JP7143229B2 - electrical connectors, composite connectors and endoscopes - Google Patents

Description

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

In recent years, due to technologies such as so-called FTTH (Fiber To The Home), a communication environment having a communication speed exceeding 1 Gbps has spread to ordinary homes. In addition, terminals with high processing capabilities such as smart phones have become widespread, and available communication technologies and information processing speeds, that is, "hardware performance," have improved significantly.

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

As a result, there is a need to send and receive large amounts of data as electrical signals at high speeds through connectors. For example, in the transmission of high-definition/large-capacity video described above, it is necessary to ensure an information transmission rate of at least about 3 Gbps or higher. In addition, when transmitting a more realistic image, for example, when transmitting an image with increased luminance information or an increased number of frames per second, even an information transmission rate exceeding 50 Gbps is required. It's becoming

By the way, separation of units such as equipment that has many units, equipment that requires partial removal and processing (such as cleaning/sterilization, periodic repair), or equipment that needs to be disassembled and transported / There are devices and systems that are unavoidably connected repeatedly. These devices and systems also require high-speed communication of Gbps or higher, and also require connectors for connecting communication lines of Gbps or higher.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-174515 discloses a connector for transmitting electrical signals using a metal wire. is disclosed.

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

Further, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2010-160978 discloses a connector using millimeter wave radio waves. This connector enables high-speed communication above Gbps by taking advantage of the characteristics of millimeter waves.

In addition, in JP-A-2015-115706, when the antenna substrate and the main substrate for signal processing are configured separately, and the antenna substrate is laminated and integrated with the main substrate, the antenna substrate is damaged due to vibration. A millimeter wave antenna device that prevents this is disclosed. In recent years, the practicality of millimeter-wave radio waves has been rapidly increasing by solving technical problems unique to millimeter-waves.

JP 2017-174515 A Japanese Patent No. 6146580 JP 2010-160978 A JP 2015-115706 A

However, in the connector disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-174515 for transmitting an electrical signal through a metal wire, the faster the information transmission speed, the more likely problems such as impedance mismatch at the connection portion and crosstalk between lines will occur. The constraints to avoid these problems are becoming very strict. These constraints make the design of connectors extremely difficult, and when the communication speed is high, there are cases where the connection itself cannot be realized.

Japanese Patent No. 6146580 discloses an optical communication connector suitable for high-speed communication. Since the connection requires highly accurate positioning, there is a problem that it is difficult to realize an inexpensive connector.

In addition, considering that there are devices and systems in which it is inevitable to repeatedly disconnect/connect units as described above, the optical communication connector wears out when it is repeatedly connected/disconnected, making it difficult to maintain positioning accuracy. difficult. Furthermore, the optical communication connector has a problem that communication is interrupted if dust adheres to the connecting portion when the connector is attached or detached, and it is difficult to maintain stable communication as a whole.

In addition, the connector using millimeter wave radio waves disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-160978 has almost no problem of positioning accuracy or communication breakage due to adhesion of dust and dirt as in optical communication connectors. , is very useful for devices and systems in which repeated separation/connection of the units described above is unavoidable.

However, as described in detail in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-115706, in connectors using millimeter wave radio waves, it is generally necessary to integrate a millimeter wave transmitting/receiving circuit and an antenna, which imposes significant restrictions on connector design. There's a problem.

This design constraint causes problems such as difficulty in adopting a free shape and bloating of the connector, particularly in a connector that simultaneously connects multiple lines or a composite connector that simultaneously connects different types of lines. In addition, since the radio waves emitted from the antenna placed inside the connector tend to propagate around the device, it becomes necessary to treat the device to be used as a wireless device, and there is also the problem that it must be handled in accordance with the Radio Law. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector, a composite connector, and an endoscope that can relax specific design constraints.

