JP2002336258A - Ultrasonic probe - Google Patents
Ultrasonic probeInfo
- Publication number
- JP2002336258A JP2002336258A JP2001142832A JP2001142832A JP2002336258A JP 2002336258 A JP2002336258 A JP 2002336258A JP 2001142832 A JP2001142832 A JP 2001142832A JP 2001142832 A JP2001142832 A JP 2001142832A JP 2002336258 A JP2002336258 A JP 2002336258A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- ultrasonic
- ultrasonic probe
- backing material
- piezoelectric vibrator
- intervening layer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、体腔内（経食道、
経直腸等）に挿入して超音波検査並びに生検を行うため
の超音波内視鏡に好適な超音波探触子に関するものであ
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe suitable for an ultrasonic endoscope for performing an ultrasonic examination and a biopsy by being inserted into a transrectal rectum or the like.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】食道等の中の腫瘍を超音波検査並びに生
検を行う超音波内視鏡が広く普及している。超音波内視
鏡は、内視鏡のチューブの先端に超音波プローブを設け
たもので、患部の位置、大きさ、色、態様を臓器の内部
表面から調べるための内視鏡検査と、超音波プローブに
よってもたらされる患部の断面画像検査との双方が可能
となっている他に、内視鏡に併設された鉗子により患部
を切除することが可能となっている。2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic endoscope for performing an ultrasonic examination and a biopsy of a tumor in an esophagus or the like is widely used. Ultrasound endoscopes are provided with an ultrasonic probe at the end of a tube of the endoscope, and are used for endoscopic examination for examining the position, size, color and aspect of the affected part from the internal surface of the organ, In addition to being able to perform both the cross-sectional image inspection of the affected part provided by the acoustic probe, the affected part can be resected with forceps attached to the endoscope.
【０００３】超音波内視鏡に設けられる超音波プローブ
には、大きく分類して機械走査式と電子走査式とがあ
る。機械走査式は、例えば内視鏡の操作部内にモータを
配置し、内視鏡のチューブの先端にベアリングを介して
回転可能に設けられた超音波振動子をモータの駆動力で
回転または揺動させるようになっている。また電子走査
式は内視鏡チューブの先端に配列振動子が設けられてい
る。この電子走査式の超音波プローブの配列振動子のタ
イプには、リニアアレイタイプ、コンベックスアレイタ
イプ等が用いられている。[0003] Ultrasonic probes provided in an ultrasonic endoscope are roughly classified into a mechanical scanning type and an electronic scanning type. In the mechanical scanning type, for example, a motor is arranged in the operation unit of the endoscope, and an ultrasonic transducer rotatably provided at the end of the tube of the endoscope via a bearing is rotated or rocked by the driving force of the motor. It is made to let. In the electronic scanning type, an arrayed vibrator is provided at the end of an endoscope tube. A linear array type, a convex array type, or the like is used as an array transducer type of the electronic scanning ultrasonic probe.
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】超音波振動子は、圧電
振動子の前面に複数層のマッチング層と、配列振動子の
短軸方向への超音波専用音響レンズを有するとともに、
圧電振動子の背面には振動子の背面方向へ放射された超
音波を吸収、減衰させるバックング材を有している。The ultrasonic vibrator has a plurality of matching layers on the front surface of the piezoelectric vibrator and an ultrasonic-only acoustic lens in the short axis direction of the arrayed vibrator.
The back surface of the piezoelectric vibrator has a backing material that absorbs and attenuates the ultrasonic waves radiated toward the back surface of the vibrator.
【０００５】ところで、超音波内視鏡は前述のように超
音波プローブの他に、内視鏡としての機能及び生検のた
めの組織切除・採取機能を必要とされる。このため、内
視鏡のチューブ内にレンズ、ミラー、光ファイバーやラ
イトガイドや鉗子及びその操作ワイヤ等が配置される。[0005] By the way, an ultrasonic endoscope is required to have a function as an endoscope and a tissue excision / collection function for a biopsy, in addition to the ultrasonic probe as described above. For this reason, a lens, a mirror, an optical fiber, a light guide, a forceps, an operation wire thereof and the like are arranged in a tube of the endoscope.
