JP3378295B2 - Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, an ultrasonic probe for medical use and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which an image processing device is combined with the ultrasonic probe.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-206450 discloses a technique relating to an ultrasonic probe. That is, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the ultrasonic probe 1 is provided with a distal end portion 2 and an operating portion 3, which are connected via a flexible insertion tube 4. There is. The tip 2 is provided with a vibrator 5, and the vibrator 5 radiates an ultrasonic wave 6.

The vibrator 5 is connected to a rotary pulley 7, and a wire 8 for rotating a vibrator is led to the rotary pulley 7. This wire 8 passes through the insertion tube 4 and the operating portion 3
And is connected to the vibrator rotation operation knob 9 of the operation unit 3. By operating the rotation operation knob 9, the oscillator 5 rotates about the ultrasonic wave emission axis.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic probe 1 of the type in which the vibrator 5 rotates, it is possible to diagnose a plurality of cross sections. Therefore, there is an advantage that a quick and accurate diagnosis can be performed and the burden on the patient can be reduced.

Coaxial signal cables 10 ... Are connected to the vibrator 5, and the cables 10 ... Are guided to a diagnostic device (not shown) through the insertion tube 4. The signal cables 10 ... Are drawn out for each electrode of the vibrator 5. Generally, the number of electrodes of the vibrator 5 is several tens, and the vibrator 5 is
Rotate with dozens of cables connected.

Reference numerals 11 and 12 respectively denote a vibrator holder and a seal material. Of these, a rubber O-ring is used as the seal material 12.

In addition to the rotary operation knob 9, the operation section 3 includes u
A p / down operation knob 13 and a right / left operation knob 14 are provided, and by operating these, the insertion tube 4 is flexibly bent vertically and horizontally.

When the insertion tube 4 is bent, the vibrator rotating wire 8 is also bent and slackened. In order to always rotate the vibrator 5 smoothly, the extension and slack of the wire 8 must be absorbed. is necessary.

FIG. 46 shows the internal structure of an ultrasonic probe of the type having a relaxation removing mechanism for the vibrator rotating wire 8. In this ultrasonic probe, the relaxation removing portions 15 and 15 are provided in the operating portion, and the wires 8 are separated in the pipes 15a and 15a in the relaxation removing portions 15 and 15. Then, the relaxation removing unit 15
The separated ends 16 and 16 of the wire 8 are held so that they can be displaced appropriately, and the relaxation of the wire 8 is absorbed by the displacement of the separated ends 16 and 16. Such a mechanism for loosening removal is also applied to the wire for bending the insertion tube.

Another technique related to loosening and removing the rotating wire is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-72836 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-133926. In the former document, as shown in FIG. 44, the separated portions 17, 17 of the wire 8 are connected via an elastic body 18 such as a spring, and the elastic body 18 is used to absorb expansion and contraction. To be done. Further, the technique of the latter document is applied to a wire for bending an insertion tube, and as shown in FIG.
There is a wire between the pipes.

[0011]

By the way, in the ultrasonic probe 1 of the type in which the transducer 5 is rotated as described above, the tomographic image displayed on the diagnostic device and the diagnostic image from which this tomographic image was obtained. The positional relationship with the location is determined based on the orientation of the vibrator 5. Therefore, in order to know the diagnosis location, the diagnostician must always recognize the rotation amount of the vibrator 5.

After the vibrator 5 is inserted into the body cavity, a diagnostician cannot directly see the vibrator 5, so the rotation amount of the vibrator 5 is determined based on the operation amount of the rotary operation knob 9. It However, when the rotating wire 8 is stretched or loosened, the rotation of the vibrator 5 is delayed, and the operation amount of the operation knob 9 and the rotation amount of the vibrator 5 do not match. Therefore, skill is required to grasp the positional relationship between the tomographic image and the diagnosis site. Further, the diagnostician has to visually check the operation amount of the operation knob 9, which imposes a heavy burden on the diagnostician.

Further, the vibrator 5 is rotated and the tip 2
In order to change the direction of the
Since it is necessary to rotate 3 and 14 manually, this also increases the burden on the diagnostician and deteriorates workability.

Further, in the conventional ultrasonic probe 1, since many signal cables 10 ... Are connected to the transducer 5, the signal cables 10 ... and the case 19 of the tip portion 2 are connected. The frictional force generated between is large. Therefore, a large force is required to rotate the vibrator 5, and the operability of the rotary operation knob 9 is adversely affected.

Further, in the conventional ultrasonic probe 1, an O-ring is used as the seal material 12 between the vibrator 5 and the case 19 of the tip portion 2 to improve the elasticity of rubber. Utilizing this, the gap between the vibrator 5 and the case 19 is closed. However, as the vibrator 5 rotates, friction occurs between the outer wall of the vibrator 5 and the seal material 12, and the seal material 12 wears. When the seal material 12 is worn, the elasticity of the rubber is reduced. Therefore, when the seal material 12 is excessively worn, the sealability between the vibrator 5 and the case 19 is impaired.

Further, since the seal material 12 is made of rubber and has a large frictional resistance, a large driving torque is required to smoothly rotate the vibrator 5. But,
When the driving torque is large, it is necessary to sufficiently increase the strength of the wire 8 and the vibrator holder 11. If the diameter of the wire 8 and the thickness of the vibrator holder 11 are increased to increase the strength, the tip 2 becomes large.

