Ultrasonic transducer equipment and ultrasonic transducer

Abstract

The present invention provides an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer array module is supported by a backing block, and the electrical connection structure can simultaneously transmit working power to multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules to ensure the supply of working power. A conversion drive device is provided on the backing block to provide the backing block with the ability to fold or unfold along its width direction. During the folding process, multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules are arranged in the length direction, and during the deformation process, the folding directions of adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules are alternately changed, and the long strip structure is deformed into a parallel matrix structure to meet the imaging requirements. Through the morphological transformation of the ultrasonic transducer array module, it can be transported in a long strip shape to meet the transport requirements of small apertures; the long strip shape only has imaging capability, and after the matrix deformation, it also meets the imaging requirements, ensuring the imaging capability of the ultrasonic transducer, and also has the capability of HIFU treatment. The present invention also provides an ultrasonic transducer device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ultrasonic imaging, and more particularly to an ultrasonic transducer device and an ultrasonic transducer. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, ultrasonic transducer devices based on piezoelectric materials have been widely used in the fields of biomedical imaging detection and disease treatment, industrial non-destructive testing, and ocean exploration. Especially in the field of biomedical health detection and disease treatment, in terms of imaging, compared with XRD ray detection, it has the advantages of non-invasiveness and no potential to induce other injuries, such as in the fields of gastric disease, cirrhosis, intestinal disease, pancreatic cancer, heart disease detection, etc.; in the treatment of diseases, HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, high-energy focused ultrasound knife) treatment technology based on high-intensity focused ultrasound, such as the treatment of female breast cancer, uterine fibroids, brain tremor and other diseases, especially for those advanced or inoperable malignant tumors and the improvement of patients' quality of life, has gradually emerged, such as pancreatic cancer.

[0003] In the process of minimally invasive surgery in relatively large cavities, such as the heart, visceral organs in the chest and abdomen, an accurate, real-time 3D imaging device is needed to monitor the exact distance and relative position between the minimally invasive surgery device and the target organ or target tissue area in real time to guide the surgery. However, existing detection methods may have some limitations to a greater or lesser extent, such as X-ray fluorescence imaging, X-ray or ultrasonic CT imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging. The former cannot distinguish soft tissues well, and the latter three cannot achieve fast and real-time 3D imaging; and MRI imaging requires that no special metals are implanted in the patient's body.

[0004] Although existing ultrasound imaging and HIFU treatment technologies have great advantages in their respective fields, due to the presence of interference from the sternum, ribs, spine, gastrointestinal tissue, and lungs, existing external ultrasound imaging and HIFU treatment technologies through the skin or through the body surface have some limitations. Especially for organs and tissues centered on the stomach, including the stomach, pancreas, liver, heart, etc.: In terms of ultrasound imaging, the window area and imaging orientation that can be used to achieve imaging are limited, resulting in certain imaging blind spots. 2D slice imaging is still the main method, and the volume of the external ultrasound imaging equipment is relatively large; in addition, in order to achieve a certain imaging depth, the operating frequency of the external imaging probe is relatively low, and as the distance increases, the resolution of the axial tissue structure gradually decreases further. For example, the external presentation frequency of the heart is generally around 3MHz. In terms of treatment, due to the large reflection and attenuation of sound waves at the above-mentioned tissue and organ interfaces, external treatment faces some difficulties, and for some motor organs, the precise treatment of small lesions in vitro is difficult.

[0005] In order to solve or reduce the above interference to a certain extent, in vivo ultrasound imaging technology has made great progress in recent years; in vivo HIFU treatment technology is also gradually developing and has achieved certain treatment effects, such as ablation treatment of prostate cancer through the rectum. However, for endoscopic, transesophageal and cardiac ultrasound imaging and HIFU treatment, in order to improve the patient's treatment comfort and reduce pain, the size of the probe needs to be designed to be smaller, so the number of ultrasound array elements in the probe is limited. In particular, for endoscopic imaging and HIFU treatment of peripheral organs centered on the stomach, the stomach itself provides a natural "huge" ultrasound window for the peripheral organs, and imaging detection and HIFU treatment of peripheral organs can be achieved through the stomach. However, in the process of entering the stomach, it is necessary to pass through the esophagus, and the diameter of the esophagus is only 15mm at the narrowest point, which greatly limits the actual use size of the traditional ultrasound transducer probe with fixed shape and size. Ultimately, the depth of endoscopic imaging and endoscopic-based in vivo HIFU treatment is limited.

[0006] In the industrial field, the inspection of the internal structure of some sealed cavities that are only connected by pipes requires opening the cavity and sealing it again, which is troublesome and time-consuming, and the operation may involve certain risks. The non-destructive testing technology that enters through the connected pipes will inevitably bring greater convenience, but the size of the pipe is smaller than that of the cavity, so a flexible and variable ultrasonic probe needs to be designed to adapt to pipes of different sizes.

[0007] Moreover, in the industrial field, in certain special environments, such as non-destructive testing of the internal environment of a closed cavity connected by pipelines with radiation, toxic gas and liquid, volatile liquid and gas, it is necessary to open the sealed device and enter the cavity through the pipeline to carry out the inspection, which is easy to endanger the personal safety of the maintenance personnel.

[0008] Therefore, how to meet the imaging requirements of a small-size environment is an urgent problem to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0009] In view of this, the present invention provides an ultrasonic transducer to meet the imaging requirements of a small-sized environment; the present invention also provides an ultrasonic transducer device.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0011] An ultrasonic transducer comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules arranged in sequence along a length direction, a backing block is mounted on the back side of each of the ultrasonic transducer array modules, and an electrical connection structure electrically connecting the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules;

[0012] It also includes a conversion drive device arranged at both ends of the adjacent backing blocks in the length direction, driving the folding or unfolding of the ultrasonic transducer array module along the width direction of the backing block;

[0013] The two ultrasonic transducer array modules located at both ends of the backing block in the length direction are arranged in opposite directions of movement.

