JP4069003B2 - Ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe, more specifically, an intracorporeal insertion type used in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasonic tomogram based on an ultrasonic signal obtained by transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a subject. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasonic tomographic image of a two-dimensional visible image of a test site in a living body using an ultrasonic transducer or the like for the purpose of diagnosing a disease, etc. Various proposals have been made.
[0003]
This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus repeatedly transmits ultrasonic pulses from an ultrasonic transducer into a living tissue, and an ultrasonic vibration in which echoes of ultrasonic pulses reflected by the living tissue are provided separately or separately. It is configured to be received by a child. By gradually moving the direction in which this ultrasonic pulse is transmitted and received at a predetermined pitch, echo information from a plurality of directions can be collected for the test site in the living body. A two-dimensional (visible image) ultrasonic tomographic image is generated based on the echo information, and can be displayed using a predetermined display device.
[0004]
As such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, for example, an apparatus using an external ultrasonic probe is generally used. In addition to this, for example, an intracorporeal-insertion type ultrasonic wave configured such that a thin ultrasonic probe can be inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel or the like of an endoscope and introduced into the body cavity via the endoscope. A proposal for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with a probe has been made by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-234736, etc., and is generally put into practical use.
[0005]
In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus equipped with such an intracavitary ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic tomographic image of a site to be examined including a mucosal tissue that has become cancerous or a lesion such as a polyp is obtained under endoscopic observation. It can be done.
[0006]
In recent years, for example, a three-dimensional ultrasonic probe for generating a three-dimensional ultrasonic tomographic image of a subject by performing a linear operation simultaneously with a radial operation is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-157546. Various proposals have been made by Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-224117.
[0007]
In such a three-dimensional scanning ultrasonic probe, a three-dimensional ultrasonic tomographic image is obtained, whereby the shape of a tumor or the like inside the subject can be grasped and its volume can be measured.
[0008]
In such a conventional ultrasonic probe, the configuration of the connecting portion between the housing provided for holding the ultrasonic transducer and the flexible shaft for freely driving the housing in the forward / backward direction or the rotational direction is as follows. Usually, it is as follows.
[0009]
8 and 9 show a part of a conventional ultrasonic probe, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing only the vicinity of the tip of the conventional ultrasonic probe. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a cross section taken along the line GG of FIG.
[0010]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the conventional ultrasonic probe 110, the housing 111 that holds the ultrasonic transducer 121 (see FIG. 8) and the flexible shaft 112 that is connected to the housing 111 are connected via a joint member 113. Are connected.
[0011]
The flexible shaft 112 is inserted through the inner sheath 115. A bearing member 114 is welded to the inner diameter side of the distal end portion of the inner sheath 115. Here, predetermined threading is performed on the outer peripheral surface of the bearing member 114. This threading is performed for the purpose of improving the welding force between the bearing member 114 and the inner sheath 115.
[0012]
Further, a C ring 116 is fitted at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface side of the portion where the bearing member 114 is disposed at the distal end portion of the inner sheath 115. The C ring 116 and the bearing member 114 are bonded to each other with an adhesive 131, and both are bonded to the distal end portion of the inner sheath 115. The C ring 116 is disposed for the purpose of improving the connection strength between the inner sheath 115 and the bearing member 114.
[0013]
As described above, the bearing member 114 in the conventional ultrasonic probe is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the housing 111 and the joint member 113. The housing 111 holds the joint member 113 rotatably by the bearing member 114.
[0014]
The connecting portion between the housing 111 and the joint member 113 is bonded and fixed with an adhesive 130.
[0015]
The distal end portion of the insertion portion in the body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe is configured by housing the structure configured as described above and an ultrasonic medium (not shown) in an outer sheath (not shown). Yes.
[0016]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-234736
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-157546 A
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-224117
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional ultrasonic probe configured as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the housing 111, the joint member 113, the bearing member 114, the inner sheath 115, the C ring 116, and the outer sheath (not shown). The outer diameter of the bearing mechanism 110a is limited by the thickness of each member, the clearance required between each component, and various signal cables connected to the flexible shaft 112. It will be done. Therefore, the conventional means having such a configuration has a problem that it is difficult to further reduce the diameter of the ultrasonic probe.