【０００６】したがって、それらを配置するスペースを
確保する必要があるが、従来の振動子の構造では振動子
の厚みが障害となって、超音波内視鏡に用いられる振動
子のタイプが前述のようなタイプに限定されていた。Therefore, it is necessary to secure a space for disposing them. However, in the structure of the conventional vibrator, the thickness of the vibrator becomes an obstacle, and the type of the vibrator used in the ultrasonic endoscope is as described above. Was limited to such types.
【０００７】本発明は、超音波振動子を機械的に回転さ
せて超音波を全周方向へ走査する、いわゆるラジアルス
キャンを電子スキャンで可能な超音波内視鏡用探触子を
提供することを目的とする。An object of the present invention is to provide a probe for an ultrasonic endoscope in which a so-called radial scan is electronically scanned by scanning an ultrasonic wave in all directions by mechanically rotating an ultrasonic transducer. With the goal.
【０００８】[0008]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するため
に本発明は、短冊形圧電振動子を円形状に配置したコン
ベックス走査形電子走査式体腔内用超音波探触子におい
て、前記圧電振動子とバッキング材の間に前記バッキン
グ材より硬い介在層を備えたことを特徴としている。In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a convex scanning electronic scanning type intracavity ultrasonic probe in which strip-shaped piezoelectric transducers are arranged in a circular shape. An intervening layer harder than the backing material is provided between the child and the backing material.
【０００９】また、前記介在層の音響インピーダンスが
前記バッキング材の音響インピーダンスの値より小さ
く、かつ前記介在層の厚さが前記圧電振動子が送受する
超音波の中心周波数の約１／４波長の整数倍の厚さであ
ることを特徴としている。Further, the acoustic impedance of the intervening layer is smaller than the acoustic impedance of the backing material, and the thickness of the intervening layer is about １ ／ wavelength of the center frequency of the ultrasonic wave transmitted and received by the piezoelectric vibrator. It is characterized in that the thickness is an integral multiple.
【００１０】また、前記超音波探触子内挿抜方向の軸中
心の中空スペースに、体腔内を照らすための光ファイバ
ーやライトガイド等の発光手段、体腔内を観察すための
カメラ、体腔内の患部を切除、生体検査するための鉗子
および鉗子ガイドを設けたことを特徴としている。[0010] Further, a light emitting means such as an optical fiber or a light guide for illuminating the inside of the body cavity, a camera for observing the inside of the body cavity, a diseased part in the body cavity is provided in the hollow space around the axis in the direction of insertion and removal of the ultrasonic probe. Is provided with forceps and a forceps guide for excision and biopsy.
【００１１】また、前記超音波探触子内に、前記円形状
に配置した短冊形圧電振動子列を挿抜方向に移動させる
ための手段が設けられていることを特徴としている。In the ultrasonic probe, a means for moving the strip-shaped piezoelectric vibrator row arranged in the circular shape in the insertion / removal direction is provided.
【００１２】また、前記超音波探触子内挿抜方向の軸中
心の中空スペースに、前記超音波探触子の位置を検出す
るための手段を備える超音波探触子と、前記位置検出情
報をもとに各位置で撮像した超音波画像を合成して３次
元立体画像を描出する手段を備えたことを特徴としてい
る。An ultrasonic probe having means for detecting the position of the ultrasonic probe in a hollow space at the center of the axis in the ultrasonic probe insertion / removal direction; It is characterized in that it is provided with a means for synthesizing an ultrasonic image taken at each position based on the original to render a three-dimensional stereoscopic image.
【００１３】[0013]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の第一の実施形態を
図面により詳細に説明する。図１は、超音波内視鏡の全
体図である。図１において、１００は本発明の特徴部分
である先端部、２８は湾曲操作ノブ３２によって湾曲操
作される湾曲部、２９は軟らかに曲がる軟性部、３０は
軟性部２９の基端に順次連設された副操作部、３１は先
端部１の制御等を行う主操作部、３２は湾曲部２８の湾
曲操作を行う湾曲操作ノブ、３３は内視鏡の観察を行う
操作者の接眼部位である接眼部、３４はニッブル（図示
せず）を連結してニッブルに吸引装置を連結させて手元
操作により被検体内に溜まった不要な液体を吸引する吸
引操作部、３５は切換操作により空気又は水を噴射する
ための送気送水切換操作部、３８は光を伝播させる長尺
な管状のライトガイドケーブル部、３９は電気ケーブ
ル、４０は光源装置（図示せず）に接続するためのコネ
クタ、４１は電源装置（図示せず）に接続するためのコ
ネクタ、４２は接続口である。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall view of an ultrasonic endoscope. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a distal end portion which is a characteristic portion of the present invention, 28 denotes a bending portion which is bent by the bending operation knob 32, 29 denotes a soft bending portion, and 30 denotes a base portion of the flexible portion 29 which is sequentially connected. The sub-operation unit 31 is a main operation unit that controls the distal end unit 1, 32 is a bending operation knob that performs a bending operation of the bending unit 28, and 33 is an eyepiece of an operator who observes an endoscope. An eyepiece unit 34 is a suction operation unit that connects a nibble (not shown) to connect a suction device to the nibble and suctions unnecessary liquid accumulated in the subject by a manual operation. An air / water switching operation unit for injecting water; 38, a long tubular light guide cable unit for transmitting light; 39, an electric cable; 40, a connector for connecting to a light source device (not shown); 41 is a power supply device (not shown) Connector for connecting to, 42 are connected port.