An electrical connector according to one aspect of the present invention is an electrical connector that performs high-speed communication connection of Gbps or more by millimeter waves, and includes a millimeter wave unit including a millimeter wave circuit for transmitting or receiving millimeter wave radio waves; a flexible waveguide that transmits the received millimeter wave radio wave; a mode converter that connects the millimeter wave unit and one end of the flexible waveguide; a radio wave radiating section connected or formed at an end, the radio wave radiating section radiating the millimeter wave radio waves transmitted by the flexible waveguide, and the radio wave radiating section being surrounded by: It is composed of a member that absorbs radio waves to a large extent .
Further, an electrical connector according to another aspect of the present invention is an electrical connector that performs high-speed communication connection of Gbps or more by millimeter waves, and includes a millimeter-wave unit including a millimeter-wave circuit for transmitting or receiving millimeter-wave radio waves. , a flexible waveguide for transmitting the transmitted or received millimeter wave radio wave, a mode converter for connecting the millimeter wave unit and one end of the flexible waveguide, and the flexible waveguide. a radio wave radiating section connected to or formed at the other end of the tube, the radio wave radiating section radiating the millimeter wave radio waves transmitted by the flexible waveguide, and the radio wave radiating section A hard dielectric, which is harder than the dielectric placed inside the flexible waveguide and has excellent water resistance and chemical resistance, is placed at the end on the radio wave emission side.

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

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

According to the electrical connector, composite connector, and endoscope of the present invention, by using millimeter waves, it is possible to eliminate the problem of positioning accuracy of optical communication connectors and the problem of communication interruption due to the adhesion of dust and dirt. Design restrictions specific to wave connectors can be relaxed.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an endoscope system including a connector having a flexible waveguide according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connector receiving portion of the processor according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connection state between the electrical connector of the endoscope and the connector receiving portion of the processor according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connector receiving portion according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an electrical connector according to a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connector receiving portion according to a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connection state between an electrical connector of an endoscope and a connector receiving portion of a processor according to the third embodiment;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In addition, each embodiment shown below shall explain the endoscope system provided with the connector which has a flexible waveguide as an example.

Also, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and that the relationship between the thickness and width of each member, the ratio of each member, and the like are different from reality. In addition, there are portions with different dimensions and ratios between the drawings.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 1 is a so-called endoscope system for an upper gastrointestinal tract. , an endoscope 2 having an imaging unit for outputting an image signal of a subject image, and an image processing unit for performing predetermined image signal processing on the image signal output from the imaging unit in the endoscope 2, and an endoscope. A video processor 3 that controls the overall operation of the endoscope system 1; a light source device 4 that generates illumination light to be emitted from the tip of the endoscope 2; and a display device 5 for displaying .

The endoscope 2 includes an insertion section 6 which includes an imaging section having an imaging device at its distal end and is mainly composed of an elongated portion having flexibility, and an insertion section 6 which is connected to the proximal end thereof and receives various operation signals. a universal cable 8 which is a composite cable extending from the operating portion 7; a light source connector 9 disposed at the extending end of the universal cable 8; and an electrical connector 11 arranged at the extension end of the signal cable 10 . The light source connector 9 is detachably connected to the light source device 4 . Also, the electrical connector 11 is detachably connected to a connector receiving portion 40 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the video processor 3 .

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

The video processor 3 controls the entire endoscope system 1 . For example, the video processor 3 performs control such as switching illumination light emitted by the light source device 4 and switching imaging modes of the endoscope 2 .

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

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

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

The electrical connector 11 is a connector that performs high-speed communication connection of Gbps or higher using millimeter waves. The electrical connector 11 has a processing substrate 21 inside. The signal cable 10, which is a composite cable, comprises multiple cables. Each cable constituting the signal cable 10 is electrically connected to the processing board 21 by soldering, for example.

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

In this manner, the electrical connector 11 is a composite connector that connects a plurality of signals, and connects signals other than millimeter waves and millimeter wave signals with the connector receiving portion 40 . A signal processing circuit 22 provided on the processing board 21 processes signals other than millimeter waves. Then, the millimeter wave signal is processed by the millimeter wave unit 24 provided on the processing board 21 . More specifically, the signal processing circuit 22 processes a drive signal or the like for driving the imaging device generated by the video processor 3, and outputs it to the imaging device provided at the distal end portion 12 of the insertion section 6. do. The millimeter wave unit 24 also converts the imaging signal supplied from the imaging device into a signal of millimeter wave radio waves, and outputs the signal to the connector receiving section 40 of the video processor 3 .