[0020]
That is, in the configuration shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 described above, there is a limit to the diameter reduction in the bearing mechanism portion 110a provided at the connection portion between the housing 111, the flexible shaft 112, and the inner sheath 115. Therefore, it is difficult to further reduce the diameter.
[0021]
Further, in the conventional example illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 described above, the structure of the bearing mechanism portion 110a is complicated, so that the number of parts and the manufacturing process are increased, thereby burdening the manufacturing cost. There is also a problem that is large.
[0022]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to insert into a body cavity including a rotating portion including a housing and a flexible shaft and a bearing mechanism that rotatably connects a sheath. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic probe that can contribute to a reduction in manufacturing cost while realizing a reduction in diameter of the ultrasonic probe by simplifying the structure of the bearing mechanism.
[0023]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic probe according to a first invention includes an ultrasonic transducer, a housing that holds the ultrasonic transducer, a flexible shaft that transmits rotational motion to the housing, and the flexible shaft. In the body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe comprising a sheath covering the outer surface of the body, a rotating part including the housing and the flexible shaft, and a bearing mechanism for rotatably connecting the sheath, the inner rotating part of the bearing mechanism is It is configured integrally with the housing, and the outer support member of the bearing mechanism is configured to be split by a hollow metal member.
[0024]
The second invention is characterized in that in the ultrasonic probe of the first invention, the outer support member of the bearing mechanism and the sheath are joined by thermoforming.
[0025]
An ultrasonic probe according to a third invention includes an ultrasonic transducer, a housing that holds the ultrasonic transducer, a flexible shaft that transmits rotational motion to the housing, and a sheath that covers the outer surface of the flexible shaft. In a body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe comprising a rotating part including the housing and the flexible shaft and a bearing mechanism for rotatably connecting the sheath, the bearing member of the bearing mechanism comprises a coil member or a spring member. The coil member or the spring member and the sheath are joined to each other.
[0026]
According to a fourth invention, in the ultrasonic probe of the third invention, the coil member or spring member and the sheath are joined by thermoforming.
[0027]
According to a fifth invention, in the ultrasonic probe of the third invention, the coil member or spring member and the sheath are joined by an adhesive.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing an enlarged configuration in the vicinity of the tip of the ultrasonic probe of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic probe, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of the bearing mechanism unit that connects the housing and the flexible shaft. In FIG. 3, the outer sheath is omitted, and only its internal components are shown.
[0029]
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams showing an assembling procedure of the bearing mechanism unit that connects the housing and the flexible shaft in the ultrasonic probe of the present embodiment. Among these, FIG. 4 is explanatory drawing at the time of attaching a bearing member. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view when the inner sheath is attached to the bearing mechanism portion after the bearing member is attached.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the present embodiment is an operation portion 1a in which various operation members and the like are disposed, and a portion that is connected to the operation portion 1a and is inserted into a body cavity when used. It is comprised by the insertion part 1b etc.
[0031]
The entire insertion portion 1b is covered with an outer sheath 16 (see the dotted line in FIG. 2). As a result, the internal components are protected in a watertight manner.
[0032]
Inside the distal end portion 10 of the outer sheath 16 of the insertion portion 1b, there are a housing 11 for holding various members (not shown) such as an ultrasonic transducer inside, and a predetermined rotational motion connected to the housing 11. Bearing that constitutes a part of a bearing mechanism that rotatably connects the inner sheath 15 and the inner sheath 15 that covers the outer surface of the flexible shaft 12, the inner shaft 15, and the housing 11 and the flexible shaft 12. Constituent members such as the member 14 are disposed.
[0033]
The flexible shaft 12 communicates with the inside of the insertion portion 1b (see FIG. 1) and is connected to a predetermined portion of the operation portion 1a (see FIG. 1). As described above, the housing 11 is connected to the distal end side of the flexible shaft 12 via the bearing member 14. With such a configuration, the housing 11 can be operated so as to be able to move forward and backward and rotate by operating a predetermined operating member of the operating portion 1a. In addition, since each of various structural members such as an ultrasonic transducer to be disposed inside the housing 11 is a portion not directly related to the present embodiment, illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted.
