Patent Publication Number: US-2018042463-A1

Title: Endoscope connector

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of PCT international application Ser. No. PCT/JP2016/061806 filed on Apr. 12, 2016 which designates the United States, incorporated herein by reference, and which claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Applications No. 2015-170676, filed on Aug. 31, 2015, incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to an endoscope connector. 
     In the related art, there has been known an endoscope system in which an ultrasound endoscope including an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject, an ultrasound observation apparatus that processes a signal from an ultrasound transducer provided at a distal end of the insertion portion, and an endoscope observation apparatus that processes a signal from an image sensor provided at the distal end of the insertion portion are connected via an endoscope connector (for example, refer to JP 2007-185392 A). 
     The endoscope connector (connector portion) described in JP 2007-185392 A includes an outer casing having an attachment hole, and an ultrasound connector attached to the attachment hole. In addition, a first metal member (connector portion main body) being a metal connected to a patient GND on the endoscope observation apparatus side, and a second metal member (metal member) being a grounding GND metal on the ultrasound observation apparatus side that is attached to the ultrasound connector are provided in the outer casing. In addition, the first and second metal members are electrically-isolated from each other, and electrically connected via a capacitor in a high-frequency manner, for causing an ultrasound image generated by the ultrasound observation apparatus, to be a good image with reduced noise, and assuring electrical safety. 
     SUMMARY 
     An endoscope connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an outer casing including an attachment hole configured to communicate between an inside and an outside of the outer casing; an electrical connector attached to the attachment hole; a first metal member disposed in the outer casing; a second metal member attached to the electrical connector; an insulating member placed between the first metal member and the second metal member in a state in which the electrical connector is attached to the attachment hole, the insulating member electrically insulating the first metal member and the second metal member from each other; a capacitor fixed to the insulating member; a first conduction member fixed to the insulating member and electrically connected to one leg of the capacitor, the first conduction member contacting the first metal member to be electrically connected to the first metal member in the state in which the electrical connector is attached to the attachment hole; and a second conduction member fixed to the insulating member and electrically connected to another leg of the capacitor, the second conduction member contacting the second metal member to be electrically connected to the second metal member in the state in which the electrical connector is attached to the attachment hole. 
     The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram schematically illustrating an endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a wiring state of an imaging cable in an operating unit illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is perspective view of an endoscope connector illustrated in  FIG. 1 , viewed from a front side and an upper left side; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an ultrasound connector is removed from the endoscope connector illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a wiring state of a US cable in an outer casing illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a wiring state of a US cable in the outer casing illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the ultrasound connector removed from the endoscope connector illustrated in  FIG. 3 , viewed from an outer casing inner side; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a second metal member is attached to the ultrasound connector illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an insulating member is attached to the ultrasound connector illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an insulating member main body illustrated in  FIG. 9 , viewed from an outer casing inner side; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the insulating member main body illustrated in  FIG. 9 , viewed from an ultrasound connector side. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A mode for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as an embodiment) will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiment to be described below. Furthermore, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are assigned the same signs. 
     Schematic Configuration of Endoscope System 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram schematically illustrating an endoscope system  1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     The endoscope system  1  is a system for performing ultrasound diagnosis of the inside of a subject such as a human, using an ultrasound endoscope. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the endoscope system  1  includes an endoscope  2 , an ultrasound observation apparatus  3 , an endoscope observation apparatus  4 , and a display device  5 . 
     Part of the endoscope  2  may be inserted into a subject, and the endoscope  2  is an ultrasound endoscope having a function of transmitting an ultrasound pulse toward a body wall on the inside of the subject, receiving an ultrasound echo reflected by the subject, and outputting an echo signal, and a function of imaging the inside of the subject to output an image signal. 
     In addition, a detailed configuration of the endoscope  2  will be described later. 
     The ultrasound observation apparatus  3  electrically-connects to the endoscope  2  via an ultrasound cable  31  ( FIG. 1 ), outputs a pulse signal to the endoscope  2  via the ultrasound cable  31 , and inputs an echo signal from the endoscope  2 . Then, the ultrasound observation apparatus  3  performs predetermined processing on the echo signal to generate an ultrasound image. 
