Ultrasound probe

Abstract

An ultrasonic probe for capturing an ultrasonic image is disclosed herein. The ultrasonic probe includes: a transducer configured to be movable; a cover configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal generated by the transducer to the outside; and an impact mitigation member disposed along the periphery of the cover to protect the cover from external impact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an ultrasound probe for capturing ultrasound images. Background Art

[0002] An ultrasonic imaging apparatus is an apparatus that transmits ultrasonic signals from the surface of a subject's body toward a target part of the subject's body and uses information about reflected ultrasonic signals (ultrasonic echo signals) to noninvasively acquire images related to tomograms of soft tissues or images of blood flow.

[0003] Compared with other imaging diagnostic devices such as X-ray diagnostic devices, X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, and nuclear medicine diagnostic devices, ultrasonic imaging devices have the advantages of being smaller in size, less expensive, able to display images in real time, and safe because they do not cause exposure to radiation.

[0004] Therefore, ultrasound imaging has been widely used in cardiac diagnosis, abdominal diagnosis, urological diagnosis and obstetric diagnosis.

[0005] Generally, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus may include a main body and a probe configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object to be diagnosed and receive a signal reflected from the object.

[0006] The probe may have a structure in which an ultrasonic signal transmitted from a transducer in the probe passes through a cover in contact with an object to be transmitted to the object, and a returning ultrasonic signal reflected from the object passes through the cover to be received by the transducer.

[0007] Since the cover may be mainly formed of elastic rubber (RTV: Room Temperature Vulcanized Silicone Rubber), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or plastic (synthetic resin, etc.), the cover may be easily affected by external impact, and the user may need to be careful when using it.

[0008] Although the cover formed of rubber or TPE is not easily damaged, due to the poor physical properties of rubber or TPE, when the cover receives an impact, the impact may be immediately transmitted to the transducer accommodated inside the cover. Therefore, a separate device for alleviating the impact on the transducer may be required.

[0009] When the cover is formed of plastic, when a predetermined amount of impact is applied to the cover, the cover itself may be damaged. Therefore, in order to prevent this, the cover should be set to have a large thickness.

[0010] However, designing a cover having a thickness sufficient to withstand impact transmitted from the outside is limited by the need to facilitate transmission and reception of ultrasonic signals. Summary of the invention

[0011] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure provides an improved ultrasound probe that prevents a cover from being damaged by an external impact.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an improved ultrasound probe that prevents internal components of a cover from being damaged by external impact.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides an improved ultrasonic probe including an impact mitigation member disposed along an outer periphery of a cover.

[0014] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasound probe includes a transducer configured to be movable, a cover configured to transmit an ultrasound signal generated by the transducer to the outside, and an impact mitigation member provided along an outer circumference of the cover to protect the cover from external impact.

[0016] The impact mitigation member may have elasticity to be deformed by an external impact and return to its original state when the external impact is removed.

[0017] The impact mitigation member may include a first impact mitigation member having elasticity to mitigate impact applied to the cover from the outside.

[0018] The cover may include: an upper cover configured to contact an external object and transmit an ultrasonic signal generated by the transducer to the external object; and a lower cover disposed under the upper cover; and the impact mitigation member may be disposed between the upper cover and the lower cover.

[0019] The first impact mitigation member may be bent to mitigate impact transmitted to the cover from the outside.

[0020] The first impact mitigation member may be offset to one side from a cross-sectional center of the cover.

[0021] The impact mitigation member may include: an upper impact mitigation member protruding from the upper cover toward the lower cover; and a lower impact mitigation member protruding from the lower cover toward the upper cover.

[0022] The first impact mitigation member may have a thickness smaller than a thickness of the cover.

[0023] The impact mitigation member may further include a second impact mitigation member configured to cover the first impact mitigation member.

[0024] The second impact mitigation member may be formed as one body and disposed along an outer circumference of the cover.

[0025] The second impact mitigation member may have a thickness greater than a thickness of the cover.

[0026] The second impact mitigation member may form a same plane with the inner side surface of the cover, and may protrude outwardly beyond the outer side surface of the cover.

[0027] The thickness of the second impact mitigation member may be equal to the thickness of the cover.

[0028] The impact mitigation member and the lower cover may be integrally formed of the same material.