[0014] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the electrical connection structure is a flexible circuit board which is press-fitted between the ultrasonic transducer array module and the backing block and folded and attached to both sides of the backing block in the width direction;

[0015] The flexible circuit board is located on the folded outer side of the backing block and is configured to have an unfolded side wall that is cut and disconnected, and is located on the folded inner side of the backing block and is configured to have a connected side wall that is cut through and connected.

[0016] Preferably, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic transducer, the flexible circuit board is also cut with dotted cutting lines located on both sides of the ultrasonic transducer array module in the width direction and extending along the length direction of the ultrasonic transducer array module to indicate folding of the flexible circuit board.

[0017] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the backing block is a backing block made of a sound-absorbing backing material.

[0018] Preferably, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer array module comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducer array elements arranged in an array along its length direction, and epoxy resin filled between the slits of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array elements;

[0019] The first dimension of the ultrasonic transducer array module along its length direction is greater than its second dimension along its width direction;

[0020] The number of first array elements of the ultrasonic transducer array module along its length direction is greater than the number of second array elements along its width direction.

[0021] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the number of the first array elements is greater than 1, and the number of the second array elements is greater than or equal to 1; and the first size and the second size are both less than 70 mm.

[0022] Preferably, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer array element is an ultrasonic transducer array element made of 1-3 type piezoelectric composite material.

[0023] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer array element is an ultrasonic transducer array element made of single crystal piezoelectric material.

[0024] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer array element is an ultrasonic transducer array element made of polycrystalline piezoelectric material.

[0025] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the epoxy resin occupies 35% to 65% of the planar area of ​​the ultrasonic transducer array module.

[0026] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the conversion drive device is embedded in the backing block.

[0027] Preferably, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic transducer, the conversion drive device is a hinge drive device, a torsion spring drive device, a pneumatic drive device, a hydraulic drive device, a wire drive device, a magnetic drive device, an electrostatic force drive device or a motor mechanical drive device, or a combination of more.

[0028] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the conversion drive device comprises a hinge mounted on a backing block on the back side of two adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules, and a traction line sequentially passing through the middle of the backing blocks of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules, and each of the backing blocks is provided with a traction line through-hole running through the width direction thereof;

[0029] The traction line is attached to the inner side of the folded portion of the ultrasonic transducer array module, and a return spring is arranged in the hinge, with the return direction being arranged along the open width direction of the ultrasonic transducer array module.

[0030] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the opening direction of the holes for the traction wire is arranged obliquely along the extending direction of the traction wire.

[0031] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the angle between the opening direction of the traction line perforation and the thickness direction of the backing block is no greater than 30°.

[0032] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, there is a smooth transition between the opening outlet of the traction wire perforation and the surface in the width direction of the backing block.

[0033] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the return spring is a torsion spring.

[0034] Preferably, the above-mentioned ultrasonic transducer also includes a catheter for transporting the ultrasonic transducer array module to a predetermined ultrasonic position, and a accommodating cavity for accommodating a plurality of the ultrasonic transducer array modules is provided inside the catheter, and the plurality of the ultrasonic transducer array modules can be telescopically arranged in the catheter.

[0035] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the conversion drive device comprises a second traction line which sequentially passes through the middle of the backing blocks of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules to pull and fold them, and an opening rotation structure which drives two adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules to open;

[0036] The opening and rotating structure comprises a first hinge piece and a second hinge piece that are adapted to open and close, and the same side of the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece in the opening width direction are swingably supported on the backing blocks of two adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules respectively;

[0037] It also includes a third traction line which is arranged at one end of the backing block away from the ultrasonic transducer array module and pulls the opening and rotating structure to close so as to drag two adjacent backing blocks to open.

[0038] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the traction end of the third traction line is connected to an end of the open rotating structure away from the backing block.

[0039] Preferably, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic transducer, the backing block is provided with a first guide ring and a second guide ring at both ends along its length direction for stretching and guiding the third traction line, respectively; the third traction line comprises a traction line main body extending along the length direction of the backing block, and a traction line branch extending from the traction line main body and connected to the open rotating structure.

[0040] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, both the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece are trapezoidal iron rotating leaf pieces with a trapezoidal structure, and the bottom of the trapezoidal iron rotating leaf piece is swingably connected to the backing block.

[0041] Preferably, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic transducer, the opening and rotating structure has a built-in elastic reset structure for driving the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules to automatically open, and the second traction wires include three wires arranged in parallel.

[0042] Preferably, in the above ultrasonic transducer, the conversion drive device comprises a drag column mounted on a backing block extending from the ends of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules, and a drive rod mounted on the drag column to pull the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules to open;

[0043] A fourth traction line for traction and folding the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules is arranged in the middle of the backing block.

[0044] Preferably, in the above-mentioned ultrasonic transducer, the conversion drive device includes a heating and expansion device arranged along the length direction of the backing block and attached to the side away from the ultrasonic transducer array module; a fifth traction line for pulling and folding the multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules is arranged in the middle of the backing block.

[0045] An ultrasonic transducer device is provided with an imaging probe, wherein the imaging probe is the ultrasonic transducer as described in any one of the above items.

