Patent Description:
In recent years, an ultrasound endoscope comprising an observation system that is capable of imaging an image inside a body of a subject, and an ultrasound transducer that is capable of irradiating the inside of the body of the subject with ultrasonic waves and receiving reflected waves to capture video has been used in medical practice. The ultrasound transducer and a signal wire for ultrasonic waves are electrically connected to such an ultrasound endoscope as disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>, for example, and in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Incidentally, in <CIT> and <CIT>, in electrically connecting the ultrasound transducer and the signal wire for ultrasonic waves, since the signal wire for ultrasonic waves is made to pass through an opening having a given shape, there is a need to make a cross sectional shape of the signal wire for ultrasonic waves coincide with a cross sectional shape of the opening.

The present invention has been accomplished in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound endoscope capable of easily fixing a signal wire bundle including a plurality of coaxial cables.

An ultrasound endoscope of a first aspect is as defined by claim <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in a distal end part cross section taken along a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the distal end part and passes through the receiving member and the pressing member, in a case where one area of areas obtained by dividing the distal end part cross section into two with a straight line passing through the central axis is defined as a first divided area, and the other area is defined as a second divided area, the plurality of signal wire bundles are disposed in the first divided area.

In an embodiment, an observation system unit is disposed in the distal end part, and includes an imaging element and a signal cable that is connected to the imaging element, and the signal cable is disposed along at least one of the plurality of signal wire bundles.

In an embodiment, in the distal end part cross section, the plurality of signal wire bundles and the signal cable are disposed in the first divided area.

In an ultrasound endoscope of an embodiment, the pressing member includes a plurality of individual pressing surfaces that individually press the plurality of signal wire bundles for each signal wire bundle, and each individual pressing surface has a curved shape following each signal wire bundle.

In an embodiment, the signal cable is disposed between the plurality of individual pressing surfaces on an opposite side from the plurality of signal wire bundles with the pressing member interposed therebetween.

An ultrasound endoscope of another embodiment further comprises a forceps tube that is disposed in the distal end part along the central axis, and in the distal end part cross section, the plurality of signal wire bundles are disposed in the first divided area, and the forceps tube is disposed in the second divided area.

In an ultrasound endoscope of another embodiment, an observation system unit is disposed in the distal end part, and includes an imaging element and a signal cable that is connected to the imaging element, and in the distal end part cross section, in a case where one area of areas obtained by dividing the distal end part cross section into two with a straight line passing through a central axis of each of the signal cable and the forceps tube is defined as a third divided area, and the other area is defined as a fourth divided area, a part of signal wire bundles among the plurality of signal wire bundles is disposed in the third divided area, and the other part of signal wire bundles is disposed in the fourth divided area.

In an ultrasound endoscope of another embodiment, at a position to be fixed by the receiving member and the pressing member, the plurality of signal wire bundles include an exposed area that is exposed from the outer coat, and an insulating member that has rigidity lower than the outer coat and with which the exposed area is coated.

In an ultrasound endoscope of another embodiment, a locking groove with one end open is provided in one of the receiving member and the pressing member, a locking piece lockable into the locking groove is provided in the other member of the receiving member and the pressing member, and the locking piece is locked into the locking groove, so that relative positions of the receiving member and the pressing member are positioned.

In an ultrasound endoscope of another embodiment, at least one of the receiving member or the pressing member is formed of metal.

In an ultrasound endoscope of another embodiment, the receiving member and the pressing member are insulated from a ground of the distal end part.

In an ultrasound endoscope of another embodiment, an observation system unit is disposed in the distal end part, and includes an imaging element and a signal cable that is connected to the imaging element, and the receiving member and the pressing member are insulated from a ground of the signal cable.

In an ultrasound endoscope of another embodiment, the ultrasound transducer and the plurality of signal wire bundles are electrically connected through a substrate.

In an ultrasound endoscope of another embodiment, the substrate is a flexible print substrate.

With the ultrasound endoscope of the present invention, it is possible to easily fix a signal wire bundle including a plurality of coaxial cables.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of an ultrasound endoscope according to the present invention will be described referring to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an ultrasonography system <NUM> that uses an ultrasound endoscope <NUM> of an embodiment. <FIG> is a partial enlarged perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a distal end part of the ultrasound endoscope shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a longitudinal sectional view along a central axis of the distal end part of the ultrasound endoscope shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the ultrasonography system <NUM> comprises the ultrasound endoscope <NUM>, an ultrasound processor device <NUM> that generates an ultrasound image, an endoscope processor device <NUM> that generates an endoscope image, a light source device <NUM> that supplies illumination light, with which the inside of a body cavity is illuminated, to the ultrasound endoscope <NUM>, and a monitor <NUM> that displays the ultrasound image and the endoscope image. The ultrasonography system <NUM> comprises a water supply tank 21a that stores cleaning water or the like, and a suction pump 21b that sucks aspirates inside the body cavity.

The ultrasound endoscope <NUM> has an insertion part <NUM> that is inserted into the body cavity of the subject, an operating part <NUM> that is consecutively provided in a proximal end portion of the insertion part <NUM> and is used by an operator to perform an operation, and a universal cord <NUM> that has one end connected to the operating part <NUM>.

In the operating part <NUM>, an air/water supply button 28a that opens and closes an air/water supply pipe line (not shown) from the water supply tank 21a, and a suction button 28b that opens and closes a suction pipe line (not shown) from the suction pump 21b are provided side by side. In the operating part <NUM>, a pair of angle knobs <NUM> and <NUM> and a treatment tool insertion port <NUM> are provided.