When a mechanism for loosening and removing the rotating wire 8 is adopted as shown in FIGS. 43 to 45, the vibrator 5
Rotates with a delay depending on the absorption amount. For this reason, the diagnosis by the diagnostician is different from the actual rotation amount, and it becomes difficult to grasp the diagnosis location.

[0018]

An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope capable of smoothly rotating an ultrasonic transducer.

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

According to the invention of claim 1, a case and ultrasonic vibrations arranged in the case are provided.
When the child and this ultrasonic transducer rotate in the prescribed direction,
This ultrasonic sound is generated when it is wrapped around the sound wave oscillator and rotated in the opposite direction.
The first part that bends when released from the wave oscillator and this first part
Is fixed to the case at a right angle to
And a second portion formed over the first and second portions
And a wiring pattern that is formed on the first portion.
The wiring pattern provided by the ultrasonic transducer is
A flexible substrate electrically connected to the electrodes,
And the wiring pattern formed in the second portion.
With multiple cables each electrically connected
It

Further, the invention of claim 2 is based on the invention of claim 1.
In the light, the deflection direction of the first portion is
The width direction of the space.

The invention of claim 3 is the same as the invention of claim 1.
The bending direction of the first portion is the front and rear of the case.
Direction. The invention of claim 4 is the same as the invention of claim 1.
And an acoustic window on the side of the case.
Is made. The invention of claim 5 is the same as that of claim 1.
And the wiring pattern formed in the first portion.
Multiple cables that are electrically connected to
I have it. The invention of claim 6 is the same as the invention of claim 1.
A rotary pulley that rotates integrally with the ultrasonic transducer,
With a rotating force transmission wire hung on this rotating pulley
It According to the invention of claim 7, in the invention of claim 6,
The rotating pulley has a notch,
The notch when the rotary pulley is in the specified rotational position.
A projection that engages with each other. Invention of Claim 8
In the invention of claim 6, the rotary pulley and
Each of the cases has a magnet and both magnets
Are arranged so that attractive force acts between them.
It The invention of claim 9 is the same as the invention of claim 1,
A jacket with a U-shaped cross section is placed between the ultrasonic transducer and the case.
Sheet composed of a seat and a metal spring as an urging body.
The ruling material is arranged. The invention of claim 10 relates to claim 9
In the invention of claim 1, the material of the jacket is a functional plastic.
It's stick.

[0028]

[0029]

[0030]

[0031]

According to the inventions of claims 1 to 10 , the ultrasonic transducer can be smoothly rotated.

[0033]

[0034]

[0035]

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
In the figure, reference numeral 21 is an ultrasonic probe, and reference numeral 22 is an image processing apparatus to which the ultrasonic probe 21 is connected. The ultrasonic probe 21 includes a distal end portion 23 inserted into a body cavity, an operating portion 24 operated by a diagnostician, and an insertion tube 25 connecting these. The insertion tube 25 has appropriate flexibility, and is inserted into the body cavity together with the distal end portion 23.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the tip portion 23, an ultrasonic vibrator (hereinafter referred to as a vibrator) 27 in a case 26, an actuator 28 as a rotary drive source,
Also, the rotation detector 29 is accommodated coaxially. In the vibrator 27, a large number of piezoelectric vibrators that are electrically scanned are combined, and the oscillation surface of the vibrator 27 is exposed from the case 26. Then, the vibrator 27 oscillates and receives ultrasonic waves.

The vibrator 27 is rotationally driven by an actuator 28, and the rotation amount of the vibrator 27 indicates the rotation detector 29.
Detected by. The output shaft of the actuator 28 is connected to both the vibrator 27 and the rotation detector 29, and the rotation detector 29 rotates integrally with the vibrator 27. Oscillator 2
The ultrasonic wave 30 is radiated from the ultrasonic wave 7, and the ultrasonic wave radiating surface rotates as shown by an arrow A as the transducer 27 rotates. Further, the vibrator 27 is made of a seal material 31 (here, rubber O
It is surrounded by a ring, and the seal material 31 seals the gap between the vibrator 27 and the case 26.

The operation section 24 is provided with angle operation knobs 32 and 33 for bending the insertion tube 25 vertically and horizontally. As a mechanism for bending the insertion tube 25 vertically and horizontally, various general mechanisms can be adopted.

Further, the operation section 24 is provided with vibrator rotation control switches (hereinafter referred to as rotation switches) 34, 34. The rotary switches 34, 34 are the oscillator 2
7 and actuator 28, switch 3
The ON / OFF of the rotation of the vibrator 27, the rotation direction (CW / CCW), and the rotation speed are controlled via 4, 34. Here, as the rotary switches 34, 34, a general button type switch, a pressure sensitive switch or the like can be adopted.

A coaxial signal cable 35 is derived from the vibrator 27, and the cable 35 is inserted into the insertion tube 2.
It is connected to the image processing device 22 via the control unit 5 and the operation unit 24. Here, the actual number of cables 35 ... Is large (for example, several tens), but in FIG.
To simplify the drawing, it is schematically indicated by a single line.