[0046] The ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules arranged in sequence along the length direction, a backing block is mounted on the back side of each ultrasonic transducer array module, and an electrical connection structure electrically connecting the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules; it also comprises a conversion drive device arranged at both ends of the length direction of adjacent backing blocks to drive the folding or opening of the ultrasonic transducer array module along the width direction of the backing block; the two ultrasonic transducer array modules located at both ends of the length direction of the backing block are arranged in opposite directions. The ultrasonic transducer array module is supported by the backing block, the electrical connection structure can simultaneously transmit working power to the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules to ensure the supply of working power, a conversion drive device is arranged on the backing block to provide the backing block with folding or opening along its width direction, the folding process changes the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules from the arrangement structure in the length direction, and the adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules change their folding directions alternately during the deformation process, and are deformed from a long strip structure to a parallel arranged matrix structure to meet the imaging requirements. Through the morphological transformation of the ultrasonic transducer array module, it can be transported in a long strip form, meeting the transport requirements of small apertures; the long strip form only has imaging capabilities, and after the matrix is ​​deformed, it also meets the imaging requirements, ensuring the imaging capability of the ultrasonic transducer, and also having the ability of HIFU treatment. The present invention also provides an ultrasonic transducer device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments are briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0048] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the cutting structure of the flexible circuit board of the ultrasonic transducer in the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the folding structure of the flexible circuit board;

[0050] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible circuit board in the intermediate state of folding;

[0051] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the backing plate filled inside the flexible circuit board;

[0052] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the morphological structure transformation process of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention;

[0053] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the morphological transformation process of the first arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention;

[0054] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the morphology transformation process of the second arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention;

[0055] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the morphology transformation process of the third arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention;

[0056] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the morphology transformation process of the fourth arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention;

[0057] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle open rotating structure;

[0058] Fig.11 for Fig. 9 Diagram of the morphological transformation process of the middle open rotating structure;

[0059] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the morphology transformation process of the fifth arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention;

[0060] Fig.13 for Fig.12Schematic diagram of the folded intermediate state structure of the ultrasonic transducer;

[0061] Fig.14 for Fig.13 Schematic diagram of the folded state of the ultrasonic transducer;

[0062] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the morphology transformation process of the fifth arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention;

[0063] Fig.16 for Fig.15 Schematic diagram of the folded intermediate state structure of the ultrasonic transducer;

[0064] Fig.17 for Fig.15 Schematic diagram of the folded state of the ultrasonic transducer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The invention discloses an ultrasonic transducer, which meets the imaging requirements of a small-sized environment; the invention also provides an ultrasonic transducer device.

[0066] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0067] like Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the cutting structure of the flexible circuit board of the ultrasonic transducer in the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the folding structure of the flexible circuit board; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible circuit board in the intermediate state of folding; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the backing plate filled inside the flexible circuit board; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the morphological structure transformation process of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention.

[0068] The present embodiment provides an ultrasonic transducer, comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 arranged in sequence along the length direction, wherein a backing block 131 and an electrical connection structure for electrically connecting the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules are mounted on the back side of each ultrasonic transducer array module 104; further comprising a conversion drive device 107 arranged at both ends of the length direction of adjacent backing blocks 131 for driving the folding or unfolding of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 along the width direction of the backing blocks; and the two ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 located at both ends of the length direction of the backing block 131 are arranged with opposite movement directions. The ultrasonic transducer array module 104 is supported by the backing block 131. The electrical connection structure can simultaneously transmit working power to multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 to ensure the supply of working power. The backing block 131 is provided with a conversion drive device 107 to provide the backing block 131 with the ability to fold or unfold along its width direction. During the folding process, multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 are arranged in the length direction. During the deformation process, the folding directions of adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 are alternately changed, and the long strip structure 101 is deformed into a parallel matrix structure 103 to meet the imaging requirements. Through the morphological transformation of the ultrasonic transducer array module, it can be transported in the long strip structure 101, and after being transformed into the matrix structure 103, ultrasonic scanning can be performed to meet the small aperture transportation requirements. After its morphological transformation, it meets the imaging requirements, ensures the imaging capability of the ultrasonic transducer, and also has the ability of HIFU treatment.

[0069] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the electrical connection structure is a flexible circuit board 125 which is press-fitted between the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 and the backing block 131 and folded and attached to both sides of the backing block 131 in the width direction; the flexible circuit board 125 is located on the folded outer side of the backing block 131 and is configured to be cut and disconnected with an unfolded side wall 129, and is located on the folded inner side of the backing block 131 and is configured to be cut through and connected with a connecting side wall 130. Since the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 has two forms of morphological structure, which are arranged in a long strip structure 101 along the length direction and deformed to a parallel matrix structure 103, after its morphological transformation, the accuracy of the relative position between the parallel ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 has an important influence on its imaging quality.

[0070] The electrical connection structure adopts a flexible circuit board 125, and the flexible circuit board 125 also serves as a positioning reference for the bonding structure of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 and the backing block 131. The flexible circuit board 125 is pressed tightly between the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 and the backing block 131. The flexible circuit board 125 is located at the protruding parts at both ends of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 in the width direction, and is folded and attached to the two side walls of the backing block 131 in the width direction.

[0071] Since the backing block 131 is folded with the ultrasonic transducer array module 104, adjacent backing blocks 131 are overlapped and adhered to each other in the width direction, and the flexible circuit board 125 is located on the outer side of the folded backing block 131 and is set as a cut and disconnected unfolded side wall 129, and its folded inner side is a connecting side wall 130. The flexible circuit board 125 at the position of the unfolded side wall 131 is processed with a slit 127 at this position, and the processed slit 127 at this position should extend to the surface of the backing block 131 attached to the ultrasonic transducer array module 104.

[0072] The flexible circuit board 125 is provided with a plurality of cutouts 126 arranged through the position where it is connected to the side wall 130, so that the position where it is connected to the side wall 130 is a dotted line structure, which facilitates the folding connection of the flexible circuit board 125 on the one hand, and ensures the circuit continuity of the flexible circuit board 125 in the length direction on the other hand. The electrical connection structure of the flexible circuit board 125 attached to the surface of the backing block 131 makes the multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 closely connected to each other, and limits the relative position between adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules 104, so as to ensure the position accuracy of the array structure of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 after folding.

