JPH02271843A - Electronic scan type ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To bend a printed circuit board without breaking off by providing an ultrasonic vibrator group and the flexible printed circuit board, for which a lead for electrode is led out is formed on one surface and formed with a prescribed angle against the longitudinal direction of vibrators. CONSTITUTION:In the printed circuit board 5, a part, where a vibrator unit group is arranged, is formed rectangularily and in an electrode leading out part provided to be interlocked with the rectangular part, an electrode pattern on a surface is formed by being slanted to the longitudinal direction of a vibrator unit 4 by an angle theta. Simultaneously, the external form of the printed circuit board 5 is also segmented by being slanted by the angle theta samely as the pattern 6B. In the circuit board part where the vibrator unit group is arranged, adhesion parts 9 are respectively provided on both end parts and on one end part of the circuit board part where the electrode pattern 6B is formed, an adhesion part 10 is provided. Next, when the printed circuit board 5 is cylindrically formed and adhered in the adhesion parts 9, 9 and 10 by an adhesive, the electrode pattern 6B is spirally formed and a gap 12 to be formed between contacting parts 11 and 11 of the printed circuit board 5 is also spirally formed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field 1] The present invention relates to an electronic scanning ultrasound probe that is inserted into a body cavity and scans an ultrasound beam.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, there is an electronic scanning type ultrasonic probe in which a large number of ultrasonic Wx sensors are arranged and arbitrary groups of transducers are sequentially selectively activated. Among them, in electronic scanning type ultrasonic probes that scan in the radial direction, in order to draw out signal lines from each ultrasonic transducer, soldering is required on a flexible printed circuit board due to space constraints. This was done by forming an electrode extraction pattern on top. Regarding radial scanning type ultrasonic transducers, see Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-31155 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 1983
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4-149615 and the like.

Further, a method for manufacturing a radial scanning type ultrasound probe is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 14623/1983.

Next, an example of a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic probe will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11(a), electrodes 2A and 2B are first deposited on both sides of a piezoelectric element (for example, one made of lead titanium zirconate (PZT)) 1, and one of the electrodes 2A is attached to the opposite side. Both electrodes 2A are placed on one side of the piezoelectric element 1.
, 2B will come. After applying a high voltage to the piezoelectric element 1 with the electrodes 2A and 2B and polarizing it, the acoustic matching layer 3 is attached with an adhesive to one surface on which the electrode 2A is formed.

What is formed in this manner will be referred to as a vibrator unit 4.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11(b), a flexible printed circuit board 5 is prepared. In this printed circuit board 5, the surface (
One of the electrodes 6A is folded back from one end of the front side (as shown in the figure) to the back side, and the back side is used to guide the electrode pattern 6A to the other end, and the other electrode 6B is connected to the other end using the surface of the printed circuit board 5. Leading to pattern 6B. Pattern 6 on the back side
Connect the lead wire 7 to the end of A, and connect the pattern 6 on the front side.
A land portion 8 is formed at the end of B for soldering.

Then, for the printed circuit board 5 in FIG. 11(b),
The vibrator unit 4 of a) is connected using a conductive adhesive. At this time, electrode 2B and electrode 6A are connected, and electrode 2A
and the electrode 6B. In this way, an ultrasonic vibrator with an electrode lead can be constructed.

Although one transducer unit and its printed circuit board have been explained in FIG. 11, in order to actually construct a radial scanning type ultrasonic probe, as shown in FIG. For example, 512 electrode pattern pairs 6△,
6B (however, the electrode pattern 6 A 4. is not shown because it is on the back side) is prepared (the size is that of 512 pieces of Figure 11 (b) in a row), and a corresponding one is prepared. A vibrator unit plate (having the size of 512 units of FIG. 11(a) connected) capable of forming 512 vibrator units 4 is prepared. Then, on the printed circuit board 5,
The vibrator unit plates are attached with a conductive adhesive so that both electrodes correspond to each other, and after curing, they are cut into strips to form 512 vibrator units 4.

Then, by forming the transducer unit group configured as shown in Fig. 12 and the printed circuit board into a cylindrical shape, and gluing both ends of the printed circuit, a radial scanning type ultrasonic probe as shown in Fig. 13 is created. be able to. Note that the land portion 8 for connecting the lead wires on the opposite side of the printed circuit board from the side where the vibrator units 4 are arranged is formed with a step on both sides as shown in FIG. 12, so that space is secured. This makes it easy to solder lead wires, etc.

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] By the way, in the ultrasonic probe formed as described above, if the printed circuit board is made into a cylindrical shape, the electrodes are formed on the printed circuit using copper, silver, etc., so it becomes unexpectedly hard. It is almost impossible to bend left and right, up and down, etc.

In addition, if the printed circuit board is bent forcibly, the printed circuit board will break, and if the bending is repeated, there is a possibility of wire breakage. Therefore,
The printed circuit board can hardly be bent, and the length from the tip of the vibrator unit to the end of the lead wire extraction portion of the printed circuit board is a rigid portion. As a result, the rigid portion becomes long, causing great pain when the probe is placed on the patient, and the operability is also very poor.