[0029] The impact mitigation member may be disposed at a position where the ultrasonic signal generated from the transducer does not reach, to prevent the transmission of the ultrasonic signal generated from the transducer from being disturbed by the impact mitigation member.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasound probe includes: a transducer configured to be movable; a cover including an operating portion and a covering portion, the operating portion being configured to contact an external object and transmit an ultrasound signal generated by the transducer to the external object, the covering portion extending from a lower portion of the operating portion; and an impact mitigation member disposed along an outer circumference of the cover to protect the cover from external impacts, wherein the impact mitigation member is disposed in the covering portion to prevent the ultrasound signal generated from the transducer from being interfered with by the impact mitigation member.

[0031] The impact mitigation member may include a first impact mitigation member having elasticity to mitigate impact transmitted from the outside to the cover.

[0032] The impact mitigation member may further include a second impact mitigation member configured to cover the first impact mitigation member to mitigate impact transmitted from the outside to the cover.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasound probe includes: a transducer configured to be movable; a cover including an upper cover and a lower cover, the upper cover being configured to transmit an ultrasound signal generated by the transducer to the outside, the lower cover being disposed under the upper cover; and an impact mitigation member disposed between the upper cover and the lower cover to protect the cover from external impact.

[0034] The impact mitigation member may include: a first impact mitigation member extending from the cover to connect the upper cover to the lower cover; and a second impact mitigation member configured to cover the first impact mitigation member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] These and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily understood through the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an ultrasound imaging device including an ultrasound probe according to the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3 is a diagram briefly showing the inner side of an ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The cover and the impact mitigation member of the ultrasound probe according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown in FIG. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA;

[0040] Figure 5 is to show that the impact is applied from the outside to Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of a cover of an ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figures 6 to 14 The cover and the impact mitigation member of the ultrasonic probe according to other embodiments of the present disclosure are arranged along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA;

[0042] Fig.15 The cover and the first impact mitigation member of the ultrasonic probe according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are arranged along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA of ; and

[0043] Fig.16 and Fig.17 2 is a diagram illustrating an ultrasound probe according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The various embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and there may be various modifications of alternative embodiments and drawings.

[0045] The same reference numerals or symbols present in the drawings of the present application indicate components or elements that perform substantially the same functions.

[0046] The terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a singular expression includes a plural expression.

[0047] In the present application, terms such as “including” or “having” should be understood to indicate the existence of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or their combinations, without excluding the possibility of pre-existing or adding one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or their combinations.

[0048] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another.

[0049] For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any one of a plurality of related described items.

[0050] When terms such as “front,” “rear,” “upper,” and “lower” are used in the following description, they are defined based on the drawings, and the position and shape of each of the elements are not limited by the terms.

[0051] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an ultrasonic imaging device including an ultrasonic probe according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 , an ultrasonic imaging apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure may include a main body 10 and an ultrasonic probe 20 configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object to be diagnosed and receive a signal reflected from the object.

[0053] The ultrasound probe 20 may be connected to the main body 10 via a cable. The main body 10 may include a display 60 configured to display a diagnosis result obtained by receiving an ultrasound signal. Applications related to the operation of the ultrasound imaging device 1 may be displayed on the display 60.

[0054] As an example, an ultrasonic image obtained during an ultrasonic diagnosis process or details related to the operation of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 1 may be displayed on the display 60 .

[0055] The display 60 may be implemented using a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc. A plurality of displays 60 may be provided. When a plurality of displays 60 are provided, the display 60 may include a main display and a sub-display.

[0056] As an example, an ultrasound image obtained during an ultrasound diagnosis process may be displayed on the main display, and details related to the operation of the ultrasound imaging device 1 may be displayed on the sub-display.

[0057] The input unit 70 may be provided in the body 10. The input unit 70 may be provided in the form of a keyboard, a foot switch, a foot pedal, etc. When the input unit 70 is a keyboard, the input unit 70 may be provided at an upper portion of the body 10.

[0058] When the input unit 70 is a foot switch or a foot pedal, the input unit 70 may be provided at a lower portion of the body 10. The examiner may control the operation of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 1 through the input unit 70.

[0059] The ultrasound probe 20 may be mounted on the body 10 using the holder 11. The examiner may mount the ultrasound probe 20 in the holder 11 to store the ultrasound probe 20 when the ultrasound imaging apparatus 1 is not in use.

[0060] The moving device 12 may be provided in the main body 10 to move the ultrasonic imaging device 1. The moving device 12 may be a plurality of casters provided on the bottom surface of the main body 10.

[0061] The plurality of casters may be aligned to allow the main body 10 to move in a specific direction, may be freely movable to allow the main body 10 to move in any direction, or may be locked to allow the main body 10 to stop at a specific position.