【００１４】図２に先端部１の断面を示す。図２におい
て、８は体腔内を撮影するためのＣＣＤ素子、９はＣＣ
Ｄケーブル、１０は光ファイバーまたはライトガイド、
１１は鉗子等の処置具の挿入用スペースである。そし
て、先端部１にはこれらの収納及び保持と、位置決めの
ための保持部材１２が設けられ、その外側に圧電振動子
素子が配列されている。本発明の特徴部分であるその配
列振動子の構造を次に説明する。FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the tip 1. In FIG. 2, 8 is a CCD element for photographing the inside of a body cavity, and 9 is a CC element.
D cable, 10 is optical fiber or light guide,
Reference numeral 11 denotes a space for inserting a treatment tool such as forceps. The distal end portion 1 is provided with a holding member 12 for storing, holding, and positioning them, and the piezoelectric vibrator elements are arranged outside the holding member 12. Next, the structure of the arrayed vibrator which is a feature of the present invention will be described.
【００１５】図３は配列振動子の構造を拡大して示した
図である。図３において、４は超音波ビームを振動子の
配列方向と直交する方向へできるだけ細くするために振
動子面から所定距離の所へ焦点を形成するための音響レ
ンズ、２と３は圧電振動子１と被検体との間の音響イン
ピーダンスを整合させるための第１音響整合層および第
２音響整合層、１は圧電現象を利用して超音波を発生さ
せる圧電振動子、５は後に説明するが本発明の特徴部分
である介在層、６と７は圧電振動子４が背面に放射する
超音波の強度を小さくするための第１バッキング材およ
び第２バッキング材である。FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the structure of the arrayed vibrator. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 4 denotes an acoustic lens for forming a focal point at a predetermined distance from the transducer surface in order to make the ultrasonic beam as thin as possible in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the transducers. A first acoustic matching layer and a second acoustic matching layer for matching the acoustic impedance between 1 and the subject, 1 is a piezoelectric vibrator that generates ultrasonic waves using a piezoelectric phenomenon, and 5 is a later-described one. The intervening layers 6 and 7, which are characteristic parts of the present invention, are a first backing material and a second backing material for reducing the intensity of ultrasonic waves emitted from the piezoelectric vibrator 4 to the back surface.
【００１６】圧電振動子４とバッキング内６の間に設け
られた介在層５の材質としては、例えばエポキシ系やウ
レタン系の樹脂等のバッキング材よりも硬い部材から成
る材質等を用いる。このことにより、やわらかいバッキ
ング材の厚さが薄くでき、その硬い性質によって振動子
をダイシングする際の安定性が増し素子の倒れ込み及び
それに伴う圧電振動子のピッチのずれを防止することが
できる。この結果、従来安定性を増すために必要だった
バッキング材の厚さを薄くできる。具体的には曲率半径
が１５mm以下の小型コンベックス走査の超音波探触子に
おいて、圧電振動子配列面曲率半径の５０％以上を中空
径のスペースとして確保できるようになる。As a material for the intervening layer 5 provided between the piezoelectric vibrator 4 and the backing 6, a material made of a material harder than the backing material, such as an epoxy-based or urethane-based resin, is used. As a result, the thickness of the soft backing material can be reduced, and the rigidity of the soft backing material increases the stability when dicing the vibrator, thereby preventing the element from falling down and the accompanying shift in the pitch of the piezoelectric vibrator. As a result, the thickness of the backing material, which was conventionally required to increase the stability, can be reduced. Specifically, in a small convex scanning ultrasonic probe having a radius of curvature of 15 mm or less, 50% or more of the radius of curvature of the piezoelectric vibrator array surface can be secured as a space having a hollow diameter.