In the other end portion of the universal cord <NUM>, an ultrasound connector 32a that is connected to the ultrasound processor device <NUM>, an endoscope connector 32b that is connected to the endoscope processor device <NUM>, and a light source connector 32c that is connected to the light source device <NUM> are provided. The ultrasound endoscope <NUM> is attachably and detachably connected to the ultrasound processor device <NUM>, the endoscope processor device <NUM>, and the light source device <NUM> respectively through the connectors 32a, 32b, and 32c. The connector 32c comprises an air/water supply tube 34a that is connected to the water supply tank 21a, and a suction tube 34b that is connected to the suction pump 21b.

The insertion part <NUM> has, in order from a distal end side, a distal end part <NUM> that is formed of a rigid member and has an ultrasound observation part <NUM> and an endoscope observation part <NUM>, a bending part <NUM> that is consecutively provided on a proximal end side of the distal end part <NUM>, and a soft part <NUM> that connects a proximal end side of the bending part <NUM> and a distal end side of the operating part <NUM>. The bending part <NUM> is made by connecting a plurality of bending pieces (angle rings) and is configured to be freely bent. The soft part <NUM> is slender and long, and has flexibility.

The bending part <NUM> is remotely bent and operated by rotationally moving and operating a pair of angle knobs <NUM> and <NUM> provided in the operating part <NUM>. With this, the distal end part <NUM> can be directed in a desired direction.

The ultrasound processor device <NUM> generates and supplies an ultrasound signal for making a plurality of ultrasound oscillators <NUM> of an ultrasound transducer <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the ultrasound observation part <NUM> described below generate ultrasonic waves. The ultrasound processor device <NUM> receives and acquires an echo signal reflected from an observation target part irradiated with the ultrasonic wave, by the ultrasound oscillator <NUM> and executes various kinds of signal processing on the acquired echo signal to generate an ultrasound image. The generated ultrasound image is displayed on the monitor <NUM>.

The endoscope processor device <NUM> receives and acquires an image signal acquired from the observation target part illuminated with illumination light from the light source device <NUM> in the endoscope observation part <NUM> and executes various kinds of signal processing and image processing on the acquired image signal to generate an endoscope image. The generated endoscope image is displayed on the monitor <NUM>.

The ultrasound processor device <NUM> and the endoscope processor device <NUM> are configured with two devices (computers) provided separately. Note that the present invention is not limited thereto, and both the ultrasound processor device <NUM> and the endoscope processor device <NUM> may be configured with one device.

To image an observation target part inside a body cavity using the endoscope observation part <NUM> to acquire an image signal, the light source device <NUM> generates illumination light, such as white light including light of three primary colors of red light, green light, and blue light or light of a specific wavelength. Light propagates through a light guide (not shown) and the like in the ultrasound endoscope <NUM>, and is emitted from the endoscope observation part <NUM>, and the observation target part inside the body cavity is illuminated with light.

The monitor <NUM> receives video signals generated by the ultrasound processor device <NUM> and the endoscope processor device <NUM> and displays an ultrasound image and an endoscope image. In regard to the display of the ultrasound image and the endoscope image, only one image may be appropriately switched and displayed on the monitor <NUM> or both images may be displayed simultaneously.

In the embodiment, although the ultrasound image and the endoscope image are displayed on one monitor <NUM>, a monitor for ultrasound image display and a monitor for endoscope image display may be provided separately. Alternatively, the ultrasound image and the endoscope image may be displayed in a display form other than the monitor <NUM>, for example, in a form of being displayed on a display of a terminal carried with the operator.

Next, the configuration of the distal end part <NUM> will be described referring to <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the distal end part <NUM> of the ultrasound endoscope <NUM> is provided with the ultrasound observation part <NUM> that acquires the ultrasound image on the proximal end side, and the endoscope observation part <NUM> that acquires the endoscope image on the distal end side.

The distal end part <NUM> of the ultrasound endoscope <NUM> comprises a cap-shaped distal end component 41a that covers a part of the endoscope observation part <NUM> on the distal end side, a proximal end-side ring 41b that is disposed on the proximal end side of the ultrasound observation part <NUM> on the proximal end side, and a metal ring 41c (see <FIG>), such as stainless steel (Steel Use Stainless (SUS)). Here, the distal end component 41a and the proximal end-side ring 41b are made of a rigid member, such as rigid resin, and serve as an exterior member. The metal ring 41c is disposed on an inner side of the exterior member.

The endoscope observation part <NUM> includes a treatment tool outlet port <NUM>, the observation window <NUM>, illumination windows <NUM>, a cleaning nozzle <NUM>, and the like provided in the distal end surface. Two illumination windows <NUM> are provided while sandwiching the observation window <NUM>.

The ultrasound observation part <NUM> is configured with the ultrasound transducer <NUM>. The ultrasound transducer <NUM> is configured by arranging a plurality of ultrasound oscillators <NUM> in a circumferential direction.

Inside the distal end part <NUM>, a balloon (not shown) into which an ultrasonic wave transmission medium (for example, water or oil) covering the ultrasound observation part <NUM> is injected may be attachably and detachably mounted. The ultrasonic waves and the echo signals are attenuated in the air. For this reason, the balloon is expanded by injecting the ultrasonic wave transmission medium into the balloon, and is brought into contact with the observation target part, whereby it is possible to eliminate air from a region between the ultrasound transducer <NUM> of the ultrasound observation part <NUM> and the observation target part, and to prevent attenuation in the ultrasonic waves and the echo signals.

As shown in <FIG>, in the distal end part <NUM>, an observation system unit <NUM> is disposed rearward of the observation window <NUM> (proximal end side). The observation system unit <NUM> includes, for example, an objective lens <NUM>, a prism <NUM>, an imaging element <NUM>, a substrate <NUM>, and signal cables <NUM>.