[0062] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is a diagram briefly showing the inside of an ultrasound probe according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The ultrasound probe 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a handle shell 23 configured to be held by a user when using the ultrasound probe 20 .

[0064] The ultrasound probe 20 may include a cover 100 provided at a front end of the handle housing 23 to come into contact with an object to be diagnosed.

[0065] The cover 100 may be a convex type formed to have a convex middle portion or a linear type having a flat surface. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0066] Hereinafter, the ultrasound probe 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on a convex type ultrasound probe.

[0067] The ultrasonic probe 20 may include a base frame 25 disposed between the cover 100 and the handle case 23 to separate an inner space of the cover 100 from an inner space of the handle case 23 .

[0068] The ultrasound probe 20 may include a transducer 21 configured to be movable in an inner space of the cover 100 .

[0069] The cover 100 may include an upper cover 110 configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal generated by the transducer 21 to the outside, and a lower cover 120 disposed under the upper cover 110 .

[0070] The ultrasonic probe 20 may include an impact mitigation member 200 to protect the cover 100 from external impact. The impact mitigation member 200 may be disposed along the outer circumference of the cover 100. The impact mitigation member 200 may be disposed between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120.

[0071] Here, the periphery refers to an edge or boundary of the cover 100 , and the periphery may include a portion or the entire edge of the cover 100 .

[0072] That is, the impact mitigation member 200 according to the present disclosure may be disposed along at least a portion of the outer circumference of the cover. The impact mitigation member 200 may also be disposed along the entire outer circumference of the cover 100.

[0073] A plurality of impact mitigation members 200 may be separated and disposed along the outer circumference of the cover 100. The impact mitigation members 200 may be integrally connected and disposed along the outer circumference of the cover 100.

[0074] The impact mitigation member 200 may be formed as one body. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a plurality of impact mitigation members 200 may be provided to be separated from each other.

[0075] When the ultrasonic probe 20 does not include the impact mitigation member 200 , the cover 100 itself may be damaged during use of the ultrasonic probe 20 , or when an external impact is applied to the cover 100 due to user's negligence, a collision may occur between the cover 100 and the transducer 21 due to the external impact.

[0076] When the cover 100 itself is damaged, the ultrasound probe 20 may lose its original function. When the transducer 21 is damaged due to the collision between the cover 100 and the transducer 21, the ultrasound image acquired by the transducer 21 may be significantly changed compared to before the impact is applied to the transducer 21.

[0077] Therefore, after an impact is applied to the ultrasound probe 20, the reliability of an ultrasound image acquired by the transducer 21 may be deteriorated. In addition, internal components of the ultrasound probe 20 other than the transducer 21 may be damaged.

[0078] However, since the ultrasound probe 20 according to the present disclosure includes the shock mitigation member 200 in the cover 100, even when external shock is applied to the ultrasound probe 20, the shock is mitigated by the shock mitigation member 200. Therefore, degradation of reliability related to ultrasound images or damage to internal components may be prevented.

[0079] Generally, the ultrasound probe includes an impact mitigation member formed as a protrusion at a front edge of a cover, and when an external impact is applied to the cover, the impact transmitted to the transducer may be minimized by the impact mitigation member absorbing the impact first.

[0080] However, although the impact mitigation member formed as a protrusion at the front edge of the cover may be applied to the linear type cover, it may be structurally difficult to apply such an impact mitigation member to a convex type cover impact mitigation member that is actually more commonly used.

[0081] In the ultrasonic probe 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the impact mitigation member 200 is disposed at the outer periphery between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 of the cover 100 rather than at the front edge of the cover 100, the impact mitigation member 200 can be applied to a convex type cover as well as a linear type cover.

[0082] The specific structure of the above-mentioned impact alleviation member 200 will be described below.

[0083] The transducer 21 may include an ultrasonic transducer (not shown) configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The transducer 21 may be installed to be rotatable inside the cover 100 and read a three-dimensional image of an object to be diagnosed.

[0084] The transducer 21 may be mounted on a shaft 27. The shaft 27 may receive a driving force from the driving device 22 and rotate. When the shaft 27 rotates, the transducer 21 mounted on the shaft 27 may also rotate.

[0085] The cover 100 may have an inner surface corresponding to the outer surface of the transducer 21 to maintain a predetermined distance between the inner surface of the cover 100 and the outer surface of the transducer 21 even when the transducer 21 installed in the cover 100 is rotated.