     An endoscope connector  6  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) of the endoscope  2  that is to be described later is detachably connected to the endoscope observation apparatus  4 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the endoscope observation apparatus  4  includes a video processor  41  and a light source device  42 . 
     The video processor  41  outputs a control signal to the endoscope  2  via the endoscope connector  6 , and inputs an image signal from the endoscope  2  via the endoscope connector  6 . Then, the video processor  41  performs predetermined processing on the image signal to generate an endoscope image. 
     The light source device  42  supplies, via the endoscope connector  6 , the endoscope  2  with illumination light for illuminating the inside of the subject. 
     The display device  5  is formed by using a liquid crystal or an organic electro luminescence (EL), and displays the ultrasound image generated in the ultrasound observation apparatus  3 , the endoscope image generated in the endoscope observation apparatus  4 , and the like. 
     Configuration of Endoscope 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the endoscope  2  includes an insertion portion  21 , an operating unit  22 , a universal cable  23 , and the endoscope connector  6 . 
     Here, a light guide for transmitting illumination light supplied from the light source device  42 , a US cable for ultrasound observation (for the transmission of a pulse signal and an echo signal), an imaging cable C 1  (refer to  FIG. 2 ) for endoscope observation (for the transmission of a control signal, an image signal, and the like), and the like are laid in the endoscope  2  (in the insertion portion  21 , the operating unit  22 , the universal cable  23 , and the endoscope connector  6 ), though these are not specifically illustrated in the drawing. 
     The insertion portion  21  is a portion to be inserted into the subject. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the insertion portion  21  includes an ultrasound probe  211  provided at a distal end, a rigid member  212  connected to a proximal end side (the operating unit  22  side) of the ultrasound probe  211 , a curve portion  213  capable of curving that is connected to a proximal end side of the rigid member  212 , and a flexible tube portion  214  having flexibility that is connected to a proximal end side of the curve portion  213 . 
     Here, in addition to the aforementioned light guide, the US cable, and the imaging cable C 1  (refer to  FIG. 2 ), processing tool tubes into which various processing tools (e.g., puncture needle, etc.) are inserted, and the like are laid in the insertion portion  21  (the rigid member  212 , the curve portion  213 , and the flexible tube portion  214 ), though these are not specifically illustrated in the drawing. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the ultrasound probe  211  is a convex-shaped ultrasound probe, and has a configuration in which a plurality of ultrasound transducers (not illustrated) are regularly-arrayed in such a manner as to form a convex-shaped arc. 
     Here, the ultrasound transducer includes an acoustic lens, a piezoelectric element, and a matching layer, and acquires an ultrasound echo contributing to an ultrasound tomographic image of the inside of the body wall on the inside of the subject. 
     Then, the ultrasound probe  211  converts a pulse signal input from the ultrasound observation apparatus  3  via the aforementioned US cable and the ultrasound cable  31 , into an ultrasound pulse, and transmits the ultrasound pulse into the subject. In addition, the ultrasound probe  211  converts an ultrasound echo reflected inside the subject, into an electrical echo signal, and outputs the electrical echo signal to the ultrasound observation apparatus  3  via the above-described US cable and the ultrasound cable  31 . 
     The rigid member  212  is a hard member formed of resin material, and has a substantially-circular cylindrical shape. 
     Here, an observation window, an illumination window, a processing tool passage, and the like are formed in the rigid member  212 , though these are not specifically illustrated in the drawing. 
     The observation window, the illumination window, and the processing tool passage are holes penetrating through from the proximal end (end portion on the operating unit  22  side) of the rigid member  212  toward a distal end, and more specifically, have the following functions. 
     The observation window is a hole for acquiring an optical image of the inside of the subject. In addition, an image sensor (not illustrated) that is connected to the aforementioned imaging cable C 1  (refer to  FIG. 2 ), and outputs an image signal according to the optical image of the inside of the subject, and an objective lens (not illustrated) are inserted into the observation window in a combined state. The image signal output from the image sensor is transmitted to the endoscope observation apparatus  4  (the video processor  41 ) via the aforementioned imaging cable C 1  (refer to  FIG. 2 ). 
     The illumination window is a hole for emitting illumination light into the subject. In addition, an emission end side of the aforementioned light guide is inserted into the illumination window. 
