An ultrasound probe and ultrasound diagnostic device

Abstract

This invention discloses an ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic device, including a handle, a shaft, and a head end. The shaft is located between the handle and the head end, positioning the head end at a predetermined distance away from the handle. The device also includes: a drive mechanism located within the handle for outputting driving force; a bevel gear transmission mechanism located within the head end and connected to the drive mechanism; and an ultrasonic transducer located within the head end and connected to the bevel gear transmission mechanism, so that when the drive mechanism is operating, the bevel gear transmission mechanism drives the ultrasonic transducer to oscillate. The drive mechanism drives the ultrasonic transducer to oscillate via the bevel gear transmission mechanism. The bevel gear transmission mechanism achieves motion transmission through the meshing of the driving and driven bevel gears, resulting in high transmission accuracy, small transmission backlash, and stable transmission. Therefore, the ultrasonic transducer exhibits high motion accuracy, ensuring the image quality obtained by the ultrasonic transducer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and more specifically, to an ultrasound probe. Furthermore, this invention also relates to an ultrasound diagnostic device comprising the aforementioned ultrasound probe. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound diagnostic equipment has wide applications in clinical medicine. It consists of an ultrasound probe inserted into the human body, with an ultrasound transducer at the tip to emit and receive sound waves to acquire ultrasound images. To expand the transducer's field of view, a drive mechanism is often used to oscillate the transducer, thus achieving scanning imaging.

[0003] In related technologies, the driving device used to drive the ultrasonic transducer to swing is to drive the ultrasonic transducer to swing via a steel wire rope. However, as the usage time increases, the steel wire rope will stretch after long-term use, which will affect the transmission accuracy and thus affect the motion accuracy of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0004] Therefore, how to improve the motion accuracy of the ultrasonic transducer of an ultrasonic probe is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe with high motion accuracy of its ultrasonic transducer.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound diagnostic device including the above-described ultrasound probe, wherein the ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound probe has high motion accuracy.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] An ultrasound probe includes a handle, a shaft, and a head end, wherein the shaft is disposed between the handle and the head end, such that the head end is located at a predetermined distance away from the handle, and further includes:

[0009] A drive mechanism, located inside the handle portion, is used to output driving force;

[0010] A bevel gear transmission mechanism is located inside the head end and connected to the drive mechanism;

[0011] An ultrasonic transducer is disposed inside the head end and connected to the bevel gear transmission mechanism so that when the drive mechanism is working, the bevel gear transmission mechanism drives the ultrasonic transducer to swing.

[0012] Optionally, it also includes:

[0013] A speed reduction mechanism is located inside the handle portion and connected between the drive mechanism and the bevel gear transmission mechanism.

[0014] Optionally, the reduction mechanism and the bevel gear transmission mechanism are connected by a long rotating shaft; the long rotating shaft passes through the shaft portion.

[0015] Optionally, the reduction mechanism is a synchronous belt drive mechanism, which includes a driving pulley and a driven pulley. The driving pulley is mounted on the output shaft of the drive mechanism, and the driven pulley is connected to the long rotating shaft. The driving pulley and the driven pulley are connected by a synchronous belt.

[0016] Optionally, the handle portion further includes:

[0017] The second bracket is fixedly installed inside the handle portion, and the drive mechanism is installed on the second bracket.

[0018] Optionally, a portion of the second bracket is sleeved outside the long rotating shaft via a bearing.

[0019] Optionally, the handle portion includes:

[0020] The support base is fixedly installed inside the handle portion;

[0021] A first bracket is connected to the support base, a portion of the long rotating shaft is supported by the first bracket, and the long rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on the first bracket.

[0022] Optionally, the first bracket has an elongated structure, and at least two bearings are spaced apart along the length of the first bracket. The first bracket supports the long rotating shaft through the bearings, so that the long rotating shaft can rotate relative to the first bracket.

[0023] Optionally, the second bracket is connected to the support base via a connecting rod.

[0024] Optionally, the drive mechanism is mounted on the second bracket via a mounting base, the position of which is adjustable relative to the second bracket, so as to adjust the tension of the timing belt of the reduction mechanism by adjusting the position of the drive mechanism.

[0025] Optionally, it also includes:

[0026] The protective device is located on the outside of the synchronous belt drive mechanism.

[0027] Optionally, the long rotating shaft is provided with a light-blocking plate, and the handle portion is provided with an optical coupler assembly. The light-blocking plate and the optical coupler assembly cooperate to achieve the zeroing of the drive mechanism.

[0028] Optionally, the bevel gear transmission mechanism is connected to the long rotating shaft via a coupling.

[0029] Optionally, the head end portion is provided with:

[0030] Sound window bracket;

[0031] The mounting base is connected to the acoustic window bracket;

[0032] The bevel gear transmission mechanism is located inside the acoustic window bracket and the fixed base.

[0033] Optionally, the bevel gear transmission mechanism includes a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a drive bevel gear, and a driven bevel gear; the drive shaft passes through shaft holes on the sound window bracket and the fixed base respectively and is rotatably connected to the drive bevel gear;

[0034] The driven shaft is rotatably connected to the fixed base, the driven bevel gear is disposed on the driven shaft, and the driven bevel gear meshes with the driving bevel gear;

[0035] The ultrasonic transducer is fixedly connected to the driven shaft.