[0086] As an example, the outer surface of the transducer 21 and the inner surface of the cover 100 may be formed in an arc shape having the same center. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0087] The inner space of the cover 100 may be filled with oil used as a medium to transmit the ultrasonic wave generated by the transducer 21. The space formed by the cover 100 and the base frame 25 may be filled with oil.

[0088] The shaft 27 may receive a driving force from the driving device 22 and rotate. The driving device 22 may be accommodated inside the handle housing 23. The driving device 22 may include a driving motor 30 and pulleys 31, 33, and 34 configured to receive a driving force from the driving motor 30. The driving device 22 may include wires 32 and 35 configured to transmit the driving force of the driving motor 30.

[0089] The first pulley 31 may receive the driving force of the driving motor 30 and rotate. The first wire 32 may connect the first pulley 31 to the second pulley 33. The driving force transmitted to the first pulley 31 may be transmitted to the second pulley 33 through the first wire 32.

[0090] The second pulley 33 and the third pulley 34 may be connected by a second transfer member. As an example, the second transfer member 36 may be a shaft configured to connect the second pulley 33 and the third pulley 34.

[0091] The second pulley 33 and the third pulley 34 may be fixed to one end and the other end of the second transmission member 36 as a shaft, respectively. In this manner, when the second pulley 33 receives a driving force and rotates, the third pulley 34 may also rotate.

[0092] However, the type of the second transmission member 36 is not limited to the shaft. The second transmission member 36 may be appropriately configured according to the configuration of the space in the handle housing 23. The second transmission member 36 may be a configuration including a pulley and a wire or a configuration formed by connecting gears.

[0093] The first transfer member 24 may be mounted on the shaft 27. The first transfer member 24 may be fixed to one side of the shaft 27 and rotate together with the shaft 27. The first transfer member 24 and the third pulley 34 may be connected by a second wire 35.

[0094] When the third pulley 34 rotates, the rotational force may be transmitted to the first transfer member 24 through the second wire 35, and the first transfer member 24 may rotate. Here, the shaft 27 may rotate together with the first transfer member 24.

[0095] The second wire 35 may be wound around the third pulley 34 , and configured to cover a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first conveying member 24 .

[0096] The shaft 27 may be rotatably mounted on the support member 26. The support member 26 may protrude from the base frame 25. The shaft 27 may be mounted on the support member 26, receive a driving force from the driving device 22, and rotate in one direction or another direction opposite to the one direction.

[0097] The support member 26 may be formed of a rigid metal material to support the shaft 27 and to be able to toughly withstand external impact. As an example, the support member 26 may be formed of a metal material including aluminum. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0098] An insertion hole (not shown) into which the shaft 27 is inserted may be formed in the support member 26. The shaft 27 may be inserted into the insertion hole (not shown) and fixed. The diameter of the insertion hole (not shown) may be slightly greater than or equal to the diameter of the shaft 27.

[0099] The cover 100 may include an operating portion 130 configured to come into contact with an external object and transmit an ultrasonic signal generated by the transducer 21 to the external object, and a covering portion 140 extending from a lower portion of the operating portion 130 .

[0100] Since the transducer 21 rotates at a predetermined angle as the shaft 27 and the first transmission member 24 rotate, the cover 100 may include the operating portion 130 through which the ultrasonic signal generated from the transducer 21 passes and the covering portion 140 through which the ultrasonic signal generated from the transducer 21 does not pass.

[0101] The operating portion 130 may include a generally arc-shaped cross-section according to a range of rotation of the transducer 21. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0102] The impact mitigation member 200 may be provided in the cover portion 140 instead of in the operation portion 130 to prevent the transmission of the ultrasonic signal generated from the transducer 21 from being interfered with by the impact mitigation member 200 .

[0103] The upper cover 110 may include the operating portion 130 . The covering portion 140 may include the lower cover 120 .

[0104] That is, the impact mitigation member 200 may be disposed at a position where the ultrasonic signal generated from the transducer 21 does not reach, to prevent the transmission of the ultrasonic signal generated from the transducer 21 from being interfered with by the impact mitigation member 200 .

[0105] The impact mitigation member 200 may be disposed at various positions within a range where the ultrasonic signal of the cover portion 140 of the cap 100 does not reach.

[0106] The operating portion 130 may contact an external object and directly receive an external impact. The impact mitigation member 200 may be provided at one end of the operating portion 130 to mitigate an external impact received by the operating portion 130. The impact mitigation member 200 may be provided at a lower portion of the operating portion 130.