A rotation detector signal line 36 is derived from the rotation detector 29, and this signal line 36 is also connected to the insertion tube 25.
Also, it is connected to the image processing apparatus 22 via the operation unit 24. A power supply line 37 is connected to the actuator 28, and the power supply line 37 reaches the actuator 28 from the power supply arranged outside the insertion tube 25 via the insertion tube 25. . And this power supply line 3
Electric power is supplied to the actuator 28 via 7.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing device 22 includes a control unit 38, an image processing unit 39, a storage unit 40, a display 40a, and a data synthesizing unit 39a. Then, the image processing device 22 displays output data of the rotation detector 29, a plurality of ultrasonic images, and a three-dimensional image.

Next, the operation of the above-mentioned ultrasonic probe 21 will be described.

First, when the distal end portion 23 is inserted into the body cavity, the diagnostician operates the rotary switches 34, 34 of the operating portion 24 by fingers to drive the actuator 28 and rotate the vibrator 27. The rotation direction and rotation speed of the vibrator 27 are also controlled via the rotation switches 34, 34. The ultrasonic wave 30 rotates around the radiation axis 39 as the vibrator 27 rotates, and the ultrasonic image data is sent to the image processing device 22 via the vibrator signal line 35. Then, the diagnostic device 22 stores the image data of a plurality of cross sections.

The rotation detector 29 rotates integrally with the vibrator 27, and the output signal of the rotation detector 29 is the rotation detector signal line 3.
Sent to the diagnostic device via 7. Since the output signal of the rotation detector 29 indicates the rotation amount of the rotation detector 29, the rotation amount and the rotation position of the vibrator 27 can be known based on the output of the rotation detector 29.

That is, the image data obtained by the vibrator 27 and the rotational position data of the vibrator 27 are sent to the image processing device 22, and the image processing device 22 stores these data. It If the image of the cross section and the rotation amount of the transducer 27 when this image is obtained are associated with each other, the positional relationship between the image and the diagnostic site can be known.

Image data of a plurality of sections are stored in the image processing device 2.
2, and the three-dimensional image of the affected area is displayed on the display 36. Further, based on the rotational position data of the vibrator 27, a cross-sectional image or a magnified image of a portion desired by the diagnostician is displayed again on the display 36.

That is, the ultrasonic probe 2 as described above is used.
In No. 1, the tip end portion 23 is provided with an actuator 28 and a rotation detector 29, and the rotation amount of the vibrator 27 is detected by the rotation detector 29. Therefore, the rotation amount of the vibrator 27 can be known without bothering the diagnostician. Then, it is possible to accurately determine the positional relationship between the tomographic image displayed on the image processing device 22 and the diagnosis site.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the vibrator 27 does not necessarily have to be exposed from the case 26 as in the above-described embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, an acoustic window 41 may be provided in the case 26, and ultrasonic waves may be emitted through the acoustic 41. In this case, the acoustic medium 42 is housed between the vibrator 27 and the acoustic window 41.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the actuator 28 may be disposed outside the tip portion 23 and incorporated in the operating portion 24. In this case, the output of the actuator 28 is output via the flexible wire 43 to the rotation detector 29 and the vibrator 2.
7 is transmitted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotation detector 29
May be incorporated into the operating section 23 together with the actuator 28.

When the torque of the actuator 28 is insufficient, a speed reducer 44 may be added to supplement the torque as shown in FIG.

The actuator 28 is not limited to the rotary type. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, an actuator 45
In the case of a direct-acting type, a linear motion may be converted into a rotary motion by adding a rack 46 and a pinion 47.

Further, the arrangement of the switches (the rotary switches 34, 34 in the embodiment) for controlling the vibrator 27 is as follows.
It may be set to facilitate the operation by the diagnostician. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, if a foot switch 48 is adopted, the load on the fingers of the diagnostician can be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a re-observation judging section 49 may be added to the image processing device 22. The re-observation determination unit 49 determines whether re-observation is necessary when an unclear portion occurs in the three-dimensional image. Then, when re-observation is required, the control unit 38 automatically causes the vibrator 2
7 is moved to the rotation position, and re-observation is performed without bothering the diagnostician.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a fine movement mechanism 50 for manually performing fine movement of the vibrator 27 is added, and after coarse positioning is performed by the actuator 28, the diagnostician can perform delicate positioning. You may do it.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the present invention,
In the figure, reference numeral 61 is an ultrasonic probe, and reference numeral 22 is an image processing apparatus to which the ultrasonic probe 61 is connected. The ultrasonic probe 61 includes a distal end portion 62 that is inserted into a body cavity, an operation portion 63 that is operated by a diagnostician, and an insertion tube 64 that connects these. The insertion tube 64 has an appropriate flexibility and is inserted into the body cavity together with the distal end portion 62.

As shown in FIG. 13, at the tip portion 62, an ultrasonic transducer (hereinafter referred to as transducer) 66, a parallel / serial converter 67, and a communication controller 68 are provided in a case 65. (Transmission means) is stored. Oscillator 6
6, a large number of piezoelectric vibrators that are electrically scanned are combined, and the oscillation surface of the vibrator 66 is a case 65.
Exposed from. Further, the gap between the vibrator 66 and the case 65 is sealed by a seal material 69 (here, an O-ring).

