An ultrasonic testing probe

Abstract

The application discloses an ultrasonic detection probe, which comprises a shell, an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic transmission structure arranged at the front end of the ultrasonic transducer, and a driving assembly arranged in the shell and used for driving the acoustic transmission structure, wherein the acoustic transmission structure is provided with a first cavity, and an acoustic transmission medium is arranged in the first cavity. When the driving assembly drives the acoustic transmission structure to vibrate, a shear wave is generated in a detection target, and the acoustic transmission medium in the acoustic transmission structure enables the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic transducer to propagate more in the acoustic transmission medium and less in the acoustic transmission structure, so that the attenuation of the ultrasonic signal is reduced, and the elastic imaging detection quality is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, and particularly relates to an ultrasonic detection probe. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is found in clinical practice that the change of hardness or elasticity of biological tissue is often closely related to the degree of lesion of the tissue, and elastography has important research significance in the early diagnosis of soft tissue lesions. As a liver disease detection technology, transient elastography (TE) has the characteristics of non-invasiveness, rapidness and quantification, and can provide an effective tool for early screening, diagnosis and treatment evaluation of liver disease for chronic liver disease population, solve the problems of trauma and inaccuracy of traditional diagnosis methods, and has broad application prospects. At present, due to its accuracy in diagnosing fibrosis degree, it has been recommended by major liver disease guidelines around the world including the World Health Organization. However, its shortcomings are also obvious. Since a single-element probe is usually used for detection, it lacks image guidance function, i.e. cannot perform two-dimensional imaging. The single-element probe can only realize one-dimensional imaging and cannot realize two-dimensional imaging. The multi-element probe can realize two-dimensional imaging and realize observation of a two-dimensional imaging area, so that the image guidance function can be realized. There are many large blood vessels in liver tissue, as well as some cysts and other areas and positions that are not suitable for elastography. During transient elastography detection, these positions need to be avoided, otherwise the elasticity detection result will be abnormal or even wrong.

[0003] The principle of transient elastography technology is to measure the propagation speed of low-frequency shear wave in liver tissue fibers to judge the hardness of the liver, so as to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis. In transient elastography, shear wave is excited by mechanical vibration of the probe itself, which acts on the surface of the detection target to excite shear wave inside the detection target. The propagation of shear wave along the central axis region below the probe is tracked and detected. When the size of the probe used to excite shear wave becomes larger, the excited shear wave will have a certain degree of diffraction phenomenon. Using the shear wave for elasticity detection, the shear wave velocity obtained will deviate from the true value, resulting in deviation or error in the detection result. The conventional transient elastography has the contradictory problem that image guidance and elasticity detection cannot be achieved at the same time.

[0004] In order to solve the contradiction between the elastic detection and the image guided function in the instantaneous elastic imaging, the existing scheme proposes a scheme of setting an acoustic transparent structure (a material with the characteristics of being able to penetrate the ultrasonic signal and being relatively hard) in front of a two-dimensional imaging ultrasonic transducer. However, the addition of the acoustic transparent structure will not only introduce the problem of ultrasonic signal attenuation, but also affect the ultrasonic signal propagation speed. In addition, the attenuation of the ultrasonic signal will cause the echo signal-to-noise ratio to decrease, and the signal-to-noise ratio of the tissue particle vibration displacement signal caused by the shear wave propagation is positively correlated with the signal-to-noise ratio of the ultrasonic signal. Therefore, the attenuation of the ultrasonic signal will also reduce the quality of the elastic imaging detection.

[0005] Therefore, the prior art still needs to be improved and developed. SUMMARY

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the present application is to provide an ultrasonic detection probe to solve the problem of ultrasonic signal attenuation caused by setting an acoustic transparent structure in front of a two-dimensional imaging ultrasonic transducer in the prior art.