[0036] Optionally, the fixed base includes a support and at least two support arms, the at least two support arms being disposed on the support and respectively arranged along the extension direction of the drive shaft, and the driven shaft being rotatably connected to the at least two support arms.

[0037] Optionally, the support is provided with the shaft hole, and the drive shaft passes through the shaft hole so that its end is close to the driven shaft, and the central axis of the drive shaft and the central axis of the driven shaft are on the same plane and perpendicular to each other.

[0038] Optionally, one of the fixed base and the driven bevel gear is provided with a limiting protrusion, and the other is provided with a limiting groove. The limiting protrusion and the limiting groove cooperate to limit the maximum rotation angle of the driven bevel gear.

[0039] Optionally, the limiting protrusion is provided on the fixed base, the driven bevel gear has a limiting part, the limiting part is provided with two limiting grooves, the two limiting grooves are arranged along the circumference of the driven bevel gear, and a clearance space is provided between the two limiting grooves to allow the two limiting grooves to communicate.

[0040] Optionally, a seal is provided between the drive shaft and the acoustic window bracket.

[0041] Optionally, the transmission ratio between the driving bevel gear and the driven bevel gear is 1.

[0042] Optionally, the driven bevel gear is a sector gear, and the sector angle of the sector gear is less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0043] An ultrasound diagnostic device, comprising any one of the aforementioned ultrasound probes.

[0044] The beneficial effects of the ultrasonic probe provided by this invention are as follows: When in use, the drive mechanism works, driving the bevel gear transmission mechanism to move. The movement is reversed through the bevel gear transmission mechanism, thereby causing the bevel gear transmission mechanism to drive the ultrasonic transducer to swing in the desired direction, so as to realize ultrasonic transducer scanning imaging.

[0045] In other words, this ultrasonic probe changes the driving method of the ultrasonic transducer. Instead of the driving device in related technologies that drives the ultrasonic transducer to swing through a driving steel wire rope, the driving mechanism drives the ultrasonic transducer to swing through a bevel gear transmission mechanism. The bevel gear transmission mechanism achieves motion transmission through the meshing transmission between the driving bevel gear and the driven bevel gear. It has high transmission accuracy, small transmission gap, and stable transmission. Therefore, it makes the ultrasonic transducer's motion accuracy high, which can ensure the image quality obtained by the ultrasonic transducer.

[0046] The ultrasound diagnostic device provided by the present invention includes the aforementioned ultrasound probe and has the aforementioned beneficial effects. Attached Figure Description

[0047] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0048] Figure 1 This is an external morphological diagram of an ultrasonic probe provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an ultrasonic probe provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Axial sectional view;

[0051] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the assembled drive mechanism, reduction mechanism, and long rotating shaft;

[0052] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A sectional view;

[0053] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembled bevel gear transmission mechanism and ultrasonic transducer.

[0054] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A sectional view;

[0055] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the assembled acoustic window bracket and mounting base.

[0056] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the driven bevel gear.

[0057] Figure label:

[0058] 1-Drive mechanism; 2-Bevel gear transmission mechanism; 21-Drive shaft; 22-Drive bevel gear; 23-Driven shaft; 24-Driven bevel gear; 241-Limiting part; 2411-Limiting groove; 3-Ultrasonic transducer; 31-Fixed platform; 32-Second pin; 33-Fourth screw; 4-Reduction mechanism; 41-Drive wheel; 42-Driven wheel; 43-Synchronous belt; 5-Long rotating shaft; 61-Support base; 62-First bracket; 63-Second bracket; 631-Tensioning screw hole; 64-Connecting rod; 65-Mounting base; 7-Protective device; 8-Optical coupler assembly; 9-Coupling; 101-Sound window bracket; 102-Fixed base; 1021-Support; 10211-Shaft hole; 1022-Support arm; 103-Third screw; 104-Mounting hole; 11-Limiting element; 12-Limiting protrusion; 13-Seal; 141-First bearing; 142-Second bearing; 143-Third bearing; 144-Fourth bearing; 145-Fifth bearing; 15-Handle part; 16-Shaft part; 17-Head end. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] The core of this invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe with high motion accuracy of its ultrasonic transducer. Another core aspect of this invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device including the aforementioned ultrasonic probe, wherein the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe has high motion accuracy.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3This invention provides an ultrasonic probe, including a handle portion 15, a shaft portion 16, and a head portion 17. The shaft portion 16 is disposed between the handle portion 15 and the head portion 17, such that the head portion 17 is located at a predetermined distance away from the handle portion 15. The ultrasonic probe also includes a drive mechanism 1, a bevel gear transmission mechanism 2, and an ultrasonic transducer 3. The drive mechanism 1 is disposed within the handle portion 15 and is used to output driving force. The bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 is disposed within the head portion 17 and is connected to the drive mechanism 1. The ultrasonic transducer 3 is disposed within the head portion 17 and is connected to the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2, so that when the drive mechanism 1 is working, the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 drives the ultrasonic transducer 3 to swing.