Transducer 66 and parallel / serial converter 6
7 are connected via a large number of signal lines 70 ..., And the parallel / serial converter 67 and the communication controller 68 are connected via a single signal line 71. The parallel / serial converter 67 converts the parallel signal sent from the vibrator 66 into a serial signal and outputs the serial signal to the communication controller 68. A coaxial signal cable 72 is derived from the communication controller 68, and the coaxial signal cable 72 is inserted into the insertion pipe 64.
And, via the operation unit 63, the image processing device 22 is connected. Here, a wiring sheet 70a is interposed between the vibrator 66 and the parallel / serial converter 67, and the signal lines 70 ... Are formed on the wiring sheet 70a.

Transducer 66, parallel / serial converter 6
7 and the communication controller 68 are connected to a support shaft 73, and the support shaft 73 is concentrically provided on the rotary pulley 74. A rotating force transmitting wire 75 is hung on the rotating pulley 74, and the wire 75 reaches the operating portion 63 through the insertion tube 64. And the rotating pulley 7
4 rotates according to the direction of the tensile force applied to the wire 75.

The operation portion 63 is provided with an angle operation knob 76 for arbitrarily bending the insertion tube 64. Various general mechanisms can be adopted as a mechanism for bending the insertion tube 64 vertically and horizontally. Further, a vibrator rotation operation knob 77 is provided in the operation unit 63,
A rotational force transmission wire 75 is connected to the oscillator rotation operation knob 77, and the wire 75 is pulled by operating the rotation operation knob 77, and the oscillator 66 is pulled up.
It rotates together with Ri 74.

Next, the operation of the above-mentioned ultrasonic probe 61 will be described.

First, when the diagnostician turns the vibrator rotating operation knob 77, the rotational force transmitting wire 75 is pulled according to the operating direction, and the pulley 74 rotates. Transducer 66 is pull 7
It becomes possible to observe an arbitrary cross section by rotating integrally with 4 and rotating the oscillator 66.

The information output from the vibrator 66 is converted into serial information by the parallel / serial converter 67 and sent to the communication controller 68. The serial information is sent to the image processing device 2 via the coaxial signal cable 72.
Sent to 2. The obtained image is displayed on the image processing device 22.

That is, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic probe 51, since the output signal of the transducer 66 is converted into a serial signal by the parallel / serial converter 67, the obtained information is converted into one signal cable. By 72, serial transfer to the image processing device 22 is possible. Therefore,
When rotating the oscillator 66, the cable 72 and the case 6 are rotated.
The frictional force between the vibration element 5 and the vibration element 5 is reduced, and the oscillator 66 smoothly rotates. Then, the operability of the rotary operation knob 77 can be improved and the burden on the diagnostician can be reduced.

Further, since the number of coaxial signal cables 72 is greatly reduced as compared with the conventional one, the rotating wire 75 and the case 65 are provided.
It reduces the burden of weight. Further, it is possible to reduce the weight and size of the case 65 and to simplify the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 61.

The present invention is also applicable to an ultrasonic probe 79 of the type in which the tip portion 62 has an acoustic window 78 and an acoustic medium (not shown) as shown in FIG. Here, reference numeral 80 in FIG. 15 indicates an acoustic medium inlet.

Next, the main part of the third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
6 will be described. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned respective embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 16 shows an ultrasonic probe 81 of the third embodiment.
The front end portion 82 is shown. At the tip portion 82, an ultrasonic transducer (hereinafter referred to as a transducer) 83, a slip ring 84, and a rotary pulley 74 are housed in a case 85. Transducer 83 and slip ring 84
Are supported by a support shaft 73 protruding from the rotary pulley 74. Further, a rotating force transmitting wire 75 is hung on the rotating pulley 74.

A large number of electrodes 86 are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the slip ring 84, and fixed electrodes 87 are in contact with the electrodes 86. Furthermore, the fixed electrode 87 ...
Are connected to coaxial signal cables 88 ... As signal transmission lines, and these coaxial signal cables 88 ... Are passed through the insertion tube 64 and an operation unit (not shown), and then an image processing device (not shown). Have been led to.

Next, the operation of the ultrasonic probe 81 will be described.

First, when the wire 75 is pulled and the rotary pulley 74 rotates, the vibrator 83 and the slip ring 84 rotate together with the rotary pulley 74. Slip ring 84
The electrodes 86, ... Of the slip ring 84 continue to contact the fixed electrodes 87 ,. The coaxial signal cables 88 ... Are connected to the fixed electrodes 87 ... And separated from the slip ring 84. Therefore, even if the slip ring 84 rotates, the coaxial signal cables 88. And keep a certain state.

That is, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic probe 81, since the vibrator 83 and the coaxial signal cable 88 ... Are connected via the slip ring 84, the vibrator 8
Even if 3 rotates, the coaxial signal cable 88 ...
It is not pulled or bent by. Therefore, the coaxial signal cables 88 ... Do not hinder the rotation of the vibrator 83, and the vibrator 83 smoothly rotates.