Reflected light of the observation target part incident from the observation window <NUM> is taken in by the objective lens <NUM>. An optical path of the taken-in reflected light is folded at a right angle by the prism <NUM>, and the reflected light forms an image on an imaging surface of the imaging element <NUM>. The imaging element <NUM> photoelectrically converts the reflected light of the observation target part that has been transmitted through the observation window <NUM>, the objective lens <NUM>, and the prism <NUM> has formed the image on the imaging surface, to output an image signal. Examples of the imaging element <NUM> include a charge coupled device (CCD) and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

The imaging element <NUM> is mounted on the substrate <NUM>. A circuit pattern (not shown) that is electrically connected to the imaging element <NUM> is formed on the substrate <NUM>. The circuit pattern comprises a plurality of electrodes in an end portion, and a plurality of signal cables <NUM> are connected to a plurality of electrodes. The signal cables <NUM> may be configured with cables in which a core wire is coated with an insulating tube. Since the circuit pattern of the substrate <NUM> also transmits a signal of an endoscope image, the circuit pattern of the substrate <NUM> and the signal cables <NUM> serve as a signal transmission path of the endoscope image. A plurality of signal cables <NUM> extend toward the bending part <NUM> and the soft part <NUM> (not shown). A plurality of signal cables <NUM> are inserted into the universal cord <NUM> from the operating part <NUM>, and are finally connected to the endoscope connector 32b (see <FIG>). The endoscope connector 32b is connected to the endoscope processor device <NUM>. It is preferable that a plurality of signal cables <NUM> are covered with a shield member and provided as shield cables.

The treatment tool outlet port <NUM> is an outlet of a forceps tube <NUM>. The forceps tube <NUM> extends toward a proximal end side of the insertion part <NUM> and extends to communicate with the treatment tool insertion port <NUM> of the operating part <NUM>. A treatment tool is inserted into the forceps tube <NUM> from the treatment tool insertion port <NUM> of the operating part <NUM> and protrudes from the treatment tool outlet port <NUM>. Treatment of the subject is performed by the treatment tool.

An emission end of a light guide <NUM> is connected to the illumination windows <NUM> (see <FIG>). The light guide <NUM> is provided to extend from the insertion part <NUM> to the operating part <NUM>. An incidence end of the light guide <NUM> is connected to the light source device <NUM> connected through the universal cord <NUM>. The light guide <NUM> extends toward the proximal end side of the insertion part <NUM>, is inserted into the universal cord <NUM> from the operating part <NUM>, and is finally connected to the light source connector 32c. The light source connector 32c is connected to the light source device <NUM> (see <FIG>). Illumination light emitted from the light source device <NUM> propagates through the light guide <NUM>, and the observation target part is irradiated with the illumination light from the illumination windows <NUM>.

An air/water supply channel <NUM> is connected to the cleaning nozzle <NUM>. The air/water supply channel <NUM> extends toward the proximal end side of the insertion part <NUM> and is inserted into the universal cord <NUM> from the operating part <NUM>. The air/water supply channel <NUM> is connected to the light source connector 32c and is connected to the water supply tank 21a through the air/water supply tube 34a. To clean the surfaces of the observation window <NUM> and the illumination windows <NUM>, the cleaning nozzle <NUM> ejects air or cleaning water from the water supply tank 21a toward the observation window <NUM> and the illumination windows <NUM> through the air/water supply channel <NUM> in the ultrasound endoscope <NUM>.

On the inner side of the metal ring 41c, components configuring the endoscope observation part <NUM>, and various members, such as a pipe line extending from the proximal end side to a distal end side of the insertion part <NUM> and a transmission path, are stored.

The ultrasound transducer <NUM> configuring the ultrasound observation part <NUM> includes a plurality of ultrasound oscillators <NUM> (see <FIG>) arranged in a cylindrical shape, an electrode part <NUM> including a plurality of individual electrodes 52a corresponding to a plurality of ultrasound oscillators <NUM> and a common electrode 52b common to a plurality of ultrasound oscillators <NUM>, a flexible print substrate <NUM> to which each of a plurality of individual electrodes 52a is connected, and the metal ring 41c that supports a plurality of ultrasound oscillators <NUM> wound around the outer periphery thereof. The flexible print substrate <NUM> is also referred to as a flexible printed circuit (FPC) substrate.

The flexible print substrate <NUM> is thin and flexible, and thus, can be easily bent. Instead of the flexible print substrate <NUM>, a rigid substrate that is not flexible and has high rigidity can be applied. In a case where the flexible print substrate <NUM> and the rigid substrate are included, simply referred to as a substrate.

The ultrasound transducer <NUM> further has an acoustic matching layer <NUM> laminated on the ultrasound oscillators <NUM>, and an acoustic lens <NUM> laminated on the acoustic matching layer <NUM>. The ultrasound transducer <NUM> consists of a laminate of the acoustic lens <NUM>, the acoustic matching layer <NUM>, the ultrasound oscillators <NUM>, and a backing material layer <NUM>. The laminate is coupled with the metal ring 41c by a method, such as fitting.

The acoustic matching layer <NUM> is provided on the outer periphery of the ultrasound oscillators <NUM> for taking acoustic impedance matching between the subject, such as a human body, and the ultrasound oscillators <NUM>.

The acoustic lens <NUM> that is attached onto the outer periphery of the acoustic matching layer <NUM> is provided for converging the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasound oscillator <NUM> toward the observation target part. The acoustic lens <NUM> consists of, for example, silicon-based resin (millable type silicon rubber (HTV rubber), liquid silicon rubber (RTV rubber), or the like), butadiene-based resin, or polyurethane-based resin. To take acoustic impedance matching between the subject and the ultrasound oscillator <NUM> by the acoustic matching layer <NUM>, and to increase the transmittance of ultrasonic waves, powder, such as titanium oxide, alumina, or silica, is mixed in the acoustic lens <NUM> as needed.