[0107] That is, the impact mitigation member 200 may indirectly mitigate the impact received by the operation part 130 from the outside.

[0108] Generally, the impact mitigation member is provided in a protrusion shape at the front edge of the cover to mitigate the impact acting on the cover from the outside. When the user drops the ultrasound probe due to negligence while using the ultrasound probe, the impact mitigation member (rather than the operating part) may directly collide with the ground to prevent the impact from being directly transmitted to the operating part.

[0109] That is, the protrusion-shaped impact mitigation member can directly mitigate the external impact received by the operating part. Although the protrusion-shaped impact mitigation member can be applied to the linear type cover as described above, it may be difficult to apply the protrusion-shaped impact mitigation member to the convex type cover.

[0110] In contrast, according to the present disclosure, the impact mitigation member 200 is disposed at the lower portion of the operating portion 130 . When the user uses the ultrasonic probe 20 , although the operating portion 130 may directly collide with the ground when the user drops the ultrasonic probe 20 due to negligence, the impact mitigation member 200 may indirectly mitigate external impacts acting on the operating portion 130 .

[0111] Therefore, the ultrasound probe 20 according to the present disclosure can contact an external object through the operation part 130 without being disturbed by the impact mitigation member 200 and effectively perform basic functions of the ultrasound probe 20 , and can also mitigate external impact acting on the operation part 130 through the impact mitigation member 200 .

[0112] In particular, the impact mitigation member 200 according to the present disclosure may be applied to a convex type cover, to which an impact mitigation member in a protrusion shape protruding from the front edge of the cover 100 is difficult to apply without limitation.

[0113] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The cover and the impact mitigation member of the ultrasound probe according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are shown in FIG. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA. Figure 5 is to show that the impact is applied from the outside to Figure 4 0 is a diagram showing a state of a cover of an ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the ultrasound probe 20 may include a cover 100 configured to protect the ultrasound probe 20 , and an impact mitigation member 200 disposed between an upper cover 110 and a lower cover 120 .

[0115] The impact mitigation member 200 may include a first impact mitigation member 210 extending from the cover 100 to connect the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 .

[0116] The first impact mitigation member 210 may include an upper impact mitigation member 211 protruding from the upper cover 110 toward the lower cover 120 and a lower impact mitigation member 212 protruding from the lower cover 120 toward the upper cover 110. The impact mitigation member 200 may include a second impact mitigation member 220 configured to cover the first impact mitigation member 210.

[0117] The second impact mitigation member 220 is formed by double injection molding with the first impact mitigation member 210 and the cover 100. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0118] The impact mitigation member 200 may have elasticity to be deformed by an external impact and return to its original state when the external impact is removed.

[0119] When impact is applied to the ultrasound probe 20 , impact is generated between the cover 100 and the transducer 21 , such as when the ultrasound probe 20 is dropped due to user carelessness during use of the ultrasound probe 20 , the force applied to the cover 100 can be mitigated by the impact mitigation member 200 .

[0120] That is, when an external force acts on the upper cover 110 in a direction toward the lower cover 120 , the impact mitigation member 200 may be deformed in a direction perpendicular to the above direction and counteract the external force.

[0121] The thickness of the first impact mitigation member 210 may be smaller than the thickness of the cover 100. That is, the first impact mitigation member 210 may mainly mitigate the impact applied to the cover 100 due to its structural aspect.

[0122] The thickness of the second impact mitigation member 220 may be greater than the thickness of the cover 100. That is, the second impact mitigation member 220 may protrude beyond one side surface of the cover 100. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0123] The second impact mitigation member 220 may be formed of a material capable of absorbing impact. As an example, the second impact mitigation member 220 may be formed of an elastic material such as elastomer and plastic.

[0124] Therefore, after the impact applied to the cover 100 is mainly mitigated by the first impact mitigation member 210 , the second impact mitigation member 220 may further mitigate the impact applied to the cover 100 due to its material.

[0125] The first impact mitigation member 210 may have various forms, and serves to mitigate impact applied to the cover 100. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the first impact mitigation member 210 and the second impact mitigation member 220 will be described in detail.

[0126] Figures 6 to 14 The cover and the impact mitigation member of the ultrasonic probe according to other embodiments of the present disclosure are arranged along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0127] like Figures 6 to 14 As shown, the ultrasound probe 20 may include a cover 100 configured to protect the ultrasound probe 20 , and an impact mitigation member 200 disposed between an upper cover 110 and a lower cover 120 .

