WO2017187755A1 - 超音波振動子ユニット - Google Patents
超音波振動子ユニット Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2017187755A1 WO2017187755A1 PCT/JP2017/007403 JP2017007403W WO2017187755A1 WO 2017187755 A1 WO2017187755 A1 WO 2017187755A1 JP 2017007403 W JP2017007403 W JP 2017007403W WO 2017187755 A1 WO2017187755 A1 WO 2017187755A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- ultrasonic
- ultrasonic transducer
- strip
- material layer
- backing material
- Prior art date
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/12—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
- B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
- B06B3/00—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for transmitting mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
- B06B3/04—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for transmitting mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency involving focusing or reflecting
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/0011—Manufacturing of endoscope parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00112—Connection or coupling means
- A61B1/00114—Electrical cables in or with an endoscope
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
- A61B8/4444—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device related to the probe
- A61B8/445—Details of catheter construction
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
- A61B8/4483—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer
- A61B8/4494—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer characterised by the arrangement of the transducer elements
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03B—GENERATION OF OSCILLATIONS, DIRECTLY OR BY FREQUENCY-CHANGING, BY CIRCUITS EMPLOYING ACTIVE ELEMENTS WHICH OPERATE IN A NON-SWITCHING MANNER; GENERATION OF NOISE BY SUCH CIRCUITS
- H03B1/00—Details
- H03B1/02—Structural details of power oscillators, e.g. for heating
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03B—GENERATION OF OSCILLATIONS, DIRECTLY OR BY FREQUENCY-CHANGING, BY CIRCUITS EMPLOYING ACTIVE ELEMENTS WHICH OPERATE IN A NON-SWITCHING MANNER; GENERATION OF NOISE BY SUCH CIRCUITS
- H03B17/00—Generation of oscillations using radiation source and detector, e.g. with interposed variable obturator
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K1/00—Printed circuits
- H05K1/02—Details
- H05K1/0277—Bendability or stretchability details
- H05K1/028—Bending or folding regions of flexible printed circuits
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K1/00—Printed circuits
- H05K1/18—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components
- H05K1/189—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components characterised by the use of a flexible or folded printed circuit
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer unit having an ultrasonic transducer wiring structure for realizing a small ultrasonic transducer.
- the ultrasonic endoscope is provided with an ultrasonic observation part at the distal end of the endoscope for the main purpose of observation of the gallbladder or pancreas by the trans-gastrointestinal tract.
- the tip of the ultrasonic endoscope is the same as a normal endoscope that does not have an ultrasonic observation section in addition to the ultrasonic observation section.
- an optical sensor, an illumination means, an air supply port, a water supply port and a suction port are provided.
- the outer diameter of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope is increased, which is a factor that decreases the operability of the ultrasonic endoscope and increases the burden on the patient who inserts the distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope. Yes.
- Patent Document 1 is an ultrasonic transducer array having an acoustic matching layer, a piezoelectric element, and a back surface braking layer, and is electrically connected in the vicinity of the center in the width direction of each piezoelectric element and the ultrasonic transducer array.
- an ultrasonic transducer unit having a hard board, a signal cable bundle composed of a plurality of signal core wires, and a flexible printed wiring board interposed between the hard board and the signal cable bundle to electrically connect them. Yes.
- the ultrasonic transducer array, the cable bundle, and the flexible printed wiring board are separate structures, and both are connected using thermocompression bonding as a means, and then the flexible printed wiring board is folded into a plurality of shapes. Configured to be.
- Patent Document 2 discloses an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives ultrasonic waves, a wiring board that is electrically connected to the back side of the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit, a plurality of drive wirings that are electrically connected to the wiring board, and wiring
- An ultrasonic endoscope having a housing that accommodates a substrate and holds an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit is disclosed.
- the wiring board has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a hard circuit board that is electrically connected in the vicinity of the center in the width direction, and a covering portion that wraps and bundles the driving wiring, and the driving wiring is included in the covering portion. It is inserted into the housing in a wrapped state.
- Patent Document 3 discloses a single flexible printed wiring in which signal lines alternately connected from both sides of an ultrasonic transducer array arranged on a convex curved surface are formed on both surfaces in an ultrasonic probe. It discloses that an electrode is led out from one side surface by a substrate.
- Patent Document 4 discloses a pad electrode arranged on the transducer substrate of the ultrasonic transducer unit so as to extend from the vicinity of the central portion in the width direction of the ultrasonic transducer array and electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer.
- An electronic scanning ultrasonic probe having a coaxial cable assembly having a group of pad electrodes and a comb-like lead electrode group is disclosed. When the pad electrode of the ultrasonic transducer unit and the lead of the coaxial cable assembly are connected, the pad electrode and the comb-like lead electrode group are aligned.
- the electrodes are electrically connected to the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducer array, and are respectively electrically connected to half of the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducer array.
- An ultrasonic probe comprising a printed circuit board having first and second signal pattern groups is disclosed. The first and second signal pattern groups are wired with the coaxial cable in different directions.
- the cable handling in the ultrasonic observation part with a small outer diameter is complicated and highly filled, that is, in addition to the complicated handling of the cable, the cables are wired at a high density in the ultrasonic observation part. Therefore, workability is poor, which is a factor that increases the manufacturing cost of the ultrasonic endoscope.
- the viewpoint of the manufacturing stability of the ultrasound observation unit and its manufacturing cost Therefore, there is a problem that miniaturization of the ultrasonic observation unit is very difficult.
- Patent Document 1 has a problem in that, when an ultrasonic transducer unit is manufactured, a cable is burdened when a plurality of flexible printed wiring boards are folded, and the burdened cable wiring is disconnected.
- the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, can be miniaturized, and has good workability when wiring each electrode and a number of cables of the ultrasonic transducer array, and the difficulty of the work process is low. It is another object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic transducer unit having a wiring structure that is less likely to be burdened on a cable and has a low risk of disconnection, and that has a wiring structure suitable for use in an ultrasonic endoscope.
- the present invention provides an ultrasonic transducer array in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers each having a rod-like shape are arranged in an arc shape with the longitudinal direction of the rod-like shapes aligned, An electrode portion provided on at least one end surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers and having a plurality of electrodes respectively conducting with the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and an arc shape of the ultrasonic transducer array
- a flexible printed wiring board in which a plurality of cables are respectively disposed on a plurality of wirings electrically connected to a plurality of electrodes in an electrode portion and a circular arc-shaped backing material layer disposed on the back surface which is the center side
- the flexible printed wiring board is extended to the lower side of the backing material layer on the side opposite to the ultrasonic transducer array and separated into a plurality of strips in a comb shape.
- the wiring portion has a cable connecting portion provided with a plurality of strip-like electrode portions respectively provided in a plurality of strip-like pieces in a comb shape, and each strip-like electrode portion is attached to each of the strip-like pieces.
- An ultrasonic transducer unit is provided in which at least one electrode pad is linearly arranged in the longitudinal direction.
- the ultrasonic transducer side of one end of the ultrasonic transducer array toward the ultrasonic transducer side of the other end it has a stepped portion that is stepped in the width direction of the backing material layer,
- the cable wiring portion on the upper side from the cable connection portion is disposed along the backing material layer,
- the plurality of strips of the flexible printed circuit board are folded along the lower surface of the backing material layer, and are folded again to reach each step of the staircase, and are arranged along each step of the staircase. It is preferable that the plurality of strip-shaped electrode portions of the connection portion are disposed on each strip-shaped piece disposed along each step of the staircase portion.
- the cable connection portion has the same number of strip electrode portions as the number of steps of the staircase portion.
- the width of the plurality of strip-shaped electrode portions is narrower than the width in the step direction of each step of the staircase portion along which each strip-shaped electrode portion is disposed.
- each strip electrode portion in the longitudinal direction is longer as it is disposed along the lower step of the staircase portion, and the number of electrode pads included in each strip electrode portion is lower than that of the staircase portion. It is preferable that the more arranged along the step.
- each electrode pad of the strip-shaped electrode portion is one end and the staircase portion is directed from a higher step to a lower step.
- each step of the staircase portion preferably has a width wider than that of the strip-shaped electrode portion in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped electrode portion disposed along the step, and the lower step preferably has a wider width.
- the staircase is preferably made of the same material as the backing material layer.
