2.

The video processor 3 also performs predetermined image processing on the image data captured by the endoscope 2 to generate an image signal, and outputs the generated image signal to the display device 5. Thereby, the display device 5 displays the image corresponding to the image signal generated by the video processor 3.

The light source device 4 supplies illumination light to a light guide (not shown) provided inside the endoscope 2. That is, a light guide is arranged in the universal cable 8, the operation section 7, and the insertion section 6 of the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, and the light source device 4 is connected to the tip through the light guide. Illumination light is supplied to an illumination optical system that constitutes an illumination window of the unit 12. This illumination light is diverged by the illumination optical system and illuminates the test site.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an example of the connector receiving portion of the processor according to the first embodiment.

The electrical connector 11 is a connector that performs high-speed communication connection of Gbps or higher by millimeter waves. The electrical connector 11 includes a processing substrate 21 inside. The signal cable 10, which is a composite cable, includes a plurality of cables. Each cable that constitutes the signal cable 10 is electrically connected to the processing substrate 21 by being soldered, for example.

The processing board 21 includes a signal processing circuit 22 for performing various kinds of signal processing, a control circuit 23 including a radiation control mechanism, and a millimeter wave unit 24 including a millimeter wave circuit for transmitting or receiving millimeter wave radio waves. Is provided.

As described above, the electrical connector 11 is a composite connector for connecting a plurality of signals, and performs connection of signals other than millimeter waves and signals of millimeter wave radio waves with the connector receiving portion 40. The signal processing circuit 22 provided on the processing substrate 21 processes signals other than millimeter waves. Then, the millimeter wave unit 24 provided on the processing substrate 21 processes the millimeter wave radio wave signal. More specifically, the signal processing circuit 22 performs signal processing on a drive signal or the like generated by the video processor 3 for driving the image pickup device, and outputs the signal to the image pickup device provided at the distal end portion 12 of the insertion unit 6. To do. The millimeter wave unit 24 also converts the image pickup signal supplied from the image pickup element into a millimeter wave radio wave signal, and outputs the millimeter wave radio wave signal to the connector receiving portion 40 of the video processor 3.

Further, the electrical connector 11 is configured to have therein a flexible waveguide 28 for transmitting a millimeter wave radio wave transmitted or received by the millimeter wave unit 24. Further, the processing substrate 21 is provided with a mode converter 25 that connects the millimeter wave circuit included in the millimeter wave unit 24 and one end of the flexible waveguide 28. On the other hand, the other end of the flexible waveguide 28 is connected to or formed with a metal waveguide 30 which constitutes a radio wave radiating section.

The flexible waveguide 28 of this embodiment has a linear inner dielectric 26 having a uniform dielectric constant in the longitudinal direction and the same cross section in the longitudinal direction, and a position covering the outer periphery of the inner dielectric 26. And an outer conductor 27 which is a metal layer formed of a flexible tube.

The metal waveguide 30 has a cylindrical metal member 29, and the metal member 29 is formed by inserting the above-mentioned internal dielectric 26. The millimeter wave electric wave is connected by contact between the metal waveguide 30 of the electric connector 11 and the metal waveguide 43 of the connector receiving portion 40 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The electrical connector 11 also includes a plurality of metal electrodes 31 connected to the processing substrate 21.

As shown in FIG. 3, the connector receiving portion 40 includes a metal waveguide 43. The metal waveguide 43 has a cylindrical metal member 42, and a linear internal dielectric 41 having a uniform dielectric constant in the longitudinal direction and the same cross section in the longitudinal direction is inserted into the metal member 42. Is formed.

A flexible waveguide 45 is provided on the base end side of the metal waveguide 43. The flexible waveguide 45 is formed by arranging an outer conductor 44, which is a metal layer formed of a flexible tubular shape, so as to cover the outer periphery of the above-mentioned inner dielectric 41.

Further, the connector receiving portion 40 holds the state in which the electric connector 11 is connected when the electric connector 11 is connected to the connector receiving portion 40, and the metal waveguide 43 of the electric connector 11 is connected to the connector receiving portion 40. The connection holding/pressing mechanism 46 for pressing the metal waveguide 43 of FIG.

