JPH02305561A - Ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve economical efficiency and general purpose properties by a method wherein by movably mounting an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic probe holder, when damage occurs to either of them, or when the ultrasonic probe is replaced with an ultrasonic probe having different performance, only a necessary part is exchanged. CONSTITUTION:A holder body 17 is connected to a flexible shaft 11 through a spacer 18. A guide 20 used when an ultrasonic probe 12 is mounted is mounted to the inside of a holding part 19 and an electrode 21 connected to a coaxial cable 15 is provided. When the ultrasonic probe 12 is mounted to an ultrasonic probe holder, by pressing the ultrasonic probe in the holding part 19 of a holder body 17, the holding part 19 is resiliently deformed by means of a slit 22. Simultaneously, the guide 20 is guided in a state to be engaged with a guide groove 28 of the ultrasonic probe, easy and proper mounting is effected, and an electrode 24 of the ultrasonic probe is brought into firm contact to the electrode 21 of the ultrasonic probe holder. In this case, since the two electrodes are joined together in any position in the circumferential direction of the ultrasonic probe, there is no problem on an electric continuity state after mounting.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe used in an endoscope apparatus that can obtain an optical observation image using a solid-state image sensor or an image guide and also obtain an ultrasonic image.

[Conventional technology]

Conventional endoscope devices that can obtain optical observation images and ultrasound images have an ultrasonic probe rotatably installed at the tip of the insertion section, which is rotated via a flexible shaft extending from the hand control section. In this method, mechanical scanning is performed while moving the object (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 119932/1983).

The ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic probe 53 held at the tip by an ultrasonic probe holder 52, as shown in FIG.
A flexible shaft 54 is connected to the ultrasonic probe holder 52, and a signal cable 55 is inserted through the flexible shaft 54 from the ultrasonic probe 53. 5
6 is a hard shaft.

In this ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic probe 53 is adhesively fixed to an ultrasonic probe holder 52, and a signal cable 55 connected to the ultrasonic probe 53 is connected to an opening of the ultrasonic probe holder 52. It is inserted into the flexible shaft 54 from the beginning, and after being left sufficiently slack within the flexible shaft 54, it is extended to the end of the hard shaft 56 and fixed. Furthermore, an ultrasonic transmission medium is filled around the ultrasonic probe and the flexible shaft to act as a lubricant between the flexible shaft 54 and the tube containing it, and to transmit ultrasonic waves. To prevent leakage of the transmission medium, the outer periphery of the hard shaft 56 is sealed with an O-ring or the like, and the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the hard shaft 56 and the signal cable 55 is sealed with adhesive.

There is also an ultrasound probe that scans ultrasound waves through a mirror to obtain ultrasound images without rotating the ultrasound probe (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 55-96132), but this mirror reflection method Ultrasonic probes not only have a longer hard tip, but also the distance from the ultrasound probe to the subject becomes longer, resulting in insufficient sensitivity and deterioration in the quality of ultrasound images. A method in which the probe is rotated is effective and widely used.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

Since the conventional ultrasonic probe is configured as described above, the ultrasonic probe cannot be detached from the ultrasonic probe holder. Therefore, if the ultrasonic probe is damaged, there is a problem in that the ultrasonic probe holder, flexible shaft, and signal cable must be replaced along with the ultrasonic probe.

Furthermore, if the signal cable is broken within the flexible shaft, the ultrasonic probe must also be replaced, resulting in a large repair period and repair cost.

The present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems.
The object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe in which an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic probe holder are detachably attached.

[Means and effects for solving the problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe held at the tip by an ultrasonic probe holder, and connects the ultrasonic probe to the ultrasonic probe holder. In an ultrasonic probe in which the ultrasonic probe is rotatable via a drive shaft through which a transmitting/receiving signal cable is inserted, the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic probe holder are formed to be detachable. An electrical contact portion is attached to each joining point between the two, and the joining enables transmission and reception of signals between the ultrasonic probe and the transmitting/receiving signal cable.