- the space for electrically connecting the ultrasonic transducer array and the cable can be efficiently used using the cable wiring portion having a simple configuration, the workability in wiring can be improved.
- the success rate when manufacturing the ultrasonic transducer unit can be improved, and the ultrasonic transducer unit can be downsized.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic inspection system using an ultrasonic endoscope to which the ultrasonic transducer unit of the present invention is applied.
- FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the distal end portion of the endoscope of the ultrasonic endoscope shown in FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line II of FIG. 2 showing the distal end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic partial sectional view of the distal end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is shown. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of the distal end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the cable wiring portion of the present invention.
- 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the laminated body and the stepped portion shown in FIG. 3 and the cable wiring portion shown in FIG. 5 are assembled.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic inspection system using an ultrasonic endoscope to which the ultrasonic transducer unit of the present invention is applied.
- the ultrasonography system shown in FIG. 1 allows observation of the gallbladder or spleen, which is difficult by ultrasonic examination from the body surface of a subject such as a patient, to digest the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, and large intestine that are body cavities of the subject.
- An ultrasonic observation unit that obtains an ultrasonic tomographic image (hereinafter referred to as an ultrasonic image) and an endoscopic optical image (hereinafter referred to as an endoscope).
- An ultrasonic endoscope having an endoscope observation unit for acquiring a mirror image) is inserted into the body cavity of the subject, and the supervision of the observation target region of the subject is observed while observing the endoscope image of the subject. A sound image is acquired.
- an ultrasonic inspection system 10 includes an ultrasonic endoscope 12 that uses an ultrasonic transducer unit 68 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) of the present invention, which will be described later, and an ultrasonic wave that generates an ultrasonic image.
- the ultrasonic wave processor device 14, the endoscope processor device 16 that generates an endoscopic image, and the illumination light for illuminating the body cavity of the subject are ultrasonically transmitted through a light guide (not shown).
- the light source device 18 that supplies the endoscope 12, and the monitor 20 that displays the ultrasonic image and the endoscopic image acquired from the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope processor device 16 are provided.
- the ultrasonic inspection system 10 includes a water supply pump (not shown) that is stored in the light source device 18 and supplies water to the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and the ultrasonic endoscope 12 using the water supply pump.
- a water supply tank 22 that stores the supplied water
- an air supply pump (not shown) that is stored in the light source device 18 and supplies air to the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and an ultrasonic endoscope that will be described later
- a suction pump 24 for sucking the observation object from the endoscope front end portion 40 of the mirror 12.
- the ultrasonic processor device 14, the endoscope processor device 16, the light source device 18, the water supply tank 22, the suction pump 24, the water supply pump and the air supply pump use a universal code 30 described later of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. , Connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 12.
- An ultrasonic endoscope 12 of the ultrasonic inspection system 10 is inserted into a body cavity of a subject in order to observe an object such as a gallbladder and a pancreas, and the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope 12
- a universal cord 30 having one end connected to the operation unit 28 and the other end connected to a plurality of devices for controlling the ultrasonic endoscope 12.
- the ultrasonic processor device 14 of the ultrasonic inspection system 10 includes ultrasonic vibrations of the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 of the ultrasonic observation unit 58 of the endoscope distal end portion 40 of the insertion portion 26 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 described later.
- An ultrasonic signal (data) for generating ultrasonic waves is generated and supplied to the child array 100 (see FIGS. 2 to 4).
- the ultrasonic processor device 14 receives and acquires the echo signal (data) reflected from the observation target site from which the ultrasonic waves are radiated by the ultrasonic transducer array 100, and performs various kinds of processing on the acquired echo signals.
- the signal (data) processing is performed to generate an ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 20.
- the endoscope processor device 16 of the ultrasonic inspection system 10 is used in an endoscope observation section 56 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) of the endoscope distal end portion 40 of the insertion section 26 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 to be described later.
- a captured image signal (data) acquired from an observation target region illuminated by illumination light from the light source device 18 is received and acquired, and various signal (data) processing and image processing are performed on the acquired image signal.
- the processor devices 14 and 16 may be constituted by a processor such as a PC (Personal computer).
- the light source device 18 of the ultrasonic inspection system 10 acquires an image signal by imaging an observation target region in a body cavity by an endoscope observation unit 56 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 described later. Therefore, illumination light such as white light and specific wavelength light composed of three primary color lights such as red light (R), green light (G), and blue light (B) is generated to the ultrasonic endoscope 12. Supplied, propagated by a light guide (not shown) or the like in the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and emitted from the endoscope observation unit 56 of the endoscope distal end portion 40 of the insertion portion 26 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12. Thus, it is for illuminating the observation target site in the body cavity.
- illumination light such as white light and specific wavelength light composed of three primary color lights such as red light (R), green light (G), and blue light (B) is generated to the ultrasonic endoscope 12.
- a light guide not shown
- the monitor 20 of the ultrasonic inspection system 10 receives each video signal generated by the ultrasonic processor device 14 and the endoscope processor device 16 and displays an ultrasonic image and an endoscopic image.
- the monitor 20 can switch and display only one of the ultrasonic image and the endoscopic image as appropriate, and can display both images simultaneously. Note that the monitor for displaying the ultrasonic image and the monitor for displaying the endoscopic image may be provided separately, or using any other form, the ultrasonic image and the endoscope An image may be displayed.
- the operation unit 28 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 supplies an air / water button 32 which is a switch for supplying or supplying air to an endoscope distal end portion 40 of the insertion unit 26 described later, and the ultrasonic endoscope 12. While puncturing the observation target at the distal end of the puncture needle of a treatment instrument (not shown) that is juxtaposed to the air / water supply button 32 on the endoscope distal end 40 side in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope And a suction button 34 which is a switch for sucking. Further, the operation unit 28 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is a pair of knobs arranged one by one on both side surfaces of the operation unit 28 so as to sandwich the air / water supply button 32 and the suction button 34, respectively.
- An angle knob 36 for freely bending a bending portion 42 described later up and down and left and right by rotating the knob, and an endoscope distal end portion 40 disposed between the air / water supply button 32 and the insertion portion 26.
- a treatment tool insertion port (forceps port) 38 for inserting a treatment tool such as a forceps, a puncture needle, and a high-frequency knife.
- the insertion portion 26 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is formed of a hard member having, in order from the distal end side, an ultrasonic transducer 98 of an ultrasonic transducer unit 68 described later, an observation window 76 of an imaging unit 64, and the like.
- a soft portion 44 having an elongated rod shape and long flexibility.
- the universal cord 30 of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 connects the ultrasonic endoscope 12 and a plurality of devices for controlling the ultrasonic endoscope 12. It is provided at the end.
- the other end with respect to the distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 is an ultrasonic connector 46 connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 and an endoscope connected to the endoscope processor device 16.
- Connector 48, light source device 18, water supply tank 22, suction pump 24, water pump (not shown), and light source connector 50 connected to an air pump (not shown) are detachable.
- the light source connector 50 is connected to an air / water supply tube 52 a whose other end is connected to the water supply tank 22 and a suction tube 52 b whose other end is connected to the suction pump 24.
- the air / water supply button 32 of the operation unit 28 is a switch that controls the supply of air or water to the endoscope distal end portion 40 of the insertion unit 26, and passes through the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and one end is described later.
- the other end and one end of the pipe (not shown) leading to the air / water supply nozzle 62 of the endoscope observation part 56 of the endoscope distal end 40 are the water supply tank 22 and the water supply pump (not shown) or the air supply. It is connected to the other end of a conduit (not shown) that leads to a pump (not shown).
- the water pump or the air pump By pressing the air / water button 32, the water pump or the air pump is connected to the air / water nozzle 62 and the pipe communicating with the water tank 22, so that the water or air stored in the water tank 22 is sent. It is supplied to the air supply nozzle 62.
- a well-known method can be used as appropriate, for example, the air supply / water supply button 32 is constituted by a two-stage switching type.
- the suction button 34 of the operation unit 28 is a switch for controlling the suction operation at the endoscope distal end portion 40 of the insertion portion 26, passes through the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and has one end which will be described later.
- the other end and one end of a later-described treatment instrument insertion channel 61 (see FIG. 3) leading to 40 treatment instrument outlets 60 (see FIG. 3) are connected to the other end of a conduit (not shown) leading to the suction pump 24.