[0034]
The housing 11 is connected to a housing portion 11a in which various components (not shown) such as an ultrasonic transducer are disposed, and one end portion of the housing portion 11a, and a bearing mechanism portion 10a (see FIG. 2). ) And the joint portion 13 constituting the inner rotating portion, and both the housing portion 11a and the joint portion 13 are integrally formed. In other words, in the ultrasonic probe 1 of the present embodiment, the joint portion 13 having the same function as a joint member that has been conventionally provided separately is formed integrally with the housing 11.
[0035]
The joint part 13 is formed by a hollow tubular member. The flexible shaft 12 is also formed of a hollow and bendable tubular member. As a result, various cables and the like extending from the operation portion 1a are guided into the housing 11 through the flexible shaft 12 of the insertion portion 1b. And the operation part 1a and the various structural members provided in the inside of the housing 11 are electrically connected. In the housing 11, the housing part 11a and the joint part 13 are formed so as to be arranged substantially coaxially.
[0036]
On the other hand, the joint portion 13 is formed by a rearmost end portion 13b which is the rearmost end side of the housing 11 and a shaft portion 13a located between the rearmost end portion 13b and the housing portion 11a as shown in FIG. ing. The shaft portion 13a is formed to have a smaller diameter than the rearmost end portion 13b. A bearing member 14 is disposed on the shaft portion 13a.
[0037]
The bearing member 14 serving as the outer support member of the bearing mechanism is made of a metal member, and is formed to have a structure divided into two on the surface along the rotation axis of the housing 11 (see FIG. 4). Further, the vicinity of one end of the bearing member 14 is formed in a bowl shape in cross section (see FIGS. 2 and 3). And the said bearing member 14 is assembled | attached in the form which clamps the axial part 13a of the joint part 13. As shown in FIG.
[0038]
As described above, in a state where the bearing member 14 is assembled at a predetermined position of the joint portion 13 of the housing 11, the inner sheath 15 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface thereof. In this state, the bearing member 14 is fixed at a position between the inner sheath 15 and the joint portion 13 (the shaft portion 13a) by means such as heat welding (thermoforming).
[0039]
The inner sheath 15 is disposed so as to cover the bearing member 14, the bearing mechanism portion 10 a including the joint portion 13, and the flexible shaft 12.
[0040]
In the ultrasonic probe 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, the procedure for assembling the bearing mechanism portion 10a by connecting the housing 11 and the flexible shaft 12 will be briefly described below with reference to FIGS. explain.
[0041]
First, the housing 11 and the flexible shaft 12 are connected. That is, the flexible shaft 12 is fixed to the rearmost end portion 13b of the joint portion 13 of the housing 11 using predetermined means. As this fixing means, a conventionally commonly used means may be used.
[0042]
In this state, the bearing member 14 is assembled to the shaft portion 13 a of the joint portion 13. That is, as shown by the arrow D in FIG. 4, the pair of bearing members 14 are assembled in such a form as to sandwich the shaft portion 13 a of the joint portion 13. Then, the state shown in FIG. 5 is obtained.
[0043]
Next, in the state shown in FIG. 5, the inner sheath 15 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow E in FIG. In this case, the inner diameter dimension of the inner sheath 15 is larger than the maximum outer diameter dimension of the joint portion 13 and is equal to or slightly larger than the outermost diameter dimension of the flange-shaped portion formed on the bearing member 14. It is set to be smaller. Therefore, at this time, the inner sheath 15 is moved so as to be pushed into the joint portion 13 (bearing member 14). Then, when the joint portion 13 and the bearing member 14 are completely covered by the inner sheath 15, the state shown in FIG.
[0044]
In the state shown in FIG. 3, the inner sheath 15 can be easily moved in the direction of arrow E (mounting direction) in FIG. 5 by the action of the hook-shaped portion formed in the vicinity of one end of the bearing member 14. The movement in the opposite direction, that is, the direction in which the inner sheath 15 is removed is difficult.