As shown in <FIG>, the ultrasound oscillators <NUM> are an array of a plurality of channels, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> channels (CH) consisting of a plurality of ultrasound oscillators, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> rectangular parallelepiped ultrasound oscillators <NUM> arranged in a cylindrical shape.

In the ultrasound transducer <NUM>, as an example, a plurality of ultrasound oscillators <NUM> are arranged at predetermined pitches in a peripheral direction like the example shown in the drawing. In this way, the ultrasound oscillators <NUM> configuring the ultrasound transducer <NUM> are arranged at regular intervals in a cylindrical shape around a central axis direction (a longitudinal axis direction of the insertion part <NUM>) of the distal end part <NUM>. The ultrasound oscillators <NUM> are sequentially driven based on a drive signal input from the ultrasound processor device <NUM>. Thus, radial electronic scanning is performed with a range in which the ultrasound oscillators <NUM> are arranged, as a scanning range.

As shown in <FIG>, the flexible print substrate <NUM> that is attached to a side surface on the proximal end side of the backing material layer <NUM> is electrically connected to a plurality of individual electrodes 52a of the electrode part <NUM> on one side, and is connected to wiring of a plurality of coaxial cables <NUM> of the signal wire bundle <NUM> on the other side. In this manner, the individual electrodes 52a of the ultrasound oscillators <NUM> and the coaxial cables <NUM> are electrically connected, and the ultrasound oscillators <NUM> and the signal wire bundle <NUM> are electrically connected.

In the embodiment, as described below, a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> are used. The ultrasound endoscope further comprises a receiving member <NUM> and a pressing member <NUM> that are positioned on a distal end side of a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM>. Inside the distal end part <NUM>, the receiving member <NUM> is disposed on an outer peripheral side of the distal end part <NUM>, and the pressing member <NUM> is disposed on an inner side of the distal end part <NUM>. A plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> are fixed by being sandwiched between the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>.

Next, the structures of the coaxial cable and the signal wire bundle will be described referring to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the coaxial cable <NUM> comprises a core wire 58a at the center, a first insulation layer 58b on the outer periphery of the core wire 58a, a shield member 58c on the outer periphery of the first insulation layer 58b, and a second insulation layer 58d on the outer periphery of the shield member 58c. The coaxial cable <NUM> has a structure in which the core wire 58a, the first insulation layer 58b, the shield member 58c, and the second insulation layer 58d are laminated in a concentric circular shape from the center side.

As shown in <FIG>, the signal wire bundle <NUM> comprises a cable bundle 72a configured with a plurality of coaxial cables <NUM>, a shield layer 72b with which the cable bundle 72a is coated, and an outer coat 72c with which the shield layer 72b is coated. The cable bundle 72a may be configured by stranding a plurality of coaxial cables <NUM>. The signal wire bundle <NUM> is handled as one signal wire bundle <NUM> including a plurality of coaxial cables <NUM> inside.

The shield layer 72b may be configured by, for example, braiding a plurality of element wires. The element wire is made of a copper wire, a copper alloy wire, or the like subjected to plating processing (tin plating or silver plating).

A tape wound layer (not shown) may be disposed on the outer periphery of the cable bundle 72a on the inner side of the shield layer 72b. The tape wound layer is, for example, a resin tape and can suppress separation of the cable bundle 72a into the individual coaxial cables <NUM>. In this case, a range of the tape wound layer is basically the same as a range in a longitudinal axis direction in which the cable bundle 72a is bound.

Next, the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> will be described referring to <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a part of the distal end part of the ultrasound endoscope. <FIG> and <FIG> are perspective views showing a part of the distal end part of the ultrasound endoscope including a plurality of signal wire bundles.

In <FIG>, for ease of understanding of the structure of the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>, the signal wire bundle <NUM> is not shown.

As shown in <FIG>, the receiving member <NUM> is a member that is disposed along the inner periphery of the proximal end-side ring 41b (not shown) of the distal end part <NUM> and has a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape of the receiving member <NUM> includes a completed closed cylindrical shape and a cylindrical shape a part of which is cut along a central axis CL (see <FIG>). The receiving member <NUM> may be disposed at least at a position facing a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM>.

The pressing member <NUM> is configured with a member extending along the central axis CL. The pressing member <NUM> comprises at least one a pressing surface capable of sandwiching a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> at a position facing the receiving member <NUM>. As described below, a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> can be sandwiched by the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>. The pressing member <NUM> may comprise a plurality of individual pressing surfaces 120a capable of individually pressing a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> for each signal wire bundle at least at the position facing the receiving member <NUM>. The pressing member <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises two individual pressing surfaces 120a capable of individually pressing two signal wire bundles <NUM> for each signal wire bundle. It is preferable that the individual pressing surface 120a has a curved shape following each signal wire bundle <NUM> of a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM>. The individual pressing surface 120a in the curved shape can reliably sandwich and fix each signal wire bundle <NUM> in cooperation with the receiving member <NUM>.

The individual pressing surface 120a may extend to the proximal end side beyond the receiving member <NUM>. An area where the signal wire bundle <NUM> is in contact with the individual pressing surface 120a increases, and the signal wire bundle <NUM> can be stably sandwiched.

The pressing member <NUM> comprises a connecting portion 120b that connects the two individual pressing surfaces 120a arranged along the central axis CL. The connecting portion 120b connects end portions in a width direction of the two individual pressing surfaces 120a. With this, a space where the signal wire bundle <NUM> extends along the central axis CL is defined between the two individual pressing surfaces 120a on an opposite side from the signal wire bundle <NUM> with the pressing member <NUM> interposed therebetween. The connecting portion 120b may extend to the distal end side beyond the receiving member <NUM>. In the embodiment, the connecting portion 120b extends to the position of the metal ring 41c. In the pressing member <NUM>, the two individual pressing surfaces 120a and the connecting portion 120b can be integrally manufactured.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the two signal wire bundles <NUM> are sandwiched and fixed by the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> can be fixed by the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> having comparatively simple structures.