[0062] It is understandable that the aforementioned ultrasound probe can be an intracavitary probe, which can be inserted into human cavities such as the uterine cavity and intestines for ultrasound examination.

[0063] When in use, the drive mechanism 1 works, driving the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 to move. The movement is reversed through the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2, thereby causing the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 to drive the ultrasonic transducer 3 to swing in the desired direction, so as to realize the ultrasonic transducer 3 scanning imaging.

[0064] In other words, this embodiment of the invention changes the driving method of the ultrasonic transducer 3. Instead of the driving device in related technologies using a driving steel wire rope to swing the ultrasonic transducer 3, the invention improves it so that the driving mechanism 1 drives the ultrasonic transducer 3 to swing via a bevel gear transmission mechanism 2. The bevel gear transmission mechanism 2, through a driving bevel gear 22 (such as...), drives the ultrasonic transducer 3 to swing. Figure 6 and Figure 7 (as shown) and driven bevel gear 24 (as shown) Figure 6 and Figure 7 The meshing transmission between the ultrasonic transducer 3 and the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 achieves motion transmission with high precision, small transmission gap, and stable transmission. Therefore, the ultrasonic transducer 3 has high motion precision, ensuring the image quality obtained by the ultrasonic transducer 3. Moreover, compared with related technologies that use linkage mechanisms to drive the ultrasonic transducer 3 to swing, the embodiment of the present invention uses a bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 to drive the ultrasonic transducer 3 to swing. The backlash of the bevel gear meshing transmission is small and the value is stable, which helps to eliminate jitter in the image obtained by the ultrasonic transducer 3.

[0065] For further information, please continue to refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 and Figure 3To minimize the structural size of the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2, in some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe also includes a deceleration mechanism 4. The deceleration mechanism 4 is located within the handle portion 15 and connected between the drive mechanism 1 and the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 for deceleration. In other words, this embodiment uses a two-stage transmission system—the deceleration mechanism 4 and the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2—to transmit the motion of the drive mechanism 1 to the ultrasonic transducer 3. The motion output from the drive mechanism 1 is decelerated by the deceleration mechanism 4, ensuring that the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 has a suitable speed. Simultaneously, it avoids decelerating through the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 to ensure a suitable oscillation speed for the ultrasonic transducer 3. Therefore, it avoids a large reduction ratio between the driving bevel gear 22 and the driven bevel gear 24 of the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2, thus avoiding the use of large gears that occupy a large space. In other words, the deceleration mechanism 4, while preventing the drive mechanism 1 from operating in a low-speed range, allows the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 to only have a reversing function or a small transmission ratio, thereby reducing the structural size of the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2. This results in a compact structure at the head end where the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 is located, occupying less space and facilitating the miniaturization of the ultrasonic probe.

[0066] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the deceleration mechanism 4 and the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 are connected by a long rotating shaft 5; the long rotating shaft 5 passes through the shaft portion 16. That is to say, in this embodiment, the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2, the drive mechanism 1, and the deceleration mechanism 4 are respectively located at different axial positions of the ultrasonic probe, and by setting the long rotating shaft 5, the deceleration mechanism 4 located in the handle portion 15 can be smoothly connected to the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 located in the head end portion 17, realizing the motion transmission between the deceleration mechanism 4 and the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2. This helps to avoid the drive mechanism 1 and the deceleration mechanism 4 affecting the size of the head end portion 17, and helps to achieve the miniaturization of the head end portion 17.

[0067] In addition, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, to facilitate the installation and fixation of the drive mechanism 1, in some embodiments, a second bracket 63 is also provided inside the handle portion 15. The second bracket 63 is fixedly installed inside the handle portion 15, and the drive mechanism 1 is installed on the second bracket 63. That is to say, in this embodiment, the drive mechanism 1 is installed inside the handle portion 15 by mounting it on the second bracket 63. This is beneficial because a reasonable design of the structure of the second bracket 63 can provide sufficient support and a reasonable installation position for the drive mechanism 1, thereby facilitating the installation of the drive mechanism 1 inside the handle portion 15. Specifically, the drive mechanism 1 can be a motor drive mechanism.

[0068] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a portion of the second bracket 63 is sleeved on the outside of the long rotating shaft 5 via the first bearing 141. That is, in this embodiment, the long rotating shaft 5 is rotatably passed through the second bracket 63 via the first bearing 141, so that the second bracket 63 provides at least one rotational support point for the long rotating shaft 5. In other words, the second bracket 63 in this embodiment not only serves to install the drive mechanism 1, but also to rotatably support the long rotating shaft 5, thus integrating the functions of the second bracket 63. This helps to reduce the number of overall installation structural components, making the structural layout more compact and reasonable, saving space, and simplifying installation.