[0045]
Further, in this state (the state shown in FIG. 3), there is a slight margin (that is, a gap or play) between the inner peripheral surface of the bearing member 14 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 13 a of the joint portion 13. Therefore, in this state, a heat welding process is performed in which the part indicated by arrow C in FIG. 3 is heated using a predetermined jig or the like. As a result, the assembled state between the bearing member 14 and the shaft portion 13a becomes stronger, so that a smooth rotation operation can be obtained between the bearing member 14 and the shaft portion 13a.
[0046]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the housing 11 of the ultrasonic probe 1, the joint portion 13 is integrally formed on the side of the housing portion 11 a that constitutes a part of the housing 11 a that is connected to the flexible shaft 12. Since it is formed and assembled in such a manner that a predetermined portion (shaft portion 13a) of the joint portion 13 is sandwiched between the pair of bearing members 14, the number of components in the vicinity of the distal end portion 10 of the ultrasonic probe 1 is Can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to easily reduce the diameter of the distal end portion 10 of the ultrasonic probe 1 and to simplify the manufacturing process. This can also contribute to a reduction in manufacturing costs.
[0047]
Next, an ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
[0048]
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing an enlarged configuration in the vicinity of the tip of the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic probe, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part along the line BB in FIG. FIG. 6 shows the detailed configuration of the bearing mechanism portion that connects the housing and the flexible shaft, as in FIG. 3 described above. In FIG. 6, as in FIG. 3, the outer sheath is omitted and only its internal components are shown.
[0049]
The configuration of the ultrasonic probe of the present embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 1 of the first embodiment described above, and constitutes a bearing mechanism portion 10Aa that connects the housing and the flexible shaft. Of the constituent members, only the bearing member 14A is different. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof is omitted, and only different portions will be described below.
[0050]
As described above, the bearing member 14A formed in a coil shape is applied to the bearing mechanism portion 10Aa of the ultrasonic probe of the present embodiment. The coil-shaped bearing member 14A may be formed, for example, by winding a metal wire, or may be an elastic body such as a coil spring.
Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.
[0051]
In the ultrasonic probe 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, the procedure for assembling the bearing mechanism portion 10Aa by connecting the housing 11 and the flexible shaft 12 is as follows.
[0052]
That is, first, similarly to the above-described first embodiment, the housing 11 and the flexible shaft 12 are connected in series and fixed using a predetermined means.
[0053]
On the other hand, the bearing member 14A is inserted from one end of the inner sheath 15 (the side facing the housing 11 when assembled). In this case, the inner diameter of the inner sheath 15 is set to be equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the bearing member 14A. Therefore, the bearing member 14 </ b> A is inserted so as to be pushed into one end portion of the inner sheath 15. The bearing member 14A is held at a predetermined position inside the bearing member 14A with a predetermined amount of force by the elastic force of the inner sheath 15, so that it does not fall out.
[0054]
When the bearing member 14A is formed of an elastic body such as a coil spring, the bearing member 14A inside the inner sheath 15 is further increased by the elastic force of the bearing member 14A itself in addition to the elastic force of the inner sheath 15. It will be held in force.
[0055]
In this state, the inner sheath 15 provided with the bearing member 14 </ b> A is pushed and moved with respect to the joint portion 13 of the housing 11.
[0056]
Here, the inner diameter of the inner sheath 15 is set to be larger than the maximum outer diameter of the joint portion 13 as in the first embodiment. Further, the inner diameter dimension of the bearing member 14A is set to be slightly smaller than the maximum outer diameter dimension of the rearmost end portion 13b of the joint portion 13.
[0057]
Therefore, when the inner sheath 15 in which the bearing member 14A is inserted in advance passes through the rearmost end portion 13b of the joint part 13, the inner sheath 15 is pushed in so that the inner sheath 15 It moves while slightly expanding due to the elastic force. When the bearing member 14A is disposed at a position corresponding to the shaft portion 13a of the joint portion 13, the inner diameter of the inner sheath 15 is restored to the original size. In this state, the bearing member 14 </ b> A comes into contact with the rearmost end portion 13 b of the joint portion 13 even if force is applied in the direction in which the inner sheath 15 is pulled out. For this reason, the housing 11 and the inner sheath 15 are not easily detached.
