Connector cover and ultrasonic probe assembly having the same

Abstract

A connector cover and an ultrasound probe assembly having the connector cover are disclosed herein, the connector cover being configured for use in an ultrasound probe connector. The connector cover includes: a housing; and a coupling device disposed at one end of the housing and configured to coupling to the connector. The coupling device includes a body and a rotating shaft, the body including a retaining portion configured to coupling to a connector protrusion positioned projecting from the connector along a first direction, the rotating shaft being connected to the housing and the body, and the connector cover being configured to coupling to the connector along a second direction.

Description

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0009792, filed on January 28, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to an ultrasonic probe assembly, and more specifically, to a cover for an ultrasonic probe connector. Background Technology

[0003] With increasing interest in the importance of sterilization based on infection risks in hospitals, issues related to the sterilization of medical devices have emerged. A representative sterilization device for ultrasound medical devices is a low-temperature plasma sterilizer that converts hydrogen peroxide into plasma to sterilize the device. After sterilization, the hydrogen peroxide is reduced to water, thus offering the advantages of safety and being harmless to humans. Therefore, low-temperature plasma sterilizers are widely used for sterilizing ultrasound probes. Recently, regulations governing sterilization methods for reusable medical devices have expanded, creating a growing need for products compatible with sterilization and disinfection.

[0004] If a low-temperature plasma sterilizer is used frequently, the lifespan of the ultrasonic probe may be shortened due to corrosion of the connectors and printed circuit boards exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a connector cover and an ultrasonic probe assembly that can prevent the sterilizer from corroding and damaging the printed circuit board and the ultrasonic probe connector.

[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a connector cover and an ultrasonic probe assembly that improve product reliability by preventing corrosion and damage.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a connector cover that can be easily integrated into an ultrasonic probe connector.

[0008] Other aspects of this 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 this disclosure.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a connector cover configured for use in a connector of an ultrasound probe includes: a housing; and a coupling device disposed at one end of the housing and configured to engage with the connector. The coupling device includes a body and a rotating shaft, the body including a retaining portion configured to engage with a connector protrusion positioned projecting from the connector along a first direction, the rotating shaft being connected to the housing and the body, and the connector cover being configured to engage with the connector along a second direction.

[0010] The rotating shaft can be rotatably coupled to the housing to allow the body to move in the first direction.

[0011] The body may further include a guide portion formed in one end of the body that engages with the connector protrusion and is inclined upward toward the housing, and the body may be rotated via the rotation axis to engage the fixing portion with the connector protrusion.

[0012] The coupling device may further include an elastic member disposed between the housing and the coupling device and configured to elastically press the body toward the connector protrusion.

[0013] The fixing part may be a first fixing part, the connector protrusion may be a first protrusion, and the body may also include a second fixing part, the first fixing part and the second fixing part may be spaced apart from each other, the first fixing part may be configured to engage with the first protrusion, and the second fixing part may be configured to engage with a second protrusion configured to protrude from the connector along the first direction.

[0014] The coupling device may be a first coupling device, and the coupling device may also include a second coupling device disposed at the other end of the housing and configured to be coupled to the connector.

[0015] The fixing part may include a fixing hole or fixing groove disposed in the upper part of the body to engage with the connector protrusion.

[0016] The connector cover may further include: a housing hole configured to pass through the housing along the first direction; and a push rod configured to move the body in the first direction through the housing hole to separate the coupling device and the connector.

[0017] The fixing part may be formed in the upper part of the main body relative to the rotation axis, and the push rod may be configured to push the lower part of the main body.

[0018] The fixing part may include a hook configured to engage with the connector protrusion, and the rotation axis may extend in the first direction and then connect to the housing and the body.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a connector cover configured for use in a connector of an ultrasound probe includes: a housing; and a coupling device disposed on one side (or one end) of the housing and configured to engage with the connector. The coupling device includes a body and a retaining shaft; the body includes a hook configured to engage with a connector protrusion configured to project from the connector along a first direction; the retaining shaft is configured to extend in the first direction to connect to the housing and the body; and the connector cover is configured to engage with the connector along a second direction.

[0020] The hook may be a first hook, the connector protrusion may be a first protrusion, and the body may also include a second hook. The first hook and the second hook may be spaced apart from each other. The first hook may be configured to engage with the first protrusion, and the second hook may be configured to engage with a second protrusion configured to project from the connector in the first direction.