[0073] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the flexible circuit board 125 is also cut with a cutting dotted line 1261 located on both sides of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 in the width direction and extending along the length direction of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 to indicate the folding of the flexible circuit board 125. The flexible circuit board 125 needs to be folded and attached to both sides of the backing block 131 in the width direction, and it is necessary to ensure that the folding structure of the flexible circuit board 125 on both sides of each ultrasonic transducer array module 104 is consistent. By opening the cutting dotted line 1261 on the flexible circuit board 125, the cutting dotted line 1261 is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 in the width direction and extending along the length direction of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104. The cutting dotted line 1261 ensures the continuity of the internal circuit of the flexible circuit board 125 and indicates the folding position of the flexible circuit board 125.

[0074] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the backing block 131 is a backing block made of a sound-absorbing backing material. The backing block 131 is arranged on the back side of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104, and is used to absorb sound and reduce vibration of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104. Considering that the ultrasonic transducer is applied to the human body, its working stability plays a decisive role in human body detection and treatment. The backing block 131 is made of a sound-absorbing backing material with a sound-absorbing function, which reduces the detection error of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 and ensures stable operation.

[0075] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 arranged in an array along its length direction, and epoxy resin 106 filled between the slits of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array elements; the first dimension of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 along its length direction is greater than the second dimension of its width direction; the number of first array elements of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 along its length direction is greater than the number of second array elements of its width direction. The ultrasonic transducer is applied to an application environment such as a narrow inlet of the stomach, and it is folded and deformed from a long strip structure 101 to a matrix structure 103. From the perspective of imaging, the contrast, resolution and imaging depth of ultrasonic imaging are significantly improved, and the imaging dimension is also changed from 2D cross-sectional imaging to 3D imaging and 4D imaging; from the functional aspect, it is also changed from a single imaging diagnosis to the ability to simultaneously image and treat. When this foldable ultrasonic transducer that can be applied to the gastric environment reaches the wide gastric space through the narrow esophagus in a certain state and changes to another state of the matrix structure, it can simultaneously achieve in vivo ultrasonic imaging and in vivo ultrasonic HIFU treatment of multiple organ tissues such as the liver, pancreas, heart, spleen, kidney, duodenum, and transverse colon centered on the stomach.

[0076] Specifically, a plurality of ultrasonic transducer array elements are arranged inside the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 , and the cutting gaps between each ultrasonic transducer array element 104 are filled with epoxy resin to ensure the performance and structural stability.

[0077] At the same time, to adapt to the imaging quality after ultrasonic imaging after the morphology transformation of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104, each ultrasonic transducer array module 104 is a long strip structure 101, specifically, the first dimension in the length direction is greater than the second dimension in the width direction, and the number of ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 is controlled, so that in the ultrasonic transducer array module 104, the number of ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 in the first dimension direction is greater than the number of ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 in the second dimension direction. By controlling the dimensions of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 in the length direction and the width direction, and controlling the number of ultrasonic transducer array elements in the two directions, the ultrasonic imaging quality in the matrix array structure of the ultrasonic transducer array module is guaranteed after the morphology transformation.

[0078] Specifically, the number of first array elements is greater than 1, and the number of second array elements is greater than or equal to 1; the first size and the second size are both less than 75 mm. The number of first array elements is the number of ultrasonic transducer array elements arranged along the length direction of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104, and can be any number greater than 1. The number of second array elements is the number of ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 arranged along the width direction of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104, and can be any number such as 1, 2 or 3. It is necessary to ensure that the number of first array elements is greater than the number of second array elements, adapt to the folding arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104, and ensure that the number of first array elements and the number of second array elements are arranged to meet the overall rectangular matrix structure of the ultrasonic transducer array module after folding, so as to ensure imaging quality.

[0079] Preferably, both the first dimension and the second dimension are less than 70 mm.

[0080] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the ultrasonic transducer array element 105 is an ultrasonic transducer array element made of 1-3 type piezoelectric composite material.

[0081] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the ultrasonic transducer array element 105 is an ultrasonic transducer array element made of a single crystal piezoelectric material. Of course, the ultrasonic transducer array element 105 can also be an ultrasonic transducer array element made of a polycrystalline piezoelectric material.

[0082] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the epoxy resin 106 occupies 35% to 65% of the plane area of ​​the ultrasonic transducer array module 104. Preferably, the epoxy resin 106 occupies 40% to 60% of the plane area of ​​the ultrasonic transducer array module 104. That is, the ratio of the actual spacing between the ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 to the size of the piezoelectric material of the ultrasonic transducer array element 105 is preferably between 1.29 and 1.58. In order to ensure the imaging quality, the maximum should be less than 6.24 to 7.9. Multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 can be used for imaging in the long strip structure 101 in the unfolded state and the matrix structure 103 in the folded state. By controlling the arrangement structure and position of the ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 thereon, the resolution and signal-to-noise ratio of ultrasonic imaging can be improved in the folded state, and 3D real-time imaging and treatment can be achieved.

[0083] In a specific embodiment of the present case, Figure 5In the process of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 from the long strip structure 101 to the matrix structure 103, in the intermediate transition state 102 with a relative folding angle of 60°, the conversion drive device 107 is embedded in the backing block 131. When two adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 are transformed into the folded state, the conversion drive device 107 between the adjacent backing blocks 131 is used as a rotation fulcrum, and the folded inner sides and folded outer sides of the two ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 are attached to each other. In order to avoid the existence of the conversion drive device 107 causing a gap after the ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 are attached to each other, affecting the imaging quality of the ultrasonic transducer array elements, the conversion drive device 107 is embedded in the backing block 131 to ensure the structural compactness of the ultrasonic transducer array module.