【００１７】また、介在層５の音響インピーダンスをバ
ッキング材より更に小さくした。そのことによって、圧
電振動子との境界面での超音波の反射する割合が更に大
きくなるという利点がある。Further, the acoustic impedance of the intervening layer 5 is made smaller than that of the backing material. Thereby, there is an advantage that the ratio of reflection of the ultrasonic wave at the interface with the piezoelectric vibrator is further increased.
【００１８】また、介在層５の厚さを探触子中心周波数
の約１／４波長のn倍（nは整数）で形成した。そのこと
によって、振動子の背面すなわち振動子のバッキング材
側から発生する超音波が介在層とバッキング材との境界
部で反射された後、超音波の波長の約１／２波長の整数
倍の位相差が生じた反射波として振動子に戻ってくるこ
ととなる。すなわち、例えば前記nの値を２とすれば送
波時においては、振動子自体が発生した超音波と介在層
で反射された反射波とは同期がとれることとなる。Further, the thickness of the intervening layer 5 was formed at n times (n is an integer) about 約 wavelength of the center frequency of the probe. Thereby, after the ultrasonic wave generated from the back surface of the vibrator, that is, from the backing material side of the vibrator, is reflected at the boundary between the intervening layer and the backing material, the ultrasonic wave becomes an integral multiple of about half the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave. It returns to the vibrator as a reflected wave having a phase difference. That is, for example, if the value of n is 2, the ultrasonic wave generated by the vibrator itself and the reflected wave reflected by the intervening layer can be synchronized at the time of transmission.
【００１９】同様に受波時においても、被検体で反射さ
れた超音波は圧電振動子で電気信号に変換されると共に
介在層に伝播される。ここで介在層に伝播された超音波
の大部分はバッキング材へ伝播されるが、一部の超音波
が振動子へ伝播され（反射され）電気信号に変換され
る。従って、圧電振動子に直接伝播された超音波に反射
波を加えた分だけ減衰が小さく、且つ反射波に生じた位
相差分だけ時間の長い超音波波形すなわち持続の時間が
長い超音波波形が電気信号に変換されることとなる。Similarly, at the time of receiving a wave, the ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject is converted into an electric signal by the piezoelectric vibrator and propagated to the intervening layer. Here, most of the ultrasonic wave propagated to the intervening layer is propagated to the backing material, but a part of the ultrasonic wave is propagated (reflected) to the vibrator and converted into an electric signal. Therefore, an ultrasonic waveform whose attenuation is small by the amount of the reflected wave added to the ultrasonic wave directly propagated to the piezoelectric vibrator and whose time is long by the phase difference generated in the reflected wave, that is, the ultrasonic waveform whose duration is long, is electric. It will be converted into a signal.
【００２０】すなわち、送波時においても受波時におい
ても、振動子自体の発生するあるいは振動子で電気信号
に変換される超音波以外に介在層とバッキング材との間
で反射する超音波が加わるので、超音波の減衰が小さく
あるいは超音波波形の持続が長くなる。波の持続時間の
長い方が周波数スペクトルに直した時のピーク幅が狭く
なり、ドプラー計測を行う際の血流の速さによって生じ
る周波数の偏移がわかりやすくなり、従来より正確な血
流像が得られるようになる。その結果、バッキング材の
機能低下に伴う超音波像の画質低下を防止しつつ、血流
速度を計測し、この血流速度に基づいて血流速像を得る
のに好適な超音波装置を提供することができるようにな
る。That is, at the time of transmitting and receiving waves, in addition to the ultrasonic waves generated by the vibrator itself or converted into electric signals by the vibrator, ultrasonic waves reflected between the intervening layer and the backing material are generated. Because of the addition, the attenuation of the ultrasonic wave is small or the duration of the ultrasonic waveform is long. The longer the duration of the wave, the narrower the peak width when converted to a frequency spectrum, the easier it is to see the frequency shift caused by the speed of the blood flow when performing Doppler measurement, and a more accurate blood flow image than before Can be obtained. As a result, an ultrasonic apparatus suitable for measuring the blood flow velocity and obtaining a blood flow velocity image based on the blood flow velocity while preventing the image quality of the ultrasonic image from being deteriorated due to the deterioration in the function of the backing material is provided. Will be able to
【００２１】更に前記中空スペースを５０％以上確保で
きれば、その特徴を利用した種々の探触子が可能とな
る。次にこれを利用した第二，三の実施例を図４，図５
を用い例示する。図４は超音波探触子に位置検出用セン
サーを搭載した実施例の説明図である。図４において、
１３は小型の位置検出用のセンサー、１４は位置検出用
のセンサーケーブルである。位置検出用のセンサーとし
ては、磁界の変位を電気信号に変換する磁気センサーや
慣性力の変化量を電気信号に変換する慣性センサー（加
速度センサー、ジャイロセンサー等）が考えられる。こ
れにより探触子の位置を検出できるので、各位置での画
像と位置情報をもとに３次元の超音波画像を得ることが
できる。Further, if 50% or more of the hollow space can be secured, various probes utilizing the characteristics can be obtained. Next, the second and third embodiments using this will be described with reference to FIGS.