The present invention is also applicable to an ultrasonic probe 89 of the type in which the tip 82 has an acoustic window 78 and an acoustic medium (not shown) as shown in FIG.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned respective embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

At the tip portion 92 of the ultrasonic probe 91 of the fourth embodiment, an ultrasonic transducer (hereinafter referred to as transducer) 93 and a coaxial signal cable 94 serving as a signal transmission line ...
A flexible substrate 95 is used for connection with.
The ends of the cables 94 are led out into the case 96 of the tip 92, and are connected to the conversion portion 97 of the flexible substrate 95 near the connecting portion between the tip 92 and the insertion tube 64. . The conversion unit 97 is fixed to the case 96. A wiring pattern (not shown) is drawn on the flexible substrate 95, and this wiring pattern is connected to the electrodes of the vibrator 93.

The flexible substrate 95 is slackened in a U-shape in the width direction of the case 96 and deforms following the rotation of the vibrator 93. That is, as shown in FIG. 19A, when the vibrator 93 rotates in the CCW direction, the flexible substrate 9
5 is a vibrator 93 while being pulled by the vibrator 93.
Wrap around. As shown in FIG. 19B, when the vibrator 93 rotates in the CW direction, the flexible substrate 9
5 is released from the vibrator 93 and loosens.

By connecting the oscillator 93 and the coaxial signal cable 94 through the flexible substrate 95 in this manner, the oscillator 93 can be rotated without moving the coaxial signal cable 94. it can. For this reason, friction between the bundle of cables 94 and the case 96 and the cable 94 ...
The reaction force that acts on the oscillator 93 from is greatly reduced, and the oscillator 93 rotates smoothly.

In this embodiment, the flexible substrate 9
5 is slack in the width direction of the case 96, for example, as shown in FIG.
0 and FIG. 21, the flexible substrate 98 may be loosened in the front-back direction of the case 96. Further, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the flexible substrate 99 may be rounded in the case 96 so that it can be freely expanded and contracted.

The present invention is also applicable to an ultrasonic probe 100 of the type in which the tip 92 has an acoustic window 78 and an acoustic medium (not shown) as shown in FIG.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned respective embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

At the tip 112 of the ultrasonic probe 111 of this embodiment, an origin detector 113 is provided. The origin detecting portion 113 is composed of a rotary pulley 115 having a notch 114 on the outer peripheral portion, and a protrusion 117 formed on the case 116. And the protrusion 117
An elastic body is used as the material.

The rotating force transmitting wire 7 is attached to the rotating pulley 115.
The rotating pulley 115 rotates depending on the pulling direction of the wire 75. Protrusion 117 and notch 114
The positional relationship between and is determined according to the orientation of the ultrasonic transducer (hereinafter referred to as transducer) 93. That is, when the amount of rotation of the vibrator 93 is 0 degree, the protrusion 117 enters the notch 114 and engages with the rotating pulley 115, as shown in FIG. 25. Then, the oscillator 93 rotates within a range of ± 90 degrees with reference to the state in which the protrusion 117 is engaged with the rotary pulley 115.

When the vibrator 93 is not at the origin position (position when the amount of rotation is 0 degree), the protrusion 117 is separated from the notch 114 and the protrusion 117 is rotated as shown in FIG. 26 (a). -It has been crushed by the 115. But,
When the vibrator 93 returns to the origin position, the protrusion 117 returns to its shape and enters the notch 114, as shown in FIG. When the protrusion 117 enters the notch 114, some resistance acts on the wire 75, so that the protrusion 117 rotates.
The feeling when engaging with 15 is transmitted to the diagnostician via the wire 75 and the vibrator rotation operation knob (not shown). As a result, the diagnostician recognizes that the oscillator 93 has reached the origin position.

By providing such an origin detector 113, the origin position of the vibrator 93 can be notified to the diagnostician. If the origin position is known, the rotation amount of the vibrator 93 can be determined based on the origin position. Therefore, the amount of rotation of the vibrator 93 can be recognized without requiring skill. Then, the vibrator 9 is felt not by visual inspection but by touch.
Since the origin position of 3 is notified to the diagnostician, the operation of the ultrasonic probe 111 becomes easy and the burden on the diagnostician can be reduced.

Further, since the origin position of the vibrator 93 can be notified to the diagnostician without using the rotation detector as in the first embodiment, the tip 112 does not become large.

In this embodiment, the rotary pulley 115 is provided with the notch 114 and the case 116 is provided with the protrusion 117. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The notch may be provided in the case 116 and the protrusion may be provided in the rotary pulley 115.

The present invention is also applicable to an ultrasonic probe 118 of the type in which the tip 112 has an acoustic window 78 and an acoustic medium (not shown) as shown in FIG.

Further, in the present embodiment, the origin detecting section 113 is composed of the rotary pulley 115 having the notch 114 and the protrusion 117. However, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the origin detecting section 119 is provided. You may comprise by the magnets 120 and 121. In this case, the magnet 120 on the rotating pulley 115 side is arranged so as to correspond to the origin position of the vibrator 93. Furthermore, the polarities of both magnets 120 and 121 are
As shown in FIG. 29, it is determined that an attractive force acts between them.