Further, the connector receiving portion 40 includes a processing substrate 47. The processing board 47 is provided with a signal processing circuit 48 for performing various kinds of signal processing. Moreover, the connector receiving portion 40 includes a plurality of metal electrodes 50 connected to the processing substrate 47. Here, the processing substrate 47 of the connector receiving portion 40 is configured to be connected to the processing substrate 21 of the electrical connector 11 via the metal electrode 50 when the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 are connected. There is. As a result, the drive signal and the like generated by the video processor 3 for driving the image pickup device are supplied to the electrical connector 11.

The signal cable 49, which is a composite cable, includes a plurality of cables. The respective cables forming the signal cable 49 are electrically connected to the processing substrate 47 by being soldered, for example.

Next, the operation when the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 configured as described above are connected to each other will be described.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an example of a connection state between the electric connector of the endoscope and the connector receiving portion of the processor according to the first embodiment.

In the example of FIG. 4, the electrical connector 11 which is a connector plug and the connector receiving portion 40 which is a connector receptacle are connected. When the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 are connected, the metal electrode 31 of the electrical connector 11 and the metal electrode 50 of the connector receiving portion 40 are in a connected state (conductive state), and the radiation control mechanism of the control circuit 23 becomes It is possible to detect that the electric connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 are in the connected state. Thus, the metal electrode 31 constitutes a connection detection mechanism for detecting the connection with the connector receiving portion 40.

When the radiation control mechanism of the control circuit 23 detects that the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 are in the connected state, the millimeter wave unit 24 of the processing substrate 21 generates a millimeter wave signal, and the mode converter 25 and A millimeter wave signal is transmitted to the metal waveguide 30 via the flexible waveguide 28. The metal waveguide 30 is connected to the metal waveguide 43 included in the connector receiving portion 40, and millimeter wave communication can be performed between the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40.

Since the metal waveguide 30 of the electrical connector 11 and the metal waveguide 43 of the connector receiving portion 40 are in surface contact with each other and are pressed by the connection holding/pressing mechanism 46, the metal waveguide 30 and the metal waveguide The contact surface with 43 is kept in contact with each other, and leakage of millimeter waves from the contact surface can be minimized.

Further, since the periphery of the metal waveguide 30 of the electrical connector 11 and the periphery of the metal waveguide 43 of the connector receiving portion 40 are formed of a member (a high tan δ member) that absorbs a large amount of radio waves, Even when millimeter wave radio waves leak from the contact surface between the wave tube 30 and the metal waveguide 43, the millimeter wave radio waves do not leak to the outside of the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40. It should be noted that the electric connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 are not limited to being surrounded by the metal waveguide 30 of the electric connector 11 and the metal waveguide 43 of the connector receiving portion 40. It may be configured by a large member (high tan δ member).

Furthermore, the radiation control mechanism of the control circuit 23 included in the electrical connector 11 detects the connection between the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 via the conduction between the metal electrode 31 and the metal electrode 50, and only when the millimeter wave unit is detected. The millimeter wave signal is generated by controlling 24, and communication using the millimeter wave is performed. That is, when the radiation control mechanism does not detect the conduction between the metal electrode 31 and the metal electrode 50, the millimeter wave unit 24 does not emit a millimeter wave signal. As a result, the millimeter wave used for communication does not leak from the electrical connector 11 to the outside.

As described above, the electrical connector 11 of the present embodiment uses the flexible waveguide 28, and also uses the metal waveguide 30 to connect to the metal waveguide 43 of the connector receiving portion 40, and the millimeter wave. By performing the communication according to (4), it is possible to greatly relax the restrictions on the arrangement of the millimeter wave unit 24 including the millimeter wave circuit. That is, the electrical connector 11 of the present embodiment achieves both high-speed communication using millimeter wave and freedom of structure of the electrical connector 11.