Therefore, the present invention is intended to solve the above problems.
An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic scanning type ultrasonic probe in which the printed circuit board is freely bent when an electrode is drawn out through the printed circuit board, and the length of the rigid part of the probe is shortened.

[Means for solving the vR problem] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an ultrasonic transducer group in which a plurality of transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves are arranged in an array; An electrode lead for extracting a signal from each ultrasonic transducer of the child group is formed, and a flexible printed circuit board is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic transducers with respect to the ultrasonic transducer group. The structure is as follows.

According to this configuration, when the printed circuit board to which the array-shaped vibrator group is attached is formed into a cylindrical shape, the gap created at the connection part of the printed circuit board is formed in a spiral shape, so that the printed circuit board cannot be curved. However, the gap absorbs the forces exerted by the printed circuit board, allowing it to bend without breaking.

[Example] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

1 and 2 are perspective views showing an electronic scanning ultrasound probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a state before the probe is configured into a cylindrical shape, and FIG. 2 shows a radial scanning type ultrasonic probe.

In these figures, reference numeral 4 denotes a vibrator unit configured similarly to that shown in FIG. 11(a), and includes piezoelectric elements 1. Acoustic matching layer 3. and electrodes (not shown) (Fig. 11 (
It consists of 2A and 2B) of a). A plurality of vibrator units 4 (for example, 512 vibrator units) are arranged in an array to form a vibrator unit group, and are arranged at -L of the printed circuit board 5. .

The method for forming this vibrator unit group on the printed circuit board 5 is the same as the method described in FIG. 12.

That is, the electrode pattern pair 6Δ is similar to that in FIG. 11(b).

On the printed circuit board 5 on which 512 electrode patterns 6B (however, the electrode patterns 6A are not shown because they are on the back side) are formed,
1 transducer unit plate (size for 512 units)
are attached with a conductive adhesive so that the electrodes correspond to each other, and after curing, the vibrator unit plate is cut into strips to form 512 vibrator units 4.

The above-mentioned printed circuit board 5 has a rectangular portion in which the vibrator unit group is arranged, and an electrode pattern 6B on the surface is formed along the longitudinal direction of the vibrator unit 4 in an electrode lead-out portion connected to the rectangular portion. It is formed at an angle θ with respect to the direction, and at the same time, the outer shape of the printed circuit 5 is also cut out at an angle θ incline of 1, similar to the pattern 6B. Adhesive portions 9 are provided at both ends of the circuit board portion on which the vibrator unit group is disposed. In addition, one end of the circuit board portion where the electrode pattern 6B is formed (solder (=J reland δII
8 side), an adhesive portion 10 is provided.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the printed circuit board 5 from which the vibrator units 1-group have been removed is formed into a cylindrical shape, and bonded with an adhesive at the adhesive parts 9, 9 and 10. The electrode pattern 6B is spirally formed as shown in FIG.
2 (indicated by a thick black line) is also formed in a spiral shape. When formed into a cylindrical shape in this manner, a gap is created between each vibrator unit 4, so an acoustic matching layer that also serves as an adhesive is poured into the gap. Finally, a damper material 13 is poured into the cylinder formed by the transducer unit 4 to form a radial scanning type ultrasonic probe.

In such a configuration, in a probe having a cylindrical configuration as shown in FIG. 2, by forming a spiral gap 12 in the printed circuit board 5, when the cylindrical printed circuit board 5 is bent vertically and horizontally, The entire gap 12 opens and closes, and the gap 12 functions to absorb the response from the outside. For example, if the rear end of the printed circuit board 5 (the part where the soldering land portion 8 is located) is lifted upward in the drawing with respect to the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic probe shown in FIG. The upper gap 12 is pinched, and the lower gap 12 shown in the figure is widened. Similarly, when the rear end portion of the printed circuit board 5 is pushed downward, the gap 12 on the upper side of the printed circuit board 5 in the drawing becomes wider, and the gap 12 on the lower side in the drawing becomes narrower.

Therefore, even if the cylindrical circuit board 5 is bent, the gap 12 absorbs the stress and the printed circuit board 5 can be bent without breaking.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the present invention, (a
) shows the state before the probe is configured into a cylindrical shape, and (b
) indicates a radial scanning type ultrasound probe.

This embodiment has a printed circuit board 5 as shown in FIG. 3(a).
This is a case where the angle θ of the electrode pattern 6B with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vibrator unit 4 is made larger than that in the first embodiment. As a result, it is possible to make the printed circuit board 5 having a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 3(b) more flexible than the first embodiment, which can withstand the stress that causes the printed circuit board 5 to curve.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of the present invention, (a
) shows the state before the probe is configured into a cylindrical shape, and (b
) indicates a radial scanning type ultrasound probe.

This embodiment has a printed circuit board 5 as shown in FIG. 4(a).
This is a case where the angle θ of the electrode pattern 6B relative to the longitudinal direction of the vibrator unit 4 is made smaller than that of the first embodiment. As a result, when the printed circuit board 5 having a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 4(b) is bent, the flexibility with which it can withstand the stress becomes smaller than in the case of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, (a
) shows the state before the probe is configured into a cylindrical shape, and (b
) indicates a radial scanning type ultrasound probe.