By using the magnets 120 and 121 as described above, it is possible to inform the diagnostician of the origin position by touch.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned respective embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

At the tip portion 132 of the ultrasonic probe 131 of this embodiment, a seal material 133 is provided between the ultrasonic vibrator (hereinafter referred to as a vibrator) 93 and the case 96. The seal member 133 is composed of a jacket 134 having a U-shaped cross section and a metal spring 135 as an urging member. Functional plastic is used as the material of the jacket 134, and the jacket 134 has appropriate elasticity. Further, the jacket 134 is formed in an annular shape and is open downward. The metal spring 135 has a coil shape and is formed in an annular shape. Further, the metal spring 135 biases the jacket 134 so as to push the jacket 134 radially inward and outward.

The jacket 134 is pressed against the vibrator 93 and the case 96 by the urging force of the metal spring 135. The jacket 134 seals between the vibrator 93 and the case by utilizing the restoring force of the metal spring 135.

According to such a seal material 133, since the jacket 134 is biased by the metal spring 135, even if the jacket 134 is worn by the rotation of the vibrator 93, the jacket 134 is vibrated. 93 and case 96
Can always be contacted with. Therefore, a gap is unlikely to occur, and the reliability of the seal material 133 can be secured for a long period of time.

The material of the jacket 134 is PTFE.
When (tetrafluoroethylene resin) or the like is used, the frictional resistance becomes smaller than that when a rubber O-ring is adopted, and the rotational torque of the vibrator 93 can be reduced. Then, the weight burden of the support shaft 73, the case 96 and the like is reduced, and the case 96 can be made lighter and smaller.

In this embodiment, the metal spring 134 is used as the seal material 133, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various kinds of materials can be used as long as the jacket 134 can be appropriately expanded. It is possible to employ means.

The present invention is also applicable to an ultrasonic probe 136 of the type in which the tip 132 has an acoustic window 78 and an acoustic medium (not shown) as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. .

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned respective embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Reference numeral 141 in FIG. 35 indicates an ultrasonic probe, and in this ultrasonic probe 141, the tip portion 142 and the operating portion 143 are connected via an insertion tube 144.

As shown in FIG. 36, a case 145 of the tip portion 142 is provided with an ultrasonic vibrator (hereinafter referred to as a vibrator) 146 and a rotary pulley 147. Is connected to the rotary pulley 147 via a support shaft 148. A rotating force transmitting wire 149 is hung on the rotating pulley 147, and the wire 149 is guided to the operating portion 143 through the insertion tube 144. When the wire 149 is pulled, the vibrator 146 rotates integrally with the rotary pulley 147 according to the pulling direction.

In the case 145, the flexible substrate 1
50 is stored, and one end side of the flexible substrate 150 is connected to the vibrator 146. Further, a conversion portion 151 is formed on the other end side of the flexible substrate 150, and the conversion portion 151 is fixed to the case 145. A large number of coaxial signal cables 152 ... Derived from the insertion tube 144 are connected to the conversion unit 151. That is, the oscillator 146 and the coaxial signal cable 15
2 is connected via a flexible substrate 150, and the flexible substrate 150 deforms following the rotation of the vibrator 146.

The coaxial signal cable 152 ...
3 is connected to the connector 144a at the rear stage. The connector 144a is used to connect the ultrasonic probe 141 to an image processing device (not shown) or the like.

Further, the gap between the vibrator 146 and the case 145 is sealed by a seal material 133. The seal material 152 in this embodiment is of a type in which a metal spring is housed in a jacket, as in the sixth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 27, the insertion tube 144 has an up / down wire 153 and an insertion / bending wire 153 as an insertion tube bending means.
Right / left wires 154 are provided, and both ends thereof are fixed to the insertion tube 144. Also, each wire 1
53 and 154 are up / do provided in the operation unit 143.
It is mounted on the wn pulley 156 and the right / left pulley 157. Each of the pulleys 156 and 157 is an up / down operation knob 158 and a right / left attached to the outside of the operation unit 143.
It is connected to the operation knob 159. Then, by rotating each operation knob 158, 159, the insertion tube 144
Can be bent up / down and right / left.

Wire slack removal parts 160 and 161 are provided in the middle of the wires 153 and 154, and the slack of the wires 153 and 154 is removed by the wire slack removal parts 160 and 161.

In the operation section 143, the first and second linear stepping motors 1 as the rotational driving force generating means are provided.
62 and 163 are provided, and the linear stepping motors 162 and 163 are provided with the rotational force transmission wire 1
49 ends are connected. Further, each of the linear stepping motors 162 and 163 is connected to a motor driver 165 as driving means, and the motor driver 16
5 is connected to the motor operation switch 166 exposed outside the operation unit 143.

In this embodiment, a three-contact type switch is used as the motor operating switch 166.
The rotation direction (CW / CCW) of the vibrator 146 is selected by the operation switch 166. Further, depending on the amount of operation of the motor operation switch 166 (operation amount, operation time, etc.),
The operating speeds of the motors 162 and 163 may be controlled.

Linear stepping motors 162, 163
Sliders 167, 168 are typically stators 169,
It is free with respect to 170 and can slide freely. When the motor operation switch 166 is operated by a diagnostician, the motor driver 165 independently moves the sliders 167 and 168 according to the operation of the switch 166.