[0069] Additionally, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 To facilitate the installation of the long rotating shaft 5, in some embodiments, a support base 61 and a first bracket 62 are provided inside the handle portion 15. The support base 61 is fixedly installed inside the handle portion 15; the first bracket 62 is connected to the support base 61, and a portion of the long rotating shaft 5 is supported by the first bracket 62, and the long rotating shaft 5 is rotatably mounted on the first bracket 62. That is to say, in this embodiment, by setting up the support base 61, the support base 61 plays a major supporting role, facilitating the setting up of the first bracket 62, which provides rotational support for the long rotating shaft 5 to achieve stable and reliable rotation of the long rotating shaft 5. In addition, in some embodiments, the first bracket 62 and the second bracket 63 can be combined to jointly provide rotational support for the long rotating shaft 5, which is beneficial to improving the stability of the rotation of the long rotating shaft 5, and also beneficial to achieving a reasonable structural layout, avoiding the first bracket 62 being too large in size.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the first bracket 62 has an elongated structure, with at least two second bearings 142 spaced apart along its length. The first bracket 62 supports the long rotating shaft 5 via the second bearings 142, allowing the long rotating shaft 5 to rotate relative to the first bracket 62. In other words, this embodiment utilizes the first bracket 62 to provide at least two rotational support points for the long rotating shaft 5, thereby ensuring the long rotating shaft 5 is stably supported by the first bracket 62 and guaranteeing the accuracy of its position. Furthermore, the first bracket 62 and the second bracket 63 can be combined, with the second bracket 63 providing more rotational support points for the long rotating shaft 5. This is particularly suitable when the long rotating shaft 5 is long, as this design makes the overall structure more stable, helps ensure the accuracy of the structure and position of the long rotating shaft 5, and makes its movement smoother.

[0071] Furthermore, this embodiment does not limit the specific connection method between the first bracket 62 and the support base 61, as long as the connection between the first bracket 62 and the support base 61 can be achieved. In some embodiments, the first bracket 62 and the support base 61 are connected by a first screw. This connection method is simple and convenient to operate.

[0072] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second bracket 63 is connected to the support base 61 via a connecting rod 64. That is, in this embodiment, the second bracket 63 is connected to the support base 61 via the connecting rod 64, and the support base 61 serves to install, fix, and support the second bracket 63. In other words, the support base 61 acts as a common mounting structure for both the first bracket 62 and the second bracket 63, facilitating a rational structural layout, reducing the number of installation components, saving space, and resulting in a compact structure. Of course, in other embodiments, the second bracket 63 can also be directly fixed and supported by the outer shell of the handle portion 15; or, the second bracket 63 can also be installed within the handle portion 15 via an additional support structure independent of the support base 61.

[0073] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the connection of the connecting rod 64 to the support base 61 and the second bracket 63 respectively, in some embodiments, the two ends of the connecting rod 64 are respectively provided with screws, and the connecting rod 64 is connected to the support base 61 and the second bracket 63 respectively through the screws at both ends, thereby realizing the connection between the second bracket 63 and the support base 61.

[0074] Understandably, this embodiment does not limit the specific number of connecting rods 64. The number of connecting rods 64 can be one or at least two. In some embodiments, the number of connecting rods 64 is three, and the three connecting rods 64 are not collinear to improve the connection strength between the second bracket 63 and the support base 61.

[0075] It should be noted that the specific structures of the support base 61, the first bracket 62, and the second bracket 63 are not limited in the embodiments of the present invention, as long as they can achieve their respective supporting functions. In some embodiments, the support base 61 has a disc-shaped structure.

[0076] It should also be noted that the above embodiments do not limit the specific connection method between the drive mechanism 1 and the second bracket 63, as long as the drive mechanism 1 can be installed on the second bracket 63. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 1 is installed on the mounting base 65, and the mounting base 65 is fixed to the second bracket 63 by a second screw or the like, thereby realizing the connection between the drive mechanism 1 and the second bracket 63.

[0077] Furthermore, the above embodiments do not limit the specific structure of the deceleration mechanism 4, as long as it can achieve deceleration.

[0078] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 4 and Figure 5In some embodiments, the reduction mechanism 4 is a synchronous belt drive mechanism, which includes a driving pulley 41, a driven pulley 42, and a synchronous belt 43. The driving pulley 41 of the synchronous belt drive mechanism is mounted on the output shaft of the drive mechanism 1, and the driven pulley 42 of the synchronous belt drive mechanism is connected to the long rotating shaft 5. The driving pulley 41 and the driven pulley 42 are connected by the synchronous belt 43. That is to say, in this embodiment, the motion reduction between the drive mechanism 1 and the bevel gear drive mechanism 2 is achieved by the synchronous belt drive mechanism connected between the drive mechanism 1 and the bevel gear drive mechanism 2. When the drive mechanism 1 is working, it drives the driving pulley 41 to rotate. Through the transmission of the synchronous belt 43, the driven pulley 42 drives the long rotating shaft 5 to rotate together, thereby causing the long rotating shaft 5 to drive the bevel gear drive mechanism 2 to move. This structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0079] In some embodiments, the driven wheel 42 is sleeved on the long rotating shaft 5, and the driven wheel 42 is located between the connection position of the first bracket 62 and the long rotating shaft 5 and the connection position of the second bracket 63 and the long rotating shaft 5. This allows the driven wheel 42 to be positioned between two rotational support positions on the long rotating shaft 5, which is beneficial for improving structural strength and stability. It is understood that a second bearing 142 is provided at the connection position of the first bracket 62 and the long rotating shaft 5, and a first bearing 141 is provided at the connection position of the second bracket 63 and the long rotating shaft 5, to facilitate the rotation of the long rotating shaft 5.