     The processing tool passage is a hole for causing the various processing tools to protrude outward. In addition, the aforementioned processing tool tube is connected to the processing tool passage. 
     The operating unit  22  is a portion that is connected to a proximal end side of the insertion portion  21 , and receives various operations from a doctor or the like. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the operating unit  22  includes a curve knob  221  for performing a curving operation of the curve portion  213 , and a plurality of operating members  222  for performing various operations. 
     In addition, a processing tool insertion port  223  that is communicated with the aforementioned processing tool tube, and is provided for inserting the various processing tools into the processing tool tube is formed in the operating unit  22 . 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a wiring state of the imaging cable C 1  in the operating unit  22 . 
     Here, in the operating unit  22 , the imaging cable C 1  ( FIG. 2 ) is wired in the following manner. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the imaging cable C 1  includes a first imaging cable C 11  and a second imaging cable C 12 . 
     One end of the first imaging cable C 11  is electrically connected to the aforementioned image sensor, and the other end thereof is electrically connected to a relay board Rb provided in the operating unit  22  while repeating meandering a plurality of times. In addition, the first imaging cable C 11  performs transmission of an image signal and a control signal between the aforementioned image sensor and the relay board Rb. In addition, the relay board Rb is illustrated using a dashed-dotted line in  FIG. 2 , and the relay board Rb has a box shape, and is provided in a shield member Sh 1  connected to the same electric potential as a patient GND on the endoscope observation apparatus  4  side. 
     One end of the second imaging cable C 12  is electrically connected to the relay board Rb, and the other end thereof is electrically connected to a first circuit board Cb 1  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) to be described later that is provided in the endoscope connector  6 . In addition, the second imaging cable C 12  performs transmission of an image signal and a control signal between the relay board Rb and the first circuit board Cb 1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , respective one ends of jumper lines J 1  and J 2  are electrically connected to respective shields (e.g., braided shield, etc.) of the aforementioned first and second imaging cables C 11  and C 12 . Then, the respective other ends of the jumper lines J 1  and J 2  are fastened together by a screw Sc onto the shield member Sh 1  via lug terminals R 1  and R 2 . 
     In other words, the respective shields of the first and second imaging cables C 11  and C 12  are ensured at the same electric potential, and connected to the same electric potential as the patient GND. 
     The universal cable  23  is a cable having one end connected to the operating unit  22 , and is a cable in which a remote switch cable for transmitting an operation signal according to various operations performed on the operating unit  22  (e.g., operations for instructing freeze, release, and edge enhancement of an endoscope image, an operation for instructing light adjustment of the light source device  42 , etc.) is laid in addition to the aforementioned light guide, the US cable, and the imaging cable (the second imaging cable C 12 ). 
     The endoscope connector  6  is provided at the other end of the universal cable  23 , and is a connector for connecting to the ultrasound cable  31  connected to the ultrasound observation apparatus  3 , and the endoscope observation apparatus  4  (the video processor  41  and the light source device  42 ). 
     Configuration of Endoscope Connector 
     Next, a configuration of the endoscope connector  6  will be described. 
     In the following description, based on a posture of when the endoscope connector  6  is connected to the endoscope observation apparatus  4 , an upper side in the posture is regarded as “up”, a downside in the posture is regarded as “down”, a side approaching the endoscope observation apparatus  4  is regarded as “front”, a side separated from the endoscope observation apparatus  4  is regarded as “rear”, a left side viewed from a front side in the posture is regarded as “left”, and a right side viewed from the front side in the posture is regarded as “right”. 
       FIG. 3  is perspective view of the endoscope connector  6  viewed from the front side and an upper left side.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an ultrasound connector  63  is removed from the endoscope connector  6  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     In addition, in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , for identifying the aforementioned “up and down”, “front and rear”, and “left and right” of the endoscope connector  6 , an XYZ orthogonal coordinate is illustrated. Here, a +Z-axis direction is the “upper direction” of the endoscope connector  6 . A +X-axis direction is the “left direction” of the endoscope connector  6 . A +Y-axis direction is the “front direction” of the endoscope connector  6 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 4 , the endoscope connector  6  includes an outer casing  61 , a plug portion  62 , the ultrasound connector  63  ( FIG. 3 ), a first metal member  64  ( FIG. 4 ), a second metal member  65  (refer to  FIG. 8 ), and an insulating member  66  (refer to  FIGS. 9 to 11 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 4 , the outer casing  61  has a substantially-cylindrical shape extending in the front and rear direction (Y-axis direction). In addition, via an aperture portion on the rear side, the universal cable  23  (the aforementioned light guide, the US cable, the imaging cable (the second imaging cable C 12 ), the remote switch cable, etc.) is inserted into the outer casing  61 . In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 4 , a bend protection member  611  is provided on the rear side of the outer casing  61 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 4 , a protruding portion  612  protruding in the X-axis direction is formed on the side surface of the above-described outer casing  61 . 