[0021] The coupling device may be a first coupling device, and the connector cover may also include a second coupling device disposed at the other end of the housing and configured to be coupled to the connector.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an ultrasound probe assembly includes: an ultrasound probe; a connector connected to the ultrasound probe; and a connector cover configured for use in the connector. The connector includes a connector protrusion configured to project from the connector along a first direction to engage with a medical device. The connector cover includes: a housing; and a coupling device disposed at one end of the housing and configured to engage with the connector. The coupling device includes a body and a rotating shaft, the body including a retaining portion configured to engage with the connector protrusion, the rotating shaft being connected to the housing and the body, and the connector and the connector cover engaging with each other along a second direction.

[0023] The rotating shaft can be rotatably coupled to the housing to allow the body to move in the first direction.

[0024] The body may further include a guide portion formed in one end of the body that engages with the connector protrusion and is inclined upward toward the housing, and the body may be rotated via the rotation axis to engage the fixing portion with the connector protrusion.

[0025] The coupling device may further include an elastic member disposed between the housing and the coupling device and configured to elastically press the body toward the connector protrusion.

[0026] The connector protrusion may be a first protrusion, and the connector may also include a second protrusion formed to be spaced apart from the first protrusion and configured to protrude along the first direction. The fixing portion may be a first fixing portion configured to engage with the first protrusion, and the body may also include a second fixing portion formed to be spaced apart from the first fixing portion and configured to engage with the second protrusion.

[0027] The ultrasound probe assembly may further include: a housing aperture configured to pass through the housing in a first direction; and a push rod configured to move the body in the first direction through the housing aperture to separate the coupling device and the connector.

[0028] The fixing part may be formed in the upper part of the main body relative to the rotation axis, and the push rod may be configured to push the lower part of the main body. Attached Figure Description

[0029] These and / or other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a medical device and an ultrasound probe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the connector in the ultrasonic probe assembly;

[0032] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the bottom of the connector in the ultrasonic probe assembly shown;

[0033] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the connector cover in the ultrasonic probe assembly;

[0034] Figure 5A It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the connector and connector cover in the ultrasonic probe assembly;

[0035] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A An enlarged view of part A in the connector and connector cover shown;

[0036] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C It is shown Figure 5A A diagram illustrating the assembly process of the connector and connector cover shown;

[0037] Figure 7A and Figure 7B It is shown Figure 5A A diagram illustrating the separation process of the connector and connector cover shown; and

[0038] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a diagram illustrating a coupling device in an ultrasonic probe assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The embodiments described in this disclosure and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of embodiments of this disclosure, and various modifications may be made in place of the embodiments and drawings of this disclosure when this application is filed.

[0040] Furthermore, the same reference numerals or symbols shown in the accompanying drawings of this disclosure represent elements or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0041] Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for describing embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or constrain this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In this disclosure, the terms “comprising,” “having,” etc., are used to enumerate features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0042] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, the elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and a second element may be referred to as a first element. The term “and / or” includes multiple combinations of related terms or any one of multiple related terms.

[0043] In the following detailed description, the terms “front side”, “rear side”, “left side”, “right side”, etc., may be defined by the accompanying drawings, but the shape and position of the components are not limited by the terms.

[0044] In particular, such as Figure 2 As shown, the direction in which connector 110 is not connected to cable 120 is defined as the front side, and the direction in which connector 110 is connected to cable is defined as the rear side. Left and right sides, as well as top and bottom sides, are defined accordingly.

[0045] The present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a medical device and an ultrasound probe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment, the medical device 1 may include a main body 10 and an ultrasound probe 100 configured to transmit ultrasound signals to a subject to be diagnosed and receive signals reflected from the subject. The ultrasound probe 100 may be connected to the main body 10 via a cable 120.

[0048] The ultrasound probe 100 can be mounted on the main body 10 via the retainer 22. When the medical device 1 is not in use, the examiner can mount the ultrasound probe 100 onto the retainer 22 and store the ultrasound probe 100. Figure 1 A holder 22, on which an ultrasonic probe 100 can be mounted, is shown mounted on the control panel 20; however, the holder 22 may be mounted on the main body 10 for user convenience. Alternatively, the holder 22 may be mounted on both the main body 10 and the control panel 20.