[0080] In some other embodiments, the drive wheel 41 is sleeved on the output shaft of the drive mechanism 1 and fastened by the first set screw to improve the firmness and reliability of the connection between the drive wheel 41 and the drive mechanism 1.

[0081] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 To facilitate adjustment of the tension of the timing belt 43 during installation, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 1 is mounted on the second bracket 63 via a mounting base 65. The position of the mounting base 65 relative to the second bracket 63 is adjustable, allowing adjustment of the tension of the timing belt 43 by adjusting the position of the drive mechanism 1. In other words, the mounting position of the mounting base 65 on the second bracket 63 is adjustable. By adjusting the mounting position of the mounting base 65 on the second bracket 63, the position of the drive mechanism 1 connected to the mounting base 65 can be adjusted, which in turn adjusts the position of the drive pulley 41 connected to the drive mechanism 1. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the mounting base 65, the relative position of the drive pulley 41 and the driven pulley 42 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the tension of the timing belt 43 connected between the drive pulley 41 and the driven pulley 42, ensuring the reliability of the timing belt drive mechanism's movement and the stability and accuracy of its motion transmission.

[0082] It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the specific method by which the position of the mounting base 65 relative to the second bracket 63 is adjustable; please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 4In some embodiments, the second bracket 63 is provided with a tension screw hole 631, and the tension screw is threaded into the tension screw hole 631, with the end of the tension screw abutting against the mounting base 65. During installation, the position of the tension screw can be adjusted by screwing it, thereby causing the tension screw to press against the mounting base 65, thus adjusting the position of the mounting base 65 relative to the second bracket 63. Once adjusted to the correct position, the mounting base 65 and the second bracket 63 can be fixed together.

[0083] Continue to refer to Figure 4 To prevent cables and other components from getting caught in the synchronous belt drive mechanism, in some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe also includes a protective device 7, which is located on the outside of the synchronous belt drive mechanism. In other words, this embodiment uses the protective device 7 to protect the synchronous belt drive mechanism, preventing cables and other components from getting caught in the mechanism during operation and causing interference. Simultaneously, it helps prevent impurities from entering the synchronous belt drive mechanism and affecting its transmission.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, in order to facilitate determining the position of the ultrasonic transducer 3 each time the ultrasonic probe is used, in some embodiments, the long rotating shaft 5 is provided with a light-blocking plate, and the handle part 15 is provided with an optical coupler assembly 8. The light-blocking plate and the optical coupler assembly 8 cooperate to realize the zeroing of the drive mechanism 1. That is to say, in this embodiment, by setting the optical coupler assembly 8 to cooperate with the light-blocking plate, the drive mechanism 1 is brought back to zero, thereby bringing the reduction mechanism 4 and the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 back to zero, and thus placing the ultrasonic transducer 3 in the initial position, so that the position of the ultrasonic transducer 3 can be determined each time the ultrasonic probe is used.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, in order to facilitate the connection between the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 and the long rotating shaft 5, in some embodiments, the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 is connected to the long rotating shaft 5 via a coupling 9. This connection method is simple and easy to implement.

[0086] Specifically, in Figure 3 Based on reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 includes a drive shaft 21, one end of which can be connected to the coupling 9 via a second set screw to improve the robustness and reliability of the connection between the drive shaft 21 and the coupling 9.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7To facilitate the installation of the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2, in some embodiments, an acoustic window bracket 101 and a fixing seat 102 are provided inside the head end 17. The fixing seat 102 is connected to the acoustic window bracket 101, and the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 is located inside the acoustic window bracket 101 and the fixing seat 102. That is to say, in this embodiment, the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 is installed and supported by the acoustic window bracket 101 and the fixing seat 102. At the same time, the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 being located inside the acoustic window bracket 101 and the fixing seat 102 helps to make the structure compact and reduce the size of the head end 17 of the ultrasonic probe.

[0088] It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the specific connection method between the fixing base 102 and the sound window bracket 101, as long as the connection between the two can be achieved. Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the mounting base 102 is limited by a shaft hole and secured to the cavity of the acoustic window bracket 101 by a third screw 103. Alternatively, an additional mounting hole 104 can be provided in the mounting base 102, through which screws passing through the mounting hole 104 can further secure the acoustic window bracket 101 and the mounting base 102.

[0089] This embodiment does not limit the specific arrangement of the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 within the sound window bracket 101 and the fixed base 102, as long as the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 can be arranged within the sound window bracket 101 and the fixed base 102.

