JP3556523B2 - Ultrasonic transducer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic vibrator that generates a ultrasonic vibration by supplying a high-frequency current to a vibration element.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, an ultrasonic surgical apparatus used for a surgical operation is configured such that various probes are attached to a device (vibrator) that generates high-frequency vibration by supplying a high-frequency current from a power supply device to a vibrating element, so that an abdominal cavity is obtained. This is possible with mirror surgery or open surgery.
[0003]
Such surgical devices must be sterile in order for the surgeon to directly operate the device by hand. Transducers for ultrasonic surgical devices are no exception, and it is essential that autoclave sterilization be possible.
[0004]
Such a vibrator has been proposed in, for example, US Pat. No. 5,395,240, Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 7-106206, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-127655.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Autoclave sterilization includes various types of autoclave sterilization methods by combining parameters such as time, pressure, and temperature in a vacuuming step, a sterilization step, a drying step, and the like.
[0006]
Ultrasonic transducers are not compatible with all these autoclave sterilization methods. Normally, the autoclave cycle is a cycle of evacuation, sterilization, and drying. However, if it is accidentally dropped on the floor during surgery, autoclaving may be performed urgently.
[0007]
In such a case, a cycle of evacuation and sterilization, in which the drying step is omitted to shorten the time, is performed. If the drying step is omitted, the infiltrated steam may not be completely removed inside the casing of the vibrator disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-106206 and may accumulate as water droplets. When ultrasonic vibration is applied as it is, in a bolted Langevin type transducer (transducer), water droplets adhere between the electrodes sandwiching PZT, causing a short circuit (short circuit), and the conversion efficiency of the ultrasonic wave is reduced. there were.
[0008]
Further, in the case where autoclave sterilization is simply performed in a small medical institution, there is a case where only autoclave sterilization without a drying step is performed. In this case as well, water droplets may accumulate inside the oscillator casing. As a result, in the bolted Langevin-type oscillator (transducer), a short circuit occurs due to the adhesion of water droplets between the electrodes sandwiching PZT (lead zirconate titanate). However, the conversion efficiency of the ultrasonic vibration may decrease.
[0009]
The invention of US Pat. No. 5,395,241 is a magnetostrictive vibrator (transducer), so there is no problem even if the inside is intentionally sterilized by autoclave, but it is not easy to clean and the bolted Langevin type vibrator is reduced in terms of miniaturization of the vibrator. (Transducers) are much more advantageous.
[0010]
In the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-127655, when autoclave sterilization without a drying step is performed, steam does not enter the vibrator, so that the conversion efficiency of ultrasonic vibration does not decrease. However, since the O-ring is used for the rotary sliding portion, there is a possibility that the rotation cannot be performed smoothly, and there is a rotating electrical connection portion, so that electrical contact may be uncertain. In addition, since the internal structure of the vibrator is complicated, the weight increases and the outer diameter of the vibrator increases. From the viewpoint of the versatility of the vibrator, it is of course better that the structure of the vibrator is simple.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. In a bolted Langevin type ultrasonic transducer (transducer), it has a simple structure with high versatility without a rotating structure, and is subjected to autoclave sterilization without a drying process. It is another object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic vibrator that can reliably prevent water droplets from entering the vibrator casing.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An ultrasonic vibrator of the present invention includes a transducer that converts a drive current into vibration, a horn that forms a flange-shaped fixed portion at a base to increase the amplitude of the vibration, a cover that covers the transducer, and a flange-shaped cover. A support fixing portion for arranging a packing between the fixing portion and the cover in a waterproof and supporting manner , a power cord for supplying a drive current for supplying the transducer from an external power source into the cover, a plug releasably the power cord to the external power source to generate a current, and connected drive current electrical transmission means to said transducer, said drive current electrical transmission means, for electrically connecting the power cord conduction and the member, inside the cover, separate the second chamber to draw the power cord and the first chamber surrounding the transducer in the cover, and A partition member provided with holes for inserting the conductive member, characterized in that a, a gas-tight means provided in the conducting member.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
(First Embodiment)
1 to 5 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an external view showing the appearance of an ultrasonic vibrator. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the vibrator main body of FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an ABC cross section of the vibrator main body of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of terminals provided on the transducer of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a vibration distribution and vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator of FIG. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship inside a child main body.
