Ultrasonic endoscope

An ultrasonic endoscope comprising:

• an ultrasonic vibrator array in which a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators are arrayed;
• a backing material layer that supports the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators;
• a flexible printed wiring board that extends on a side opposite to the ultrasonic vibrator array with respect to the backing material layer and that comprises a plurality of electrode pads that are each electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators of the ultrasonic vibrator array;
• a plurality of shield cables that each comprise a signal wire electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators and that each comprise a shield member for a respective one of the plurality of signal wires;
• a wiring portion that comprises a plurality of connection portions in which the plurality of signal wires of the plurality of shield cables are each electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of electrode pads of the flexible printed wiring board;
• a ground portion that is provided on the flexible printed wiring board and electrically connected to the shield members of the shield cables;
• and
• a heat conductive layer that is provided on at least one surface of the flexible printed wiring board and connected to the ground portion, the heat conductive layer dissipating heat generated in the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators to the ground portion;
• wherein the portion of the flexible printed wiring board extending beyond the backing material layer on the side opposite to the ultrasonic vibrator array with respect to the backing material layer is a flat surface portion,
• wherein the ground portion is provided on at least one surface of the flat surface portion, and
• wherein at least a part of the heat conductive layer is provided on at least one surface of the flat surface portion.