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

The flexible waveguide 28 of the present embodiment includes a linear internal dielectric 26 having a uniform dielectric constant in the longitudinal direction and having the same cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction, and a position covering the outer periphery of the internal dielectric 26. and an outer conductor 27 which is a metal layer formed in a flexible tubular shape.

Moreover, the metal waveguide 30 has a cylindrical metal member 29 , and the internal dielectric 26 is inserted through the metal member 29 . Connection of millimeter wave radio waves is performed by contact between the metal waveguide 30 of the electrical connector 11 and the metal waveguide 43 of the connector receiving portion 40 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The electrical connector 11 also includes a plurality of metal electrodes 31 connected to the processing substrate 21 .

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

A flexible waveguide 45 is provided on the base end side of the metal waveguide 43 . The flexible waveguide 45 is formed such that an outer conductor 44 which is a metal layer having a flexible cylindrical shape is disposed at a position covering the outer periphery of the inner dielectric 41 described above.

Further, when the electrical connector 11 is connected to the connector receiving portion 40 , the connector receiving portion 40 maintains the connected state of the electrical connector 11 and also allows the metal waveguide 43 of the electrical connector 11 to be connected to the connector receiving portion 40 . A connection holding/pressing mechanism 46 for pressing against the metal waveguide 43 is provided.

Furthermore, the connector receiving portion 40 includes a processing substrate 47 . A signal processing circuit 48 for performing various signal processing is arranged on the processing substrate 47 . The connector receiving portion 40 also includes a plurality of metal electrodes 50 connected to the processing substrate 47 . Here, the processing substrate 47 of the connector receiving portion 40 is configured to be connected to the processing substrate 21 of the electrical connector 11 via the metal electrode 50 when the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 are connected. there is As a result, a drive signal or the like for driving the imaging element generated by the video processor 3 is supplied to the electrical connector 11 .

The signal cable 49, which is a composite cable, comprises multiple cables. Each cable constituting the signal cable 49 is electrically connected to the processing board 47 by soldering, for example.

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

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

In the example of FIG. 4, the electrical connector 11, which is a connector plug, and the connector receiving portion 40, which is a connector receptacle, are connected. When the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 are connected, the metal electrode 31 of the electrical connector 11 and the metal electrode 50 of the connector receiving portion 40 are connected (conducted), and the radiation control mechanism of the control circuit 23 is , it can be detected that the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 are in a connected state. Thus, the metal electrode 31 constitutes a connection detection mechanism for detecting connection with the connector receiving portion 40 .

When the radiation control mechanism of the control circuit 23 detects that the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 are in a connected state, the millimeter wave signal is generated by the millimeter wave unit 24 of the processing board 21, and the mode converter 25 and A millimeter wave signal is transmitted through the flexible waveguide 28 to the metal waveguide 30 . The metal waveguide 30 is connected to the metal waveguide 43 of the connector receiving portion 40, so that the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 can communicate with each other using millimeter waves.

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

Furthermore, since the periphery of the metal waveguide 30 of the electrical connector 11 and the periphery of the metal waveguide 43 of the connector receiving portion 40 are made of a member (a high tan δ member) that absorbs radio waves greatly, metal conduction is possible. Even if millimeter wave radio waves leak from the contact surface between the wave tube 30 and the metal waveguide 43, the millimeter wave radio waves do not leak outside the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40. - 特許庁For example, the electric connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 are not limited to the periphery of the metal waveguide 30 of the electrical connector 11 and the periphery of the metal waveguide 43 of the connector receiving portion 40. It may be configured by a large member (high tan δ member).

Furthermore, the radiation control mechanism of the control circuit 23 provided in the electrical connector 11 detects the connection between the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 via the electrical connection between the metal electrode 31 and the metal electrode 50. 24 to generate a millimeter wave signal and perform communication using the millimeter wave. In other words, when the radiation control mechanism does not detect the conduction between the metal electrode 31 and the metal electrode 50, the millimeter wave unit 24 does not radiate the radio wave of the millimeter wave signal. As a result, millimeter wave radio waves used for communication do not leak outside from the electrical connector 11 .