[0128] Reference Figure 6 , the first impact mitigation member 310 may be offset to one side from the center of the cross section of the cover 100. That is, the upper impact mitigation member 311 and the lower impact mitigation member 312 may be disposed to be offset to one side of the cover 100.

[0129] The first impact mitigation member 310 may be disposed more toward the inner side of the cover 100 than toward the outer side of the cover 100. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0130] The second impact mitigation member 220 may be disposed between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 to cover the first impact mitigation member 310 .

[0131] Reference Figure 7 The second impact mitigation member 320 may form the same plane with one side of the cover 100 and may protrude outwardly beyond the other side of the cover 100. The second impact mitigation member 320 may form the same plane with the inner side of the cover 100 and may protrude outwardly beyond the outer side of the cover 100.

[0132] Since the interior of the cover 100 needs to be configured to accommodate the transducer 21 (see Figure 3 ), so the second impact mitigation member 320 may form the same plane as the inner side of the cover 100. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0133] The second impact mitigation member 320 may be disposed between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 to cover the first impact mitigation member 210 .

[0134] Reference Figure 8 , the thickness of the second impact mitigation member 420 may be equal to the thickness of the cover 100. That is, the second impact mitigation member 420 may form the same plane with the inner side and the outer side of the cover 100, respectively.

[0135] Since the interior of the cover 100 needs to be configured to accommodate components such as the transducer 21 (see Figure 3 ), so the second impact mitigation member 420 can form the same plane with the inner side of the cover 100.

[0136] The second impact mitigation member 420 may also form the same plane as the outer side of the cover 100 to improve the design of the exterior of the cover and reduce the overall volume of the ultrasound probe 20 .

[0137] The second impact mitigation member 420 may be disposed between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 to cover the first impact mitigation member 210 .

[0138] Reference Fig. 9 , the upper impact mitigation member 411 and the lower impact mitigation member 412 may be formed integrally with each other. That is, the upper impact mitigation member 411 may extend toward the lower impact mitigation member 412, and the lower impact mitigation member 412 may extend toward the upper impact mitigation member 411. In this way, the first impact mitigation member 410 may be formed as one body.

[0139] The thickness of the portion extending from the upper and lower impact mitigation members 411 and 412 may be less than the thickness of the upper and lower impact mitigation members 411 and 412. That is, the first impact mitigation member 410 may include a thin spacer structure. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0140] The second impact mitigation member 220 may be disposed between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 to cover the first impact mitigation member 410 .

[0141] Reference Fig.10 , the first impact mitigation member 510 may be formed as one body. The first impact mitigation member 510 may be bent toward one side of the cover 100 to mitigate impact transmitted to the cover 100 from the outside.

[0142] The first impact mitigation member 510 may be bent toward the outer side of the cover 100. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The first impact mitigation member 510 may have a curvature.

[0143] The first impact mitigation member 510 may connect the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 to have a curved surface. That is, the first impact mitigation member 510 may be longer than the shortest possible distance between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120.

[0144] The second impact mitigation member 220 may be disposed between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 to cover the first impact mitigation member 510 .

[0145] Reference Fig.11 , the first impact mitigation member 610 may be formed as one body. The first impact mitigation member 610 may be bent toward both sides of the cover 100 to mitigate impact transmitted from the outside to the cover 100. The first impact mitigation member 610 may be formed in a generally S-shape. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0146] The first impact mitigation member 610 may connect the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 to have a curved surface. That is, the first impact mitigation member 610 may be longer than the shortest possible distance between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120.

[0147] Starting from the upper cover 110 , the first impact mitigation member 610 may be offset two or more times toward the outer and inner sides of the cover 100 and then connected to the lower cover 120 .

[0148] The second impact mitigation member 220 may be disposed between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 to cover the first impact mitigation member 610 .

[0149] Reference Fig.12 , the first impact mitigation member 710 may be formed as one body. The first impact mitigation member 710 may be inclined toward both sides of the cover 100 to mitigate impact transmitted to the cover 100 from the outside.

[0150] The first impact mitigation member 710 may be inclined in a zigzag shape and formed in a spring-like shape. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0151] The first impact mitigation member 710 may connect the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 to form a slope. That is, the first impact mitigation member 710 may be longer than the shortest possible distance between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120.

[0152] Starting from the upper cover 110 , the first impact mitigation member 710 may be bent two or more times toward the outer and inner sides of the cover 100 and then connected to the lower cover 120 .

[0153] The second impact mitigation member 220 may be disposed between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 to cover the first impact mitigation member 710 .