- the suction button 34 is connected to the treatment instrument insertion channel 61 and the conduit leading to the suction pump 24 by pushing the suction button 34, and is suctioned from the treatment instrument outlet 60. Is done. Further, when a treatment instrument (not shown) having a puncture needle is inserted through the treatment instrument insertion channel 61, the suction target 34 is pressed to suck the tissue to be observed from the tip of the puncture needle. .
- FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the endoscope distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope shown in FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line II of FIG. 2 showing the distal end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. 2.
- the distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope shown in FIG. FIG. 2 schematically shows a partial cross-sectional view taken along a center line along the line.
- the endoscope distal end portion 40 of the insertion portion 26 has a proximal end side in the proximal direction of the endoscope distal end portion 40 with respect to the bottom surface of the endoscope distal end portion 40.
- An inclined surface portion 54 which is an inclined surface having a large elevation angle is formed, and provided on the inclined surface portion 54, provided on the distal end side of the endoscope distal end portion 40 and an endoscope observation portion 56 for acquiring an endoscope image.
- An ultrasonic observation unit 58 for acquiring an ultrasonic image, and a treatment tool (not shown) provided between the endoscope observation unit 56 and the ultrasonic observation unit 58 are placed in the body cavity of the subject.
- the treatment instrument outlet 60 is provided between the endoscope observation unit 56 and the ultrasonic observation unit 58, but the present invention is not particularly limited to the illustrated example. It may be provided in the endoscopic observation unit 56 or may be provided on the base end side (the curved portion 42 side) from the endoscopic observation unit 56.
- FIG. 3 shows the cable connecting portion 108 of the cable wiring portion 88 to be described later.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram shown for explaining the present invention.
- the total number of electrode pads 112 included in the cable connection portion 108 disposed on both side surfaces in the width direction of the material layer 102 is the same as the total number of ultrasonic transducers 98 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 100. It is preferable.
- the bending portion 42 of the insertion portion 26 shown in FIG. 1 is formed by connecting a plurality of bending pieces, and is connected to the proximal end side of the endoscope distal end portion 40. Further, the bending portion 42 can be freely bent up and down and left and right by the rotation of a pair of angle knobs 36 provided in the operation portion 28. In this manner, the bending portion 42 is remotely and freely bent by using the angle knob 36 as an operation means, so that the endoscope distal end portion 40 can be directed in the direction desired by the operator. It is.
- the flexible portion 44 of the insertion portion 26 is connected to the proximal end side of the bending portion 42 and the distal end side of the operation portion 28 and has an elongated rod-like shape and long flexibility, and thus has a complicated structure. Even within the body cavity of a subject having a curve, it can be inserted following the bending portion 42 that has been bent.
- An endoscope observation unit 56 of the endoscope distal end portion 40 shown in FIG. 2 is provided so as to pass through the inside of the ultrasonic endoscope 12 from the center of the slope portion 54, and is an imaging unit 64 that captures an endoscope image. And an illuminating unit 66 for illuminating the site to be observed using illumination light from the light source device 18 provided in parallel with the imaging unit 64.
- the ultrasound observation unit 58 of the endoscope distal end 40 inserted into the body of the subject in order to observe objects such as the gallbladder and pancreas transmits and receives ultrasound signals to and from the observation object.
- An ultrasonic transducer unit 68 that transmits the ultrasonic wave drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer unit 68, and analyzes the reflected wave signal from the observation target that is received from the ultrasonic transducer unit 68.
- a cable breaker 72 composed of a plurality of cables 70 for electrically connecting the universal cord 30 connected to the ultrasonic processor device 14 for generating a sound wave image, and a cable cover 74 for collecting the cable breakers 72,
- the treatment instrument outlet 60 of the endoscope distal end 40 shown in FIG. 3 is provided on the distal end side of the imaging unit 64, and from the treatment instrument outlet 60 to the treatment instrument insertion port 38 of the operation unit 28.
- a treatment instrument (not shown) that is inserted and passes through the treatment instrument insertion channel 61 is led out.
- the treatment instrument outlet 60 is located between the endoscope observation unit 56 and the ultrasonic observation unit 58, but the treatment instrument introduced into the body cavity from the treatment instrument extraction port 60.
- an upright for changing the derivation direction of the treatment tool introduced into the body cavity from the treatment tool lead-out port 60 may be provided inside the treatment tool lead-out port 60.
- a wire (not shown) is attached to the stand, and, for example, the standing angle of the stand is changed by a push-pull operation by operating a stand lever (not shown) provided in the operation unit 28. The tool is led in the desired direction.
- the air / water supply nozzle 62 of the endoscope distal end 40 shown in FIG. 2 is provided between the imaging unit 64 and the treatment instrument outlet 60, and cleans an observation window 76 of the imaging unit 64 described later. Is for.
- the air / water nozzle 62 passes through a flow path (not shown) for air or water provided in the ultrasonic endoscope 12 by pressing the air / water button 32 of the operation unit 28.
- Air or water is sent from an air pump (not shown) or a water pump (not shown).
- 3 is composed of a plurality of cables 70 that are electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer unit 68. In the cable covering portion 74, a plurality of cables are connected. 70 is the part which is not put together.
- the cable breaker 72 is fixed at the wiring portion between the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 and the cable 70 constituting the cable breaker 72 using an electrical connection means such as soldering or conductive paste.
- the imaging unit 64 of the endoscope observation unit 56 shown in FIG. 3 includes a transparent observation window 76 disposed on the inclined surface portion 54 for protecting the imaging optical system disposed on the rear side, and an observation window 76.
- An objective lens 78 of the observation optical system disposed behind and in the endoscope front end portion 40, and a CCD disposed in the imaging position of the objective lens 78 within the endoscope front end portion 40.
- a signal cable 82 electrically connected to the image pickup element 80 and the universal cord 30 connected to the light source device 18.
- the illumination unit 66 of the endoscope observation unit 56 is provided in parallel with the imaging unit 64, and includes an illumination optical system disposed on the rear side, which is provided on both sides of the observation window 76 in the slope portion 54.
- a guide (not shown).
- the observation window 76 of the imaging unit 64 is disposed on the slope portion 54, and the image light of the observation target incident from the observation window 76 is imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging element 80 by the objective lens 78. .
- the image sensor 80 photoelectrically converts the image light to be observed that has passed through the observation window 76 and the objective lens 78 and is imaged on the imaging surface of the image sensor 80, and outputs an image signal to the endoscope processor device 16.
- the imaging signal output from the imaging element 80 is transmitted to the endoscope processor device 16 via the signal cable 82 and the universal cord 30.
- the endoscopic processor device 16 performs signal processing and image processing on the imaging signal transmitted in this manner to generate an endoscopic optical image, and displays the endoscopic image on the monitor 20.
- the illumination window 84 of the illumination unit 66 is a pair of side by side arranged on both sides of the observation window 76 of the imaging unit 64, and a light guide (not shown) that guides illumination light from the light source device 18 to the observation window 76.
- the light guide extends from the illumination window 84 to the light source device 18 through the ultrasonic endoscope 12, and an incident end of the light guide is stored in the light source device 18.
- the illumination light emitted from the light source device 18 propagates through the light guide and is irradiated from the illumination window 84 to the observation target.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of the distal end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. 3, and shows a cross-sectional view of an example of the ultrasonic observation portion at the distal end portion of the ultrasonic endoscope shown in FIG.
- the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 of the ultrasonic observation unit 58 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is disposed at the distal end portion of the ultrasonic observation unit 58, and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves.
- a housing 90 that encloses the side surface and the lower side surface excluding the cable wiring portion 88;
- a staircase portion 92 disposed in contact with the bottom surface of the laminated body 86 on the housing 90 side and having a staircase shape for the lower end side of the cable wiring portion 88 to follow,
- a filler layer 93 for filling a gap between the housing 90 and the stepped portion 92 is provided.
- 4 is a schematic view for explaining the present invention, as in FIG. 3, and does not describe details in detail. Therefore, the arrangement of each member shown in FIG. Of course, the location, size, and shape may be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- the laminated body 86 of the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 has a laminated structure, An acoustic lens 94 for focusing an ultrasonic wave output from an ultrasonic transducer array 100 (to be described later) or an ultrasonic wave reflected from an observation target when the surface for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is an upper surface.