Therefore, according to the electrical connector of the present embodiment, by using the millimeter wave, while eliminating the problem of positioning accuracy that the optical communication connector has, and the problem of communication breakage due to adhesion of dust and dust, Design restrictions can be relaxed.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the electrical connector 11 generates the millimeter-wave radio wave only when connected to the connector receiving portion 40, and does not generate the millimeter-wave radio wave when not connected to the connector receiving portion 40. Wave radio waves do not leak. Further, since the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 are configured by a member that absorbs a large amount of radio waves (high tan δ member), millimeter wave radio waves may leak when the electrical connector 11 is connected to the connector receiving portion 40. Absent. As a result, the electrical connector 11 of the present embodiment can realize a millimeter wave connector in which millimeter wave radio waves are not radiated to the periphery of the device.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the electric connector according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an example of the connector receiving portion according to the second embodiment. 5 and 6, the same components as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the metal waveguide 30 in the electrical connector 11A of this embodiment is configured to have a hard dielectric 32 at its tip. The other configuration of the electrical connector 11A (having a cylindrical metal member 29, and the internal dielectric 26 described above being inserted through the metal member 29) is the same as that of the first embodiment. The hard dielectric 32 and the internal dielectric 26 are in close contact with each other without a gap. Here, the hard dielectric 32 is 1 in the millimeter wave radio wave transmission direction with respect to a wavelength (hereinafter, referred to as an in-tube wavelength) λg of the millimeter wave radio wave transmitted by the metal waveguide 30 inside the metal waveguide 30. It has a length of /4 (λg/4).

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the metal waveguide 43 in the connector receiving portion 40A is configured to have a hard dielectric 51 at its tip. The other configuration of the connector receiving portion 40A (having the cylindrical metal member 42, and the internal dielectric 41 described above being inserted through the metal member 42) is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the hard dielectric 32 and the internal dielectric 26 are in close contact with each other without a gap. Here, the hard dielectric 51 has a wavelength of 1 mm in the millimeter wave transmission direction with respect to a wavelength (hereinafter, referred to as a guide wavelength) λg of the millimeter wave transmitted by the metal waveguide 43 inside the metal waveguide 43. It has a length of /4 (λg/4).

The hard dielectrics 32 and 51 do not need to have flexibility unlike the internal dielectrics 26 and 41, but have higher water resistance and chemical resistance than the internal dielectrics 26 and 41, and the waveguides. It is a dielectric with a sufficiently small dielectric loss tan δ when it is placed inside a tube. The hard dielectrics 32 and 51 are made of the same material (dielectrics having at least approximately the same dielectric constant).

Next, the operation of the thus configured electric connector 11A and connector receiving portion 40A will be described.

As described above, the electrical connector 11A is a connector for connecting the endoscope 2 shown in FIG. 1 to the video processor 3. The endoscope 2 is inserted into the human body as shown in FIG. 1. However, when the endoscope 2 is repeatedly used, in order to achieve a clean state at the time of use, after the previous use, It is necessary to carry out cleaning and sterilization.

In the cleaning process and the sterilizing process, generally, a process of exposing the entire endoscope 2 including the electric connector 11A to a cleaning liquid or a sterilizing liquid is often performed. At this time, in the embodiment, since the hard dielectric 32 having high water resistance and chemical resistance is arranged on the outer surface that can be exposed to the cleaning liquid or the sterilizing liquid, the electric connector 11A transmits the millimeter wave. It is easy to avoid deterioration of the communication path and maintain its communication performance.

That is, the electrical connector 11A of the present embodiment realizes stable communication performance by including the hard dielectric 32 whose material is selected with priority on high water resistance and chemical resistance without restriction of flexibility. doing.

Here, considering the connector receiving portion 40A, it can be said that the connector receiving portion 40A is unlikely to be exposed to a cleaning liquid or a sterilizing liquid, unlike the electric connector 11A. However, in the actual use situation, the endoscope 2 is often used for cleaning after being lightly removed of water and chemicals, and there are many opportunities to be exposed to water and chemicals.