In general, in an ultrasound endoscope, <NUM> or more coaxial cables are bundled, are coated with an outer coat, and are electrically connected as one signal wire bundle to an ultrasound transducer. It is desirable that such a signal wire bundle is locally deformed in shape (in an elliptical shape in cross sectional view) at a position of the distal end part <NUM> of the ultrasound endoscope <NUM> to eliminate a dead space. However, since the outer coat of the signal wire bundle is rigid, even though the signal wire bundle is deformed in an elliptical shape using a shrinkable tube, the signal wire bundle may be returned to an original circular shape. Accordingly, it is not easy to maintain a state in which the signal wire bundle is deformed. In a case where the deformed shape of the signal wire bundle cannot be maintained, since the signal wire bundle is thick among the contents disposed in the distal end part, the dead space increases.

Accordingly, in the embodiment, one signal wire bundle is formed of a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM>, whereby force needed for deforming the signal wire bundles <NUM> is made small. A plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> are sandwiched and fixed between the receiving member <NUM> disposed on the outer peripheral side of the distal end part <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> disposed on the inner side, whereby it is possible to easily deform a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> and to maintain the shape of the deformed signal wire bundles <NUM>.

At least one of the receiving member <NUM> or the pressing member <NUM> is made of metal, and thus, can be reduced in thickness. Examples of a material of metal include SUS and aluminum. It is preferable that both the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> are made of metal.

The receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> are made of a rigid body, whereby it is possible to more reliably maintain and fix the deformation of the signal wire bundles <NUM>. The rigid body may have at least rigidity enough to deform the signal wire bundles <NUM> or may have higher rigidity.

A plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> are formed and the force needed for deforming the signal wire bundles <NUM> is made small, whereby it is possible to deform the signal wire bundles <NUM> even though the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> is reduced in thickness, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the distal end part <NUM> of the ultrasound endoscope <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the receiving member <NUM> may have the connecting portion 110a extending to the distal end side. It is possible to connect the receiving member <NUM> and the metal ring 41c through the connecting portion <NUM>10a. A relative positional relationship of the receiving member <NUM> and the metal ring 41c is decided.

Next, preferred disposition of the signal wire bundles <NUM>, the forceps tube <NUM>, and the signal cable <NUM> at a position in the distal end part <NUM> where the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> are disposed will be described referring to <FIG>.

First, the disposition of the signal wire bundle <NUM> will be described. <FIG> shows a distal end part cross section taken along a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis CL of the distal end part <NUM> and passes through the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>. A plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> are disposed in a direction extending along the central axis CL of the distal end part <NUM>. The distal end part cross section is divided into two areas by a straight line L1 passing through the central axis CL. In a case where one area of the two divided areas is defined as a first divided area AR1, and the other area is defined as a second divided area AR2, a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> are disposed in the first divided area AR1 as one area.

As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> are deformed in an elliptical shape in cross sectional view by the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to reduce a dead space that occurs between the inner periphery of the receiving member <NUM> and the outer periphery of the signal wire bundle <NUM>.

Since a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> are disposed in the first divided area AR1, it is possible to increase a disposition space in inserting the contents other than the signal wire bundle <NUM> in the distal end part <NUM>. It is possible to reduce the dead space of the distal end part <NUM> by effectively utilizing the disposition space, and to efficiently dispose the contents in the distal end part <NUM>, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the distal end part <NUM>.

The curved shape of the individual pressing surface 120a corresponding to each signal wire bundle <NUM> does not need to completely follow the signal wire bundle <NUM>, and may have a curved shape enough to deform the signal wire bundle <NUM> in a substantially elliptical shape.

Next, the disposition of the signal wire bundles <NUM> and the signal cable <NUM> will be described. <FIG> shows a distal end part cross section similar to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, in the distal end part <NUM>, a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> and the signal cable <NUM> are disposed along the central axis CL. The signal cable <NUM> is disposed between the two signal wire bundles <NUM>. The two signal wire bundles <NUM> are sandwiched and fixed by the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>. The signal cable <NUM> is disposed in a space defined by disposing the two signal wire bundles <NUM> in parallel, whereby it is possible to effectively utilize the disposition space of the distal end part <NUM>, and to reduce the diameter of the distal end part <NUM>.

It is possible to realize improvement of the operability of an operator. That is, in the embodiment, it is possible to dispose an optical system, such as the objective lens <NUM>, in the observation system unit <NUM> near the central axis CL of the distal end part <NUM>, and to reduce a sense of discomfort when the operator operates the ultrasound endoscope <NUM>. The reason is that, as the optical system is closer to an end portion of the outer periphery of the distal end part <NUM>, in a case of entering the ultrasound endoscope <NUM> inside a lumen, the operator has a feeling that the ultrasound endoscope <NUM> seems to enter the corner of the lumen.

As shown in <FIG>, it is preferable that, in the distal end part cross section, a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> and the signal cable <NUM> are disposed in the first divided area AR1. Since the signal wire bundles <NUM> and the signal cable <NUM> are disposed in the first divided area AR1, it is possible to more effectively utilize the disposition space of the distal end part <NUM>.

The signal cable <NUM> is disposed between a plurality of individual pressing surfaces 120a on an opposite side from a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> with the pressing member <NUM> interposed therebetween. A plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> are reliably sandwiched by the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>. Since the signal cable <NUM> is not sandwiched by the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>, it is possible to provide the signal cable <NUM> with a certain degree of freedom for disposition.