[0049] A motion device 12 may be disposed in the main body 10 to move the medical device 1. The motion device 12 may be a plurality of casters disposed on the bottom surface of the main body 10. The casters may be configured to align to allow the main body 10 to move in a particular direction, may be configured to move freely in any direction, and may be configured to be locked to stop in a particular position.

[0050] The ultrasound probe 100 may include an ultrasound transmitter and receiver disposed within a housing. The ultrasound transmitter and receiver may include a transducer module (not shown) configured to transmit ultrasound waves to an object, receive echo ultrasound waves reflected from the object, and convert electrical signals and ultrasound waves to each other. The medical device 1 may include: a male connector 110 configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the body 10 via a female connector 14 physically coupled to the body 10; and a cable 120 configured to connect the male connector 110 to the transducer module (not shown). The male connector 110 may be referred to as connector 110.

[0051] The object can be a living human or animal, or internal tissues such as blood vessels, bones, and muscles, but is not limited to these. Therefore, the object can be any object, as long as its internal structure can be imaged by the medical device 1.

[0052] The ultrasound probe assembly may include an ultrasound probe 100, a cable 120, a connector 110, and a connector cover 140, which will be described later.

[0053] The display 30 and control panel 20 may be mounted on the main body 10 of the medical device 1. An input device 24, configured to allow the user to control the medical device 1, may be mounted on the control panel 20. The input device 24 may receive not only setting information but also various control commands from the user regarding the ultrasound probe 100.

[0054] An auxiliary display 26 may be mounted on the control panel 20. The auxiliary display 26 may provide relevant information (such as menus for optimizing ultrasound or auxiliary images) or provide a graphical interface to the user.

[0055] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the connector in the ultrasonic probe assembly. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the bottom of the connector in the ultrasonic probe assembly shown.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Connector 110 may include a housing and a connecting device 130.

[0057] The housing may include an upper housing 111, side housings 112, and a connecting housing 113. The upper housing 111 is positioned in the upper portion of the connector 110 to form the upper and front surfaces of the connector 110. The side housings 112 form the left and right sides of the connector 110. The connecting housing 113 is shaped to form the area connected to the cable 120. Therefore, the connecting housing 113 can be connected to the cable 120. The cable 120 can receive signals from or provide signals to the connected connector 110.

[0058] The connecting device 130 may be disposed in the lower part of the connector 110. The connecting device 130 may include a housing 131, a connecting terminal 132, and a circuit board 133. The housing 131 may form the outer surface of the connecting device 130 to form the shape of the connecting device 130.

[0059] The connecting terminal 132 may protrude from the interior to the exterior of the connector 110 in a first direction X. The connecting terminal 132 may be referred to as connector protrusion 132. The connector protrusion 132 may be configured to connect to the body of the medical device 1. However, it is not limited thereto, and the connector protrusion 132 may not connect to the body 10 of the medical device 1, but may instead connect to the connector cover 140, which will be described later. The connector protrusion 132 may be provided in multiple configurations as shown, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, a single connector protrusion may be provided.

[0060] Because the connector 110 is coupled to the connector cover 140 via the connection terminal 132 (i.e., connector protrusion 132) of the connector 110 for the medical device 1, additional manufacturing and component costs can be reduced.

[0061] The connector protrusion 132 may include a first protrusion 132a, a second protrusion 132b, a third protrusion 132c, and a fourth protrusion 132d.

[0062] The first protrusion 132a and the second protrusion 132b may be disposed at one end of the connecting device 130 and coupled to the first coupling device 150a, which will be described later. The third protrusion 132c and the fourth protrusion 132d may be disposed at the other end of the connecting device 130 and coupled to the second coupling device 150b, which will be described later.

[0063] The first protrusion 132a and the second protrusion 132b may be disposed adjacent to the front surface of the connector 110. The third protrusion 132c and the fourth protrusion 132d may be disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the connector 110.

[0064] Circuit board 133 may be disposed inside the connection device 130. Circuit board 133 may be connected to the body of the medical device to transmit signals received by the ultrasound probe to the medical device and to transmit signals transmitted by the ultrasound probe from the medical device to the ultrasound probe.

[0065] The connecting terminal 132 may also include a connecting portion 134. The connecting portion 134 may be configured to be attached to the body 10 of the medical device 1. Therefore, the connecting portion 134 may be formed in a shape corresponding to a corresponding portion of the body 10.