[0007] The technical scheme of the present application is as follows:

[0008] An ultrasonic detection probe comprises:

[0009] a shell;

[0010] an ultrasonic transducer;

[0011] an acoustic transparent structure arranged in front of the ultrasonic transducer;

[0012] a driving assembly arranged in the shell, the driving assembly being used to drive the acoustic transparent structure; wherein,

[0013] the acoustic transparent structure is provided with a first cavity, and an acoustic transparent medium is arranged in the first cavity.

[0014] Further provided in the present application, the ultrasonic detection probe further comprises an acoustic transparent membrane, which is part of the first cavity.

[0015] Further provided in the present application, the acoustic transparent medium fills the first cavity and contacts the surface of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0016] Further provided in the present application, the ultrasonic detection probe further comprises a capsule cavity, which is located in the first cavity, the surfaces of the capsule cavity except the lower surface are attached to the inner wall of the first cavity, and the lower surface of the capsule cavity is at least partially attached to the surface of the ultrasonic transducer; wherein, the acoustic transparent medium is arranged in the capsule cavity.

[0017] Further, the first cavity is surrounded by the acoustic transparent structure, and the acoustic transparent structure is connected with the ultrasonic transducer.

[0018] Further, the acoustic transparent structure is integrally movable with the ultrasonic transducer or the acoustic transparent structure is separately movable.

[0019] Further, when the acoustic transparent structure is integrally movable with the ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer is directly connected with the acoustic transparent structure or indirectly connected with the acoustic transparent structure.

[0020] Further, a transition structure is arranged between the acoustic transparent structure and the ultrasonic transducer.

[0021] Further, when the acoustic transparent structure is separately movable, a connecting piece is arranged between the acoustic transparent structure and the ultrasonic transducer.

[0022] Further, the acoustic transparent medium is an acoustic transparent liquid.

[0023] Further, the ultrasonic detection probe further comprises a mounting portion, and the mounting portion is arranged at the bottom of the acoustic transparent structure and connected with the acoustic transparent structure.

[0024] Further, the acoustic transparent structure and the mounting portion are integrally formed.

[0025] Further, the mounting portion is provided with a second cavity, and the ultrasonic transducer is arranged in the second cavity.

[0026] Further, the driving assembly comprises:

[0027] a vibrator;

[0028] at least one transmission rod, one end of the at least one transmission rod is connected with the vibrator, and the other end of the at least one transmission rod is connected with the ultrasonic transducer or the mounting portion.

[0029] Further, the ultrasonic detection probe further comprises a fixing portion, the fixing portion is arranged in the shell, the ultrasonic transducer is arranged on the fixing portion, the transmission rod is arranged in the fixing portion and connected with the mounting portion.

[0030] Further, the ultrasonic detection probe further comprises a fixing portion, the fixing portion is arranged in the shell, the ultrasonic transducer is arranged on the fixing portion, the transmission rod is arranged in the fixing portion and connected with the mounting portion.

[0031] The ultrasonic detection probe further comprises an elastic medium connected between the mounting portion and the shell, or connected between the connecting device and the shell.

[0032] The ultrasonic detection probe further comprises a first pipe communicating with the first cavity, and an end of the first pipe away from the first cavity is provided with a plug.

[0033] The acoustic transmission structure is coaxially arranged with the ultrasonic transducer.

[0034] The acoustic transmission structure comprises a protruding portion arranged at the top of the acoustic transmission structure.

[0035] The protruding portion generates shear waves in the detection target when vibrating.

[0036] The width of the surface of the protruding portion is 5-15 mm.

[0037] The protruding portion is columnar or frustoconical.

[0038] The length of the surface of the protruding portion is less than twice the width of the surface of the protruding portion.

[0039] The angles between the two outer extension sections in the width direction of the surface of the protruding portion and the central axis of the protruding portion are 0-30 degrees.

[0040] The ultrasonic transducer is a multi-element ultrasonic transducer.

[0041] The array direction of the elements of the ultrasonic transducer corresponds to the length direction of the surface of the protruding portion.