[0016]
(Constitution)
As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic vibrator 1 of the present embodiment includes a plug 2 connected to a generator (not shown) for generating a drive current for causing the ultrasonic vibrator 1 to vibrate ultrasonically, and a plug 2. And a waterproof cap 5 for preventing moisture from entering the plug 2 when cleaning the ultrasonic vibrator 1.
[0017]
2 shows an exploded view of the vibrator main body 3 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows an ABC cross section of the vibrator main body 3 of FIG.
[0018]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a transducer 10 for converting a drive current from a generator (not shown) into ultrasonic vibration is provided inside the transducer main body 3. One end of the transducer 10 from which the coating of the electric wire 11 is removed is soldered, and the other end of the electric wire 11 from which the coating is removed is soldered to the terminal 12.
[0019]
Here, an assembling method near the terminal 12 will be described with reference to FIG. The terminal 12 is obtained by bending a plate-shaped metal plate, and a portion where the electric wire 11 is soldered is covered with a heat-shrinkable tube 12a for insulation. A terminal hole 12b is machined at the other end where the electric wire 11 is not soldered. After the electrode 13 is inserted through the terminal hole 12b, the electrode 13 is further inserted through a hole 15 provided in the partition member 14 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the terminal 12 and the electrode 13 are fixed to the partition member 14. The electrode 13 is provided with an O-ring 17 for maintaining airtightness, as shown in FIG.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wire 20 exposed by stripping the coating of the cord 4 is soldered to the electrode 13, and the coated end of the cord 4 is fixed by a stop ring 22 inside the heat-shrinkable tube 21. This prevents the cord 4 from accidentally falling out of the vibrator body 3.
[0021]
A casing member 23 in which the transducer 10 is incorporated has a joint member 26 to which O-rings 24 and 0 rings 25 for maintaining airtightness are bonded in advance. A rubber plate 29 is attached to the flange 27 of the transducer 10 on the screw portion 28 side with an adhesive or the like.
[0022]
These sets of the transducer 10, the nut 16, the partition member 14, the electrode 13, the terminal 12, and the electric wire 11 are inserted into the inside of the casing 23 from the screw end 28 side of the open end of the casing 23. At this time, the partition member 14 is fitted into the hole 30 provided in the jumpsuit member 26. The hole 30 has a two-plane width portion 31 formed therein, and by engaging with the two-plane width portion 31 of the partition member 14, the partition member 14 does not rotate carelessly.
[0023]
Further, the packing 32 for ensuring airtightness is sandwiched between the partition member 14 and the jumper member 26, and the partition member 14 is hooked on the airtightness checking hole 33 using a jig (not shown) and drawn into the two-plane width portion 31. Is tightened up with a nut 34. In order to fix the transducer 10 to the casing 23, a packing 36 and a washer 37 for preventing the packing from slipping are inserted from the horn 35 for increasing the amplitude, and the fixing member 38 is screwed into the screw 28.
[0024]
The airtightness with the outside is ensured by the O-ring 39 and the O-ring 40 and the packing 36 that have been assembled to the fixing member 38 in advance. At the time of the airtight inspection, a connector for airtightness check is attached to the airtightness check hole 33, compressed air is sent in water, and the presence or absence of air bubbles is checked. After the inspection, the airtight cap 42 to which the O-ring 41 is attached is screwed in for airtight maintenance. Thereafter, the nut 16 and the electrode 13 are completely sealed with a sealant 43 to prevent a short circuit.
[0025]
The inner cap 51, the outer cap 52, and the O-ring 53 pass through the cord 4 in advance, and the inner cap 51 to which the O-ring 54 is assembled is screwed to the jumper member 26, and the outer cap 52 is further attached to the outer peripheral portion of the jumper member 26. Assemble to The vibrator main body 3 is completed by screwing the prevention member 55 into the inner cap 51 to prevent the cord 4 from breaking. The O-ring 25 and the O-ring 54 prevent moisture from entering the gap between the inner cap 51 and the jumpsuit member 26, and the O-ring 53 prevents moisture from entering the gap between the cord 4 and the inner cap 51. I do.