Will be exemplified. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which a position detecting sensor is mounted on an ultrasonic probe. In FIG.
Reference numeral 13 denotes a small sensor for position detection, and reference numeral 14 denotes a sensor cable for position detection. Examples of the position detection sensor include a magnetic sensor that converts a displacement of a magnetic field into an electric signal and an inertial sensor (an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like) that converts a change in inertial force into an electric signal. As a result, since the position of the probe can be detected, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image can be obtained based on the image and position information at each position.
【００２２】図５は探触子の超音波送受信部を挿入方向
に移動させる機構の説明図である。図５において、１５
は中空スペースにあけられた超音波送受信部を探触子挿
抜方向に機械的に移動させるためのシャフト、１６はシ
ャフト１５の根元の部分に形成されたラック、１７はラ
ック１６と組み合わせて超音波送受信部を移動させるた
めのピニオン、１８はピニオン１７を回転させるための
モーター（例えばステッピングモーター等）、１９は音
響の伝達を良くするための音響伝播媒体、２０は前記音
響伝播媒体１９が外部に漏れないように、また音波が効
率良く前方へ出す役目を果たしている音響窓、２１は体
腔内探触子のハウジング先端、２２はバルーン（図示せ
ず）内に水を充填するためのノズル、２３はバルーン内
に水を充填するためのチューブ、２４は水を注水するた
めの注水口、２５は超音波信号ケーブル、２６はモータ
ー駆動用電源ケーブルである。これにより超音波送受信
とステッピングモータによる配列振動子の移動とを交互
に行うことで図３の場合と同様に、各位置での断層像を
もとに３次元画像を作成することができる。FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a mechanism for moving the ultrasonic transmission / reception section of the probe in the insertion direction. In FIG. 5, 15
Is a shaft for mechanically moving the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit opened in the hollow space in the probe insertion / removal direction, 16 is a rack formed at the root of the shaft 15, and 17 is an ultrasonic wave combined with the rack 16. A pinion for moving the transmitting / receiving unit, 18 is a motor for rotating the pinion 17 (for example, a stepping motor, etc.), 19 is a sound propagation medium for improving sound transmission, and 20 is the sound propagation medium 19 outside. An acoustic window that plays a role of efficiently transmitting sound waves forward without leaking, 21 is a tip of a housing of an intracavity probe, 22 is a nozzle for filling a balloon (not shown) with water, 23 Is a tube for filling the balloon with water, 24 is a water inlet for injecting water, 25 is an ultrasonic signal cable, 26 is a motor drive power cable. Is Le. Thus, by alternately performing the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic waves and the movement of the arrayed transducers by the stepping motor, a three-dimensional image can be created based on the tomographic image at each position, as in the case of FIG.
【００２３】このような超音波（内視鏡）システムの構
成例としては、図６が提案されている。５０は表示モニ
ター、５１は超音波画像処理装置、５２は超音波観測装
置、５３は３次元走査駆動ユニット、５４は３次元用超
音波探触子である。FIG. 6 has been proposed as an example of the configuration of such an ultrasonic (endoscope) system. Reference numeral 50 denotes a display monitor, 51 denotes an ultrasonic image processing device, 52 denotes an ultrasonic observation device, 53 denotes a three-dimensional scanning drive unit, and 54 denotes a three-dimensional ultrasonic probe.