[0066] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the connector cover in the ultrasonic probe assembly.

[0067] Reference Figure 4 The connector cover 140 may include a housing 141, a push rod 142, an encapsulation member 143, and a coupling device 150.

[0068] The housing 141 may be formed outside the connector cover 140 to surround the portion coupled to the connector 110. The housing 141 may be formed in a cuboid shape. However, it is not limited to this, and the housing 141 may be formed in various shapes such as a regular tetrahedron.

[0069] The encapsulation member 143 can seal the space between the connector 110 and the connector cover 140 in response to engagement between the connector 110 and the connector cover 140. The encapsulation member 143 can be formed using a material including silicon (e.g., silicone). However, it is not limited to this, and therefore the encapsulation member 143 can be formed using various materials capable of sealing the engagement space between the connector 110 and the connector cover 140. The encapsulation member 143 can be configured in a shape corresponding to the engagement area between the connector 110 and the connector cover 140.

[0070] The coupling device 150 may include a first coupling device 150a and a second coupling device 150b.

[0071] The first coupling device 150a may be disposed at one end of the housing 141 and coupled to the connector 110. That is, at one end of the housing 141, the first coupling device 150a may be coupled to the first protrusion 132a and the second protrusion 132b of the connector's connecting device 130. One end of the housing 141 may be the front part of the housing 141.

[0072] The second coupling device 150b may be disposed at the other end of the housing 141 and coupled to the connector 110. That is, at the other end of the housing 141, the second coupling device 150b may be coupled to the third protrusion 132c and the fourth protrusion 132d of the connector's connecting device 130. The other end of the housing 141 may be the rear part of the housing 141.

[0073] However, this is not the only limitation, and the first protrusion 132a and the second protrusion 132b can be coupled to the second coupling device 150b. The third protrusion 132c and the fourth protrusion 132d can be coupled to the first coupling device 150a.

[0074] Because it includes at least one coupling device 150, the connector 110 and the connector cover 140 can be securely coupled to each other. Furthermore, the connector cover 140 may include only one of the first coupling device 150a and the second coupling device 150b.

[0075] Figure 5A It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the connector and connector cover in the ultrasonic probe assembly. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A An enlarged view of part A in the connector and connector cover shown.

[0076] The description will be based on the first coupling device 150a. (Refer to...) Figure 5A and Figure 5B Connector 110 and connector cover 140 can be coupled along the second direction Y.

[0077] The coupling device 150 may be disposed in the housing 141. The coupling device 150 may include a main body 151, which includes a guide portion 152 and a fastening portion 153.

[0078] The body 151 may include a retaining portion 153 that engages with a connector protrusion 132 protruding from the connector 110 in a first direction X. The retaining portion 153 may be formed at one end of the body 151. That is, the retaining portion 153 may be formed on the upper part of the body 151. The retaining portion 153 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the connector protrusion 132. Therefore, the retaining portion 153 may be formed in a cylindrical shape according to the connector protrusion 132. However, it is not limited to this, and the retaining portion 153 may be formed in various shapes, as long as it can engage with the connector protrusion 132. The connector 110 can be properly engaged with the connector cover 140 through the retaining portion 153.

[0079] The main body 151 can be hollow at the center of its upper part. This is to make the lower part heavier than the upper part. In other words, this ensures stability by placing the center of gravity at the bottom. However, it is not limited to this, and the main body 151 can also be filled in the middle of its upper part.

[0080] Furthermore, the fixing portions 153 can be provided in a number corresponding to the connector protrusions 132. Therefore, the fixing portions 153 can be formed in multiple ways corresponding to the connector protrusions 132. However, this is not a limitation, and a single fixing portion 153 can be provided, as long as it can be engaged with the connector protrusions 132.

[0081] The main body 151 may also include a guide portion 152. The guide portion 152 may be disposed in the upper part of the main body 151 that engages with the connector protrusion 132, and inclined upward toward the housing 141. That is, the guide portion 152 may include a ramp in the region adjacent to the fixing portion 153.

[0082] In response to the engagement between connector 110 and connector cover 140 in the second direction Y, body 151 and rotation shaft 156 can be easily rotated via guide 152, and in response to the rotation of body 151, body 151 can be engaged with connector protrusion 132. Therefore, via guide 152, connector protrusion 132 can be easily engaged with body 151 without using a highly elastic material.