     The protruding portion  612  is communicated with the inside of the outer casing  61 , and has a hollow shape. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 4 , an attachment hole  612 A having an aperture surface positioned on a YZ plane, and communicating the inside and the outside of the outer casing  61  is formed in the protruding portion  612 . The attachment hole  612 A is a hole to which the ultrasound connector  63  is attached. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  are diagrams illustrating a wiring state of a US cable C 2  in the outer casing  61 . More specifically,  FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating the wiring state viewed from the right side illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 4 .  FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating the wiring state viewed from the upper side illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 4 . 
     Here, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 or 6 , the first circuit board Cb 1  ( FIG. 5 ), a second circuit board Cb 2  ( FIG. 5 ), a shield casing Sh 2  ( FIG. 5 ), and the like are provided in the outer casing  61 . 
     The first and second circuit boards Cb 1  and Cb 2  are supported by the first metal member  64  in the outer casing  61 , in a posture substantially-parallel to an XY plane, and in a posture in which they face each other in the Z-axis direction. In addition, in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , for the convenience of explanation, only part of the first metal member  64  is illustrated, and the other parts are not illustrated in the drawings. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the first circuit board Cb 1  is electrically connected to first and second electrical contact points  621 A and  622 A of the plug portion  62  via a signal cable C 3 , and the other end of the second imaging cable C 12  is connected thereto. In addition, the first circuit board Cb 1  is illustrated using a dashed-dotted line in  FIG. 5 , and the first circuit board Cb 1  has a box shape, and is provided in a shield member Sh 3  connected to the same electric potential as the patient GND on the endoscope observation apparatus  4  side. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the second circuit board Cb 2  is provided in the outer casing  61  in a posture parallel to the first circuit board Cb 1 . In addition, the second circuit board Cb 2  is electrically connected to the first circuit board Cb 1  so that signal transmission may be performed with the first circuit board Cb 1  via a signal cable, and the aforementioned remote switch cable laid from the operating unit  22  to the inside of the outer casing  61  via the universal cable  23  is connected to the second circuit board Cb 2 , though these are not specifically illustrated in the drawing. More specifically, the remote switch cable is connected to a flexible board Fp ( FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6 ). In addition, the flexible board Fp is connected to a flexible printed circuits (FPC) connector (not illustrated) mounted on the second circuit board Cb 2 , from the rear side of the second circuit board Cb 2 . In addition, the second circuit board Cb 2  is illustrated using a dashed-dotted line in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , and the second circuit board Cb 2  has a box shape, and is provided in a shield member Sh 4  connected to the same electric potential as the patient GND on the endoscope observation apparatus  4  side. 
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 or 6 , the US cable C 2  is provided in the outer casing  61  at a position distant from the first circuit board Cb 1 , that is, provided on a top surface of the second circuit board Cb 2 , and is laid toward the ultrasound connector  63  side while repeating meandering a plurality of times. 
     In other words, the US cable C 2  is laid at a position separated from a location where noise is easily generated from the first circuit board Cb 1  electrically connected at a position closest to the endoscope observation apparatus  4  when the first and second circuit boards Cb 1  and Cb 2  are compared, that is, at a position separated from the first circuit board Cb 1 . Thus, the influence of noise exerted on the US cable C 2  may be suppressed, and an ultrasound image may be a good image with a reduced noise. 