[0026]
FIG. 5 shows the distribution 63 of the vibration and the positional relationship inside the vibrator body 3. The vibration node 64 is located on the flange 27, the vibration antinode 66 is located at the tip of the horn 35, and the vibration antinode 65 is located at the rear end of the transducer 10. The antinode of each vibration is located at a quarter wavelength of the node 64.
[0027]
(Action)
After using the ultrasonic vibrator 1 as a vibrator of the ultrasonic coagulation and incision device in the operation, the ultrasonic vibrator 1 is disassembled into a single unit, and the plug 2 is covered with the waterproof cap 5 to wash dirt such as body fluid. After the washing is completed, put into an autoclave sterilizer.
[0028]
Inside the autoclave device, as a pre-sterilization step, negative pressure is applied by drawing air from the sterilization chamber. Next, high-pressure steam is injected as a sterilization step. Thus, the vibrator is sterilized. Usually, it is taken out of the sterilizer through a drying step after the sterilization step. However, if a rapid sterilization is required during the operation, the drying step may be omitted in a series of steps.
[0029]
If the drying step is omitted, the moisture from the steam that has entered the inside of the vibrator body 3 from the outer skin of the cord 4 and the plug 2 via the inside of the cord 4 does not completely escape.
[0030]
However, as the partition members constituting the inside of the vibrator main body 3, there are the jumper member 26 and the partition member 14, and moisture is present in the transducer 10 by the packing 32, the electrode 13, and the O-rings 17 and 41 provided on the airtight cap 42. It does not enter the lumen 10a (see FIG. 3). Further, since the electrode 13 is sealed and insulated by the sealing agent 43, no short circuit occurs.
[0031]
(effect)
As described above, in the present embodiment, even if autoclave sterilization is performed quickly during surgery and the drying step is omitted, or autoclave sterilization is performed in a hospital having only an autoclave apparatus without a drying step, the lumen in the transducer 10 is not affected. Since water does not infiltrate into the inside of 10a, there is no abnormal oscillation of the vibrator and the like, so that it can be used for surgery as usual and extension of operation time can be avoided.
[0032]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an axial cross section of the vibrator main body according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0033]
Since the second embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.
[0034]
(Constitution)
In the vibrator main body 3 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the outer cap 8 of the first embodiment is replaced with an outer cap 71 provided with a terminal portion 72 for connecting an electric knife connection cord. Has been changed. The terminal portion 72 is screwed and fixed to the outer cap 71, and watertightness is maintained by O-rings 73 and 74. One end of the electric wire 75 is soldered to the inner end of the terminal portion 72, and the other end is soldered to 13. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0035]
(Action)
In the present embodiment, when using the ultrasonic coagulation incision tool and using an electric scalpel, the electric knife can be used as an electric scalpel by connecting an electric scalpel connection cord to the terminal portion 72. Other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0036]
(effect)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, a probe for an electric scalpel is used during an operation, particularly when an electric scalpel is used, particularly during an endoscopic surgical operation. It is only necessary to connect a connection cord to the terminal portion 72 of the vibrator without replacing the device, so that there is no need to replace the device during the operation, so that the operation can be performed without bothering the operator.
[0037]
(Third embodiment)
7 to 10 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an external view showing the distal end side appearance of the vibrator body, and FIG. 8 is an external view showing the base end side appearance of the vibrator body of FIG. FIG. 9 is an exploded view in which the vibrator main body of FIG. 7 is exploded and developed, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an axial cross section of the vibrator main body of FIG.
[0038]
Since the third embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.