Next, the disposition of the signal wire bundles <NUM> and the forceps tube <NUM> will be described. <FIG> shows a distal end part cross section similar to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, in the distal end part <NUM>, a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> and the forceps tube <NUM> are disposed along the central axis CL. The two signal wire bundles <NUM> are sandwiched and fixed by the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>. In the distal end part cross section, a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> are disposed in the first divided area AR1, and the forceps tube <NUM> is disposed in the second divided area AR2. The forceps tube <NUM> is a content having the greatest thickness next to the signal wire bundles <NUM>, and the forceps tube <NUM> and the signal wire bundles <NUM> are disposed in the first divided area AR1 and the second divided area AR2 without interfering with each other, respectively, whereby it is possible to more effectively utilize the disposition space of the distal end part <NUM>, and to reduce the diameter of the distal end part <NUM>.

Next, the disposition of the signal wire bundles <NUM>, the signal cable <NUM>, and the forceps tube <NUM> will be described. <FIG> shows a distal end part cross section similar to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, in the distal end part <NUM>, a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM>, the signal cable <NUM>, and the forceps tube <NUM> are disposed along the central axis CL. The two signal wire bundles <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>) are sandwiched and fixed by the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the distal end part cross section, in a case where one area of areas obtained by dividing the distal end part cross section into two with a straight line L2 passing through a central axis CL1 of the signal cable <NUM> and a central axis CL2 of the forceps tube <NUM> is defined as a third divided area AR3, and the other area is defined as a fourth divided area AR4, a part of signal wire bundles <NUM>-<NUM> among a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> is disposed in the third divided area AR3, and the other part of signal wire bundles <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed in the fourth divided area AR4.

In the disposition space of the distal end part <NUM>, the signal wire bundles <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, the signal cable <NUM>, and the forceps tube <NUM> have a greater occupying range that other contents. Accordingly, the two signal wire bundles <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are disposed in different divided areas, whereby it is possible to effectively utilize the disposition space.

Next, a positioning structure of positioning relative positions of the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> will be described referring to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view when a part of the distal end part <NUM> of the ultrasound endoscope <NUM> including a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM> is viewed from the proximal end side. <FIG> are enlarged views of the positioning structure.

As shown in (A) of <FIG>, the pressing member <NUM> is disposed at a position capable of sandwiching a plurality of signal wire bundles <NUM>, and the pressing member <NUM> is fixed to the receiving member <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, locking grooves 110b are formed in the receiving member <NUM>. The locking grooves 110b are slits that extend along the central axis CL and have one end open toward the proximal end side. On the other hand, the pressing member <NUM> is provided with locking pieces 120c lockable into the locking grooves 110b. For example, the locking pieces 120c extend in a direction away from the central axis CL continuously to the individual pressing surfaces 120a.

The locking pieces 120c are locked into the locking grooves 110b by inserting the locking pieces 120c of the pressing member <NUM> into the locking grooves 110b of the receiving member <NUM>. As a result, the relative positions of the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> are positioned.

The positioning structure shown in <FIG> can eliminate a need for using an adhesive and can save a step of applying an adhesive. Note that the positioning structure permits the use of the adhesive. The positioning structure can position the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> and can eliminate a need for using screws with a comparatively simple structure in which the locking pieces 120c are inserted into the locking grooves 110b. As a result, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the distal end part <NUM>. This is because, in general, in a case where screws are used, a disposition space for the screws is needed, and the diameter of the distal end part <NUM> is made large.

In the embodiment, a case where the locking grooves 110b are provided in the receiving member <NUM> and the locking pieces 120c are provided in the pressing member <NUM> has been described. The present invention is not limited thereto, and the locking pieces may be provided in the receiving member <NUM> and the locking grooves may be provided in the pressing member <NUM>. The locking pieces of the receiving member <NUM> are inserted into the locking grooves of the pressing member <NUM>, whereby it is possible to position the relative positions of the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>.

It is preferable that the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> are insulated from the ground of the distal end part <NUM>. It is preferable that the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> are insulated from the ground of the signal cable <NUM>. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of noise due to a signal transmitted through the signal cable <NUM> of the ultrasound endoscope <NUM> entering the signal wire bundles <NUM> by insulating the above-described grounds from the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>.

Next, a preferred structure of the signal wire bundle <NUM> will be described referring to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic view showing the structures of the distal end part <NUM>, the bending part <NUM>, the soft part <NUM>, and the signal wire bundle <NUM>. (A) of <FIG> is a diagram showing a state in which the signal wire bundle <NUM> is inserted into the distal end part <NUM>, the bending part <NUM>, and the soft part <NUM>. (B) of <FIG> shows a structure of a first form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>, (C) of <FIG> shows a structure of a second form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>, and (D) of <FIG> shows a structure of a third form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing the structure of the signal wire bundle <NUM>. (E) of <FIG> shows a structure of a fourth form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>, (F) of <FIG> shows a structure of a fifth form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>, and (G) of <FIG> shows a structure of a sixth form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>.

As shown in (A) of <FIG>, the signal wire bundle <NUM> is inserted into the soft part <NUM>, the bending part <NUM>, and the distal end part <NUM>. In the distal end part <NUM>, the coaxial cables <NUM> are electrically connected to the flexible print substrate <NUM>. The signal wire bundle <NUM> is sandwiched by the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> (hereinafter, a portion sandwiched by the receiving member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> is referred to as a sandwiching portion <NUM>). A plurality of bending pieces 42a are connected to the bending part <NUM> through connecting portions 42b in an axial direction. Inside a plurality of bending pieces 42a, a plurality of operation wires (not shown) are disposed along an axial direction and are disposed at predetermined intervals in a peripheral direction. A proximal end of the operation wire is connected to a pulley (not shown) that is rotationally moved by a pair of angle knobs <NUM> and <NUM> provided in the operating part <NUM>. With this, in a case where a pair of angle knobs <NUM> and <NUM> is operated to be rotationally moved to rotationally move the pulley, the operation wires are pulled, and the bending part <NUM> is bent in a desired direction.