That is, making the electric connector 11A available even when it is wet leads to an improvement in the usability of the endoscope system 1, but according to the connector receiving portion 40A of the present embodiment, it is high at the connection end. Since the hard dielectric 51 having water resistance and chemical resistance is arranged, deterioration of the device is unlikely to occur even when the electrical connector 11A is used in a wet state, and convenience can be improved.

However, in order to impart sufficient water resistance and chemical resistance to the hard dielectrics 32 and 51, it is unavoidable to select a dielectric material having a high density, and the characteristics are optimized with an emphasis on improving the transmission characteristics. It should be noted that the internal dielectrics 26 and 41 are often selected from materials having different permittivities as a result.

If dielectrics having different permittivities are continuously arranged as the dielectrics arranged inside the waveguide, reflection (transmission loss) occurs in the millimeter wave transmitted inside at the connection point. This principle is left to the book and will not be described in detail here. Briefly, it is caused by the reflection that occurs because the characteristic impedance of the waveguide changes at the change point of the dielectric constant of the dielectric placed inside. Transmission loss, which is a generally known event. That is, arranging the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 at the tips of the metal waveguides 30 and 43 is effective in stabilizing the communication performance and improving convenience as described above, but at the same time, the transmission loss in the connection of the connector is reduced. Will increase the concern.

As a result of the study conducted by the present inventor, this concern is greatly increased by setting the sum of the lengths of the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 in the millimeter wave transmission direction to an integral multiple of ½ of λg. It turned out that it could be improved. In the present embodiment, since the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 each have a length of λg/4, the total length is λg/2.

In the present embodiment, when the electrical connector 11A and the connector receiving portion 40A are connected, the metal waveguide 30 of the electrical connector 11A and the metal waveguide 43 of the connector receiving portion 40A are also in contact with each other at their facing surfaces and connected. .. Since the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 are arranged at the respective tip portions, they come into contact with each other to be integrated, but at this time, the interval between the two connection points of the internal dielectrics 26 and 41 and the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 described above is integrated. Becomes λg/2. In this state, the reflected waves of millimeter waves generated at the two connection points (reflection points) interfere with each other in a multiple manner, and the multiple interference acts to cancel each reflection. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in transmission loss in connecting the connector.

That is, if the thickness of the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 (thickness in the millimeter wave radio wave transmission direction) is such that sufficient water resistance and chemical resistance can be exhibited, stable communication performance and improved convenience can be achieved. Although it is possible to obtain the effect of, it is a concern that the value obtained by adding the thickness and the length in the millimeter wave radio wave transmission direction is an integral multiple of ½ of λg. It is also possible to prevent deterioration of characteristics.

The above effect is achieved when the total length of the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 is an integral multiple of λg/2. That is, the respective lengths of the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 are designed so as to have no influence on the improvement of the above-mentioned transmission characteristics, for example, the thicknesses necessary for imparting sufficient water resistance and chemical resistance. It is a requirement.

As described above, according to the electrical connector of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, by using the millimeter wave, the positioning accuracy problem of the optical communication connector and the adhesion of dust and dust may occur. It is possible to improve communication resistance and convenience by improving water resistance and chemical resistance while eliminating the problem of communication breakage.

The internal dielectrics 26 and 41 and the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 are connected by an adhesive means having a dielectric constant substantially equal to that of the two dielectrics, so that the internal dielectrics 26 and 41 and the hard dielectrics are vibrated or vibrated by an external force. The phenomenon that the connecting portions with the bodies 32 and 51 are not separated does not occur, and good waveguide characteristics can be provided.

Further, the metal members 29 and 42 are adhered to the hard dielectric bodies 32 and 51 by an adhering means having substantially the same permittivity as the hard dielectric bodies 32 and 51, so that the hard dielectric bodies 32 and 51 are removed or displaced due to vibration or the like. Since it is installed without causing, good waveguide characteristics can always be provided.