In this embodiment, by inserting a cut [113] between each electrode pattern 6B of the printed circuit board 5 as shown in FIG. This makes it possible to obtain sufficient softness without increasing the .

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention, (a
) shows the state before the probe is configured into a cylindrical shape, and (b
) indicates a radial scanning type ultrasound probe.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the electrode pattern 6B of the printed circuit board 5 is made into a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 6(b) by making cuts 13 at every second electrode pattern 6B. The softness is smaller than that of the example. In addition,
The softness can be changed by making cuts 13 in every plurality of patterns (at every interval), rather than every second pattern.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention, (a
) shows the state before the probe is configured into a cylindrical shape, and (b
) indicates a radial scanning type ultrasound probe.

This embodiment has a printed circuit board 5 as shown in FIG. 7(a).
A cut 13 is formed between each pattern of the electrode pattern 6B.
Part of the printed circuit board 5 is left connected. As a result, when the printed circuit board 5 is made into a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. It will not fall apart.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention, (a
) shows the state before the probe is configured into a cylindrical shape, and (b
) indicates a radial scanning type ultrasound probe.

In this embodiment, the vibrator unit 4 is divided into blocks as shown in FIG. 8(a), and the electrode extension portions of the printed circuit board 5 are set at θ and -0 for each block.

Lead in the direction of θ, −〇. As a result, Figure 8 (b
) When the transducer unit 4 and the printed circuit board 5 are formed into a cylindrical shape, the printed circuit board 5 is structured like a mesh. When processing the ends of the printed circuit board 5 to which the lead wires are connected, it is necessary to slightly shift the position of the land portion to which the lead wires are attached when the printed circuit board 5 is knitted so that it does not overlap with the land portions of other printed circuit boards 5. There is. Further, an adhesive portion 10 for adhering each printed circuit board 5 to each other is provided and fixed at the end where the lead wires are connected. With this mesh structure, the printed circuit board 5 can be further curved.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the eighth embodiment of the present invention, (a
) shows the state of the probe configured in a cylindrical shape, and (b
) indicates a linear scanning type ultrasound probe.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the electrode pattern 6B and the printed circuit board 5 are taken out at an angle of 0 formed by the longitudinal direction of the transducers of the sensor units 4 arranged in an array. The end face of the plate 5 on the lead wire connection side is formed to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vibrator. and,
When formed into a cylinder, the direction of the array of vibrator units is parallel to the central axis of the cylinder, as shown in FIG. 9(b). With the above configuration, the electrode pattern and the joint (gap 12) between the contact parts can be formed in a spiral shape in the linear scanning type ultrasonic probe as well as in the radial scanning type probe, and the printed circuit board 5 flexibility can be maintained.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a ninth embodiment of the present invention;
a) shows the state before the probe is configured into a cylindrical shape, and (
b) shows a convex scanning type ultrasound probe.

In this embodiment, the electrode pattern 6B and the printed circuit board 5 are taken out at an angle θ formed by the longitudinal direction of the transducers of the transducer units 4 arranged in an array as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the row of vibrator units remains flat, and only the printed circuit board 5 of the electrode extension portion is formed in a spiral shape.

A gap 12 exists between the opposing parts of the spiral printed circuit board 5, which provides flexibility in the electrode lead-out part and also allows the transducer unit array to be bent into a convex shape. be.

In the embodiments described above, the radial scanning type is used.

Although the linear scanning type and convex scanning type ultrasonic probes have been described, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to sector scanning type probes.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, even if the printed circuit board used for drawing out the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducer group has a cylindrical shape, it can be curved, and the rigid part of the probe can be curved. I can understand and write about things.

Moreover, since the stress when the printed circuit board is bent can be absorbed by the spirally formed gap, it is possible to reduce the risk of the printed circuit board being bent or the electrical bridge pattern being disconnected. Therefore, it is possible to realize an electronic scanning ultrasonic probe with short hard portions and excellent operability.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 and 2 are perspective views showing an electronic scanning type ultrasound probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an electronic scanning type ultrasound probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an electronic scanning type ultrasound probe according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an electronic scanning type ultrasound probe according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an electronic scanning ultrasonic probe according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an electronic scanning ultrasonic probe according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an electronic scanning ultrasonic probe according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an electronic scanning ultrasonic probe according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a transducer unit and a printed circuit board for drawing out electrodes, and FIGS. 12 and 13 show a conventional electronic scanning ultrasound probe. FIG. 1... Piezoelectric element, 2A, 2B, 6△, 6B... Electrode pattern, 3...
acoustic matching layer, 4... vibrator unit, 5 printed circuit board,
8... Soldering land part, 9.10... Adhesive part, 1
1...Contact part, 12...Gap. Figure 9 Figure 10 Section Figure 11 A B B Figure 12 Figure 13

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An ultrasonic transducer group in which a plurality of transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves are arranged in an array, and an electrode lead for extracting signals from each ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic transducer group on one side. What is claimed is: 1. An electronic scanning ultrasonic probe comprising: a flexible printed circuit board formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic transducers with respect to the group of ultrasonic transducers.