- a plurality of rod-shaped ultrasonic transducers 98 that are located under the acoustic matching layer 96 and transmit and receive ultrasonic waves are aligned so that the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped body is aligned to form an arc-shaped array.
- An acoustic transducer array 100 The ultrasonic transducer array 100 is disposed on the back surface on the center side of the arc shape, mechanically supports the ultrasonic transducer array 100, and attenuates the ultrasonic waves propagated below the ultrasonic transducer array 100. And a backing material layer 102 to be made. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the acoustic matching layer 96 and the ultrasonic transducer array 100 are arranged in a semicylindrical shape, and the acoustic lens 94 is along the acoustic matching layer 96 arranged in a semicylindrical shape. Arranged. In the cross-sectional view shown in FIG.
- the backing material layer 102 has a semi-cylindrical shape, but if the backing material layer 102 is disposed so as to contact the entire lower surface of the ultrasonic transducer array 100.
- the shape of the lower surface of the backing material layer 102 is not particularly limited.
- the cable wiring portion 88 of the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 is configured using a flexible printed wiring board.
- the cable wiring part 88 is electrically connected to a plurality of cables 70 that constitute an electrode part 104 and a cable breaker part 72 of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 described later.
- the cable wiring portion 88 is disposed so as to extend to the lower side of the backing material layer 102 that is opposite to the ultrasonic transducer array 100.
- the cable wiring unit 88 includes a super vibrator connection unit 107 and a cable connection unit 108.
- the transducer connecting portion 107 is a portion disposed along the backing material layer 102 of the laminate 86 that is electrically connected to the electrode portion 104 of the acoustic transducer array 100.
- the cable connecting portion 108 is disposed along the staircase portion 92 and is electrically connected to the plurality of cables 70 of the cable breaker portion 72.
- the cable wiring portion 88 of the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 is in a portion extended to the lower side of the backing material layer 102 which is the opposite side to the ultrasonic transducer array 100.
- the plurality of strips 110 are separated in a comb shape.
- the cable connecting portion 108 of the cable wiring portion 88 is a portion separated into a plurality of strip-like pieces 110 in a comb shape, and a plurality of strip-like electrode portions 111 respectively provided on the plurality of strip-like pieces 110 are combed. Prepare for the shape. Furthermore, as shown in FIG.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic views for explaining the present invention, in which the electrode pads 112 included in the cable connecting portions 108 disposed on both side surfaces in the width direction of the backing material layer 102 are shown. The sum of the numbers is preferably the same as the total number of ultrasonic transducers 98 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 100.
- 6 illustrates the backing material layer 102, the cable wiring portion 88, and the staircase portion except for the acoustic lens 94, the acoustic matching layer 96, and the ultrasonic transducer array 100 in the laminated body 86 for explaining the present invention.
- the housing 90 of the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is made of a hard member such as hard resin, and protects the side surface and lower side surface of the laminated body 86 and the cable wiring portion 88 from the outside.
- the housing 90 abuts on a side surface of an acoustic lens 94 of the laminated body 86 to be described later, a side surface in the width direction of the laminated body 86, and surrounds the side surface and the lower portion of the laminated body 86 in the width direction, and the cable wiring portion 88. It is arranged as follows.
- the filler layer 93 of the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 is provided so as to fill a gap between the laminated body 86, the housing 90, and the stepped portion 92.
- the filler layer 93 fixes a wiring portion between the cable wiring portion 88 and the cable 70 and prevents disconnection of the portion.
- the filler layer 93 also plays a role of fixing the positions of the stacked body 86 and the stepped portion 92 disposed at the endoscope distal end portion 40.
- the filler layer 93 of the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 is oscillated from the ultrasonic transducer array 100 of the laminated body 86 so that the ultrasonic wave propagated downward is not reflected at the boundary with the backing material layer 102.
- the backing material is used so that the ultrasonic waves oscillated from the ultrasonic transducer array 100 are reflected from the observation target or its peripheral portion and sufficiently propagated to the lower side of the ultrasonic transducer array 100.
- the acoustic impedance with the layer 102 is preferably matched.
- the filler layer 93 and the backing material layer 102 represented by the following formula (1)
- the acoustic impedance reflectance Q is preferably 50% or less.
- Q 100 ⁇
- the unit of the acoustic impedances Zp and Zb is kg / m 2 s. Note that kg represents kilogram, m represents meter, and s represents second.
- a filler of the same material as the backing material layer 102 is used as the material of the filler layer 93.
- a heat conductive member such as ceramic is used as the filler layer 93.
- An added epoxy resin or the like may be used.
- the acoustic impedance reflectance is an index representing the ease of reflection of the ultrasonic wave (acoustic beam) at the interface between the filler layer 93 and the backing material layer 102, that is, the closer the value is to 0, It shows that the acoustic impedance of the agent layer 93 and the acoustic impedance of the backing material layer 102 are matched. If the acoustic impedance reflectivity is about 50% or less, noise caused by the ultrasonic wave propagated to the lower side of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 is an ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic transducer array 100. It is possible to perform processing so as not to hinder the generation of the ultrasonic image in the ultrasonic processor device 14 used.
- the thermal conductivity of the filler layer 93 is preferably 1.0 (W / m ⁇ K) or more.
- W represents watts
- m represents meters
- K represents Kelvin.
- the step portion 92 of the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 which is one of the features of the present invention, is a backing on the opposite side of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 of the stacked body 86. Disposed in contact with the lower surface of the material layer 102, orthogonal to the width direction of the backing material layer 102 along the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped body of the ultrasonic transducer 98, and below the backing material layer 102. Backing material layer 102 from the ultrasonic transducer 98 side at one end in the radial direction of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 toward the ultrasonic transducer 98 side at the other end with respect to the side surface.
- each step of the staircase portion 92 becomes longer in the longitudinal direction as it becomes thinner in the width direction of the backing material layer 102 (lower step).
- each step of the staircase 92 is provided. As described later, it is preferable that each of the strip-shaped electrode portions 111 disposed along each step is longer in the longitudinal direction.
- the material used for the staircase portion 92 is not particularly limited as long as it maintains a staircase shape and does not cause a problem in signals used for ultrasonic observation.
- a material obtained by processing a known base or the like can be used as the staircase portion 92, but the same material as that of the backing material layer 102 is used so that an acoustic impedance difference from the backing material layer 102 of the stacked body 86 does not occur. Can also be used.
- the staircase portion 92 of the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 includes a plurality of cable connection portions 108 and cable breakaway portions 72 of the cable wiring portion 88 disposed along the staircase portion 92. It is preferable that the cables 70 be arranged so that the plurality of cables 70 can be efficiently wired such that the cables 70 do not contact each other. Therefore, when the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 is disposed in the ultrasonic observation unit 58 of the endoscope distal end portion 40, the direction in which the step of the staircase 92 is lowered is directed to the direction in which the cable breaker 72 is positioned. It is preferable.
- the staircase portion 92 is disposed in contact with the lower surface of the backing material layer 102 so that the longitudinal direction of each step is inclined with respect to the lower surface of the backing material layer 102 of the stacked body 86.
- the staircase portion 92 only needs to be disposed in contact with the backing material layer 102 and may be bonded to the lower surface of the backing material layer 102 using a known adhesive or the like.
- the vibrator connecting portion 107 of the cable wiring portion 88 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is provided on the upper side of the cable connecting portion 108, and is arranged along the side surface in the width direction of the backing material layer 102 of the stacked body 86. It is a member to be installed. As shown in FIG. 4, the transducer connecting portion 107 is electrically connected to the electrode portion 104 of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 using means such as wire bonding and conductive paste on the side surface in the width direction of the backing material layer 102. A plurality of vibrator connection terminals 109 which are terminals to be connected are provided.
- a first bent portion 113a for bending the cable wiring portion 88 to the staircase portion 92 side is provided at the lower end of the side surface in the width direction of the backing material layer 102.
- the transducer connection terminal 109 of the transducer connection unit 107 is only required to be electrically connected to the electrode unit 104 of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 using simple means, and the transducer on the side opposite to the backing material layer 102. It may be provided on the surface of the connecting portion 107.