Further, the metal members 29 and 42 are bonded to the inner dielectric members 26 and 41 by a bonding means having a dielectric constant substantially equal to that of the inner dielectric members 26 and 41, so that the inner dielectric members 26 and 41 are separated from the metal members 29 and 42. Even if a force is applied in the direction, the internal dielectrics 26 and 41 inside the metal members 29 and 42 are installed without any deviation, so that good waveguide characteristics can always be provided.

By adhering the dielectric near the connector portion (electrical connector 11A and connector receiving portion 40A) to the radio wave reflector in this manner, the position of the dielectric does not change even when external force is applied near the connector portion. The waveguide characteristics of the connector section can be kept good.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the electrical connector according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing an example of the connector receiving portion according to the third embodiment. 7 and 8, the same components as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the electrical connector 11B is configured to include a horn antenna 61 having a truncated cone-shaped horn on the tip side of the metal waveguide 30. The horn antenna 61 constitutes a radio wave radiating unit that radiates a millimeter wave radio wave. Further, the transmission member 62 arranged in the transmission path for transmitting the millimeter wave radio wave radiated from the horn antenna 61 is configured by a member (low tan δ member) having a small absorption of the radio wave. Then, the periphery of the transmission member 62 is configured by a member having a large absorption of radio waves (high tan δ member).

As shown in FIG. 8, the connector receiving portion 40B includes a horn antenna 71 having a truncated cone-shaped horn at a position facing the horn antenna 61 of the electric connector 11B. The horn antenna 71 receives the millimeter wave electric power radiated from the horn antenna 61 of the electric connector 11B. Further, the transmission member 72 arranged on the transmission path for transmitting the millimeter wave radio wave radiated from the horn antenna 61 of the electric connector 11B is formed of a member (low tan δ member) having a small absorption of the radio wave. The periphery of the transmission member 72 is formed of a member that absorbs a large amount of radio waves (high tan δ member).

Next, the operation when the electrical connector 11B thus configured and the connector receiving portion 40B are connected will be described.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connection state between the electric connector of the endoscope and the connector receiving portion of the processor according to the third embodiment.

When the radiation control mechanism of the control circuit 23 detects that the electrical connector 11B and the connector receiving portion 40B are in the connected state, the millimeter wave unit 24 of the processing substrate 21 generates a millimeter wave signal, and the mode converter 25 and A millimeter wave signal is transmitted to the metal waveguide 30 via the flexible waveguide 28. The millimeter wave transmitted to the metal waveguide 30 is radiated via the horn antenna 61.

When the electrical connector 11B and the connector receiving portion 40B are connected, the horn antenna 61 of the electrical connector 11B and the horn antenna 71 of the connector receiving portion 40B are arranged to face each other. Therefore, the millimeter wave radio wave radiated from the horn antenna 61 of the electric connector 11B is received by the horn antenna 71 of the connector receiving portion 40B, and the millimeter wave communication can be performed between the electric connector 11B and the connector receiving portion 40B. Become.

Further, the transmission members 62 and 72, which are transmission paths for millimeter-wave radio waves provided between the horn antenna 61 and the horn antenna 71 facing each other, are configured by members (low tan δ members) having a small absorption of radio waves. That is, the inner peripheral surfaces of the millimeter-wave radio wave transmission members 62 and 72 are formed of a member that has a small dielectric loss and minimizes the attenuation of the millimeter-wave radio wave, thereby preventing deterioration of communication quality.

Furthermore, the periphery of the transmission members 62 and 72 is made of a member that absorbs a large amount of radio waves (high tan δ member), so that millimeter-wave radio waves may leak when the electrical connector 11B is connected to the connector receiving portion 40B. Absent. As a result, the electrical connector 11B of this embodiment can realize a millimeter-wave connector in which millimeter-wave radio waves are not radiated to the periphery of the device.

As described above, the electrical connector 11B of the present embodiment uses the flexible waveguide 28 and uses the horn antenna 61, which is a radio wave radiating section, to communicate with the horn antenna 71 of the connector receiving section 40B by millimeter waves. By doing so, it is possible to greatly relax the restrictions on the arrangement of the millimeter wave unit 24 including the millimeter wave circuit. That is, the electrical connector 11B of the present embodiment achieves both high-speed communication by millimeter wave and freedom of structure of the electrical connector 11B.