[0083] The coupling device 150 may further include a rotating shaft 156. The rotating shaft 156 may be connected to both the housing 141 and the body 151. The rotating shaft 156 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 141 to allow the body 151 to move along a first direction X. That is, since the connector 110 is coupled to the connector cover 140 in a second direction Y, and the connector protrusion 132 causes the body 151 to move toward the housing 141 in the first direction X, the body 151 can be rotated via the rotating shaft 156. The body 151 may move toward the housing 141 of the connector cover 140 due to the connector protrusion 132.

[0084] Because the body rotates due to the axis of rotation and then engages with the connector protrusion, the connector protrusion and the body can be easily joined together without the use of highly elastic materials.

[0085] The rotating shaft 156 may be a fixed shaft extending in the first direction X in relation to the hook, which will be described later.

[0086] The rotating shaft 156 can be respectively disposed in the first coupling device 150a and the second coupling device 150b. Therefore, both the first coupling device 150a and the second coupling device 150b are rotatable. That is, for the first coupling device 150a and the second coupling device 150b, the main body 151 can move toward the housing 141 of the connector cover 140 due to the connector protrusion 132.

[0087] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C It is shown Figure 5A The diagram illustrates the assembly process of the connector and connector cover shown.

[0088] Reference Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C The fixing portion 153 may include a fixing hole 153a. The fixing hole 153a may pass through the upper part of the body 151 along a first direction X. That is, the fixing hole 153a allows the connector protrusion 132 to engage with the fixing portion 153. The shape of the fixing hole 153a may extend in a cylindrical shape depending on the shape of the connector protrusion 132. However, it is not limited to this, and the fixing hole 153a may include various shapes configured to engage with the connector protrusion 132.

[0089] The connector cover 140 may also include a resilient member 155.

[0090] A resilient member 155 may be disposed between the housing 141 and the coupling device 150 to resiliently press the body 151 toward the connector protrusion 132. That is, in response to engagement, the connector protrusion 132 may press the coupling device 150 in a first direction X, and the resilient member 155 may press the body 151 in a direction opposite to the direction of the connector protrusion 132's press by the elastic force of the resilient member 155. Therefore, after the connector 110 and the connector cover 140 are engaged with each other, the body 151 may return to its position before engagement began. The resilient member 155 may include a spring. Due to the resilient member 155, the body 151 may return to its original position before rotation after rotation.

[0091] An elastic member 155 may be disposed between the first connecting device 150a and the housing 141 to press the first connecting device 150a. Additionally, an elastic member 155 may be disposed between the second connecting device 150b and the housing 141 to press the second connecting device 150b. That is, one or more elastic members 155 may be provided.

[0092] The accompanying drawings show the elastic member 155 pushing the upper part of the body 151 (i.e., the upper part of the body 151 relative to the rotation axis 156), but are not limited thereto. Therefore, the elastic member 155 can be arranged in different positions.

[0093] The connector cover 140 may also include a push rod 142, which will be described later.

[0094] The connecting device 150 may also include a frame member 157.

[0095] The frame member 157 is formed to be smaller than the body 151 and is attachable to the body 151. The frame member 157 may be positioned closer to the interior of the housing 141 than the body 151. The frame member 157 may add weight in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation in response to engagement, thereby causing the body 151 to return to its initial state after movement (i.e., rotation) in the first direction X. The frame member 157 may be respectively disposed in the first engagement device 150a and the second engagement device 150b. The frame member 157 may be integrally formed with the body 151. However, this is not a limitation, and the frame member 157 and the body 151 may be formed separately and engaged with each other.

[0096] The process of combining the components will be described.

[0097] like Figure 6A As shown, in response to movement of one or each of the connector 110 and connector cover 140 in the second direction Y, engagement begins. At this time, the connector protrusion 132 is adjacent to the guide portion 152 of the engagement device 150.

[0098] like Figure 6BAs shown, in response to contact between the connector protrusion 132 and the guide portion 152, the body 151 can move in the first direction X via the rotation axis 156. In response to the movement of the body 151 in the first direction X, the elastic member 155 is compressed. The elastic member 155 can be compressed until the connector protrusion 132 engages with the fixing portion 153.