As shown in (B) of <FIG>, the first form of the signal wire bundle <NUM> comprises a cable bundle 72a configured with a plurality of coaxial cables <NUM>, a shield layer 72b with which the cable bundle 72a is coated, and an outer coat 72c with which the shield layer 72b is coated. In the signal wire bundle <NUM>, the shield layer 72b and the outer coat 72c for a given length from the sandwiching portion <NUM> to the distal end side are removed. The cable bundle 72a is exposed from the outer coat 72c and the shield layer 72b. A plurality of coaxial cables <NUM> configuring the cable bundle 72a are loosened into the individual coaxial cables <NUM>, and each coaxial cable <NUM> is electrically connected to an electrode pad (not shown) of the flexible print substrate <NUM>.

As shown in (B) of <FIG>, in the distal end part <NUM>, since the outer coat 72c and the shield layer 72b for at least a given length from the sandwiching portion <NUM> are removed, it is possible to secure a wiring length WL (a length from the end portion of the outer coat 72c to the distal end of the coaxial cable <NUM>) at the time of wiring work. With this, it becomes easy to handle the coaxial cable <NUM> at the time of wiring, and it is possible to reduce wiring miss, such as disconnection. Distal end positions of the shield layer 72b and the outer coat 72c are in the distal end part <NUM>, and both the distal end positions coincide with a distal end position of the cable bundle 72a.

As shown in (C) of <FIG>, the second form of the signal wire bundle <NUM> is different from the first form of the signal wire bundle <NUM> in that the outer coat 72c is removed in the distal end part <NUM>. The shield layer 72b is exposed in an exposed area exposed from the outer coat 72c. In the exposed area (shield layer 72b), an insulating member <NUM> that has rigidity lower than the outer coat 72c and with which the exposed area (shield layer 72b) is coated is provided. Examples of the insulating member <NUM> include a silicon tube, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube, a heat-shrinkable tube, and a tape. Since the outer coat 72c of the signal wire bundle <NUM> is rigid, the outer coat 72c is removed and the exposed area is coated with the insulating member <NUM> having rigidity lower than the outer coat 72c, whereby it is possible to easily deform the signal wire bundle <NUM>, and to maintain the deformed shape in the sandwiching portion <NUM>. The distal end position of the outer coat 72c is in the bending part <NUM> and does not coincide with the distal end position of the shield layer 72b. The distal end position of the shield layer 72b coincides with the distal end position of the cable bundle 72a.

As shown in (D) of <FIG>, the third form of the signal wire bundle <NUM> is different from the first form of the signal wire bundle <NUM> in that the outer coat 72c is removed in a part of the distal end part <NUM>, the bending part <NUM>, and the soft part <NUM>. Similarly to the second form, the shield layer 72b is exposed in the exposed area exposed from the outer coat 72c. In the exposed area (shield layer 72b), an insulating member <NUM> that has rigidity lower than the outer coat 72c and with which the exposed area (shield layer 72b) is coated is provided.

In the third form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>, similarly to the second form, since the outer coat 72c of the sandwiching portion <NUM> is removed, it is possible to easily deform the signal wire bundle <NUM>, and to maintain the deformed shape. In the third form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>, since the rigid outer coat 72c is removed in the bending part <NUM>, it is possible to easily bend the bending part <NUM>. The distal end position of the outer coat 72c is in the soft part <NUM> and does not coincide with the distal end position of the shield layer 72b. The distal end position of the shield layer 72b coincides with the distal end position of the cable bundle 72a.

As shown in (E) of <FIG>, the fourth form of the signal wire bundle <NUM> is different from the first form of the signal wire bundle <NUM> in that the shield layer 72b and the outer coat 72c are removed in the distal end part <NUM>. Since the shield layer 72b is also removed in the exposed area exposed from the outer coat 72c, the cable bundle 72a is exposed. In the exposed area (cable bundle 72a) exposed from the outer coat 72c, an insulating member <NUM> that has rigidity lower than the outer coat 72c and with which the exposed area (cable bundle 72a) is coated is provided.

In the fourth form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>, since the shield layer 72b and the outer coat 72c are removed in the sandwiching portion <NUM>, more reliably, it is possible to easily deform the signal wire bundle <NUM>, and to maintain the deformed shape. The distal end positions of the shield layer 72b and the outer coat 72c are in the bending part <NUM>, and both the distal end positions coincide with each other. The distal end positions of the shield layer 72b and the outer coat 72c do not coincide with the distal end position of the cable bundle 72a.

As shown in (F) of <FIG>, the fifth form of the signal wire bundle <NUM> is different from the first form of the signal wire bundle <NUM> in that the shield layer 72b and the outer coat 72c are removed in the distal end part <NUM>. The shield layer 72b is removed in a part of the bending part <NUM>. The outer coat 72c is removed in a part of the bending part <NUM> and the soft part <NUM>.

In an exposed area (cable bundle 72a and shield layer 72b) exposed from the outer coat 72c, an insulating member <NUM> that has rigidity lower than the outer coat 72c and with which the exposed area (cable bundle 72a and shield layer 72b) are coated is provided.

In the fifth form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>, since the shield layer 72b and the outer coat 72c are removed in the sandwiching portion <NUM>, more reliably, it is possible to easily deform the signal wire bundle <NUM>, and to maintain the deformed shape. In the fifth form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>, since the rigid outer coat 72c is removed in the bending part <NUM>, it is possible to easily bend the bending part <NUM>. The distal end position of the shield layer 72b is in the bending part <NUM>, and the distal end position of the outer coat 72c is in the soft part <NUM>. Both the distal end positions do not coincide with each other.