[0090] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 includes a drive shaft 21, a drive bevel gear 22, and a driven bevel gear 24; the drive shaft 21 rotatably passes through shaft holes on the acoustic window bracket 101 and the fixed seat 102 respectively, and is connected to the drive bevel gear 22; the driven shaft 23 is rotatably connected to the fixed seat 102, the driven bevel gear 24 is disposed on the driven shaft 23, and the driven bevel gear 24 meshes with the drive bevel gear 22; the ultrasonic transducer 3 is fixedly connected to the driven shaft 23. In other words, this embodiment utilizes the acoustic window bracket 101 and the fixed base 102 to simultaneously support the rotation of the drive shaft 21, and the fixed base 102 to support the rotation of the driven shaft 23, thereby realizing the installation of the drive shaft 21 and the driven shaft 23. The drive bevel gear 22 is located on the drive shaft 21 and rotates together with the drive shaft 21. The driven bevel gear 24 is located on the driven shaft 23 and is used to drive the driven shaft 23 to rotate. That is, when the drive mechanism 1 is activated, the drive shaft 21 is rotated through the reduction mechanism 4 and the long rotating shaft 5. The drive shaft 21 drives the drive bevel gear 22 to rotate together. The drive bevel gear 22 meshes with the driven bevel gear 24, causing the driven bevel gear 24 to drive the driven shaft 23 to rotate, thereby causing the driven shaft 23 to drive the ultrasonic transducer 3 connected to it to swing, thereby realizing the ultrasonic transducer 3 scanning imaging.

[0091] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, a third bearing 143 is provided inside the acoustic window bracket 101, and a fourth bearing 144 is provided inside the fixed base 102. The drive shaft 21 is rotatably connected to the acoustic window bracket 101 through the third bearing 143 and to the fixed base 102 through the fourth bearing 144. That is, in this embodiment, the third bearing 143 and the fourth bearing 144 respectively limit and support the drive shaft 21 to realize the installation and movement of the drive shaft 21. In addition, the drive bevel gear 22 is installed at one end of the drive shaft 21, and its position is limited by the first pin, thereby realizing the connection between the drive bevel gear 22 and the drive shaft 21 and improving the reliability and stability of the connection between the drive bevel gear 22 and the drive shaft 21.

[0092] Please combine Figure 7 and Figure 8 To facilitate the mounting of the driven shaft 23 on the fixed base 102, in some embodiments, the fixed base 102 includes a support 1021 and at least two support arms 1022. The at least two support arms 1022 are disposed on the support 1021 and respectively arranged along the extending direction of the drive shaft 21. The driven shaft 23 is rotatably connected to the at least two support arms 1022. In other words, this embodiment utilizes at least two support arms 1022 to mount, fix, and support the driven shaft 23. The arrangement of the at least two support arms 1022 along the extending direction of the drive shaft 21 facilitates positioning the driven shaft 23 at one end of the drive shaft 21, thereby ensuring a suitable relative position between the drive bevel gear 22 and the driven bevel gear 24.

[0093] Please combine Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Furthermore, to facilitate the mounting of the drive shaft 21 on the fixed base 102, in some embodiments, the support 1021 is provided with a shaft hole 10211. After the drive shaft 21 passes through the shaft hole 10211, its end is close to the driven shaft 23, and the central axis of the drive shaft 21 and the central axis of the driven shaft 23 are on the same plane and perpendicular to each other. That is, the drive shaft 21 passes through the shaft hole 10211, and the end of the drive shaft 21 facing the driven shaft 23 is close to the driven shaft 23 and maintains a certain distance, so as to meet the installation requirements of the drive bevel gear 22 on the drive shaft 21 and the driven bevel gear 24 on the driven shaft 23. In addition, the central axis of the drive shaft 21 and the central axis of the driven shaft 23 are on the same plane and perpendicular to each other, which facilitates the centering of the drive shaft 21 and the driven shaft 23 respectively, and facilitates the relative position of the drive shaft 21 and the driven shaft 23, thereby ensuring the reliability of the meshing of the drive bevel gear 22 and the driven bevel gear 24.

[0094] like Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, both ends of the driven shaft 23 are mounted to the support arm 1022 via fifth bearings 145, thereby providing rotational support for the driven shaft 23 by the support arm 1022. The driven bevel gear 24 can be fixed to the driven shaft 23 by a third set screw, thereby connecting the driven bevel gear 24 and the driven shaft 23 and improving the reliability and stability of the connection between the driven bevel gear 24 and the driven shaft 23.

[0095] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the fixed base 102 is provided with a limiting member 11 for axially limiting the fifth bearing 145. That is, in this embodiment, by setting the limiting member 11, the fifth bearing 145 is axially limited to prevent the first bearing from loosening, thereby ensuring the reliability and stability of the driven shaft 23 rotation. Considering the simplicity of the structure, the limiting member 11 can be a bearing limiting screw provided on the fixed base 102, which is convenient to install.

[0096] Continue to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In order to facilitate the connection between the ultrasonic transducer 3 and the driven shaft 23, in some embodiments, the ultrasonic transducer 3 is connected to a fixed platform 31. The fixed platform 31 is fixed to the driven shaft 23 by a second pin 32 and a fourth screw 33, thereby realizing the connection between the ultrasonic transducer 3 and the driven shaft 23. When the drive mechanism 1 is activated, the driven shaft 23 of the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 drives the ultrasonic transducer 3 to swing through the fixed platform 31, thereby realizing the scanning motion of the ultrasonic transducer 3.