     In the US cable C 2 , the aforementioned meandering portion, that is, a portion bent at an angle equal to or smaller than at least 90° is coated with a heat shrinkable tube in a not-shrunk state, for preventing damages to the portion. In addition, in the US cable C 2 , if there is a portion bent at an angle equal to or smaller than at least 90°, such as, for example, a portion laid from the inside of the operating unit  22  to the inside of the universal cable  23 , aside from the inside of the outer casing  61 , the portion may be similarly coated with a heat shrinkable tube in a not-shrunk state. 
     Here, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 or 6 , in the first metal member  64 , a fixing pin Pi is attached in a portion positioned on the rear side of the second circuit board Cb 2 . In addition, the fixing pin Pi is positioned between the flexible board Fp and the US cable C 2 . 
     In other words, the fixing pin Pi may prevent mechanical interference between the flexible board Fp and the US cable C 2 , and prevent the flexible board Fp from being removed from the FPC connector mounted on the second circuit board Cb 2 . 
     The shield casing Sh 2  is a shield member having a substantially-cylindrical shape following the inner surface of the outer casing  61 . In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the shield casing Sh 2  is electrically connected to the shield member Sh 3  via a finger Fg. 
     In other words, the shield casing Sh 2  is connected to the same electric potential as the patient GND on the endoscope observation apparatus  4  side, and reduces radiation noise generated from the first and second circuit boards Cb 1  and Cb 2 . 
     The plug portion  62  is a portion to be inserted into the endoscope observation apparatus  4 , and connected to the video processor  41  and the light source device  42 , and is attached to an aperture portion on the front side of the outer casing  61  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 4 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 4 , the plug portion  62  includes first and second electrical connector portions  621  and  622 , and a light guide cap  623 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 4 , the first electrical connector portion  621  is positioned on the rearmost side of the plug portion  62 , and has a circular cylindrical shape extending in the front and rear direction. 
     In the first electrical connector portion  621 , on part of the outer circumferential surface, a plurality of first electrical contact points  621 A is provided in a circumferential direction. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 4 , the second electrical connector portion  622  is integrally formed on the front side of the first electrical connector portion  621 , and has a circular cylindrical shape having an outer dimension smaller than an outer dimension of the first electrical connector portion  621 . 
     In the second electrical connector portion  622 , on part of the outer circumferential surface, a plurality of second electrical connector portions  622 A is provided in the circumferential direction. 
     As mentioned above, the above-described plurality of first and second electrical contact points  621 A and  622 A are electrically connected to the imaging cable C 1  and the aforementioned remote switch cable via the signal cable C 3  and the first and second circuit boards Cb 1  and Cb 2 . In addition, the plurality of first and second electrical contact points  621 A and  622 A are electrically connected to the video processor  41  in a state in which the plug portion  62  is inserted into the endoscope observation apparatus  4 . In other words, the plurality of first and second electrical contact points  621 A and  622 A are portions electrically-connecting the imaging cable C 1  and the aforementioned remote switch cable, and the video processor  41 . 
     The light guide cap  623  is attached to an end surface on the front side of the second electrical connector portion  622 , and protrudes from the end surface on the front side in the +Y-axis direction. 
     In addition, an incidence end side of the aforementioned light guide is inserted into the light guide cap  623 . In addition, the light guide cap  623  connects to the light source device  42  in a state in which the plug portion  62  is inserted into the endoscope observation apparatus  4 . In other words, the light guide cap  623  is a portion optically-connecting the aforementioned light guide and the light source device  42 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the ultrasound connector  63  removed from the endoscope connector  6 , viewed from an outer casing  61  inner side. 
     The ultrasound connector  63  is an electrical connector for electrically-connecting the US cable C 2  and the ultrasound cable  31 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 7 , the ultrasound connector  63  includes an ultrasound board  631  ( FIG. 7 ), a frame member  632 , an electrical connection member  633  ( FIG. 7 ), and a spacer  634  ( FIG. 7 ). 
     The ultrasound board  631  has a substantially-circular disc shape, and is a board having a surface (surface on the outer casing  61  inner side) on which a plurality of ( 12  in the present embodiment) FPC connectors  6311  ( FIG. 7 ) and a plurality of pin terminals  6312  ( FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 7 ) are mounted. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , in the outer casing  61 , one end of the US cable C 2  laid toward the ultrasound connector  63  side is connected to a plurality of flexible boards (not illustrated). In addition, the plurality of flexible boards (the US cable C 2 ) is connected to the plurality of FPC connectors  6311 . 