- the position where the electrode unit 104 and the transducer connection terminal 109 are electrically connected may be changed as appropriate in accordance with the shape of the endoscope distal end portion 40 and the shape of the laminated body 86. That is, the backing material layer 102 may be electrically connected on the side surface in the width direction, or may be electrically connected on the upper surface of the backing material layer 102.
- the cable connecting portion 108 of the cable wiring portion 88 which is another feature of the present invention, is a transducer that is wired to the electrode portion 104 of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 of the cable wiring portion 88. It is a portion on the opposite side to the connecting portion 107 and is wired with the plurality of cables 70 of the cable separating portion 72. Further, the cable connecting portion 108 is separated into a plurality of strip-shaped pieces 110, and a plurality of strip-shaped strip-shaped electrode portions 111 provided on each of the plurality of strip-shaped pieces 110 and provided with at least one electrode pad 112. It has a comb shape.
- the cable connection portion 108 is disposed along the bottom surface of the backing material layer 102 and the steps of the staircase portion 92 as shown in FIGS.
- the cable connecting portion 108 of the cable wiring portion 88 is disposed along each step of the staircase portion 92, and therefore, in the wiring with the cable 70 of the cable separating portion 72.
- the same number of strip electrodes as the number of steps of the staircase portion 92 is used. It is preferable to have the portion 111. Therefore, it is preferable that each of the plurality of strip-shaped electrode portions 111 is disposed along each step of the staircase portion 92 having a corresponding length in the longitudinal direction.
- the respective strip-shaped electrode portions 111 are arranged so as not to protrude from the respective steps of the stepped portion 92. It is preferable to arrange along each step. Therefore, the width of the plurality of strip-shaped electrode portions 111 is preferably narrower than the width in the step direction of each step of the staircase portion 92 and shorter than the length of each step of the staircase portion 92 in the longitudinal direction. preferable. For example, a known adhesive may be used as means for disposing the strip-shaped electrode portion 111 along the staircase portion 92.
- a plurality of strip-shaped electrode portions 111 of the cable connecting portion 108 are provided with a plurality of cable connecting portions 108 in a comb shape, and at least one electrode pad 112 is linearly provided in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped strip-shaped piece 110.
- Each electrode portion is disposed along each step of the staircase portion 92. That is, the strip-shaped electrode part 111 is folded along the lower surface of the backing material layer 102, and is folded again to reach each step of the staircase 92, and is arranged along each step of the staircase 92. It arrange
- each strip-shaped electrode part 111 is formed so that the longitudinal direction thereof extends obliquely with respect to the first bent part 113a that is the boundary between the vibrator connecting part 107 and the cable connecting part 108.
- the first bent portion 113 a is a portion where the strip 110 of the cable wiring portion 88 is bent along the lower surface of the backing material layer 102.
- the strip-shaped electrode part 111 has a second bent part 113b for being bent again at the boundary line between the backing material layer 102 and the staircase part 92 of the laminated body 86, and the second bent part 113b.
- at least one or more electrode pads 112 are linearly aligned in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped electrode portion 111. That is, the portion sandwiched between the first bent portion 113a and the second bent portion 113b is along the bottom surface of the backing material layer 102, and the portion below the second bent portion 113b is along each step of the staircase portion 92. Part.
- the strip-shaped electrode portion 111 of the cable connecting portion 108 has a longer length in the longitudinal direction and has many electrodes as it is disposed along the lower steps of the stepped portion 92. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 is disposed at the distal end portion 40 of the endoscope, the cable rose located on the proximal end side of the distal end portion 40 of the endoscope with respect to the stepped portion 92. Access to the electrode pads 112 of the plurality of strip-shaped electrode portions 111 disposed along the staircase portion 92 from the bracket portion 72 is facilitated.
- a plurality of strip-shaped electrode portions are used while effectively using the space in the endoscope distal end portion 40 so that the plurality of cables 70 do not contact each other.
- 111 and the cable 70 can be wired, and workability can also be improved in wiring work.
- the acoustic lens 94 of the laminated body 86 shown in FIG. 4 is for focusing ultrasonic waves, and further includes an acoustic matching layer 96, an ultrasonic transducer array 100, and a backing material layer 102 laminated thereunder.
- the acoustic matching layer 96, the ultrasonic transducer array 100, and the backing material layer 102 are in contact with the upper surfaces or side surfaces of the acoustic matching layer 96 and cover the middle of the side surface in the width direction of the backing material layer 102. It is arranged.
- the acoustic lens 94 focuses the ultrasonic wave oscillated from the ultrasonic transducer array 100 toward the observation target or focuses the ultrasonic wave reflected from the observation target toward the ultrasonic transducer array 100.
- the laminated body 86 has a convex shape that covers the top of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 in the width direction.
- the acoustic lens 94 is disposed at the above-described position after the wiring work of the electrode portion 104 and the upper electrode portion 106 of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 described later is completed.
- the acoustic lens 94 is made of, for example, a silicon-based resin such as millable silicon rubber or liquid silicon rubber, a butadiene-based resin, or a polyurethane-based resin. Furthermore, in order to increase the transmittance of the ultrasonic wave to the subject by matching the acoustic impedance between the subject to be observed in the ultrasonic observation and the ultrasonic transducer 98 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 100, The lens 94 is mixed with powders such as titanium oxide, alumina, or silica as necessary.
- the acoustic matching layer 96 of the laminated body 86 is made of epoxy resin or the like and matches the acoustic impedance between the ultrasonic transducer array 100 and the observation target, and the lower surface of the acoustic matching layer 96 is the ultrasonic transducer array 100. However, since it has a shorter width than the ultrasonic transducer array 100 in the width direction of the stacked body 86, both ends of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 in the width direction or any one of them are installed. The upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 is partially covered so as to remove one end.
- the ultrasonic waves that contribute to the observation of the target are only the ultrasonic waves that have passed through the acoustic matching layer 96, that is, in the width direction of the acoustic matching layer 96. Only the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer array 100 in the region inside the side surface are present.
- the ultrasonic transducer array 100 of the laminated body 86 a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98 having a rod-like shape are arranged in an arc shape with the longitudinal direction of the rod-like shape aligned.
- the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98 are, for example, 48 to 192 rod-shaped ultrasonic transducers 98 such as a rectangular parallelepiped, and therefore the ultrasonic transducer array 100 is an array of 48 to 192 channels. That is, the ultrasonic transducer array 100 is formed by arranging a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98 at a specified pitch in a one-dimensional array as an example shown in FIG.
- the ultrasonic transducers 98 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 100 are arranged at regular intervals in a convex curve along the axial direction of the endoscope distal end portion 40 (the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion 26). These are sequentially driven based on a drive signal input from the ultrasonic processor unit 14. Thereby, convex electronic scanning is performed with the range in which the ultrasonic transducers 98 shown in FIG. 2 are arranged as the scanning range.
- the ultrasonic transducer array 100 of the stacked body 86 transmits an ultrasonic signal to the observation target, receives the ultrasonic wave reflected from the observation target, and converts it into an electrical signal.
- the ultrasonic transducer array 100 is disposed so that the back surface, which is the arcuate center side, is in contact with the upper surface of the backing material layer 102. Further, the ultrasonic transducer array 100 is provided on at least one surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 100, and each of the ultrasonic transducers 98 and It has an electrode portion 104 made up of a plurality of transducer electrodes 103 that are conductive.
- the transducer electrodes 103 of the electrode unit 104 are electrically connected to the plurality of cable wiring units 88 in addition to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98 described above.
- a plurality of ultrasonic transducers constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 100 are formed on the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 and the surface not covered by the acoustic matching layer 96 but covered only by the acoustic lens 94.
- 98 and an upper electrode portion 106 electrically connected to a ground electrode (not shown) provided in the ultrasonic endoscope 12.
- each transducer electrode 103 of the electrode unit 104 of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 is disposed is such that the workability when wiring between the cable wiring unit 88 and the electrode unit 104 is not impaired. It is not necessary to be below the both side surfaces of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 that is strictly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98. Therefore, in the present invention, the term “perpendicular to the arrangement plane of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 100” refers to plus 5 degrees from the arrangement plane of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98. It means vertical (90 degrees) or substantially vertical with an accuracy of about 5 degrees.
- the transducer electrode 103 does not need to be disposed below both side surfaces of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 as shown in FIG.