[0084] Specifically, the conversion drive device 107 is a hinge drive device, a torsion spring drive device, a pneumatic drive device, a hydraulic drive device, a wire drive device, a magnetic drive device, an electrostatic force drive device or a motor mechanical drive device, or a combination of multiple thereof.

[0085] like Figure 6-Figure 8 As shown, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the morphological transformation process of the first arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the morphology transformation process of the second arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the morphological transformation process of the third arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention.

[0086] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the conversion drive device 107 includes a hinge mounted on a backing block 131 on the back side of two adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules 104, and a traction line 109 that passes through the middle of the backing blocks 131 of multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 in sequence, and each backing block 131 is provided with a traction line through-hole 110 that runs through the width direction thereof; the traction line 109 is attached to the inner side of the folded part of the ultrasonic transducer array module 131, and a return spring is arranged in the hinge, with the return direction being arranged along the open width direction of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104.

[0087] The conversion drive device 107 is used to pull the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 to fold or open. In this embodiment, hinges are used between the backing blocks 131 for rotation support, and a reset spring is integrated inside the hinge to provide a torsional recovery force for the hinge to open. The folding tension of the backing block 131 is provided by the traction line 109. The traction line 109 passes through the backing blocks 131 of each ultrasonic transducer array module 104. A traction line through hole 110 is opened in the middle of each backing block 131. The traction line 109 connects the two ends of multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 through the traction line through hole 110. In order to ensure the smooth folding of the ultrasonic transducer array module 104, the traction line 109 is interlaced on the backing block 131, and the part of the traction line 109 exposed from the backing block 131 is located on the folded inner side of the adjacent backing block 131.

[0088] In this embodiment, multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 are sent to the predetermined imaging position in an open state, and the traction line 109 is in a free state without force, and the traction line 109 should be attached to the surface of the backing block 131. When multiple ultrasonic transducer arrays switch their states, the traction line 109 provides a folding tension, and the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 at the traction end swings and folds with the hinge at its end as a fulcrum, and as the traction line 109 continues to tighten, each ultrasonic transducer array module 104 folds and sticks to each other until it forms a parallel matrix structure. After ultrasonic imaging or treatment, the traction line 109 tension is gradually relaxed, and each ultrasonic transducer array module 104 opens to each other under the opening torsion provided by the reset spring in the hinge at its end, until it returns to a long strip structure, and is sequentially pulled out from the imaging position. Preferably, the reset spring is a torsion spring. The torsion spring is integrated and installed at the rotating support end of the hinge to provide an opening force for the two leaves of the hinge.

[0089] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the opening direction of the traction line through-hole 110 is arranged obliquely along the extension direction of the traction line 109. When the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 is in the open state, the traction line 109 passes through the traction line through-hole 110 opened on each backing block 131 and is attached to the surface of the backing block 131. During the tensioning process of the traction line 109, each backing block 131 is pulled, and the traction line 109 is pressed against the intersection position between the backing block 131 and the traction line through-hole 110. By arranging the opening direction of the traction line through-hole 110 obliquely, it can be understood that the oblique direction should be the same as the extension direction of the traction line 109, so as to facilitate the output of the pulling force of the traction line 109 and effectively protect the contact position between the traction line 109 and the backing block 131.

[0090] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the angle between the opening direction of the traction line perforation 110 and the thickness direction of the backing block 131 is not greater than 30°. The traction line 109 needs to be pulled until each backing block 131 is closely attached to each other in the width direction. The traction line perforation 110 should also consider that the backing blocks 131 are attached to each other, provide a stable traction force, control the angle between the opening direction of the traction line perforation 110 and the thickness direction of the backing block 131, reduce the tension output of the traction line 109, and ensure the stability of the tension on the backing block 131.

[0091] Furthermore, there is a smooth transition between the opening outlet of the traction line through hole 110 and the surface in the width direction of the backing block 131 , thereby reducing the wear of the traction line 109 at the inlet and outlet positions of the traction line through hole 110 on the backing block 131 .

[0092] like Figure 6 As shown in , in a specific embodiment of the present case, the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 includes 6 ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 arranged sequentially along the length direction, and each ultrasonic transducer array module 104 includes 6 ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 arranged sequentially along its length direction. The ultrasonic transducer array module 104 uses 6 modules, and 6 ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 are arranged on each ultrasonic transducer array module 104. The ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 are filled with epoxy material 106, and finally a 6*6 2D array is formed after folding. The 6 ultrasonic transducer array modules are composed of a long strip structure 101, which is folded to an intermediate state 102 in the folding direction indicated by the arrow above, and finally form a matrix state 103 in parallel, completing the transformation from a 1D array to a 2D array.

[0093] like Figure 7 As shown, in a specific embodiment of the present case, the ultrasonic transducer array module 104 includes 3 arranged in sequence along the length direction, and the ultrasonic transducer array elements on each ultrasonic transducer array module are arranged in an array of 3 rows and 12 columns. In this embodiment, 3 ultrasonic transducer array modules are arranged in the length direction, and the ultrasonic transducer array elements in each ultrasonic transducer array module 104 are in a 3*12 rectangular array. After the three ultrasonic transducer array modules are arranged in parallel, they can be folded to form a 9*12 1.5D or 1.75D array. The ultrasonic transducer array module 104 uses 3 modules, and the ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 set on each ultrasonic transducer array module 104 are distributed in a 3*12 matrix. The ultrasonic transducer array elements 105 are filled with epoxy material 106, and finally a 9*12 matrix array is formed after folding. The three ultrasonic transducer array modules are composed of a long strip structure 111, and the transformation drive device 107 adopts a hinge structure. The adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 use the hinge as a folding fulcrum to fold to an intermediate state 112, and finally form a matrix state 113 in parallel to complete the transformation of the array structure.