     The plurality of pin terminals  6312  are arrayed in a matrix in a substantially-center portion of the ultrasound board  631 . In addition, the plurality of pin terminals  6312  are electrically connected to the US cable C 2  via the FPC connectors  6311  and the aforementioned plurality of flexible boards, and electrically connected to the ultrasound cable  31  when the ultrasound cable  31  is connected to the ultrasound connector  63 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 7 , the frame member  632  is formed by a cylindrical metal member, and is a portion mechanically-connected to a connector on the ultrasound cable  31  side. In addition, the frame member  632  supports the ultrasound board  631  in an aperture portion on one end side (the outer casing  61  inner side). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the electrical connection member  633  is formed by a metal member having an L-shaped cross-section, and in a posture in which a portion  6331  on one end side of the L-shaped cross-section faces the surface of the ultrasound board  631  (surface on the outer casing  61  inner side), a portion  6332  on the other end side of the L-shaped cross-section is connected to the frame member  632 . In addition, an insulating sheet  6333  is provided between the portion  6331  on one end side of the L-shaped cross-section in the electrical connection member  633 , and the surface of the ultrasound board  631  (the plurality of pin terminals  6312 ). 
     In addition, one end side of the US cable C 2  is fixed to the portion  6331  on one end side of the L-shaped cross-section in the electrical connection member  633 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the spacer  634  is a metal member (shield member) having a substantially-cylindrical shape partially covering an outer rim portion of the ultrasound board  631 , and is fixed to one end side of the frame member  632  (the outer casing  61  inner side). 
     As partially illustrated in  FIG. 4 or 5 , the first metal member  64  is a metal frame for reinforcement that extends in the front and rear direction (Y-axis direction) in the outer casing  61 , and supports the first and second circuit boards Cb 1  and Cb 1  and the like as mentioned above. In addition, the first metal member  64  is connected to the same electric potential as the patient GND on the endoscope observation apparatus  4  side. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the second metal member  65  is attached to the ultrasound connector  63  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the second metal member  65  is formed in a container shape, and is fixed by a screw or the like to the frame member  632  so as to cover part of an outer rim portion of the ultrasound board  631  (outer rim portion not covered by the spacer  634 ), and the surface of the ultrasound board  631 . In other words, the ultrasound board  631  is shielded almost completely by its periphery being covered by the frame member  632 , the electrical connection member  633 , the spacer  634 , and the second metal member  65 , and has a structure strong to exogenous noise. 
     In addition, the aforementioned frame member  632 , the electrical connection member  633 , the spacer  634 , and the second metal member  65  are connected to the same electric potential as a grounding GND on the ultrasound observation apparatus  3  side via the ultrasound cable  31 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in a side surface portion of the second metal member  65 , a cutout portion  651  for inserting one end side of the US cable C 2  into the second metal member  65  is formed in a side surface portion facing the electrical connection member  633  when the second metal member  65  is fixed to the frame member  632 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the insulating member  66  is attached to the ultrasound connector  63  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     The insulating member  66  is a member formed of insulating material, and electrically-insulating the first and second metal members  64  and  65  from each other. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the insulating member  66  includes an insulating member main body  661  and a protection member  662 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the insulating member main body  661  viewed from the outer casing  61  inner side.  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the insulating member main body  661  viewed from the ultrasound connector  63  side. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9 to 11 , the insulating member main body  661  has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and is fixed by a screw or the like to the frame member  632  via the spacer  634  or the second metal member  65  in a state in which part of the ultrasound connector  63  is accommodated thereinside. In a state in which part of the ultrasound connector  63  is accommodated in the insulating member main body  661 , the insulating member main body  661  covers the entire second metal member  65 . In addition, in a state in which the ultrasound connector  63  is attached to the attachment hole  612 A, the insulating member main body  661  is interposed (sandwiched) between the first and second metal members  64  and  65 , to electrically insulate the first and second metal members  64  and  65  from each other. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 or 11 , in the insulating member main body  661 , a storage portion  6611  ( FIG. 10 ), a first recess portion  6612  ( FIG. 10 ), a second recess portion  6613 ( FIG. 11 ), and a cutout portion  6614  are formed in a bottom portion. 