- the ultrasonic transducers 98 may be provided on at least one end surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
- the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 100 are constituted by piezoelectric elements, and electrodes are provided on both sides of a piezoelectric thick film such as lead zirconate titanate or polyvinylidene fluoride. It has a formed configuration.
- the method of electrical connection between the electrode portion 104 and the cable wiring portion 88 of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 and the upper electrode portion 106 and the wiring is a method that does not impair the workability of the wiring work.
- Well-known methods such as wire bonding, soldering, heat welding, a method using an anisotropic conductive sheet and an anisotropic conductive paste can be used.
- each ultrasonic transducer 98 of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 of the laminate 86 described later is driven, and the electrode unit 104 and the upper electrode unit of the ultrasonic transducer 98 are driven.
- the piezoelectric body vibrates to sequentially generate ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic waves are irradiated toward the observation target portion of the subject.
- a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98 are sequentially driven using an electronic switch such as a multiplexer, and the scanning range along the curved surface on which the ultrasonic transducer array 100 is arranged, for example, about several tens mm from the curvature center of the curved surface. Ultrasound is scanned in the range of. In addition, when an echo signal (ultrasound echo) reflected from the observation target site is received, the piezoelectric body vibrates to generate a voltage, and an electrical signal (ultrasonic detection signal) corresponding to the received ultrasound echo. To the ultrasonic processor unit 14. The ultrasonic detection signal is displayed on the monitor 20 as an ultrasonic image after various kinds of signal processing are performed in the ultrasonic processor device 14.
- the backing material layer 102 of the laminated body 86 mechanically supports the ultrasonic transducer array 100, suppresses vibration of the ultrasonic transducer array 100, and further propagates ultrasonic waves propagated below the ultrasonic transducer array 100.
- the backing material layer 102 is disposed so that the upper surface of the backing material layer 102 is in contact with the lower surface of the ultrasonic transducer array 100, and has a longer width than the ultrasonic transducer array 100 in the width direction of the stacked body 86.
- Have The backing material layer 102 is made of a material having rigidity such as hard rubber, and an ultrasonic attenuation material such as ferrite or ceramic is added as necessary.
- the unit 104 is electrically connected to the plurality of transducer connection terminals 109 of the transducer connection unit 107 of the cable wiring unit 88.
- the electrode unit 104 transmits an ultrasonic drive signal from the ultrasonic processor device 14 of the ultrasonic inspection system 10 to the ultrasonic transducer array 100 via the cable 70 of the cable breaker unit 72, and the ultrasonic wave
- An ultrasonic processor device that analyzes the received ultrasonic signal and generates an ultrasonic image, via the cable 70, the piezoelectric signal that the transducer array 100 receives and outputs the reflected ultrasonic wave. 14 is used for transmission.
- the electrode part 104 is a structure arrange
- the method of electrical connection between the cable wiring portion 88 and the cable 70 is a method that does not impair the workability of wiring work, wire bonding, soldering, thermal welding, anisotropic conductive sheet, and anisotropic conductive
- a known method such as a method using a conductive paste can be used.
- the electrode portion 104 is arranged so that the cable wiring portion 88 is disposed along the side surface in the width direction of the backing material layer 102, that is, perpendicular to the arrangement surface of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98.
- the upper electrode unit 106 disposed on the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 shown in FIG. 4 that is not covered by the acoustic matching layer 96 and is covered only by the acoustic lens 94 is an ultrasonic wave. This is electrically connected to a ground electrode (not shown) provided in the ultrasonic endoscope 12, which is composed of one electrode connected to each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98 constituting the transducer array 100. Each of the ultrasonic transducers 98 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 100 is transmitted from the electrode portion 104 disposed on both sides of the ultrasonic transducer array 100 and transmitted from the ultrasonic processor unit 14.
- the driving signal for oscillating the transmitted ultrasonic wave is used for grounding through a ground electrode provided in the ultrasonic endoscope 12.
- the upper electrode portion 106 is disposed on the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer array 100, but is disposed in a region outside the side surface in the width direction of the acoustic matching layer 96 as described above. Therefore, the transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves performed by the ultrasonic transducer array 100 is not particularly affected.