Then, the above-mentioned rotational force transmitting wire 14
9, linear stepping motors 162, 163, and
The motor driver 165 constitutes the ultrasonic oscillator rotating means 181.

Next, the operation of the ultrasonic probe 141 will be described.

When the insertion tube 144 is bent, the rotational force transmitting wire 164 is also bent according to the curvature. For example, when the insertion tube 144 is bent as shown in FIG.
4 expands and contracts, and the ends of the wire 149 move in opposite directions. At this time, if no energy is applied to each stepping motor 162, 163,
The sliders 167 and 168 follow the bending of the wire 164. The slider 167 of the first stepping motor 162 slides by Δl ₁ , and the slider 168 of the second stepping motor 163 slides by Δl _{2 in the} opposite direction.

In this state, for example, the vibrator 146 of FIG.
When rotating in the CW direction, first, the motor operating switch 166 is operated for the CW direction, and the motor driver 165 is operated.
Drives only the first stepping motor 162. Then, the slider 167 pulls the wire 149 to rotate the vibrator 146 in the CW direction.

At this time, the second stepping motor 16
Since the slider 168 of No. 3 has already slid by Δl ₂ , the wire 149 (first stepping motor 16
The portion on the side of 2) has no slack, and the rotating pulley 147 rotates instantly. Therefore, the oscillator 146 rotates without delaying the driving of the first stepping motor 162.

According to such an ultrasonic probe 141, when the insertion tube 144 is bent, the stepping mode is changed.
The sliders 167 and 168 of the switches 162 and 163 slide in accordance with the bending direction, and absorb the looseness of the rotational force transmitting wire 149. Therefore, when the vibrator 146 is rotationally driven, the vibrator 146 can be rotated without delaying the operation of the motor operation switch 166. Therefore, the operation of the motor operation switch 166 and the rotation of the vibrator 146 can be made to coincide with each other, and the diagnosis location can be easily grasped.

The present invention is also applicable to an ultrasonic probe 173 of the type in which the tip portion 142 has an acoustic window 172 and an acoustic medium (not shown) as shown in FIG.

Further, in this embodiment, the linear stepping motors 162 and 163 are used to drive the vibrator 146 to rotate, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, for example. Thus, rotary motors 174, 175 may be used. That is, in this ultrasonic probe 176, first and second rotary motors 174 and 175 are provided in the operating portion 177, and each motor 174 and 175 has a first rotary motor 174. And the second
The rotary pulleys 176 and 177 are connected to each other. Each end of a wire 164 for transmitting a rotational force is connected to each of the pulleys 176 and 177.

Each of the pulleys 176 and 177 has a motor 17
When 4, 175 are not driven, they are free to rotate. Then, when the insertion tube 144 is bent, each pulley 1
76 and 177 rotate following the bending of the wire 149,
Remove the relaxation of wire 149. Then, when the motors 174 and 175 are driven in this state, the rotary pulley 147 of the tip portion 142 instantaneously rotates, and the vibrator 146 moves to the first position.
The rotary motor 174 is rotated without delay. Therefore, the operation of the switch and the rotation of the vibrator 146 can be made to coincide with each other, and the diagnosis location can be easily grasped.

Although not shown, the above-mentioned second embodiment-
Similarly to the first embodiment, each ultrasonic probe of the seventh embodiment is also provided with an actuator for rotating the ultrasonic vibrator, a rotation detector, a vibrator rotation control switch, and the like. If
The amount of rotation of the vibrator can be easily known.

[0123]

[0124]

[0125]

[0126]

As described above, the invention of claim 1 is
A case, and an ultrasonic transducer arranged in the case,
When this ultrasonic transducer rotates in a predetermined direction, this ultrasonic vibration
This ultrasonic vibration when wrapped around the pendulum and rotated in the opposite direction
The first part that bends when released from the child and this first part
A second fixed to the case at a right angle to
And a portion of the first and second portions.
A wiring pattern and formed on the first portion.
The wiring pattern is the electrode provided on the ultrasonic transducer.
A flexible substrate electrically connected to
And the wiring pattern formed in the second part
And a plurality of cables electrically connected.

The invention of claim 2 is based on the first part.
The bending direction is the width direction of the case.

According to the invention of claim 3, the bending of the first portion
The viewing direction is the front-back direction of the case. From claim 4
Ming has an acoustic medium and an acoustic window on the side of the case.
Has been formed. According to the invention of claim 5, in the first part
Make electrical contact with each of the formed wiring patterns.
It also has a number of connected cables. Claim 6
The invention is a rotary pulley that rotates integrally with the ultrasonic transducer.
And the torque transmission wire that is hung on this rotary pulley.
Prepare According to the invention of claim 7, in the invention of claim 6,
The rotary pulley has a notch, and
When the rotary pulley is in the specified rotational position,
A protrusion that engages with the notch is formed. Claim 8
The description is that the rotating pulley and the case are magnetized.
With the stone, both magnets have attractive force between them.
It is arranged with such a polarity. The invention of claim 9 is
Between the ultrasonic transducer and the case, a jar with a U-shaped cross section
A sheath composed of a racket and a metal spring as an urging body.
Are arranged. The invention according to claim 10 is the above-mentioned
The material of the jacket is functional plastic.