[0099] like Figure 6C As shown, in response to completing the engagement between the connector protrusion 132 and the fixing portion 153, the elastic member 155 can press the body 151 toward the interior of the housing 141, and due to the weight of the frame member 157, the body 151 can be positioned in the same position as before engagement. At this time, the housing 131 of the connecting device 130 contacts the encapsulation member 143 of the connector cover 140 to prevent liquid ingress.

[0100] Figure 7A and Figure 7B It is shown Figure 5A The diagram illustrates the separation process of the connector and connector cover shown.

[0101] Reference Figure 7A The connector cover 140 may also include a housing hole 141a and a push rod 142.

[0102] A housing hole 141a may be formed in the lower part of the housing 141 along the first direction X. The housing hole 141a may be configured to allow the push rod 142 to push the main body 151 of the coupling device 150, and therefore the housing hole 141a may be provided at one end or the other end of the housing 141. That is, more than one housing hole 141a may be provided depending on the number of coupling devices 150.

[0103] The housing hole 141a can be formed in a cylindrical shape. However, it is not limited to this, and the housing hole 141a can be formed in various shapes, as long as it corresponds to the shape of the push rod 142.

[0104] The push rod 142 can be configured to move the body 151 in a first direction X through the housing hole 141a to separate the coupling device 150 from the connector 110. The push rod 142 can push the lower part of the body 151 (i.e., the lower part of the body 151 relative to the rotation axis 156) to separate the fixing part 153 from the connector protrusion 132.

[0105] The push rod 142 can be formed in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited to this. Therefore, the push rod 142 can include various shapes, as long as they correspond to the shape of the housing hole 141a. Since the push rod 142 is provided according to the number of housing holes 141a, more than one push rod 142 can be provided.

[0106] Connector 110 and connector cover 140 can be easily separated through housing hole 141a and push rod 142.

[0107] The separation process will be described.

[0108] The user can push the push rod 142 toward the body 151 of the coupling device 150 in the first direction X. The push rod 142 can be pushed to a position opposite to the fixed part 153 of the body 151. That is, the push rod 142 can push the lower part corresponding to the other end of the body 151. By pushing the push rod 142, the body 151 can move (i.e., rotate) along the first direction X via the rotation axis 156, and the connector protrusion 132 and the fixed part 153 can be separated.

[0109] Reference Figure 7B In response to pushing the body 151 by push rod 142 to separate connector 110 and connector cover 140, elastic member 155 is compressed. In response to the completion of separation of connector protrusion 132 and coupling device 150, the user can separate each component from each other in the second direction Y, thereby completely separating each component. After separation, the body 151 of coupling device 150 can return to the same position as when coupled by the elastic force of elastic member 155.

[0110] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a diagram illustrating a coupling device in an ultrasonic probe assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] The above has been referenced Figures 4 to 7B The description of the basic structure of the combining device 150 is described, therefore the same descriptions will be omitted and only the different components will be described.

[0112] Reference Figure 8A The main body 151 of the connecting device 150 may include a fixing groove 153b.

[0113] A retaining groove 153b may be formed in the upper part of the body 151 along a first direction X. That is, the retaining groove 153b allows the connector protrusion 132 to engage with the retaining portion 153. The shape of the retaining groove 153b may extend in a cylindrical shape depending on the shape of the connector protrusion 132. However, it is not limited to this, and the retaining groove 153b may include various shapes configured to engage with the connector protrusion 132.

[0114] Reference Figure 8B The connecting device 150 may also include a hook 154 and a fixing shaft 156a that engage with the connector protrusion 132.

[0115] The hook 154 may include hook portions 158a and 158b formed at one end of the hook 154 and configured to prevent the hook 154 from separating from the connector protrusion 132. At one end of the hook 154, hook portions 158a and 158b may be secured to the connector protrusion 132. The other end of the hook 154 may be rotatably coupled to the fixed shaft 156a.

[0116] The fixed shaft 156a may extend in the first direction X and is coupled to the housing 141 of the connector cover 140.

[0117] More than one hook 154 can be provided to engage with multiple connector protrusions 132. The hook 154 may include a first hook 154a and a second hook 154b. The first hook 154a can engage with a first protrusion 132a, and the second hook 154b can engage with a second protrusion 132b.

[0118] The first hook 154a may include a first hook portion 158a, and the second hook 154b may include a second hook portion 158b.