In this way, by attaching electrical contact parts to both the ultrasound probe and the ultrasound probe holder and making them detachable,
The ultrasonic probe can be easily connected electrically and mechanically.

[Example] FIG. 1 is an overall view of an endoscope using an ultrasound probe according to a first example of the present invention. The insertion section 3 that is operated via the operation knob 2 of the operation section 1 includes a flexible tube section 4 and a curved section 5.
, a tip forming portion 6, and a tip cap 7 are provided. A sub-operation section 8 for performing ultrasonic scanning is connected to the insertion section 3 side of the operation section 1.

Furthermore, universal cords each having a connector for connecting to the ultrasonic observation device and a connector for connecting to the light source unit are connected to the operation unit 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the sub-operation section 8 and the distal end of the insertion section. The sub-operation section 8 is provided with a motor 9 as a drive source, and the rotation of the motor 9 is transmitted to a hollow hard shaft 10 via a speed reduction mechanism consisting of a pair of gears. A flexible shaft 11 is connected to the rigid shaft 10 and extends into the insertion section 3. The tip thereof is connected to an ultrasonic probe holder that holds an ultrasonic probe 12 provided inside the tip cap 7. In addition, ultrasonic probe 1
A signal cable for transmitting and receiving signals inside is inserted from 2 to the flexible shaft 11 and the rigid shift shaft 10.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view showing the internal structure of the insertion section tip and the sub-operation section. An oil reservoir 13 is provided in the sub-operation section 8 so as to enclose the vicinity of the connection point between the hard shaft 10 and the flexible shaft 11.

and a tube 1 containing the flexible shaft 11
4 and the flexible shaft 11, as well as the space around the ultrasonic probe 12, is filled with liquid from the oil reservoir 13. This liquid acts as an ultrasound transmission medium and as a lubricant between the flexible shirt 1 and the tube 14. A sealing member 14 is provided in the oil reservoir 13 to prevent liquid from leaking from around the outer periphery of the hard shaft 10. Further, in order to prevent liquid from leaking from the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the hard shaft 10 and the signal cable 15, the ends of the hard shaft 10 are adhesively fixed to fill the gap. 16 is an adhesive fixing part.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are enlarged cross-sectional views of the ultrasound probe holder. The holder main body 17 is connected to the flexible shaft 11 via a spacer 18. A guide 20 for attaching an ultrasonic probe is attached to the inside of the holding part 19, and an electrode 21 connected to the coaxial cable 15 is attached. This electrode 21 is attached integrally to the holder main body 17 and is connected to the coaxial cable 15 by soldering. A slit 22 is formed in the center of the inner peripheral surface of the holding part 19 in the direction of the flexible shaft 11, so that the holding part 19 is elastically deformed and expanded when an ultrasound probe is attached.

FIGS. 5A to 5C are a plan view, an A-A sectional view, and a perspective view of the ultrasonic probe. Diameter φ of the bottomed cylindrical housing 23
d2 is the inner diameter φd of the holding portion 19 of the ultrasonic probe holder.
, and is formed slightly larger than the .

The electrode 2 of the ultrasonic probe holder is mounted on the outer periphery of the housing 23.
1, an electrode 24 is integrally attached at a required position so as to protrude slightly from the outer peripheral surface of the housing. Further, a guide groove 28 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing so that the guide 20 of the ultrasonic probe holder engages therein.

A banking layer 25 is provided inside the housing 23, a piezoelectric vibrator 26 is provided on the front surface of the backing layer 25, and is electrically connected to the electrode 24, and an acoustic lens 27 is provided on the front surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 26. has been established.