According to the present invention, the ultrasonic vibrator can be smoothly rotated.

[0130]

[0131]

[0132]

[0133]

[0134]

[0135]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic probe and an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a tip portion.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an ultrasonic probe and an image processing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a modified example.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing another modification.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing another modification.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing another modification.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing another modification.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing another modification.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another modification.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another modification.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic probe and an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a part of the tip portion cut away.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a control system of an ultrasonic probe.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a modification with a part thereof cut away.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a partially cutaway main part of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a modified example.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a partially cutaway main part of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

19 (a) and 19 (b) are explanatory views showing the action of the vibrator during rotation.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a modification with a part thereof cut away.

21 (a) and 21 (b) are explanatory views showing the action during rotation of the vibrator.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing another modification with a part thereof cut away.

23 (a) and 23 (b) are explanatory views showing the action during rotation of the vibrator.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing another modification with a part thereof cut away.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a partially cutaway main part of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

26 (a) and 26 (b) are explanatory views showing the operation of origin detection.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a modification with a part thereof cut away.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing another modification with a part thereof cut away.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of origin detection.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a partially cutaway main part of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

31A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 30, and FIG. 31B is an enlarged view of a part surrounded by a circle V in FIG.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a seal member partially cut away.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a modification with a part thereof cut away.

34 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic probe according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a front end portion with a part thereof cut away.

FIG. 37 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an internal structure of an ultrasonic probe.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory view showing the action of relaxation absorption.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing a modification with a part thereof cut away.

FIG. 40 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the internal structure of an ultrasonic probe of another modification.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory view showing the action of relaxation absorption.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory view showing a conventional ultrasonic probe.

43 is a cross-sectional view showing the distal end portion of the ultrasonic probe of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a configuration diagram showing another conventional example.

FIG. 45 is a configuration diagram showing another conventional example.

FIG. 46 is a configuration diagram showing another conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

21 ... Ultrasonic probe, 22 ... Image processing device, 27 ... Ultrasonic transducer, 28 ... Actuator (rotational drive source), 2
9 ... Rotation detector, 61 ... Ultrasonic probe, 66 ... Ultrasonic transducer, 67 ... Parallel / serial converter, 68 ... Communication controller (transmitting means), 81 ... Ultrasonic probe, 83 ... Ultra Acoustic wave transducer, 84 ... Slip ring, 88 ... Coaxial signal cable (signal transmission line), 91 ... Ultrasonic probe, 93 ...
Ultrasonic transducer, 94 ... Coaxial signal cable (signal transmission line), 95 ... Flexible substrate, 111 ... Ultrasonic probe
, 113 ... Origin detection unit, 131 ... Ultrasonic probe, 1
33 ... Seal material, 134 ... Jacket, 135 ... Metal spring (biasing body), 141 ... Ultrasonic probe, 142 ... Tip part, 143 ... Operation part, 144 ... Insertion tube, 146 ... Ultrasonic vibrator 149 ... Rotational force transmission wires 162, 163
... Linear stepping motor (rotational driving force generation means),
165 ... Motor driver (driving means), 181 ... Ultrasonic transducer rotating means.

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A case, an ultrasonic vibrator arranged in the case, and when the ultrasonic vibrator rotates in a predetermined direction, the ultrasonic vibration is generated.
This ultrasonic vibration when wrapped around the pendulum and rotated in the opposite direction
With respect to the first part, which is released from the child and bends, and at a right angle to the first part,
A second portion to be fixed and a wiring pattern formed over the first and second portions.
And the wiring pattern formed in the first portion is
It is electrically connected to the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducer.
Flexible substrate and the wiring pattern formed on the second portion.
With multiple cables each electrically connected
An ultrasonic endoscope characterized by the following. 2. The bending direction of the first portion is defined by the cable.
2. The ultrasonic sound according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic sound is in the width direction of the space.
Wave endoscope. 3. The deflection direction of the first portion is the cable.
It is in the front-back direction of the space.
Sonic endoscopy. 4. An acoustic medium is provided, and a sound is provided on a side surface of the case.
The sound window is formed, as claimed in claim 1.
Ultrasound endoscope. 5. The wiring formed in the first portion
Multiple cables, each electrically connected to the pattern
The super sound according to claim 1, further comprising a bull.
Wave endoscope. 6. A rotary plug which rotates integrally with the ultrasonic transducer.
And a torque transmission wire that is hung on this rotary pulley
The ultrasound endoscopy according to claim 1, further comprising:
mirror. 7. A notch is formed in the rotary pulley.
And the case has the rotary pulley at a predetermined rotational position.
A protrusion that engages with this notch when
The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6, wherein: 8. The rotating pulley and the case are the same.
Each magnet is equipped with an attractive force between them.
Characterized by being arranged in a polarity that acts
The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 6. 9. A disconnection is provided between the ultrasonic transducer and the case.
With the U-shaped jacket and the metal spring as the urging body,
It is characterized in that a sealing material composed of
The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1. 10. The material of the jacket is functional plus
The ultrasonic wave according to claim 9, wherein the ultrasonic wave is a tic.
Endoscope.