[0154] Reference Fig.13 , the first impact mitigation member 810 may be formed as one body. Starting from the upper impact mitigation member 811 , the first impact mitigation member 810 may be offset toward one side and then connected to the lower impact mitigation member 812 .

[0155] The first impact mitigation member 810 may be bent toward one side of the cover 100 to mitigate impact transmitted from the outside to the cover 100. The first impact mitigation member 810 may be bent toward the outer side of the cover 100. The first impact mitigation member 810 may have a generally semicircular shape. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0156] The first impact mitigation member 810 may connect the upper impact mitigation member 811 and the lower impact mitigation member 812 to form a curved surface. That is, the first impact mitigation member 810 may be longer than the shortest possible distance between the upper impact mitigation member 811 and the lower impact mitigation member 812.

[0157] The second impact mitigation member 220 may be disposed between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 to cover the first impact mitigation member 810 .

[0158] Reference Fig.14 , the first impact mitigation member 910 may be formed as one body. The first impact mitigation member 910 may detour toward both sides of the cover 100 to connect the upper impact mitigation member 911 and the lower impact mitigation member 912, and may have a hollow space therein.

[0159] The first impact mitigation member 910 may be bent toward both sides of the cover 100 to mitigate impact transmitted from the outside to the cover 100. The first impact mitigation member 910 may include a generally circular shape. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0160] The first impact mitigation member 910 may connect the upper impact mitigation member 911 and the lower impact mitigation member 912 to form a curved surface. That is, the first impact mitigation member 910 may be longer than the shortest possible distance between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120.

[0161] The second impact mitigation member 220 may be disposed between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 to cover the first impact mitigation member 910 .

[0162] However, the embodiment in which the first impact mitigation members 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, and 910 have elasticity due to their own shapes is not limited to Figures 6 to 14 The embodiment shown in FIG.

[0163] That is, the first impact mitigation members 210 , 310 , 410 , 510 , 610 , 710 , 810 , and 910 may have various shapes and serve as the impact mitigation member 200 configured to mitigate external impact.

[0164] Fig.15 The cover and the first impact mitigation member of the ultrasonic probe according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are arranged along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view is taken along the line AA. Fig.15 As shown, the impact mitigation member 200 may include only the first impact mitigation member 910 .

[0165] That is, the impact mitigation member 200 can mitigate the impact from the outside using only the structure of the first impact mitigation member 910 without the second impact mitigation member 220 (see FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0166] Therefore, due to Fig.15 The ultrasonic probe 20 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 does not include the second impact mitigation member 220 (see FIG. 21 ). Figure 4 ), thus the production cost of the ultrasound probe 20 can be reduced.

[0167] Although Fig.15 The figure shows the Fig.14 The first impact mitigation member 910 has the same structure as the first impact mitigation member 910 shown in FIG. 1 , but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The first impact mitigation member 910 may include a Figures 9 to 14 Various shapes of all structures of the first impact mitigation members 410 , 510 , 610 , 710 , 810 , and 910 shown in FIG.

[0168] As described above, the first impact mitigation members 410 , 510 , 610 , 710 , 810 , and 910 may have a predetermined amount of elasticity by having a length longer than the shortest possible distance between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 and offset toward the inner or outer side of the cover 100 to connect the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 .

[0169] The first impact mitigation members 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, and 910 may be temporarily deformed by external force, but may be restored to their original shapes when the external force is removed. Therefore, the first impact mitigation members 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, and 910 may elastically support the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120.

[0170] Fig.16 and Fig.17 2 is a diagram illustrating an ultrasound probe according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.16 and Fig.17 The configurations of the ultrasound probes 40 and 50 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 2 are mostly the same as the configuration of the ultrasound probe 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0171] Hereinafter, the ultrasound probes 40 and 50 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described mainly based on points different from the ultrasound probe 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0172] like Fig.16 As shown, the ultrasound probe 40 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a handle shell 43 , and the handle shell 43 is configured to be held by a user when using the ultrasound probe 40 .

[0173] The ultrasound probe 40 may include a cover 1000 , and the cover 1000 may be provided at a front end of the handle housing 43 to come into contact with an object to be diagnosed.

[0174] The cover 1000 may be a convex type formed to have a convex middle portion or a linear type having a flat surface. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0175] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic probe 40 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on a convex type ultrasonic probe.

[0176] The ultrasonic probe 40 may include a base frame 45 disposed between the cover 1000 and the handle case 43 to separate an inner space of the cover 1000 from an inner space of the handle case 43 .