As described above, the electrical connector 11 of the present embodiment uses the flexible waveguide 28, uses the metal waveguide 30 to connect with the metal waveguide 43 of the connector receiving portion 40, and receives millimeter waves. , the restrictions on the placement of the millimeter wave unit 24 having the millimeter wave circuit can be greatly relaxed. In other words, the electrical connector 11 of this embodiment achieves both high-speed communication using millimeter wave radio waves and flexibility in the structure of the electrical connector 11 .

Therefore, according to the electrical connector of the present embodiment, by using millimeter waves, the problem of positioning accuracy inherent in optical communication connectors and the problem of communication interruption due to the adhesion of dust can be eliminated, while at the same time Design constraints can be relaxed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the electrical connector 11 generates millimeter wave radio waves only when connected to the connector receiving portion 40, and does not generate millimeter wave radio waves when not connected to the connector receiving portion 40. There is no leakage of radio waves. Furthermore, since the electrical connector 11 and the connector receiving portion 40 are made of a member (a high tan δ member) that absorbs radio waves greatly, millimeter wave radio waves may leak when the electrical connector 11 is connected to the connector receiving portion 40 . do not have. As a result, the electrical connector 11 of the present embodiment can realize a millimeter-wave connector that does not radiate millimeter-wave radio waves around the device.

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

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an electrical connector according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connector receiving portion according to the second embodiment. 5 and 6, the same components as in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the metal waveguide 30 in the electrical connector 11A of this embodiment has a hard dielectric 32 at its distal end. The rest of the configuration of the electrical connector 11A (having a cylindrical metal member 29 and formed by inserting the internal dielectric 26 into the metal member 29) is the same as that of the first embodiment. , the hard dielectric 32 and the internal dielectric 26 are in close contact with each other. Here, the hard dielectric 32 is 1 /4 length (λg/4).

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the metal waveguide 43 in the connector receiving portion 40A has a hard dielectric 51 at its distal end. Other configurations of the connector receiving portion 40A (having a cylindrical metal member 42 and formed by inserting the above-mentioned internal dielectric 41 into the metal member 42) are the same as those of the first embodiment. The hard dielectric 32 and the internal dielectric 26 are in close contact with each other without a gap. Here, the hard dielectric 51 is 1 in the millimeter-wave radio wave transmission direction with respect to the wavelength λg of the millimeter-wave radio waves transmitted by the metal waveguide 43 inside the metal waveguide 43 (hereinafter referred to as the guide wavelength). /4 length (λg/4).

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

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

The electrical connector 11A is a connector for connecting the endoscope 2 shown in FIG. 1 to the video processor 3, as described above. The endoscope 2 is inserted into the human body in the form shown in FIG. Cleaning and sterilization should be performed.

Generally, in this cleaning and sterilization process, the entire endoscope 2 including the electrical connector 11A is often exposed to a cleaning liquid or a sterilizing liquid. At this time, in the present embodiment, since the hard dielectric 32 having high water resistance and chemical resistance is arranged on the outer surface that can be exposed to the cleaning liquid and the sterilizing liquid, the electrical connector 11A transmits millimeter wave radio waves. It is easy to avoid deterioration of the route to be used, and it is easy to maintain the communication performance.

That is, the electrical connector 11A of the present embodiment has a hard dielectric 32 whose material is selected with priority given to high water resistance and chemical resistance without restriction on flexibility, thereby realizing stable communication performance. is doing.

Considering the connector receiving portion 40A, unlike the electrical connector 11A, the connector receiving portion 40A is generally less likely to be exposed to a cleaning liquid or a sterilizing liquid. However, in actual use, the endoscope 2 is often used only after lightly removing moisture and chemicals after cleaning, and there are unexpectedly many opportunities to be exposed to moisture and chemicals.