In this embodiment configured as described above, in order to attach the ultrasonic probe to the ultrasonic probe holder, first attach the holding portion 19 of the holder body 17 from the outer circumferential side of the ultrasonic probe to the ultrasonic probe holder. Push it in. In this case, the holding part 19 is elastically deformed to expand due to the allowance made by the slit 22, and the guide 20 engages with and is guided by the guide groove 28 of the ultrasound probe, allowing easy and proper mounting. becomes. When mounted in this way, the inner diameter φd2 of the ultrasonic probe is formed to be slightly larger, so the electrode 24 of the ultrasonic probe and the electrode 21 of the ultrasonic probe holder are in close contact with each other. In this case, since both electrodes are connected to each other at any position in the circumferential direction of the ultrasonic probe, there is no problem with electrical continuity after attachment.

On the other hand, in order to remove the ultrasonic probe from the ultrasonic probe holder, it is possible to easily take it out by inserting the tip of a screwdriver into the slit 22 of the holding part 19 and expanding it.

6A to 6C show an ultrasonic probe holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals (also in the following embodiments). similar). In this embodiment, two holes 29 and 30 having different diameters are formed in the ultrasonic probe coupling direction from the distal end surface of the holder body 17. An electrode plate 31.32 having protrusions 31a and 32a is provided inside the hole 29.30, and the end of the electrode plate 31.32 is connected to the signal cable 15.

7A and 7B show an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment, in which an electrode shaft 33 that fits into the hole 29, 30 of the ultrasonic probe holder is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 23; There are 34. Protrusions 31 formed on the electrode plates 31 and 32 of the ultrasonic probe are provided on the outer peripheries of the electrode shafts 33 and 34, respectively.
Grooves 33a and 34a are formed to engage with grooves 33a and 32a. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

With this configuration, in order to attach the ultrasonic probe to the ultrasonic probe holder, the electrode shaft 33° 34 must be inserted into the hole 29.
．． 30 respectively, the protrusions 3 of the electrode plates 31 and 32
1a, 32a are the grooves 33a, 34 of the electrode shaft 33.34.
This is done by engaging and fixing a. Conversely, to remove the ultrasonic probe from the ultrasonic probe holder, it is easy to remove it by simply pulling it out. In these cases, the electrode plate 31.3
This can be done smoothly by utilizing the elasticity of step 2. After installation, a reliable electrical and mechanical connection can be made. In addition to the same effects as the first embodiment, this embodiment does not require a holding part on the ultrasonic probe holder, allowing for miniaturization, and also prevents incorrect polarity when attaching the ultrasonic probe. There is an effect that there is no.

8A and 8B show an ultrasound probe holder according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 9A and 9B show an ultrasound probe. In this embodiment, the thickness tl of the holding part 13 of the ultrasound probe holder is set to the thickness tz of the ultrasound probe.
It is formed in the same way.

In addition, two notches 35 are provided at required locations inside the holding portion 13.
Two electrodes 36 are provided from the cutout portion 35 toward the center of the inner periphery of the holding portion 13.
The extension part 6 passes through the spacer 18 and is connected to the signal cable 15 inside the flexible shirt 11.

Furthermore, an index 37 is attached to the base of the holding portion 13 to prevent the ultrasonic probe from being incorrectly attached.

On the other hand, two electrodes 3 are provided on the housing 23 of the ultrasonic probe so as to correspond to the electrode plate 36 of the ultrasonic probe holder.
8.39 has been established. Protrusions 38a and 39a are formed on the electrodes 38 and 39 so as to engage with the notches 35 formed in the holding portion 19. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

With this configuration, when attaching the ultrasonic probe to the ultrasonic probe holder, push it in so that the lens 27 surface of the ultrasonic probe faces in a predetermined direction based on the index 37. be able to. Protrusions 38a, 3 of electrodes 38.39
When 9a engages with the notch 35 of the holding part 19, fine adjustment is made so that the thickness of the ultrasonic probe does not protrude from the thickness of the ultrasonic probe holder, and the attachment is completed. This mounting can be performed without error using the index, and since both have the same thickness, alignment in the thickness direction can be easily performed.