     The storage portion  6611  is formed on a lateral surface (surface on the outer casing  61  inner side) of the bottom portion of the insulating member main body  661 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the storage portion  6611  includes first and second wall portions  6611 A and  6611 B protruding from the lateral surface and extending parallel to each other, a third wall portion  6611 C protruding from the lateral surface and connecting between the first and second wall portions  6611 A and  6611 B, and a block portion  6611 D extending parallel to the lateral surface, and installed across the first to third wall portions  6611 A to  6611 C. In other words, the storage portion  6611  includes an aperture portion  6611 E on a side separated from the third wall portion  6611 C, and is configured to be able to store a predetermined member through the aperture portion  6611 E. 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a capacitor  67  is provided in the storage portion  6611  through the aperture portion  6611 E. 
     In addition, the first and second wall portions  6611 A and  6611 B are formed to extend in the same direction as the portion  6331  on one end side of the L-shaped cross-section in the electrical connection member  633 , in a state in which the insulating member main body  661  is fixed to the frame member  632 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the first recess portion  6612  is a recess portion formed on the lateral surface of the bottom portion of the insulating member main body  661 , and is formed at a position adjacent to the aperture portion  6611 E. 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a first finger  68  functioning as a first conduction member according to the present disclosure is fixed to the first recess portion  6612 . In addition, one leg  671  of the capacitor  67  provided in the storage portion  6611  is pulled out to the outside of the storage portion  6611  through the aperture portion  6611 E, and fixed by soldering or the like to the first finger  68  fixed to the first recess portion  6612 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the second recess portion  6613  is a recess portion formed on a medial surface (surface of the ultrasound connector  63  side) of the bottom portion of the insulating member main body  661 , and is formed at a position proximate to the third wall portion  6611 C. In addition, a communication hole  6613 A communicated with the inside of the storage portion  6611  is formed in the second recess portion  6613 . 
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a second finger  69  functioning as a second conduction member according to the present disclosure is fixed to the second recess portion  6613 . In addition, the other leg  672  of the capacitor  67  provided in the storage portion  6611  is pulled out to the inside of the second recess portion  6613  through the communication hole  6613 A, and fixed by soldering or the like to the second finger  69  fixed to the second recess portion  6613 . 
     In addition, in a state in which the insulating member main body  661  is fixed to the frame member  632 , the second finger  69  contacts the second metal member  65  to be electrically connected to the second metal member  65 . In addition, in a state in which the ultrasound connector  63  is attached to the attachment hole  612 A, the first finger  68  contacts the first metal member  64  to be electrically connected to the first metal member  64 . In other words, the first and second metal members  64  and  65  are electrically connected via the capacitor  67  in a high-frequency manner. 
     The above-described insulating member main body  661  covers one leg  671  of the capacitor  67  and the first finger  68  when viewed from the ultrasound connector  63  side ( FIG. 11 ). In addition, the insulating member main body  661  covers the other leg  672  of the capacitor  67  and the second finger  69  when viewed from the outer casing  61  inner side ( FIG. 10 ). In other words, the insulating member main body  661  has a function as a coating portion according to the present disclosure. 
     In addition, almost the entire insulating member main body  661  is formed so as to have a thickness of 0.4 mm or more. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 or 11 , the cutout portion  6614  is a portion in which part of the side surface portion of the insulating member main body  661  is cut out, and is formed at a position facing the cutout portion  651  of the second metal member  65  in a state in which the insulating member main body  661  is fixed to the frame member  632 . In addition, one end side of the US cable C 2  is inserted into the insulating member main body  661  (the second metal member  65 ) through the cutout portion  6614  ( 651 ), and is fixed to the portion  6331  on one end side of the L-shaped cross-section in the electrical connection member  633 . 