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

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

If dielectrics with different dielectric constants are continuously arranged as dielectrics inside the waveguide, reflection (transmission loss) occurs in the millimeter-wave radio waves that are transmitted inside at the connection point. I will leave the details of this principle to a book and omit the details here, but to explain it briefly, it is caused by the reflection caused by the change in the characteristic impedance of the waveguide at the change point of the dielectric constant of the dielectric placed inside. Transmission loss is a commonly known phenomenon. That is, arranging the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 at the tips of the metal waveguides 30 and 43 is effective in stabilizing the communication performance and improving the convenience as described above, but at the same time, the transmission loss in connecting the connector is reduced. There is a concern that it will increase

As a result of studies conducted by the present inventors, this concern can be greatly alleviated by setting the sum of the lengths of the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 in the millimeter wave transmission direction to an integer multiple of 1/2 with respect to λg. It turned out that it could be improved. In this embodiment, since the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 each have a length of λg/4, the total length is λg/2.

In the present embodiment, when the electrical connector 11A and the connector receiving portion 40A are connected, the opposing surfaces of the metal waveguide 30 of the electrical connector 11A and the metal waveguide 43 of the connector receiving portion 40A also come into contact with each other and are connected. . Since the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 are arranged at their respective tips, they are brought into contact with each other and integrated. becomes λg/2. In this state, reflected waves of millimeter waves generated at two connection points (reflection points) interfere with each other multiple times, but this multiple interference works to cancel each reflection. As a result, there is no increase in transmission loss during connector connection.

That is, if the thickness of the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 (thickness in the millimeter wave transmission direction) is set to a thickness that can exhibit sufficient water resistance and chemical resistance, it will contribute to the stability of communication performance and the improvement of convenience. However, by adding the length in the millimeter wave transmission direction to this thickness and making it an integer multiple of 1/2 with respect to λg, transmission It is also possible to prevent deterioration of characteristics.

The above effects can be obtained if the total length of the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 is an integral multiple of λg/2. That is, the length of each of the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 should be determined in consideration of the thickness necessary to impart sufficient water resistance and chemical resistance without affecting the improvement of the transmission characteristics. It is a requirement.

As described above, according to the electrical connector of the present embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, by using millimeter waves, the problem of positioning accuracy of the optical communication connector and the adhesion of dust and dirt can be prevented. While eliminating the problem of communication disconnection, it is possible to improve water resistance and chemical resistance, thereby stabilizing communication performance and improving convenience.

The connection between the internal dielectrics 26 and 41 and the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 is achieved by connecting the internal dielectrics 26 and 41 and the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 by means of an adhesive having a dielectric constant substantially equal to that of the two dielectrics. A phenomenon in which the connection portions with the bodies 32 and 51 are separated does not occur, and good waveguide characteristics can be provided.

Moreover, the metal members 29 and 42 are adhered to the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 by an adhesive means having a dielectric constant substantially equal to that of the hard dielectrics 32 and 51, thereby preventing the hard dielectrics 32 and 51 from coming off or shifting due to vibration or the like. Therefore, it is possible to always have good waveguiding characteristics.

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

By adhering the dielectric in the vicinity of the connector portion (the electrical connector 11A and the connector receiving portion 40A) to the radio wave reflector in this way, the position of the dielectric does not change even when an external force is applied to the vicinity of the connector portion. Good waveguide characteristics of the connector can be maintained.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 7, the electrical connector 11B has a horn antenna 61 having a truncated conical horn on the distal end side of the metal waveguide 30. As shown in FIG. The horn antenna 61 constitutes a radio wave radiating section that radiates millimeter wave radio waves. Further, the transmission member 62 arranged in the transmission path for transmitting the millimeter wave radio waves radiated from the horn antenna 61 is composed of a member (low tan δ member) with small absorption of radio waves. The periphery of the transmission member 62 is composed of a member (high tan δ member) that absorbs large radio waves.

As shown in FIG. 8, the connector receiving portion 40B has a horn antenna 71 having a truncated conical horn at a position facing the horn antenna 61 of the electrical connector 11B. The horn antenna 71 receives millimeter waves radiated from the horn antenna 61 of the electrical connector 11B. Further, the transmission member 72 disposed on the transmission path for transmitting the millimeter wave radio waves radiated from the horn antenna 61 of the electrical connector 11B is composed of a member (low tan δ member) with low absorption of radio waves. The periphery of the transmission member 72 is composed of a member (high tan δ member) that absorbs large radio waves.