[0097] To limit the rotation angle of the driven bevel gear 24, in some embodiments, one of the fixed base 102 and the driven bevel gear 24 is provided with a limiting protrusion 12, and the other is provided with a limiting groove. The limiting protrusion 12 and the limiting groove cooperate to limit the maximum rotation angle position of the driven bevel gear 24. For example, the limiting groove can be provided on the driven bevel gear 24, and the limiting protrusion 12 can be provided on the fixed base 102. In this case, when the driven bevel gear 24 rotates, the limiting groove rotates with the driven bevel gear 24, so that the limiting groove rotates relative to the limiting protrusion 12. When the driven bevel gear 24 rotates to the position where the limiting groove reaches the limiting protrusion 12, the limiting groove abuts against the limiting protrusion 12 under the limiting of the limiting protrusion 12, and the driven bevel gear 24 cannot continue to rotate. That is, at this time, it indicates that the driven bevel gear 24 has rotated to the maximum rotation angle position. By using the cooperation of the limiting protrusion 12 and the limiting groove, the hardware physical limitation of the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 is achieved. Of course, in other embodiments, the limiting groove can be provided on the fixed base 102 and the limiting protrusion 12 can be provided on the driven bevel gear 24. In this case, when the driven bevel gear 24 rotates, the limiting protrusion 12 rotates together with the driven bevel gear 24. When the limiting protrusion 12 moves to the limiting groove, the limiting protrusion 12 cannot continue to rotate under the forced limiting of the limiting groove, so that the driven bevel gear 24 stops at the maximum rotation angle position. That is, the hardware physical limiting of the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 can be realized.

[0098] Specifically, considering the simplicity of the structure, the limiting protrusion 12 can be a bolt provided on the fixed base 102, and the limiting groove can be an arc-shaped groove provided on the driven bevel gear 24. For example, the arc-shaped groove is an arc-shaped groove formed by cutting off a portion of material along the radial edge of the driven bevel gear 24.

[0099] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the limiting protrusion 12 is provided on the fixed base 102, and the driven bevel gear 24 is provided with a limiting part 241. The limiting part 241 is provided with two limiting grooves 2411. The two limiting grooves 2411 are arranged along the circumference of the driven bevel gear 24, and a clearance space is provided between the two limiting grooves 2411 to allow the limiting protrusion 12 to be accommodated, so as to avoid interference between the portion of the driven bevel gear 24 located between the two limiting grooves 2411 and the limiting protrusion 12 when the driven bevel gear 24 rotates. It should be noted that this embodiment does not specifically limit the circumferential angle between the two limiting grooves 2411, and it can be set according to the maximum rotation angle of the driven bevel gear 24. For example, the circumferential angle between the two limiting grooves 2411 can be any angle between 0 and 360 degrees, such as 180 degrees.

[0100] like Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, a seal 13 is provided between the drive shaft 21 and the acoustic window bracket 101. It is understood that the seal 13 can achieve the function of sealing the oil at the tip of the ultrasonic probe, preventing the oil at the tip of the ultrasonic probe from flowing out through the connection between the drive shaft 21 and the acoustic window bracket 101, thus affecting the smoothness of the movement of the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2.

[0101] It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the specific structure or quantity of the seal 13. In some embodiments, the seal 13 is a sealing ring. In some embodiments, the number of seals 13 is two, and the two seals 13 are spaced apart along the drive shaft 21.

[0102] To minimize the structural dimensions of the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2, in some embodiments, the transmission ratio between the driving bevel gear 22 and the driven bevel gear 24 is 1. That is, in this embodiment, the bevel gear transmission mechanism 2 only serves to reverse direction and does not serve to reduce speed. This allows the size of the driven bevel gear 24 to be as small as possible, thereby saving space and reducing the size of the ultrasonic probe tip.

[0103] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the driven bevel gear 24 is a sector gear. It is understood that the swing range of the ultrasonic probe is limited, meaning the rotation angle of the driven bevel gear 24 can be less than or equal to 180 degrees. Of course, for other requirements, the rotation angle of the driven bevel gear 24 can be greater than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees. Therefore, the rotation angle of the driven bevel gear 24 can be determined according to the swing angle range of the ultrasonic probe. Furthermore, the driven bevel gear 24 can be made into a sector gear based on its rotation angle. That is, the driven bevel gear 24 is not a complete gear; it only needs to meet the required motion angle. This can reduce the structural size of the driven bevel gear 24, making the structure compact.

[0104] In addition to the ultrasound probe described above, the present invention also provides an ultrasound diagnostic device including the ultrasound probe disclosed in the above embodiments. For the structure of other parts of the ultrasound diagnostic device, please refer to the relevant technology, which will not be described in detail here.

[0105] The key point of this embodiment is that the ultrasonic probe disclosed in any of the above embodiments has the same beneficial effects as the ultrasonic probes described above.