Therefore, according to the electrical connector of the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, by using the millimeter wave, the problem of the positioning accuracy of the optical communication connector and the problem of communication breakage due to adhesion of dust and dust are avoided. It is possible to alleviate the design constraint peculiar to the millimeter wave connector while eliminating it.

If the hard dielectrics described in the second embodiment are adopted as the transmission members 62 and 72 in the millimeter wave radio wave transmission path in the present embodiment, the water resistance shown as an additional effect in the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the communication performance is stable and the convenience is improved by improving the resistance and chemical resistance.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Endoscope system, 2... Endoscope, 3... Video processor, 4... Light source device, 5... Display device, 7... Operation part, 8... Universal cable, 9... Light source connector, 10... Signal cable, 11... Electrical connector, 12... Tip part, 13... Bending part, 14... Flexible tube part, 21... Processing substrate, 22... Signal processing circuit, 23... Control circuit, 24... Millimeter wave unit, 25... Mode conversion part, 26... Inner dielectric, 27... Outer conductor, 28... Flexible waveguide, 29... Metal member, 30... Metal waveguide, 31... Metal electrode, 32... Hard dielectric, 40... Connector receiving part, 41... Inside Dielectric material, 42... Metal member, 43... Metal waveguide, 44... Outer conductor, 45... Flexible waveguide, 46... Connection holding/pressing mechanism, 47... Processing substrate, 48... Signal processing circuit, 49... Signal cable, 50... Metal electrode, 51... Hard dielectric, 61, 71... Horn antenna, 62, 72... Transmission member.

Claims (12)

An electrical connector for high-speed communication connection of Gbps or higher by millimeter wave,
A millimeter wave unit equipped with a millimeter wave circuit for transmitting or receiving millimeter wave radio waves,
A flexible waveguide for transmitting the millimeter wave transmitted or received,
An electrical connector having: A mode converter that connects the millimeter wave unit including the millimeter wave circuit and one end of the flexible waveguide,
A radio wave radiating portion connected to or formed at the other end of the flexible waveguide,
Have
The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the radio wave radiating unit radiates the millimeter wave radio wave transmitted by the flexible waveguide. A connection detection mechanism that detects the connection with the connector receiving part,
A control circuit including a radiation control mechanism that controls to radiate the millimeter-wave radio wave only when the connection detection mechanism detects a connection with the connector receiving portion,
The electrical connector according to claim 1, further comprising: The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein the periphery of the radio wave radiating portion is formed of a member having a large absorption of radio waves. A hard dielectric material, which is harder than the dielectric material disposed inside the flexible waveguide and has excellent water resistance and chemical resistance, is arranged at the radio wave radiation side end of the radio wave radiation portion. The electrical connector according to claim 2. The hard dielectric is arranged at the end of the radio wave radiation part of the electric connector and the connector receiving part, and the sum of the lengths of the hard dielectrics is equal to that of a millimeter wave radio wave transmitted inside the radio wave radiation part. The electrical connector according to claim 5, wherein the length of the hard dielectric is determined so that the length has an integral multiple of λg/2 in the millimeter wave transmission direction with respect to the wavelength λg. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein the radio wave radiating portion is configured by a horn antenna. The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein an inner peripheral surface of a transmission path of the millimeter wave radio wave radiated from the horn antenna is made of a member that absorbs a small radio wave. 9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, wherein the periphery of the transmission path of the millimeter-wave radio wave is formed of a member having a large absorption of the radio wave. A composite connector for connecting multiple signals,
A composite connector, wherein the millimeter wave is connected by the electric connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A processing board having a signal processing circuit for processing signals other than the millimeter wave;
The composite connector according to claim 10, wherein the millimeter wave unit including the millimeter wave circuit is provided on the processing substrate. An endoscope used for examination or treatment of a living body,
An endoscope comprising the electric connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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