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, in a specific embodiment of the present case, a catheter 108 is also included for transporting the ultrasonic transducer array module 107 to a predetermined ultrasonic position. The catheter 108 is provided with a receiving cavity for receiving a plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules 104. The plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules 104 are telescopically arranged in the catheter 108. Figure 6 The ultrasonic transducer array module shown in the figure has the same structure, and the same markings are used to indicate the same parts. For the ultrasonic transducer array module inserted into the biological tissue, it is required to have a compact structure to ensure safe transportation. In this embodiment, a catheter 108 is provided to transport the long strip ultrasonic transducer array module. When the catheter 108 is transported to the predetermined biological tissue cavity, an external driving force is provided to gradually extend the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules from the catheter 108. Under the action of the traction line 109, the modules begin to fold, and the long strip structure 101 is pulled by the traction line 109 to be folded to the intermediate state 102 in the folding direction indicated by the arrow above, and finally formed into a matrix state 103, and appears in the tissue cavity in a folded state, and finally realizes high-resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio, 3D real-time imaging detection of the internal cavity tissue behind the narrow tissue passages in the body, such as the esophagus, blood vessels, heart, vagina, etc., and significantly improves the image quality. After the detection is completed, the pulling force of the traction line 109 is gradually reduced, and under the action of the conversion drive device 107 with a torsion spring hinge, the modules are gradually unfolded and retracted back to the inside of the catheter 108 to complete the detection.

[0095] like Figure 9-11 As shown, Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the morphology transformation process of the fourth arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention; Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle open rotating structure; Fig.11 for Fig. 9 Diagram of the morphological transformation process of the opened rotating structure.

[0096] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the conversion drive device includes a second traction line 909 that sequentially passes through the middle of the backing block 904 of multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules to pull and fold them, and an opening rotation structure 921 that drives two adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules to open. The conversion drive device includes two parts, one part is the traction line structure mentioned above. In this embodiment, the second traction line 909 is used to sequentially pass through the middle of each backing block 904. It can be understood that a traction line perforation 910 is arranged in the middle of each backing block 904, and its structure is as described in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here. It should be noted that the traction line perforation is opened on the above-mentioned backing block, and the backing block refers to the backing block with a flexible circuit board attached to the surface. The traction line perforation should avoid cutting the internal circuit on the flexible circuit.

[0097] At the same time, an opening and rotating structure is provided, which is used to provide a restoring force for each ultrasonic transducer array module to open when the traction force on the second traction line 909 is reduced.

[0098] Specifically, the opening and rotating structure 921 includes a first hinge piece and a second hinge piece that are opened and closed, and the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece are swing-supported on the backing blocks 904 of two adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules on the same side of the opening width direction. The opening and rotating structure 921 simultaneously assumes the functions of rotational support for the adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules and end compression after folding, and the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece are hinged to each other, and the two are swing-hinged to the end of the backing block on the same side of the opening width direction.

[0099] Specifically, when adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules are in a folded state, the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece are opened and respectively attached to the ends of their corresponding backing blocks 904. The first hinge piece and the second hinge piece simultaneously provide a clamping force to the two adjacent backing blocks 904, thereby improving the stability of the folded structure.

[0100] The device further includes a third traction line 920 disposed at one end of the backing block 904 away from the ultrasonic transducer array module, which pulls the opening and closing rotating structure 921 to pull the opening of two adjacent backing blocks 904. When the adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules undergo a morphological transformation to an open state, the third traction line 920 pulls the free ends of the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece.

[0101] See also Fig.11 The third traction line 920 specifically pulls the hinge shaft 922 of the first hinge and the second hinge, so that the first hinge and the second hinge are changed from the first state 1101 attached to the backing block to the second state 1102 with their ends connected to the backing block 904 standing up. The opening process of the adjacent backing blocks 904 squeezes the first hinge and the second hinge at the same time, and combined with the traction of the third traction line 920, the two are rotated and interlocked. Since the first hinge and the second hinge are on the same side of the opening width direction and the swing support structure between the backing block, the first swing shaft 923 and the second swing shaft 924 at the ends of the first hinge and the second hinge in the width direction are twisted at the same time in the end plane of the backing block. When the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece change their states, the first swing axis 923 and the second swing axis 924 in the width direction change their positions from horizontal to vertical at the same time. Finally, after the ultrasonic transducer array module is opened, the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece are buckled into the third state 1103, and finally are buckled into one and pressed between the ends of the backing block.

[0102] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the traction end of the third traction line 920 is connected to one end of the opening rotation structure away from the backing block 904. When the third traction line 920 is opened with multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules, it is necessary to pull the opening rotation structure 921 to stand up on the end plane of the backing block 904. In order to reduce the traction force, the traction end of the third traction line 920 is set at the end away from the backing block 904, preferably on the hinge shaft 922, to optimize the traction force and the traction structure of the traction line.

[0103] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the backing block 904 is provided with a first guide ring 931 and a second guide ring 932 for guiding the stretching of the third traction line 920 at both ends along the length direction thereof, and the third traction line 920 includes a traction line body extending along the length direction of the backing block 904, and a traction line branch extending from the traction line body and connected to the opening and rotating structure 921. The third traction line 920 needs to extend to the end of each backing block 904 in the length direction, and at the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the extension position of the third traction line 920 remains stable after each ultrasonic transducer is folded. The first guide ring 931 and the second guide ring 932 are provided on the side of each backing block 904 away from the ultrasonic transducer array module, and the third traction line 920 passes through the first guide ring 931 and the second guide ring 932 from its traction line body, so that the traction track of the third traction line 920 is kept constant, and its traction length does not change with the folding of the ultrasonic transducer array. The traction line branch on the traction line body extends between the backing blocks 904. During the stretching process of the traction line body, the traction line body drags the traction line branch to slide in parallel in the first guide ring 931 or the second guide ring 932 to avoid misalignment and jamming of the third traction line 920.