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

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

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

The horn antenna 61 of the electrical connector 11B and the horn antenna 71 of the connector receiving portion 40B are arranged to face each other when the electrical connector 11B and the connector receiving portion 40B are connected. Therefore, millimeter wave radio waves radiated from the horn antenna 61 of the electrical connector 11B are received by the horn antenna 71 of the connector receiving portion 40B, and millimeter wave communication is possible between the electrical connector 11B and the connector receiving portion 40B. Become.

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

Furthermore, since the surroundings of the transmission members 62 and 72 are composed of members (high tan δ members) that absorb radio waves greatly, millimeter wave radio waves may leak when the electrical connector 11B is connected to the connector receiving portion 40B. do not have. As a result, the electrical connector 11B of the present embodiment can realize a millimeter-wave connector that does not radiate millimeter-wave radio waves around the device.

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

Therefore, according to the electrical connector of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, by using millimeter waves, the problem of positioning accuracy of the optical communication connector and the problem of communication interruption due to adhesion of dust can be solved. While eliminating it, it is possible to relax the design constraints specific to millimeter wave connectors.

Note that if the hard dielectric described in the second embodiment is adopted as the transmission members 62 and 72 in the transmission path of the millimeter-wave radio wave in this embodiment, the water resistance shown as an additional effect in the second embodiment can be obtained. The stability of communication performance and the improvement of convenience can also be obtained in the present embodiment due to the improvement of durability and chemical resistance.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

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

Claims (10)

An electrical connector that performs high-speed communication connection of Gbps or more by millimeter waves,
a millimeter wave unit having a millimeter wave circuit for transmitting or receiving millimeter wave radio waves;
a flexible waveguide that transmits the transmitted or received millimeter wave radio wave;
a mode converter that connects the millimeter wave unit and one end of the flexible waveguide;
a radio wave emitting part connected to or formed at the other end of the flexible waveguide;
has
The radio wave radiating section radiates the millimeter-wave radio waves transmitted by the flexible waveguide, and the radio wave radiating section is surrounded by a member that absorbs radio waves greatly.
An electrical connector characterized by: An electrical connector that performs high-speed communication connection of Gbps or more by millimeter waves,
a millimeter wave unit having a millimeter wave circuit for transmitting or receiving millimeter wave radio waves;
a flexible waveguide that transmits the transmitted or received millimeter wave radio wave;
a mode converter that connects the millimeter wave unit and one end of the flexible waveguide;
a radio wave emitting part connected to or formed at the other end of the flexible waveguide;
has
The radio wave radiating section radiates the millimeter-wave radio waves transmitted by the flexible waveguide, and is arranged inside the flexible waveguide at the end of the radio wave radiating side of the radio wave radiating section. A hard dielectric with excellent water resistance and chemical resistance is used.
An electrical connector characterized by: a connection detection mechanism that detects connection with the connector receiving portion;
a control circuit having a radiation control mechanism for controlling to radiate the millimeter wave radio wave only when the connection detection mechanism detects connection with the connector receiving portion;
3. An electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized by comprising: The hard dielectric is disposed at the end of the radio wave radiating portion of the electrical connector and the connector receiving portion, and the sum of the lengths of the hard dielectric is the length of the millimeter wave radio wave transmitted inside the radio wave radiating portion. 3. The electrical connector according to claim 2 , wherein the length of said hard dielectric is determined so as to have a length of an integral multiple of .lambda.g/2 with respect to the wavelength .lambda.g in the millimeter wave transmission direction . 3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 , wherein the radio wave radiating portion is composed of a horn antenna . 6. The electrical connector according to claim 5, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the transmission path of the millimeter-wave radio waves radiated from the horn antenna is made of a material that absorbs less radio waves . 7. The electrical connector according to claim 6 , wherein the periphery of said transmission path for said millimeter-wave radio waves is composed of a member having a large absorption of radio waves . A composite connector for connecting multiple signals,
8. A composite connector for connecting the millimeter waves by the electrical connector according to claim 1. Having a processing substrate having a signal processing circuit for processing signals other than the millimeter wave,
9. The composite connector according to claim 8, wherein said millimeter wave unit including said millimeter wave circuit is provided on said processing substrate. An endoscope used for inspection or treatment of a living body,
An endoscope comprising the electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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