- the upper electrode unit 106 only needs to be able to ground each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 98 constituting the ultrasonic transducer array 100, and if it does not hinder the work efficiency of the wiring work in the upper electrode unit 106, Of course, it is not always necessary to be composed of one electrode.
- the plurality of cables 70 of the cable separating portion 72 are connected to the plurality of strip-shaped electrode portions 111 of the cable connecting portion 108 disposed along the stepped portion 92 formed in a stepped shape. Therefore, the plurality of cables 70 and the plurality of strip-shaped electrode portions 111 are used so that the plurality of cables 70 are not in contact with each other and the space in the endoscope distal end portion 40 is efficiently used. And can be wired. For this reason, in the cable wiring portion 88, the workability in wiring between the plurality of cables 70 and the plurality of strip-shaped electrode portions 111 is improved by using an electrode arrangement with a simple configuration, and the ultrasonic transducer unit 68 is manufactured.
- the staircase portion 92 is provided on the center side in the width direction of the backing material layer 102, and the electrode pads 112 of the strip electrode portion 111 of the cable wiring portion 88 are stepped on both sides of the staircase portion 92 in the width direction.
- the present invention is not limited to this, and the stepped portion 92 is formed on the center side in the width direction of the backing material layer 102, and the electrode pad 112 of the strip electrode portion 111 of the cable wiring portion 88 is stepped. May be arranged.
- the staircase portion 92 is not particularly limited as long as it can support the plurality of strip-shaped electrode portions 111 of the cable wiring portion 88 in a staircase shape, and even if it is not an integral member, a plurality of strip-shaped support members having different thicknesses. It may be constituted by.
Abstract
Description
特許文献3は、超音波探触子において、凸曲面上に配置された超音波振動子アレイの両側から交互に接続した信号線を、両面に導電路が形成された、単一のフレキシブルプリント配線基板により、一側面側から電極を導出することを開示している。
特許文献5は、超音波振動子アレイの幅方向の中央部付近において、超音波振動子アレイの電極と電気的に接続され、それぞれ超音波振動子アレイの電極の半分と電気的に接続される第1及び第2の信号パターン群を有するプリント基板を備える超音波探触子を開示している。第1及び第2の信号パターン群は、それぞれ異なる方向において同軸ケーブルと配線される。
作業性の向上、及び患者負担の改善のために、超音波観察部の小型化が求められているにも関わらず、上述のように、超音波観察部の製造安定性及びその製造コストの観点から、超音波観察部の小型化は、非常に難しいという問題があった。
フレキシブルプリント配線基板の複数の帯状片は、バッキング材層の下側の面に沿って折り曲げられ、かつ階段部の各段に至って再び折り曲げられ、階段部の各段に沿って配設され、ケーブル接続部の複数の短冊状電極部は、階段部の各段に沿って配置された各帯状片に配設されることが好ましい。
図1は、本発明の超音波振動子ユニットが適用される超音波内視鏡を用いる超音波検査システムの構成の一例を示す概略構成図を示す。
図1に示す超音波検査システムは、患者などの被検体の体表からの超音波検査では困難な胆嚢又は脾臓の観察を被検体の体腔である食道、胃、十二指腸、小腸及び大腸などの消化管を経由して可能にし、本発明の超音波振動子ユニットを備え、超音波断層画像(以下、超音波画像という)を取得する超音波観察部と、内視鏡光学画像(以下、内視鏡画像という)を取得する内視鏡観察部とを有する超音波内視鏡を被検体の体腔内に挿入して、被検体の内視鏡画像を観察しながら被検体の観察対象部位の超音波画像を取得するものである。
更に、超音波検査システム10は、光源装置18に格納されている、超音波内視鏡12に水を供給する送水ポンプ(図示せず)と、送水ポンプを用いて超音波内視鏡12に供給される水を貯留する送水タンク22と、光源装置18に格納されている、超音波内視鏡12に空気を供給するための送気ポンプ(図示せず)と、後述する超音波内視鏡12の内視鏡先端部40から観察対象を吸引するための吸引ポンプ24と、を有する。
超音波用プロセッサ装置14、内視鏡用プロセッサ装置16、光源装置18、送水タンク22、吸引ポンプ24、送水ポンプ及び送気ポンプは、超音波内視鏡12の後述するユニバーサルコード30を用いて、超音波内視鏡12と接続される。
なお、これらのプロセッサ装置14、及び16は、PC(Personal computer:パーソナルコンピュータ)等のプロセッサによって構成されるものであっても良い。
更に、超音波内視鏡12の操作部28は、送気送水ボタン32及び吸引ボタン34を挟むように、操作部28の両側面に1つずつ配設される一対のノブであって、それぞれのノブを回動させることによって後述の湾曲部42を上下左右に自在に湾曲させるアングルノブ36と、送気送水ボタン32と挿入部26との間に配設される、内視鏡先端部40から導出する鉗子、穿刺針及び高周波メスなどの処置具を挿入する処置具挿入口(鉗子口)38とを有する。
なお、図2に示す例では、処置具導出口60は、内視鏡観察部56と超音波観察部58との間に設けられているが、本発明は特に図示例に限定されず、内視鏡観察部56内に設けられていても良いし、内視鏡観察部56よりも基端側(湾曲部42側)に設けられていても良い。また、図3には、後述するケーブル配線部88のケーブル接続部108が示されているが、上述したように、図3は、本発明の説明のために示した模式図であって、バッキング材層102の幅方向の両側面側に配設されるケーブル接続部108の有する電極パッド112の数の総和は、超音波振動子アレイ100を構成する超音波振動子98の総数と同一であることが好ましい。
また、処置具導出口60の内部には、図示しないが、処置具導出口60から体腔内に導入される処置具の導出方向を可変する起立台が設けられていても良い。起立台にはワイヤ(図示せず)が取り付けられており、例えば、操作部28に設けた起立レバー(図示せず)の操作による押し引き操作によって起立台の起立角度が変化し、これによって処置具が所望の方向に導出されるようになる。
また、図3に示す内視鏡先端部40のケーブルばらけ部72は、超音波振動子ユニット68に電気的に接続する複数のケーブル70からなるものであり、ケーブル被覆部74において複数のケーブル70が纏められていない部分である。ケーブルばらけ部72は、超音波振動子ユニット68とケーブルばらけ部72を構成するケーブル70との配線部分において、半田付け又は導電性ペーストなどの電気的な接続手段を用いて固定される。
撮像素子80は、観察窓76及び対物レンズ78を透過して撮像素子80の撮像面に結像された観察対象の像光を光電変換して、内視鏡用プロセッサ装置16に撮像信号を出力する。撮像素子80から出力された撮像信号は、信号ケーブル82とユニバーサルコード30とを経由して内視鏡用プロセッサ装置16に伝送される。このように伝送された撮像信号に対して、内視鏡用プロセッサ装置16は、信号処理及び画像処理を施して内視鏡光学画像を生成し、その内視鏡画像をモニタ20に表示する。
図3及び図4に示す超音波観察部58の超音波振動子ユニット68は、超音波観察部58の先端部分に配設され、超音波を送受信するものであって、
積層構造を有する積層体86と、
積層体86と複数のケーブル70からなるケーブルばらけ部72とに電気的に接続するケーブル配線部88と、
積層体86と複数のケーブル70との配線部分を超音波観察部58の外部から保護するために設けられ、積層体86の超音波を送受信する面を上面としたときに、積層体86の上面を除いた側面及び下側面とケーブル配線部88とを囲うハウジング90と、
積層体86のハウジング90側の底面に当接して配設され、ケーブル配線部88の下端側が沿うための階段形状を有する階段部92と、
ケーブル配線部88の配線部分を固定するために積層体86とハウジング90と階段部92との隙間を埋めるための充填剤層93と、を有する。
なお、図4は、図3と同様に、本発明の説明のために示した模式図であって、細部を詳細に記載するものではないため、図4中に示された各々の部材の配置場所、大きさ及び形状は、本発明の主旨を逸脱しない程度に適宜変更してもよいのはもちろんである。
超音波を送受信する面を上面としたときに、最も上部に位置して、後述する超音波振動子アレイ100から出力された超音波又は観察対象から反射した超音波を集束するための音響レンズ94と、
音響レンズ94の下に位置して超音波振動子アレイ100を構成する超音波振動子98と観察対象との音響インピーダンスを整合するための音響整合層96と、
音響整合層96の下に位置して、超音波の送受信をする棒状体の超音波振動子98が、その棒状体の形状の長手方向を揃えて円弧状のアレイとなるように複数整列した超音波振動子アレイ100と、
超音波振動子アレイ100の円弧状の中心側となる背面に配設されて、超音波振動子アレイ100を機械的に支えるとともに、超音波振動子アレイ100の下側に伝播した超音波を減衰させるバッキング材層102と、を有する。
図3及び図4に示すように、音響整合層96及び超音波振動子アレイ100は、半円筒状に配設され、音響レンズ94は、半円筒状に配設された音響整合層96に沿って配設される。また、図3に示される断面図において、バッキング材層102は半円柱形状をなすが、バッキング材層102が超音波振動子アレイ100の下側面の全面に当接するように配設されていればよく、バッキング材層102の下側面の形状は、特に限定されるものではない。