[0177] The cover 1000 may include an upper cover 1010 and a lower cover 1020 disposed under the upper cover 1010 .

[0178] The ultrasonic probe 40 may include an impact mitigation member 200 disposed between the upper cover 1010 and the lower cover 1020 to protect the cover 1000 from external impact.

[0179] The impact mitigation member 200 and the lower cover 1020 may be integrally formed using the same material. Since the lower cover 1020 may perform a function of mitigating impacts together with the impact mitigation member 200 in the ultrasonic probe 40 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an excellent buffering effect may be exhibited.

[0180] like Fig.17 As shown, the ultrasound probe 50 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a handle housing 53 configured to be held by a user when using the ultrasound probe 50 .

[0181] The ultrasound probe 50 may include a cover 1100, and the cover 1100 may be provided at the front end of the handle housing 53 to contact the object to be diagnosed. The cover 1100 of the ultrasound probe 50 according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure may be a linear type having a flat surface.

[0182] The cover 1100 may include an upper cover 1110 and a lower cover 1120 disposed under the upper cover 1110. The ultrasonic probe 50 may include an impact mitigation member 500 disposed between the upper cover 1110 and the lower cover 1120 to protect the cover 1100 from external impact.

[0183] Therefore, in the ultrasonic probes 20 and 50 according to the present disclosure, since the impact mitigation members 200 and 500 are respectively arranged at the peripheral portion between the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 of the cover 100 and the peripheral portion between the upper cover 1110 and the lower cover 1120 of the cover 1100, rather than being arranged at the front edges of the covers 100 and 1100, the impact mitigation members 200 and 500 can be applied to both the convex type cover 100 and the linear type cover 1100.

[0184] As is apparent from the above description, according to the present disclosure, the cover and the internal components of the cover may be prevented from being damaged due to external impact by deformation of the outer peripheral structure of the cover.

[0185] According to the present disclosure, impact applied to the cover from the outside may be mitigated, and components provided inside the ultrasound probe may be prevented from being damaged by having an impact mitigation member provided along the outer circumference of the cover.

[0186] Although the technical concept of the present disclosure according to the specific embodiments has been described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0187] Various embodiments that can be made by a person skilled in the art by modifying or changing the above embodiments without departing from the gist of the technical concept of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims also belong to the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe, comprising: Transducer; a cover configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal generated by the transducer to the outside; an impact mitigation member disposed along an outer circumference of the cover to protect the cover from external impact; and a base frame disposed between the cover and the handle shell of the ultrasound probe to separate the inner space of the cover from the inner space of the handle shell, wherein the transducer is configured to be movable in the inner space of the cover, Among them, the inner space of the cover is filled with oil, The cover includes: an upper cover configured to contact an external object and transmit an ultrasonic signal generated by the transducer to the external object; and a lower cover disposed under the upper cover; and Wherein, the impact relief member is arranged between the upper cover and the lower cover.

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein: The impact mitigation member includes a first impact mitigation member having elasticity to be deformed by an external impact and to return to an original state of the first impact mitigation member when the external impact is removed.

3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein: The first impact mitigation member is bent to mitigate impact transmitted to the cover from the outside.

4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein: The first impact mitigation member is offset to one side from a cross-sectional center of the cover.

5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein: Impact mitigation components include: an upper impact mitigation member protruding from the upper cover toward the lower cover; and The lower impact mitigation member protrudes from the lower cover toward the upper cover.

6. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein: The first impact mitigation member has a thickness smaller than a thickness of the cover.

7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein: The impact mitigation member further includes a second impact mitigation member having elasticity and configured to cover the first impact mitigation member.

8. The ultrasound probe according to claim 7, wherein: The second impact mitigation member is provided along the entire periphery of the cover.

9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, wherein: The second impact mitigation member has a thickness greater than a thickness of the cover.

10. The ultrasound probe according to claim 9, wherein: The second impact mitigation member forms the same plane as the inner side surface of the cover, and protrudes outwardly beyond the outer side surface of the cover.

11. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, wherein: The second impact mitigation member has a thickness equal to a thickness of the cover.

12. The ultrasound probe according to claim 1, wherein: The impact alleviation member and the lower cover are integrally formed of the same material.

13. The ultrasound probe according to claim 1, wherein: The cover includes an operating portion configured to contact with an external object and directly receive an external impact, and The impact relief member is provided at a lower portion of the operating portion to relieve external impact received by the operating portion.

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