[0039]
(Constitution)
In the vibrator main body 3 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the horn portion 35 for increasing the vibration amplitude of the transducer 10 is provided with a through hole 81 along the axial center of the vibrator main body 3. ing. As shown in FIG. 8, the member of the horn portion 35 is configured as the same part as the pipe-shaped member 82 reaching the rear end of the transducer 10, and the through-hole 81 is formed in the pipe at the rear end of the vibrator main body 3. The suction pipe 98 has the same axis as the suction pipe 98 which is a through hole of the suction base 99.
[0040]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the transducer main body 3 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0041]
In the center of the partition member 90 of the present embodiment, which replaces the partition member 14 shown in the first embodiment, a through-hole 92 in which an O-ring 91 is assembled is provided. Member 82 has been inserted.
[0042]
In this state, the nut 16, the electrode 13, the transducer 10, and the partition member 90 are inserted into the casing 23 and fixed by the nut 34 as in the first embodiment. An inner cap 93 of the present embodiment, which replaces the inner cap 51 of the first embodiment, is fixed to the jumper member 26 with a screw (not shown), and a pipe 96 having a pipe conduit 95 to which an O-ring 94 is attached is attached. It is screwed into the inner cap 93 and inserted and fixed in the through hole 92 of the partition member 90. A suction base 99 having a suction line 98 to which an O-ring 97 is attached is screwed and fixed to the outer cap 100 of the present embodiment instead of the outer cap 52 of the first embodiment. It is fixed to the jumpsuit member 26. The cord 4 and the prevention member 55 are screwed and fixed at positions eccentric to the outer cap 100. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0043]
(Action)
In addition to the operation of the first embodiment, since the vibrator main body 3 of the present embodiment is provided with a through-hole, a suction tube (not shown) is connected to the suction mouthpiece 99 to form an external suction device. By matching, the liquid sucked from the tip of a not-shown probe with a hole attached to the horn 35 reaches the suction tube from the through hole 81 via the pipe 96 and the suction pipe 98, and can be discharged outside. When a water supply tube is attached to the suction base 99, the physiological saline flows from the suction conduit 98 to the pipe 96, the through hole 81, and the tip of the probe with a hole (not shown). Etc. can be supplied.
[0044]
(effect)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the effects of the first embodiment can be obtained even when used as a transducer unit of an ultrasonic suction device. The ultrasonic suction device can emulsify and aspirate a living tissue and, by the function of tissue selectivity, can aspirate surrounding tissues while leaving the vasculature, thereby shortening the operation time. Since the operation field can be sprayed with physiological saline as needed, the operation can be performed without delay.
[0045]
[Appendix]
(Additional Item 1) A transducer for converting a drive current into vibration,
A horn that expands the amplitude of the vibration, which has a flange-shaped fixing portion formed at the base,
A cover covering the transducer,
A support fixing portion for arranging packing between the flange-shaped fixing portion and the cover and supporting and fixing waterproofly,
A power cord for supplying the drive current;
An ultrasonic transducer comprising a plug for attaching and detaching a cord to an external power supply for generating the drive current,
An ultrasonic vibrator, wherein a partition member for separating a first chamber surrounding the transducer and a second chamber for drawing the cord into the cover is provided inside the cover.
[0046]
(Supplementary note 2) The ultra-compound according to Supplementary note 1, wherein the partition member is provided at a position at least 1/4 wavelength away from a vibration node existing in the flange-shaped fixing portion of the horn. Sound transducer.
[0047]
(Additional Item 3) The partition member is
A closing member for closing a space communicating with the first chamber and the second chamber;
The ultrasonic vibrator according to claim 2, comprising a holding end surface for holding the closing member.
[0048]
(Additional Item 4) The ultrasonic vibration according to Additional Item 3, wherein airtight holding means for ensuring airtightness between the first chamber and the second chamber is provided between the closing member and the holding end surface. Child.
[0049]
(Additional Item 5) The ultrasonic wave according to Additional Item 4, wherein the partition member is provided with an electrical connection portion that supplies a drive current from the power cord from the second chamber to the first chamber. Vibrator.
[0050]
(Additional Item 6) The ultrasonic transducer according to Additional Item 5, wherein airtightness maintaining means for ensuring airtightness between the electrical connection portion and the partition member is provided.