[0104] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece are both trapezoidal iron rotating leaves with a trapezoidal structure, and the bottom of the trapezoidal iron rotating leaves are swingably connected to the backing block 904. In order to further reduce the difficulty of the third traction line 920 to pull the open rotating structure 921, the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece are both set as trapezoidal iron rotating leaves with a trapezoidal structure, and the bottom of the trapezoidal iron rotating leaves is swingably connected to the backing block, that is, the wider ends of the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece are connected to the backing block 904, so as to improve the structural stability during the pulling and swinging process.

[0105] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the opening and rotating structure 921 has a built-in elastic reset structure for driving multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules to automatically open, and the second traction line 909 includes three parallel arranged lines. The opening and rotating structure 921 has a built-in elastic reset structure, which can be specifically located at the hinge shaft 922 position of the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece, providing an elastic restoring force for the two to buckle together, and can be specifically set as a torsion spring. When it is opened and pressed against the backing block 904, the elastic restoring force can also provide compression for the two adjacent backing blocks 904, thereby improving the stability of the folding structure of the backing block 904.

[0106] Since the opening and rotating structure 921 has a built-in elastic reset structure, its traction and opening requires the second traction line 909 to provide a greater traction pressure. Three second traction lines 909 are arranged in parallel to improve the safety of the traction structure during the opening and folding of multiple ultrasonic transducer arrays.

[0107] like Figure 12-14 As shown, Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the morphology transformation process of the fifth arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention; Fig.13 for Fig.12 Schematic diagram of the folded intermediate state structure of the ultrasonic transducer; Fig.14 for Fig.13 Schematic diagram of the folded state of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0108] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the conversion drive device includes a drag column 1215 mounted on a backing block 1204 at the protruding end of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules, and a drive rod 1216 mounted on the drag column 1215 for pulling the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules to open; a fourth pulling line 1209 for pulling and folding the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules is arranged in the middle of the backing block 1204.

[0109] The ultrasonic transducer array module is opened and folded by providing traction force to the multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules through the fourth traction line 1209, and its traction structure is the traction line extension direction and traction line perforation structure provided in the previous embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0110] like Figure 12-14 The ultrasonic transducer array module shown in the figure is composed of a long strip structure, through an intermediate folded state, to a deformation process of a folded matrix structure. The drag column 1215 and the driving rod 1216 are used to restore the multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules to the open long strip structure. The drag column 1215 is located at the extended end of the multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules. The driving rod 1216 is provided with a driving ring sleeved on the drag column 1215 to push the drag column 1215 to move, and then the drag column 1215 drags the multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules in turn to return to the open state.

[0111] like Figure 15-17 As shown, Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the morphology transformation process of the fifth arrangement structure of the ultrasonic transducer provided by the present invention; Fig.16 for Fig.15 Schematic diagram of the folded intermediate state structure of the ultrasonic transducer; Fig.17 for Fig.15 Schematic diagram of the folded state of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0112] In a specific embodiment of the present case, the conversion drive device includes a heating and retracting device 1217 arranged along the length direction of the backing block 1204 and attached to the side away from the ultrasonic transducer array module; a fifth traction line 1209 for traction and folding the multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules is arranged in the middle of the backing block 1204. The fifth traction line 1209 provides traction tension to the multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules, and its traction structure is the same as the traction line extension direction and traction line perforation 1210 structure provided in the previous embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0113] For the structure of spreading out multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules, a heating and stretching device 1217 which can stretch or expand after heating is used. The heating and stretching device 1217 is a long strip structure attached to the side of the backing block 1104 away from the ultrasonic transducer array module. The heating and stretching device 1217 is in a free state when not powered on for heating. When the inside of the heating and stretching device 1217 is heated, the internal temperature of the heating and stretching device 1217 rises, and its structural material gradually stretches or expands, thereby dragging and spreading out the multiple folded ultrasonic transducer array modules.

[0114] Specific as Figure 15-17 The deformation process of the ultrasonic transducer array module shown in the figure is that the ultrasonic transducer array module is in a long strip structure 1201 for transport to a predetermined affected part, the heating and telescopic device 1207 is controlled to be powered off, and the fifth traction line 1209 is pulled to pull the ultrasonic transducer array module through the folded intermediate state 1202, so that multiple ultrasonic transducer array modules are directly attached to each other in a folded matrix state 1203. After the imaging is completed, after the heating wire 1218 of the heating and telescopic device 1217 is powered, the ultrasonic transducer array module opens and returns to the long strip structure and is pulled out from the predetermined affected part. The heating expansion device 1207 can also adopt a heating expansion structure, which can be a tubular object sealed with a low melting point material such as alcohol. For in vivo application, a sealant with a melting point lower than 36° should be used, and a heating wire is buried inside. The heating wire inside the heating expansion device 1217 is energized through the heating wire 1218, thereby expanding the low melting point sealant and stretching the heating expansion device 1217. The heat is straightened by its own structure, and the folded ultrasonic transducer array module is dragged to the open state.

[0115] Based on the ultrasonic transducer provided in the above embodiment, the present invention also provides an integrated ultrasonic imaging-therapy device, on which is provided a probe having both imaging and therapy functions, and the probe having dual imaging and therapy functions adopts the ultrasonic transducer provided in the above embodiment.