【００２４】以上、本発明の三つの実施形態を図面に基
づいて説明したが、本発明の要旨は圧電振動子とバッキ
ング材の間にバッキング材より硬い介在層を設け、その
ことによってバッキング材と介在層の合わせた厚さを薄
くできるので、探触子軸中心に中空のスペースを設け、
そこに内視鏡等を設けるというものであるが、本発明は
上記実施形態に限定されるものではない。Although the three embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the gist of the present invention is to provide an intervening layer that is harder than the backing material between the piezoelectric vibrator and the backing material. Since the combined thickness of the intervening layers can be reduced, a hollow space is provided at the center of the probe axis,
Although an endoscope or the like is provided there, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
【００２５】最後に、上記実施例の超音波探触子につい
て、製造方法を詳述する。圧電振動子を短冊状に切断
し、曲率半径１５mm以下の圧電振動子の湾曲面をもつ、
コンベックス走査形電子走査式超音波探触子を実現する
には、 （１）シート状の第１バッキング材６に介在層５を接着
する。第１バッキング材６は圧電振動子を湾曲させるた
め、例えば、ゴム状やフィルム状の物質で構成されてい
る。介在層５は、例えば、エポキシ系やウレタン系の樹
脂で、硬度が第１バッキング材６より高い材料を用い
る。本実施例で介在層５はエポキシ系やウレタン系の樹
脂またはポリメチルペンテン等の材質等で形成すると良
いが、これに限定されることはなく、第１バッキング材
６よりも硬度が高い材料ならば他の材料でも良いことは
いうまでもない。 （２）（１）の介在層５に、圧電振動子１及び第１，第
２音響整合層２，３を接着し、圧電振動子１、第１，第
２音響整合層２，３及び介在層５を短冊状に切断する。
バッキング材６には、必要に応じて切込みを入れる。 （３）（２）で製作した配列振動子を中空状のバッキン
グ材７の外周へ接着する。 （４）最後に音響レンズ４を接着する。尚、本実施例で
は、圧電振動子に電気信号を印加するための、信号伝達
手段の説明は省略する。Finally, the manufacturing method of the ultrasonic probe of the above embodiment will be described in detail. The piezoelectric vibrator is cut into strips and has a curved surface of a piezoelectric vibrator with a radius of curvature of 15 mm or less.
In order to realize the convex scanning type electronic scanning ultrasonic probe, (1) the intermediate layer 5 is bonded to the sheet-like first backing material 6. The first backing material 6 is made of, for example, a rubber-like or film-like substance for bending the piezoelectric vibrator. The intervening layer 5 is made of, for example, an epoxy-based or urethane-based resin having a higher hardness than the first backing material 6. In this embodiment, the intervening layer 5 is preferably formed of a material such as an epoxy-based or urethane-based resin or polymethylpentene, but is not limited to this. If the material has a higher hardness than the first backing material 6, Needless to say, other materials may be used. (2) The piezoelectric vibrator 1 and the first and second acoustic matching layers 2 and 3 are bonded to the intervening layer 5 of (1), and the piezoelectric vibrator 1, the first and second acoustic matching layers 2 and 3, and the The layer 5 is cut into strips.
A cut is made in the backing material 6 as necessary. (3) The arrayed vibrators manufactured in (2) are adhered to the outer periphery of the hollow backing material 7. (4) Finally, the acoustic lens 4 is bonded. In the present embodiment, description of a signal transmission unit for applying an electric signal to the piezoelectric vibrator is omitted.
【００２６】[0026]
【発明の効果】以上述べたように本発明によれば、体腔
内（経食道、経直腸等）に挿入して超音波検査並びに生
検を行うための超音波内視鏡用探触子に関し、超音波振
動子を機械的に回転させて超音波を全周方向へ走査す
る、いわゆるラジアルスキャンを電子スキャンで可能と
なる。As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a probe for an ultrasonic endoscope for performing an ultrasonic examination and a biopsy by being inserted into a body cavity (transesophageal, transrectal, etc.). A so-called radial scan, in which an ultrasonic transducer is mechanically rotated to scan an ultrasonic wave in all circumferential directions, can be performed by an electronic scan.
【図１】超音波内視鏡の全体図。FIG. 1 is an overall view of an ultrasonic endoscope.
【図２】本発明の超音波探触子の先端部を示す図。FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a distal end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to the present invention.