[0051]
(Additional Item 7) The ultrasonic transducer according to Additional Item 6, wherein a check hole for checking airtightness is provided in the partition member.
[0052]
(Additional Item 8) The ultrasonic vibrator according to Additional Item 7, wherein a closing means for closing the confirmation hole for airtightness confirmation is provided detachably.
[0053]
(Additional Item 9) The additional item 3 or 4, wherein a first conduit passing through the central axis of the transducer and a second conduit passing through the closing member are arranged on the same axis. Ultrasonic transducer.
[0054]
(Additional Item 10) The ultrasonic wave according to Additional Item 9, wherein the partition member is provided with an electrical connection portion for supplying a drive current from the power cord from the second chamber to the first chamber. Vibrator.
[0055]
(Additional Item 11) The second conduit is formed of a cylindrical member penetrating the second chamber and a connection hole penetrating the closing means,
The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 10, wherein the first pipe and the tubular member are connected to the same axis inside the connection hole.
[0056]
(Additional Item 12) An airtightness maintaining means for ensuring airtightness is arranged between the cylindrical inner surface of the connection hole, the cylindrical outer surface of the first conduit, and the cylindrical outer surface of the cylindrical member. The ultrasonic vibrator according to Additional Item 11.
[0057]
(Additional Item 13) An additional item 5 characterized in that a second current cord for supplying a high-frequency current other than an ultrasonic driving current is drawn into the second chamber and connected to the electrical connection portion. 4. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the ultrasonic transducer of the present invention, since the partition member separates the first chamber surrounding the transducer and the second chamber for drawing the cord into the cover inside the cover, the versatility without the rotary structure is provided. With a simple structure having a high water content, even if autoclave sterilization is performed without a drying step, there is an effect that water droplets can be reliably prevented from entering the inside of the vibrator casing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view showing an external appearance of an ultrasonic vibrator according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded view in which the vibrator main body in FIG. 1 is exploded and developed; FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an ABC cross section of the transducer main body. FIG. 4 is a structural view showing a configuration of terminals provided in the transducer of FIG. 2 FIG. 5 is a distribution of vibration of the ultrasonic transducer of FIG. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an axial section of a vibrator main body according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front end appearance of a vibrator main body according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an external view showing a base end side appearance of the vibrator main body of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the vibrator main body of FIG. Cross section showing the cross section in the axial direction of [Description of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic vibrator 2 ... Plug 3 ... Vibrator main body 4 ... Cord 5 ... Waterproof cap 10 ... Transducer 11, 20 ... Electric wire 12 ... Terminal 12a, 21 ... Heat shrink tube 12b ... Terminal hole 13 ... Electrode 14 ... Partition member 15 Holes 16, 34 Nuts 17, 24, 25, 39, 40, 41, 53, 54 O-ring 22 Stop ring 23 Casing 26 Tightening member 27 Flange 28 Screw part 29 Rubber plate 30 ... Holes 31... Two width portions 32 and 36. Packing 33. Airtightness confirmation hole 35. Horn portion 37. Washer 38. Fixing member 42. Airtight cap 43. Sealant 51. Inner cap 52. Outer cap 55. Prevention member

Claims (3)

A transducer for converting drive current into vibration,
A horn that expands the amplitude of the vibration, which has a flange-shaped fixing portion formed at the base,
A cover covering the transducer,
A support fixing portion for arranging packing between the flange-shaped fixing portion and the cover and supporting and fixing waterproofly,
A power cord for supplying a drive current for supplying to the transducer from an external power source into the cover ;
A plug releasably the power cord to the external power source for generating the driving current,
Drive current transmission means connected to the transducer,
A conductive member for electrically connecting the drive current transmitting means and the power cord,
Disposed within said cover, separates the second chamber to draw the power cord and the first chamber surrounding the transducer in the cover, and a partition member provided with holes for inserting the conductive member,
Airtight means provided on the conductive member,
An ultrasonic vibrator comprising: The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is also connected to an electric knife connection cord. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, wherein the transducer is provided with a through hole in an axial direction.

Images