[0106] It should also be noted that, in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

[0107] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0108] The ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic equipment provided by this invention have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this invention without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe comprising a handle portion (15), a shaft portion (16) and a head portion (17), the shaft portion (16) being provided between the handle portion (15) and the head portion (17) so that the head portion (17) is located at a predetermined distance away from the handle portion (15), characterized in that, Also includes: A drive mechanism (1) is provided inside the handle portion (15) and is used to output driving force; A bevel gear transmission mechanism (2) is located inside the head end (17) and connected to the drive mechanism (1); An ultrasonic transducer (3) is located inside the head end (17) and connected to the bevel gear transmission mechanism (2) so that when the drive mechanism (1) is working, the bevel gear transmission mechanism (2) drives the ultrasonic transducer (3) to swing.

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The deceleration mechanism (4) is located inside the handle part (15) and is connected between the drive mechanism (1) and the bevel gear transmission mechanism (2).

3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The deceleration mechanism (4) and the bevel gear transmission mechanism (2) are connected by a long rotating shaft (5); the long rotating shaft (5) passes through the shaft portion (16) along the shaft portion (16).

4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that, The deceleration mechanism (4) is a synchronous belt drive mechanism, which includes a driving pulley (41) and a driven pulley (42). The driving pulley (41) is mounted on the output shaft of the drive mechanism (1), and the driven pulley (42) is connected to the long rotating shaft (5). The driving pulley (41) and the driven pulley (42) are connected by a synchronous belt (43).

5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that, The handle portion 15 is also provided with: The second bracket (63) is fixedly installed inside the handle part (15), and the drive mechanism (1) is installed on the second bracket (63).

6. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, A portion of the second bracket (63) is fitted over the long shaft (5) via the first bearing (141).

7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The handle portion (15) is provided with: The support base (61) is fixedly installed inside the handle part (15); The first bracket (62) is connected to the support base (61), a portion of the long rotating shaft (5) is supported by the first bracket (62), and the long rotating shaft (5) is rotatably mounted on the first bracket (62).

8. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first bracket (62) has a long strip structure, and at least two second bearings (142) are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the first bracket (62). The first bracket (62) supports the long rotating shaft (5) through the second bearings (142), so that the long rotating shaft (5) can rotate relative to the first bracket (62).

9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second bracket (63) is connected to the support base (61) via a connecting rod (64).

10. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (1) is mounted on the second bracket (63) via a mounting base (65). The position of the mounting base (65) relative to the second bracket (63) is adjustable so that the tension of the timing belt (43) of the deceleration mechanism (4) can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the drive mechanism (1).

11. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: The protective device (7) is located on the outside of the synchronous belt drive mechanism.

12. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that, The long rotating shaft (5) is provided with a light-blocking plate, and the handle part (15) is provided with an optical coupler assembly (8). The light-blocking plate and the optical coupler assembly (8) cooperate to realize the zeroing of the drive mechanism (1).

13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bevel gear transmission mechanism (2) is connected to the long rotating shaft (5) via a coupling (9).

14. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The head end (17) is provided with: Sound window bracket (101); A fixed base (102) is connected to the acoustic window bracket (101); The bevel gear transmission mechanism (2) is located inside the sound window bracket (101) and the fixed base (102).

15. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 14, characterized in that, The bevel gear transmission mechanism (2) includes a drive shaft (21), a driven shaft (23), a drive bevel gear (22), and a driven bevel gear (24); the drive shaft (21) rotatably passes through the shaft holes on the sound window bracket (101) and the fixed seat (102), and is connected to the drive bevel gear (22); The driven shaft (23) is rotatably connected to the fixed seat (102), the driven bevel gear (24) is disposed on the driven shaft (23), and the driven bevel gear (24) meshes with the driving bevel gear (22); The ultrasonic transducer (3) is fixedly connected to the driven shaft (23).

16. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fixed base (102) includes a support (1021) and at least two support arms (1022). The at least two support arms (1022) are disposed on the support (1021) and are respectively arranged along the extension direction of the drive shaft (21). The driven shaft (23) is rotatably connected to the at least two support arms (1022).

17. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 16, characterized in that, The support (1021) is provided with the shaft hole (10211). After the drive shaft (21) passes through the shaft hole (10211), its end is close to the driven shaft (23). The central axis of the drive shaft (21) and the central axis of the driven shaft (23) are on the same plane and perpendicular to each other.

18. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 15, characterized in that, One of the fixed base (102) and the driven bevel gear (24) is provided with a limiting protrusion (12), and the other is provided with a limiting groove. The limiting protrusion (12) cooperates with the limiting groove to limit the maximum rotation angle of the driven bevel gear (24).

19. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 18, characterized in that, The limiting protrusion (12) is provided on the fixed base (102), and the driven bevel gear (24) is provided with a limiting part (241). The limiting part (241) is provided with two limiting grooves (2411). The two limiting grooves (2411) are arranged along the circumference of the driven bevel gear (24), and a clearance space is provided between the two limiting grooves (2411) to allow the two limiting grooves (2411) to communicate.

20. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 15, characterized in that, A seal (13) is provided between the drive shaft (21) and the acoustic window bracket (101).

21. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 15, characterized in that, The transmission ratio between the driving bevel gear (22) and the driven bevel gear (24) is 1.

22. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 15, characterized in that, The driven bevel gear (24) is a sector gear, and the sector angle of the sector gear is less than or equal to 180 degrees.

23. An ultrasound diagnostic device, characterized in that, Includes the ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1-22.

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