As shown in (G) of <FIG>, the sixth form of the signal wire bundle <NUM> is different from the first form of the signal wire bundle <NUM> in that the outer coat 72c is removed in a part of the distal end part <NUM>, the bending part <NUM>, and the soft part <NUM>. The shield layer 72b is removed in a part of the distal end part <NUM>, the bending part <NUM>, and the soft part <NUM>.

In the exposed area (cable bundle 72a) exposed from the outer coat 72c, an insulating member <NUM> that has rigidity lower than the outer coat 72c and with which the exposed area (cable bundle 72a) is coated is provided.

In the sixth form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>, since the shield layer 72b and the outer coat 72c are removed in the sandwiching portion <NUM>, more reliably, it is possible to easily deform the signal wire bundle <NUM>, and to maintain the deformed shape. In the sixth form of the signal wire bundle <NUM>, since the rigid outer coat 72c is removed in the bending part <NUM>, it is possible to easily bend the bending part <NUM>. The distal end positions of the shield layer 72b and the outer coat 72c are in the soft part <NUM>, and both the distal end positions coincide with each other. The structure of the signal wire bundle <NUM> is not limited to the structures of <FIG> and <FIG>, and can be suitably changed, and the distal end positions of the shield layer 72b and the outer coat 72c may coincide with each other or may not coincide with each other.

Next, a preferred procedure for electrically connecting the coaxial cables <NUM> of the signal wire bundle <NUM> to the flexible print substrate <NUM> will be described referring to <FIG>.

As shown in (A) of <FIG>, the signal wire bundle <NUM> and the flexible print substrate <NUM> are prepared. The signal wire bundle <NUM> comprises the cable bundle 72a configured with a plurality of coaxial cables <NUM>, a tape 72d that bundles the cable bundle 72a, the shield layer 72b with which the cable bundle 72a bundled with the tape 72d is coated, and the outer coat 72c with which the shield layer 72b is coated. The outer coat 72c, the shield layer 72b, and the tape 72d for a given length from the sandwiching portion <NUM> toward the distal end side are removed. A plurality of coaxial cables <NUM> of the exposed cable bundle 72a are loosened into the individual coaxial cables <NUM>.

The flexible print substrate <NUM> is provided with electrode pads (not shown) that are electrically connected to the coaxial cables <NUM> on the proximal end side. The distal end side of the coaxial cable <NUM> and the electrode pad of the flexible print substrate <NUM> are disposed at facing positions.

Next, as shown in (B) of <FIG>, the outer coat 72c is removed in a part of the distal end part <NUM>, the bending part <NUM>, and the soft part <NUM>. The shield layer 72b of the exposed area is folded back at a position P in the bending part <NUM> from the distal end side. In a case where the shield layer 72b is configured by, for example, braiding, since it is possible to easily fold back the shield layer 72b, there is no need to remove the shield layer 72b at the same position as the end portion of the outer coat 72c. The distal end position of the outer coat 72c is in the soft part <NUM>.

Since the outer coat 72c and the shield layer 72b are not present between the distal end of the coaxial cable <NUM> and the position P, it is possible to secure a wiring length WL (a length from the position P to the distal end of the coaxial cable <NUM>) at the time of wiring work, and to easily handle the coaxial cables <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to reduce wiring miss, such as disconnection, in electrically connecting the coaxial cables <NUM> to the flexible print substrate <NUM>.

Next, as shown in (C) of <FIG>, the folded-back shield layer 72b is returned to a state before folding-back. The shield layer 72b is folded back to extend the wiring length WL at the time of wiring work and is returned to the original state after wiring, and the cable bundle 72a is coated with the shield layer 72b up to the distal end position thereof. With this, it is possible to improve electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) characteristics. The distal end positions of the cable bundle 72a and the shield layer 72b coincide with each other.

Thereafter, a region from a portion on the distal end side of the outer coat 72c to the distal end position of the shield layer 72b is coated with a heat-shrinkable tube as the insulating member <NUM>. The heat-shrinkable tube is a tubular member with openings at both ends, and shrinks through heating in a direction in which the diameter thereof is made small.

Next, as shown in (D) of <FIG>, the insulating member <NUM> is heated to make the insulating member <NUM> shrink. With this, in the exposed area (shield layer 72b) exposed from the outer coat 72c, the insulating member <NUM> that has rigidity lower than the outer coat 72c and with which the exposed area (cable bundle 72a and shield layer 72b) are coated is provided. It is possible to secure the length of the wiring length WL and to improve the EMC characteristics without removing the shield layer 72b.

Claim 1:
An ultrasound endoscope in which an ultrasound transducer (<NUM>) is disposed in a distal end part (<NUM>) of an insertion part (<NUM>), the ultrasound endoscope (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of signal wire bundles (<NUM>) that are electrically connected to the ultrasound transducer and extend along a central axis of the distal end part, each signal wire bundle including a plurality of coaxial cables (72a), a shield layer (72b) with which the plurality of coaxial cables are coated, and an outer coat (72c) with which the shield layer is coated;
a receiving member (<NUM>) that is positioned on a distal end side of the plurality of signal wire bundles, the receiving member being disposed on an outer peripheral side in the distal end part along an inner periphery of the distal end part, and characterized by:
a pressing member that is positioned on the distal end side of the plurality of signal wire bundles, the pressing member being disposed on an inner side in the distal end part and comprises at least one pressing surface, wherein the at least one pressing surface is disposed closer to the central axis than the receiving member in the distal end part,
wherein the plurality of signal wire bundles are fixed by being sandwiched between the receiving member and the pressing member.