Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides an ultrasonic probe capable of more reliably exchanging electric signals with an ultrasonic oscillator while rotating the ultrasonic oscillator. The ultrasonic probe includes: asupport base; a rotation body which rotates while being supported by the support base; an ultrasonic oscillator which is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the rotation body; and a rotary electric connector which is disposed to axially support the rotation body by the support base and exchanges electric signals with the ultrasonic oscillator, wherein the rotary electric connector includes: a rotary electrode which is bonded to the rotation body and rotates along with the rotation body, a fixed electrode which is bonded to the support base to face the rotary electrode and forms an annular guide groove in a rotation axis rotation in a region facing the rotary electrode, and a rotary contact member that is disposed inside the guide groove and rolls along the guide groove while contacting both the rotary electrode and the fixed electrode.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic device. Background technique [0002] There is known an ultrasonic probe configured to allow an ultrasonic vibrator to oscillate using a motor (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). [0003] In general, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits an ultrasonic beam to a subject from an ultrasonic vibrator arranged in an ultrasonic probe, and forms an ultrasonic image based on a received signal that is an ultrasonic echo. Furthermore, as described above, by oscillating the ultrasonic vibrator using a motor, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image can be generated, or a two-dimensional ultrasonic image can be generated at various angles and positions. [0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-048802 [0005] figure 1 It is a figure which shows the structure of the ultrasonic probe P concerning a conventional technique. [0006] The t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In particular, since the brush P2 and the slip ring P1 are arranged in a state of being immersed in the coupling liquid, the coupling liquid is likely to flow in and out of the sliding contact due to the rotation of the rotating body P14, resulting in poor contact.

[0010] In addition, the ultrasonic probe P according to the prior art is used while pushing the brush P2 against the slip ring P1 and sliding it, so the brush P2 and the slip ring P1 slide contact point. P2 or slip ring P1 wear

As a result, there is also a possibility that the contact resistance may change over time, and electrical signals may not be reliably transmitted and received between the ultrasonic vibrator P11 and the main body.

Images