     The protection member  662  is a member for protecting one end side of the US cable C 2  that is inserted into the insulating member main body  661  and the second metal member  65  through the cutout portions  6614  and  651 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the protection member  662  has an L-shaped cross-section, and is fixed by a screw or the like to the frame member  632  in a state in which the US cable C 2  fixed to the electrical connection member  633  is bent upward in  FIG. 9  (the outer casing  61  inner side) in a portion  6621  on one end side of the L-shaped cross-section, and is further bent in a portion  6622  on the other end side of the L-shaped cross-section so as to follow the outer surface of the block portion  6611 D. In other words, one end side of the US cable C 2  fixed to the electrical connection member  633  is brought into a state of being fixed in a posture having a substantially-U-shape (illustrated using a broken line in  FIG. 9 ), by the protection member  662 , and the US cable C 2  may be protected in a state in which a bending R regulation of a substantially-U-shaped portion, and the regulated bending R are maintained. 
     In the endoscope connector  6  according to the above-described present embodiment, the first and second metal members  64  and  65  are electrically insulated from each other by interposing the insulating member  66  between the first and second metal members  64  and  65 . In addition, by fixing the capacitor  67  and the first and second fingers  68  and  69  to the insulating member  66 , when the ultrasound connector  63  is attached to the attachment hole  612 A, the first and second metal members  64  and  65  are electrically connected via the capacitor  67  in a high-frequency manner. 
     Thus, the endoscope connector  6  according to the present embodiment brings about such an effect that the first and second metal members  64  and  65  may be electrically connected via the capacitor  67  in a high-frequency manner only by attaching the ultrasound connector  63  to the attachment hole  612 A, and assembling workability may be enhanced. 
     In addition, in the endoscope connector  6  according to the present embodiment, the first and second fingers  68  and  69  are employed as the first and second conduction members according to the present disclosure. Thus, the legs  671  and  672  of the capacitor  67  and the first and second metal members  64  and  65  may be electrically connected with certainty using a simple configuration. 
     In addition, in the endoscope connector  6  according to the present embodiment, the insulating member main body  661  functioning as the coating portion according to the present disclosure is set to have the entire thickness of 0.4 mm or more. Thus, the first and second metal members  64  and  65  may be electrically insulated from each other with certainty. 
     In addition, in the endoscope connector  6  according to the present embodiment, the insulating member main body  661  is formed in a container shape in which part of the ultrasound connector  63  is accommodated. Thus, only by fixing the insulating member main body  661  to the frame member  632 , the other leg  672  (second finger  69 ) of the capacitor  67  and the second metal member  65  may be electrically connected. Thus, assembling workability of the endoscope connector  6  may be further enhanced. 
     Other Embodiments 
     A mode for carrying other the present disclosure has been described so far. Nevertheless, the present disclosure is not to be limited only by the aforementioned embodiment. 
     In the aforementioned embodiment, the endoscope system  1  has both of a function for generating an ultrasound image, and a function for generating an endoscope image. Nevertheless, the endoscope system  1  is not limited to this configuration, and the endoscope system  1  may have a configuration only having either one of the functions. 
     In the aforementioned embodiment, the insulating member main body  661  is formed in a container shape. Nevertheless, the insulating member main body  661  is not limited to this configuration, and may have a configuration only including a bottom portion by omitting a side surface portion of the insulating member main body  661 , for example, as long as the first and second metal members  64  and  65  may be electrically insulated from each other. In addition, the storage portion  6611  is formed on the lateral surface of the bottom portion of the insulating member main body  661 . Nevertheless, the storage portion  6611  is not limited to this configuration, and may have a configuration formed on the medial surface of the bottom portion of the insulating member main body  661 . 
     In the aforementioned embodiment, only one capacitor  67  is provided. Nevertheless, the number of capacitors  67  is not limited to this. As another configuration, two or more capacitors  67  may be provided as long as the capacitors  67  are connected in parallel. 
     In the aforementioned embodiment, the endoscope system  1  is not limited to the medical field, and may be used in the industrial field, and used as an endoscope system that observes the inside of a subject such as a machine structure. 
     In the endoscope connector according to the present disclosure, the first and second metal members are electrically insulated from each other by interposing the insulating member between the first and second metal members. In addition, by fixing the capacitor and the first and second conduction members to the insulating member, when the electrical connector is attached to the attachment hole, the first and second metal members are electrically connected via the capacitor in a high-frequency manner. 
     Thus, the endoscope connector according to the present disclosure brings about such an effect that the first and second metal members may be electrically connected via the capacitor in a high-frequency manner only by attaching the electrical connector to the attachment hole, and assembling workability may be enhanced. 
     Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosure in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.