[0119] Due to the hook 154, the connector protrusion 132 and the coupling device 150 can be securely coupled to each other. That is, the connector 110 and the connector cover 140 can be coupled to each other.

[0120] The attached diagram shows two hooks 154, but is not limited to this. Therefore, one or more hooks can be provided, as long as they can be securely engaged with the connector protrusion 132.

[0121] It is evident from the above description that, because of the use of conventional connection terminals, connector covers and ultrasonic probe assemblies can be provided at a reduced cost.

[0122] By using connector covers to prevent corrosion and damage, an ultrasonic probe assembly with improved reliability can be provided.

[0123] A connector cover can be provided that is configured to be easily coupled to an ultrasonic probe connector using a coupling device.

[0124] Although some embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A connector cover configured for use in a connector of an ultrasonic probe, the connector cover comprising: case; as well as A coupling device is disposed at one end of the housing and configured to engage with the connector. The connecting device includes: The body includes a retaining portion configured to engage with a connector protrusion, the connector protrusion being configured to project from the connector along a first direction; and A rotating shaft is connected to the housing and the body. The connector cover is configured to attach to the connector along the second direction. The connecting device is disposed in the internal space where the connector of the housing is inserted.

2. The connector cover according to claim 1, wherein, The rotating shaft is rotatably coupled to the housing to allow the body to move in the first direction.

3. The connector cover according to claim 2, wherein, The body also includes a guide portion formed in one end of the body that engages with the connector protrusion, and inclined upward toward the housing. The main body rotates via the rotating axis to engage the fixing part with the connector protrusion.

4. The connector cover according to claim 3, wherein, The coupling device further includes an elastic member disposed between the housing and the coupling device and configured to elastically press the body toward the connector protrusion.

5. The connector cover according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing part is a first fixing part, the connector protrusion is a first protrusion, and the body also includes a second fixing part. The first fixing part and the second fixing part are spaced apart from each other. The first fixing portion is configured to engage with the first protrusion, and the second fixing portion is configured to engage with a second protrusion configured to protrude from the connector along the first direction.

6. The connector cover according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting device is the first connecting device, and The connector cover also includes a second coupling device disposed at the other end of the housing and configured to be coupled to the connector.

7. The connector cover according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing part includes a fixing hole or fixing groove disposed in the upper part of the body to engage with the connector protrusion.

8. The connector cover according to claim 2, wherein the connector cover further comprises: A housing hole is configured to pass through the housing along the first direction; as well as A push rod is configured to move the body in the first direction through the housing hole to separate the coupling device and the connector.

9. The connector cover according to claim 8, wherein, The fixing part is formed in the upper part of the main body relative to the rotation axis, and The push rod is configured to push the lower part of the main body.

10. The connector cover according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing part includes a hook configured to engage with the connector protrusion, and the rotation axis extends in the first direction and then connects to the housing and the body.

11. An ultrasonic probe assembly, comprising: Ultrasonic probe; Connector, for connection to the ultrasonic probe; as well as Connector cover, configured for use in said connector, The connector includes a connector protrusion configured to project from the connector along a first direction for engagement with a medical device. The connector cover includes a housing and a coupling device, the coupling device being disposed at one end of the housing and configured to engage with the connector. The connecting device includes a main body and a rotating shaft. The main body includes a fixing portion configured to engage with the connector protrusion. The rotating shaft is connected to the housing and the main body. The connector and the connector cover are joined together along the second direction. The connecting device is disposed in the internal space where the connector of the housing is inserted.

12. The ultrasonic probe assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The rotating shaft is rotatably coupled to the housing to allow the body to move in the first direction.

13. The ultrasonic probe assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The body also includes a guide portion formed in one end of the body that engages with the connector protrusion and is inclined upward toward the housing. The main body rotates via the rotating axis to engage the fixing part with the connector protrusion.

14. The ultrasonic probe assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The coupling device further includes an elastic member disposed between the housing and the coupling device and configured to elastically press the body toward the connector protrusion.

15. The ultrasonic probe assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The connector protrusion is a first protrusion, and the connector further includes a second protrusion formed spaced apart from the first protrusion and configured to project along the first direction. The fixing portion is a first fixing portion configured to be attached to the first protrusion, and the body also includes a second fixing portion formed spaced apart from the first fixing portion and configured to be attached to the second protrusion.

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