[0058]
When the bearing member 14 </ b> A is disposed at a position corresponding to the shaft portion 13 a of the joint portion 13, the inner sheath 15 completely covers the joint portion 13. This state is the state shown in FIG.
[0059]
In this state (the state of FIG. 7), there is a slight margin (that is, a gap or play) between the inner peripheral surface of the bearing member 14A and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 13a of the joint portion 13. Therefore, in this state, a heat welding process (thermoforming) is performed in which the part indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 7 is heated using a predetermined jig or the like. As a result, the joint between the bearing member 14A and the inner sheath 15 becomes strong, and therefore, a smooth rotational operation can be obtained between the bearing member 14A and the shaft portion 13a.
[0060]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by applying the bearing member 14A having a coil shape, the connection between the bearing member 14A and the inner sheath 15 can be realized with a simpler configuration and at a lower cost. This can contribute to reducing the outer diameter of the tip of the ultrasonic probe.
[0061]
In the above-described second embodiment, the bearing member 14A and the inner sheath 15 are configured to be bonded using a thermal welding process. However, another means such as an adhesive is used. You may comprise so that between 14 A of bearing members and the inner sheath 15 may be joined.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the structure of the bearing mechanism is simplified in the body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe provided with the bearing part that rotatably connects the rotating part including the housing and the flexible shaft and the sheath. By doing so, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic probe that can reduce the diameter of the ultrasonic probe and contribute to a reduction in manufacturing cost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing an enlarged configuration in the vicinity of a distal end portion of the ultrasonic probe of FIG. 1;
3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic probe of FIG. 1, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part along the line AA in FIG.
4 is a diagram illustrating an assembly procedure of a bearing mechanism unit that couples a housing and a flexible shaft in the ultrasonic probe of FIG. 1, and is an explanatory diagram when a bearing member is attached. FIG.
5 is a diagram showing an assembly procedure of a bearing mechanism unit that connects a housing and a flexible shaft in the ultrasonic probe of FIG. 1, and an inner sheath is attached to the bearing mechanism unit after a bearing member is attached. FIG.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
7 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic probe of FIG. 6 and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part along the line BB of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing only the vicinity of the tip of a conventional ultrasonic probe.
9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a cross section taken along line GG in FIG. 8;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 · 110 ··· Ultrasonic probe 1a ··· Operation portion 1b ··· Insertion portion 10 ··· Tip portion 10a · 10Aa · 110a ··· Bearing mechanism portion 11 · 111 ·· Housing 11a ··· Housing portion 12 · 112 ··· Flexible Shaft 13 ... Joint member 13a ... Shaft portion 13b ... Rear end portion 113 ... Joint member 14, 14A, 114 ... Bearing member 15 · 115 ... Inner sheath 16 ... Outer sheath 116 ... C-ring 130 · 131 …… Adhesive

Claims (5)

An ultrasonic transducer, a housing holding the ultrasonic transducer, a flexible shaft for transmitting rotational motion to the housing, a sheath covering the outer surface of the flexible shaft, and a rotating portion including the housing and the flexible shaft; In a body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe provided with a bearing mechanism for rotatably connecting the sheath,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein an inner rotating portion of the bearing mechanism is configured integrally with the housing, and an outer support member of the bearing mechanism is configured to be split by a hollow metal member. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the outer support member and the sheath of the bearing mechanism are joined by thermoforming. An ultrasonic transducer, a housing holding the ultrasonic transducer, a flexible shaft for transmitting rotational motion to the housing, a sheath covering the outer surface of the flexible shaft, and a rotating portion including the housing and the flexible shaft; In a body cavity insertion type ultrasonic probe provided with a bearing mechanism for rotatably connecting the sheath,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the bearing member of the bearing mechanism is formed of a coil member or a spring member, and the coil member or the spring member and the sheath are joined. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, wherein the coil member or the spring member and the sheath are joined by thermoforming. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, wherein the coil member or the spring member and the sheath are joined by an adhesive.

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