[0116] Since the ultrasonic transducer adopts the ultrasonic transducer of the above embodiment, please refer to the above embodiment for the beneficial effects brought by the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic device.

[0117] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables one skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but rather to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic transducer, characterized in that: It comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules sequentially arranged along the length direction, a backing block is mounted on the back side of each of the ultrasonic transducer array modules, and an electrical connection structure electrically connecting the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules; It also includes a conversion drive device arranged at both ends of the adjacent backing blocks in the length direction, driving the folding or unfolding of the ultrasonic transducer array module along the width direction of the backing block, and the conversion drive device is embedded in the backing block; The electrical connection structure is a flexible circuit board that is press-fitted between the ultrasonic transducer array module and the backing block and folded and attached to both sides of the backing block in the width direction; The two ultrasonic transducer array modules located at both ends of the backing block in the length direction are arranged in opposite directions; The ultrasonic transducer array module comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducer array elements arranged in an array along its length direction, and epoxy resin filled between the slits of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array elements; The epoxy resin occupies 35% to 65% of the plane area of ​​the ultrasonic transducer array module.

2. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible circuit board is located on the folded outer side of the backing block and is configured to have an unfolded side wall that is cut and disconnected, and is located on the folded inner side of the backing block and is configured to have a connected side wall that is cut through and connected.

3. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flexible circuit board is also cut with dotted cutting lines located on both sides of the ultrasonic transducer array module in the width direction and extending along the length direction of the ultrasonic transducer array module to indicate folding of the flexible circuit board.

4. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The backing block is a backing block made of sound-absorbing backing material.

5. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first dimension of the ultrasonic transducer array module along its length direction is greater than its second dimension along its width direction; The number of first array elements of the ultrasonic transducer array module along its length direction is greater than the number of second array elements along its width direction.

6. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The number of the first array elements is greater than 1, and the number of the second array elements is greater than or equal to 1; the first size and the second size are both less than 70 mm.

7. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ultrasonic transducer array element is an ultrasonic transducer array element made of 1-3 type piezoelectric composite material.

8. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ultrasonic transducer array element is an ultrasonic transducer array element made of single crystal piezoelectric material.

9. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ultrasonic transducer array element is an ultrasonic transducer array element made of polycrystalline piezoelectric material.

10. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conversion drive device is a hinge drive device, a torsion spring drive device, a pneumatic drive device, a hydraulic drive device, a wire drive device, a magnetic drive device, an electrostatic force drive device or a motor mechanical drive device, or a combination of multiple thereof.

11. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 10, characterized in that: The conversion drive device includes a hinge mounted on the backing blocks on the back side of two adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules, and a traction line sequentially passing through the middle of the backing blocks of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules, and each of the backing blocks is provided with a traction line through hole that runs through the width direction thereof; The traction line is attached to the inner side of the folded portion of the ultrasonic transducer array module, and a return spring is arranged in the hinge, with the return direction being arranged along the open width direction of the ultrasonic transducer array module.

12. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 11, characterized in that: The opening direction of the traction line through-holes is arranged obliquely along the extending direction of the traction line.

13. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 12, characterized in that: The angle between the opening direction of the traction line perforation and the thickness direction of the backing block is no greater than 30°.

14. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 12, characterized in that: The opening outlet of the traction line perforation is smoothly transitioned to the surface of the backing block in the width direction.

15. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 12, characterized in that: The return spring is a torsion spring.

16. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a catheter for transporting the ultrasonic transducer array module to a predetermined ultrasonic position, wherein a receiving cavity for receiving a plurality of the ultrasonic transducer array modules is provided inside the catheter, and the plurality of the ultrasonic transducer array modules can be telescopically arranged in the catheter.

17. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 10, characterized in that: The conversion drive device comprises a second traction line which sequentially passes through the middle of the backing blocks of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules to traction and fold them, and an opening rotation structure which drives two adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules to open; The opening and rotating structure comprises a first hinge piece and a second hinge piece that are adapted to open and close, and the same side of the first hinge piece and the second hinge piece in the opening width direction are swingably supported on the backing blocks of two adjacent ultrasonic transducer array modules respectively; It also includes a third traction line which is arranged at one end of the backing block away from the ultrasonic transducer array module and pulls the opening and rotating structure to close so as to drag two adjacent backing blocks to open.

18. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 17, characterized in that: The traction end of the third traction line is connected to an end of the open rotation structure away from the backing block.

19. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 18, characterized in that: The backing block is provided with a first guide ring and a second guide ring for stretching and guiding the third traction line at both ends along its length direction, respectively. The third traction line includes a traction line main body extending along the length direction of the backing block, and a traction line branch extending from the traction line main body and connected to the open rotating structure.

20. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 17, characterized in that: The first hinge piece and the second hinge piece are both trapezoidal iron rotating leaf pieces with a trapezoidal structure, and the bottom of the trapezoidal iron rotating leaf piece is swingably connected to the backing block.

21. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 17, characterized in that: The opening and rotating structure has a built-in elastic reset structure for driving the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules to automatically open, and the second traction wires include three wires arranged in parallel.

22. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 10, characterized in that: The conversion drive device comprises a drag column mounted on a backing block extending from the ends of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules, and a drive rod sleeved on the drag column to pull the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules to open; A fourth traction line for traction and folding the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules is arranged in the middle of the backing block.

23. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 10, characterized in that: The conversion drive device includes a heating and expansion device arranged along the length direction of the backing block and attached to a side away from the ultrasonic transducer array module; a fifth traction line for traction and folding the plurality of ultrasonic transducer array modules is arranged in the middle of the backing block.

24. An ultrasonic transducer device, on which an imaging probe is arranged, characterized in that: The imaging probe is an ultrasonic transducer as described in any one of claims 1-23.

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