10A and 10B show an ultrasound probe holder according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 11A and 11B show an ultrasound probe. The holding part 19 is divided into two parts, and can be opened and closed using a pin 40 penetrating through the base as a fulcrum, and has a groove 42 at the tip for locking an elastic member such as an O-ring 41 to be fixed when closed. is formed. Further, on the inside of the holding portion 19 near the base, contacts 43 and 44 for contacting the electrodes of the ultrasonic probe are provided, one of which is wider than the other. Protrusions 43a and 44a are formed at the tips of the contacts 43 and 44, respectively, and the rear ends are connected to the electrodes 46 of the ultrasonic probe holder via cables 45. This electrode 46 is connected to a signal cable 15 that passes through the flexible shaft 11.

On the other hand, two electrodes 4 are installed in the housing 23 of the ultrasonic probe.
7. 48, one of which is wider than the other in correspondence with the contacts 43 and 44.

With this configuration, in order to attach the ultrasound probe to the ultrasound probe holder, remove the O-ring 41, open the holding part 19, and attach the electrodes 47, 48 to the corresponding contacts 43. .44, close the holding part 19, and fix it by hooking the O-ring 41 into the groove 42 at its tip. In this embodiment, since the opening/closing degree of the holding portion 19 can be freely adjusted, even ultrasonic probes with different outer diameters can be attached.

12A and 12B show an ultrasound probe holder according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 13A and 13B show an ultrasound probe. Guides 49 and 50 for mounting the ultrasonic probe are attached to the inside of the holding portion 19 of the ultrasonic probe holder, and these are formed of magnets. Furthermore, an electrode 21 connected to the coaxial cable 15 is attached to the holding portion 19. On the other hand, an electrode 24 is integrally attached to the outer periphery of the housing 23 of the ultrasonic probe so as to slightly protrude from the outer periphery of the housing, and a guide groove 28 is formed. A tape 51 made of a magnetic material is attached to this guide groove 28.

In this embodiment, which can also be called a modification of the first embodiment, the guide groove 28 and guides 49 and 50 that engage when the ultrasonic probe is attached to the ultrasonic probe holder have a magnetic force of a magnet. It can be done reliably by using it.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, since the ultrasonic probe can be attached to and detached from the ultrasonic probe holder, if either one is damaged or it is desired to replace the ultrasonic probe with a different performance, In addition, since only the necessary parts can be replaced, economy and versatility can be improved. Furthermore, the attachment and detachment can be carried out smoothly and reliably by utilizing the elasticity of the ultrasound probe holder body or the electrical contact portion.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an overall view of an endoscope using the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the sub-operation section and the tip of the insertion section. FIG. Detailed view showing the inside of the sub-operation section, Figures 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the ultrasound probe holder, A-A
5A-5C are plan views, A-A sectional views, and perspective views of the ultrasonic probe, and FIGS. 6A-C are the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A side view, an A-A sectional view, and a front view of the child holder; FIGS. 7A and 7B are a plan view and an A-A sectional view of the ultrasound probe; FIGS. A plan view and a side view of the ultrasound probe holder according to the third embodiment; FIGS. 9A and B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the ultrasound probe; 11A and 11B are a plan view and an A-A sectional view of an ultrasound probe according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 12A is a plan view of an ultrasound probe according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; , B is a plan view of an ultrasound probe holder according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and a sectional view taken along the line A-A. FIGS. FIG. 14 is a plan view of a conventional ultrasonic probe. 15 Coaxial cable 17 Holder body 20 Guide 21 Electrode 24 Electrode 26 Piezoelectric vibrator 28 Guide groove Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Figure 7 Figure 9 A Figure 11 A B Figure 12

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic probe held in an ultrasonic probe holder is provided at the tip, and the ultrasonic probe is connected to the ultrasonic probe holder via a drive shaft into which a signal cable for transmission and reception is inserted. In an ultrasonic probe in which the ultrasonic probe can be rotated, the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic probe holder are formed to be detachable, and electrical contacts are provided at the joints of the two. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that the ultrasonic probe is attached to the transmitting/receiving signal cable and can transmit and receive signals between the ultrasonic probe and the transmitting/receiving signal cable by bonding.