なお、図5及び図6は、本発明の説明のために示した模式図であって、バッキング材層102の幅方向の両側面側に配設されるケーブル接続部108の有する電極パッド112の数の総和は、超音波振動子アレイ100を構成する超音波振動子98の総数と同一であることが好ましい。また、図6は、本発明の説明のために、積層体86において、音響レンズ94、音響整合層96及び超音波振動子アレイ100を除いて、バッキング材層102、ケーブル配線部88及び階段部92のみを示した図である。そのため、本発明の超音波振動子ユニット68が超音波観察部58に配設される場合には、積層体86にケーブル配線部88及び階段部92が、それぞれ配設されていることが好ましい。
Q=100×|Zp-Zb|/(Zp+Zb) …(1)
ただし、音響インピーダンスZp及びZbの単位は、kg/m2sである。なお、kgはキログラムを表し、mはメートルを表し、sは秒を表す。
また、充填剤層93とバッキング材層102との音響インピーダンス反射率Qが50%以下であるようにするために、例えば、充填剤層93の材料に、バッキング材層102と同じ材料の充填剤を用いても良いし、バッキング材層102の材料としてフェライト又はセラミックスなどの超音波減衰材が添加された硬質ゴムなどが用いられる場合には、充填剤層93として、セラミックスなどの熱伝導部材が添加されたエポキシ樹脂などを用いて良い。
上記の音響インピーダンス反射率は、充填剤層93とバッキング材層102との境界面における超音波(音響ビーム)の反射のし易さを表す指標であり、すなわち、値が0に近いほど、充填剤層93の音響インピーダンスとバッキング材層102の音響インピーダンスとが整合していることを示す。上記の音響インピーダンス反射率が50%以下程度であれば、超音波振動子アレイ100の下側に伝播した超音波が原因となる雑音は、超音波振動子アレイ100において受信される超音波信号を用いた、超音波用プロセッサ装置14における超音波画像の生成において、支障が出ない程度に処理をすることができる。
なお、階段部92に用いられる材質は、階段形状を保ち、超音波観察に用いる信号に支障が生じないものであれば特に制限されない。そのため、階段部92として、周知の基台を加工したものなどを用いることができるが、積層体86のバッキング材層102との音響インピーダンス差が生じないように、バッキング材層102と同一の材質を用いることもできる。
更に、短冊状電極部111は、その途中において、積層体86のバッキング材層102と階段部92との境界線において再び折り曲げられるための第2折り曲げ部113bを有し、第2折り曲げ部113bよりも下側において、短冊状電極部111の長手方向に直線状に整列した、少なくとも1以上の電極パッド112を有する。すなわち、第1折り曲げ部113aと第2折り曲げ部113bとで挟まれる部分は、バッキング材層102の底面に沿い、第2折り曲げ部113bよりも下側の部分は、階段部92の各段に沿う部分である。
すなわち、超音波振動子アレイ100は、複数の超音波振動子98が、一例として、図3に示す例のように一次元アレイ状に指定のピッチで配列されてなるものである。このように、超音波振動子アレイ100を構成する超音波振動子98は、内視鏡先端部40の軸線方向(挿入部26の長手軸方向)に沿って凸湾曲状に等間隔で配列されており、超音波用プロセッサ装置14から入力される駆動信号に基づいて順次駆動されるようになっている。これによって、図2に示す超音波振動子98が配列された範囲を走査範囲としてコンベックス電子走査が行われる。
また、超音波振動子アレイ100は、超音波振動子アレイ100を構成する複数の超音波振動子98の長手方向に垂直となる少なくとも一方の面に設けられ、複数の超音波振動子98とそれぞれ導通する複数の振動子電極103からなる電極部104を有する。電極部104の振動子電極103はそれぞれ、上述した複数の各超音波振動子98に加えて、複数の各ケーブル配線部88と電気的に接続される。また、超音波振動子アレイ100の上面、かつ音響整合層96に覆われておらず、音響レンズ94のみに覆われている面において、超音波振動子アレイ100を構成する複数の超音波振動子98と超音波内視鏡12内に設けられる接地電極(図示せず)とに、電気的に接続する上部電極部106と、を有する。
また、超音波振動子アレイ100を構成する複数の超音波振動子98は、圧電素子により構成されるものであり、チタン酸ジルコン酸鉛又はポリフッ化ビニリデンなどの圧電体厚膜の両面に電極を形成した構成を有する。また、超音波振動子アレイ100の電極部104とケーブル配線部88との、及び上部電極部106と配線との電気的な接続の方法は、配線作業の作業性を損なわない方法であれば、ワイヤーボンディング、半田付け、熱溶着、異方導電性シート及び異方導電性ペーストを用いた方法などの周知の方法を用いることができる。
また、観察対象部位から反射されたエコー信号(超音波エコー)を受信すると、圧電体が振動して電圧を発生し、この電圧を受信した超音波エコーに応じた電気信号(超音波検出信号)として超音波用プロセッサ装置14に出力する。そして、超音波検出信号は、超音波用プロセッサ装置14において各種の信号処理が施されてから、超音波画像としてモニタ20に表示される。
なお、上述した例では、階段部92をバッキング材層102の幅方向の中心側に設け、階段部92の幅方向両側にケーブル配線部88の短冊状電極部111の電極パッド112を階段状に配置するようにしているが、本発明はこれに限定されず、階段部92をバッキング材層102の幅方向の中心側に、階段状にケーブル配線部88の短冊状電極部111の電極パッド112を配置するようにしても良い。
また、階段部92は、ケーブル配線部88の複数の短冊状電極部111を階段状に支持できれば、特に制限的ではなく、一体的な部材でなくとも、厚みの異なる複数の短冊状の支持部材から構成されるものであっても良い。
12 超音波内視鏡
14 超音波用プロセッサ装置
16 内視鏡用プロセッサ装置
18 光源装置
20 モニタ
22 送水タンク
24 吸引ポンプ
26 挿入部
28 操作部
30 ユニバーサルコード
32 送気送水ボタン
34 吸引ボタン
36 アングルノブ
38 処置具挿入口
40 内視鏡先端部
42 湾曲部
44 軟性部
46 超音波用コネクタ
48 内視鏡用コネクタ
50 光源用コネクタ
52a、52b チューブ
54 斜面部
56 内視鏡観察部
58 超音波観察部
60 処置具導出口
61 処置具挿通チャンネル
62 送気送水ノズル
64 撮像部
66 照明部
68 超音波振動子ユニット
70 ケーブル
72 ケーブルばらけ部
74 ケーブル被覆部
76 観察窓
78 対物レンズ
80 撮像素子
82 信号ケーブル
84 照明窓
86 積層体
88 ケーブル配線部
90 ハウジング
92 階段部
93 充填剤層
94 音響レンズ
96 音響整合層
98 超音波振動子
100 超音波振動子アレイ
102 バッキング材層
103 振動子電極
104 電極部
106 上部電極部
107 振動子接続部
108 ケーブル接続部
109 振動子接続端子
110 帯状片
111 短冊状電極部
112 電極パッド
113a 第1折り曲げ部
113b 第2折り曲げ部
Claims (8)
- それぞれ棒状体の形状を有する複数の超音波振動子が、前記棒状体の形状の長手方向を揃えて円弧状に配列された超音波振動子アレイと、
前記複数の超音波振動子の、前記長手方向に垂直となる少なくとも一方の端面に設けられ、前記複数の超音波振動子とそれぞれ導通する複数の電極を持つ電極部と、
前記超音波振動子アレイの、前記円弧状の中心側となる背面に配設された円弧状のバッキング材層と、
前記電極部の複数の電極と電気的に接続される複数の配線にそれぞれ複数のケーブルが配設される、フレキシブルプリント配線基板からなるケーブル配線部と、を有し、
前記フレキシブルプリント配線基板は、前記超音波振動子アレイとは逆側となる前記バッキング材層の下側まで延長されて、複数の帯状片に櫛状に分離されており、
前記ケーブル配線部は、前記複数の帯状片にそれぞれ設けられた複数の短冊状電極部を櫛状に備えたケーブル接続部を有し、
各短冊状電極部は、各帯状片に、各帯状片の長手方向に少なくとも1つの電極パッドが直線状に配置されたものであることを特徴とする超音波振動子ユニット。 - 前記バッキング材層の下側の面に当接して配設され、前記棒状体の形状の長手方向に沿った前記バッキング材層の幅方向に直交し、かつ前記バッキング材層の下側の面に対して前記超音波振動子アレイの一方の端部の超音波振動子の側から他方の端部の超音波振動子の側に向かって、前記バッキング材層の幅方向に階段状となる階段部を有し、
前記ケーブル配線部の前記ケーブル接続部より上側の部分は、前記バッキング材層に沿って配設され、
前記フレキシブルプリント配線基板の前記複数の帯状片は、前記バッキング材層の下側の面に沿って折り曲げられ、かつ前記階段部の各段に至って再び折り曲げられ、前記階段部の各段に沿って配置され、
前記ケーブル接続部の複数の前記短冊状電極部は、前記階段部の各段に沿って配置された各帯状片に配設される請求項1に記載の超音波振動子ユニット。 - 前記ケーブル接続部は、前記階段部の段数と同数の前記短冊状電極部を有する請求項2に記載の超音波振動子ユニット。
- 複数の前記短冊状電極部の幅は、各前記短冊状電極部が沿って配設される前記階段部の各段の段差方向の幅より狭い請求項2~3のいずれか一項に記載の超音波振動子ユニット。
- 各前記短冊状電極部の長手方向の長さは、前記階段部の低い段に沿って配設されるものほど長く、かつ、各前記短冊状電極部の有する前記電極パッドの数は、前記階段部の低い段に沿って配設されるものほど多い請求項2~4のいずれか一項に記載の超音波振動子ユニット。
- 前記ケーブル接続部は、前記短冊状電極部のそれぞれの前記電極パッドを一端として、前記階段部の高い段から低い段へ向かうように前記複数のケーブルが配線される請求項2~5のいずれか一項に記載の超音波振動子ユニット。
- 前記階段部の各段は、その段に沿って配設される前記短冊状電極部の長手方向において前記短冊状電極部よりも広い幅を有し、かつ低い段ほど広い幅を有する請求項2~6のいずれか一項に記載の超音波振動子ユニット。
- 前記階段部は、前記バッキング材層と同一の材質からなる請求項2~7のいずれか一項に記載の超音波振動子ユニット。
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JP2022044908A (ja) * | 2020-09-08 | 2022-03-18 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | 超音波内視鏡 |
JP2022044907A (ja) * | 2020-09-08 | 2022-03-18 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | 超音波内視鏡 |
JP7324180B2 (ja) | 2020-09-08 | 2023-08-09 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | 超音波内視鏡 |
JP7324181B2 (ja) | 2020-09-08 | 2023-08-09 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | 超音波内視鏡 |
US11793495B2 (en) | 2020-09-08 | 2023-10-24 | Fujifilm Corporation | Ultrasound endoscope for suppressing image quality deterioration by dividing ultrasound transducers into drive units |
Also Published As
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EP3449840A1 (en) | 2019-03-06 |
JP6633189B2 (ja) | 2020-01-22 |
EP3449840A4 (en) | 2019-03-20 |
EP3449840B1 (en) | 2020-07-01 |
US20190047021A1 (en) | 2019-02-14 |
CN109069127B (zh) | 2021-04-16 |
CN109069127A (zh) | 2018-12-21 |
JPWO2017187755A1 (ja) | 2019-02-21 |
US10661310B2 (en) | 2020-05-26 |
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