【図３】圧電振動子配列の構造を拡大して示した図。FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a structure of a piezoelectric vibrator array.
【図４】位置検出用センサを搭載した本発明の第二実施
例の探触子先端部を示す図。FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a probe tip according to a second embodiment of the present invention equipped with a position detection sensor.
【図５】超音波送受信部を挿入方向に移動させる機構を
備えた本発明の第三実施例の探触子断面図。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a probe according to a third embodiment of the present invention including a mechanism for moving an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit in an insertion direction.
【図６】超音波（内視鏡）システムの一構成例を示すブ
ロック図。FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic (endoscope) system.
１…圧電振動子 ５…介在層 ６，７…バッキング材 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Piezoelectric vibrator 5 ... Intervening layer 6, 7 ... Backing material
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 八木 朋之 東京都千代田区内神田１丁目１番14号 株 式会社日立メディコ内 Ｆターム(参考） 2F069 AA04 BB40 CC02 DD25 GG04 GG06 GG07 GG09 GG12 GG51 GG59 GG65 HH09 HH30 JJ08 JJ10 JJ25 KK10 MM04 4C061 AA02 AA05 BB02 CC06 DD03 LL02 NN05 WW16 4C301 AA02 BB03 BB13 BB34 EE16 EE20 FF05 FF15 GA16 GB06 GB08 GB20 GB22 GB24 GB28 GB40 GC01 GC02 GC15 GD06 HH23 JC14 KK17 5D019 AA06 BB20 FF04 GG06 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Tomoyuki Yagi 1-1-1 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F-term in Hitachi Medical Corporation (reference) 2F069 AA04 BB40 CC02 DD25 GG04 GG06 GG07 GG09 GG12 GG51 GG59 GG65 Hh04
Claims (5)
ンベックス走査形電子走査式体腔内用超音波探触子にお
いて、前記圧電振動子とバッキング材の間に前記バッキ
ング材より硬い介在層を備えたことを特徴とする超音波
探触子。1. A convex scanning type electronic scanning ultrasonic probe for a body cavity in which strip-shaped piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in a circular shape, wherein an intervening layer harder than the backing material is provided between the piezoelectric vibrator and the backing material. An ultrasonic probe, comprising:
バッキング材の音響インピーダンスの値より小さく、か
つ前記介在層の厚さが前記圧電振動子が送受する超音波
の中心周波数の約１／４波長の整数倍の厚さであること
を特徴とする請求項１に記載の超音波探触子。2. The acoustic impedance of the intervening layer is smaller than the acoustic impedance of the backing material, and the thickness of the intervening layer is about の wavelength of the center frequency of the ultrasonic wave transmitted and received by the piezoelectric vibrator. 2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the thickness is an integral multiple.
中空スペースに、体腔内を照らすための光ファイバーや
ライトガイド等の発光手段、体腔内を観察すためのカメ
ラ、体腔内の患部を切除、生体検査するための鉗子およ
び鉗子ガイドを設けたことを特徴とする請求項１又は２
記載の超音波探触子。3. A light emitting means such as an optical fiber or a light guide for illuminating the inside of a body cavity, a camera for observing the inside of the body cavity, a diseased part in the body cavity, and 3. A forceps and a forceps guide for resecting a living body and performing a biopsy are provided.
The described ultrasonic probe.
置した短冊形圧電振動子列を挿抜方向に移動させるため
の手段が設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１又は
２記載の超音波探触子。4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, further comprising: means for moving the strip-shaped piezoelectric vibrator array arranged in the circular shape in the insertion / removal direction. The described ultrasonic probe.
中空スペースに、前記超音波探触子の位置を検出するた
めの手段を備える請求項１〜４記載の超音波探触子と、
前記位置検出情報をもとに各位置で撮像した超音波画像
を合成して３次元立体画像を描出する手段を備えたこと
を特徴とする超音波診断システム。5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, further comprising means for detecting a position of the ultrasonic probe in a hollow space around an axis in the direction of insertion and removal of the ultrasonic probe. When,
An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising: means for synthesizing an ultrasonic image captured at each position based on the position detection information to render a three-dimensional stereoscopic image.
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| JP2001142832A JP4785102B2 (en) | 2001-05-14 | 2001-05-14 | Ultrasonic probe for body cavity, manufacturing method thereof, and ultrasonic diagnostic system |
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