[0042] The ultrasonic detection probe comprises a shell, an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic transmission structure arranged at the front end of the ultrasonic transducer, and a driving assembly arranged in the shell and used for driving the acoustic transmission structure, wherein the acoustic transmission structure is provided with a first cavity, and the first cavity is provided with an acoustic transmission medium. When the driving assembly drives the acoustic transmission structure to vibrate, shear waves are generated in the detection target, and the acoustic transmission medium in the acoustic transmission structure allows the ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic transducer to propagate more in the acoustic transmission medium, so as to reduce the propagation in the acoustic transmission structure, thereby reducing the attenuation of the ultrasonic signals and improving the quality of the elastic imaging detection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] In order to make the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application or the prior art clearer, the accompanying drawings needed in the embodiments or prior art description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description only show some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without any creative effort on the basis of the drawings shown.

[0044] Figure 1 Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an ultrasonic detection probe in the present application.

[0045] Figure 2 Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vibration synchronization of the acoustic transmissive structure and the ultrasonic transducer in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 .

[0046] Figure 3 Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the acoustic transmissive structure in the present application.

[0047] Figure 4 Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the acoustic transmissive structure in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 .

[0048] Figure 5 Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the acoustic transmissive structure in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 .

[0049] Figure 6 Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protruding part in an embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Figure 7 Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the end face of the protruding part and the rib in the present application.

[0051] Figure 8 Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the protruding part and the rib in the present application.

[0052] Figure 9 Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the vibration synchronization of the acoustic transmissive structure and the ultrasonic transducer in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 .

[0053] Figure 10 Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of the vibration of the acoustic transmissive structure alone in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 .

[0054] Figure 11 Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of the vibration of the acoustic transmissive structure alone in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 .

[0055] Figure 12 Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the first pipeline and the first cavity in an embodiment of the present application.

[0056] In the drawings: 1, housing; 2, ultrasonic transducer; 3, acoustic transmission structure; 31, protruding part; 32, mounting part; 33, extension section; 4, driving assembly; 41, vibrator; 42, transmission rod; 5, acoustic transmission membrane; 6, first cavity; 7, capsule cavity; 8, connecting piece; 9, connecting device; 10, fixing part; 11, elastic medium; 12, first pipeline; 121, plug; 13, elastic gasket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The present application provides an ultrasonic detection probe, in order to make the purpose, technical scheme and effect of the present application more clear and definite, the present application is further explained in detail below with reference to the drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and not to limit the present application.

[0058] In the embodiments and the patent application scope, unless the article has a special definition in the text, "one", "a", "said" and "the" can also include the plural form. If the description of "first", "second" and the like is involved in the embodiments of the present application, the description of "first", "second" and the like is only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited by "first", "second" can be explicitly or implicitly included at least one of the features.

[0059] It should be further understood that the phrase "comprising" used in the specification of the present application means that the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components exist, but does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their combinations. It should be understood that when we say that an element is "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to other elements, or there can be intermediate elements. In addition, "connection" or "coupling" used herein can include wireless connection or wireless coupling. The phrase "and / or" used herein includes all or any unit and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0060] Those skilled in the art can understand that, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as that generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present application belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be understood as having meanings consistent with those in the prior art, and should not be interpreted with idealized or overly formal meanings unless specifically defined as such.

[0061] In addition, the technical solutions among various embodiments can be combined with each other, but the combination of the technical solutions should be considered not to exist and not within the protection scope of the present application on the basis that the combination of the technical solutions can be realized by the ordinary skilled in the art, and the combination of the technical solutions cannot be realized or contradicts each other.

[0062] Please refer to Figures 1 to 12 The present application provides a preferable embodiment of an ultrasonic detection probe.

[0063] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the present application provides an ultrasonic detection probe, which comprises a shell 1, an ultrasonic transducer 2, an acoustic transmission structure 3 and a driving assembly 4. The acoustic transmission structure 3 is arranged at the front end of the ultrasonic transducer 2; the driving assembly 4 is arranged in the shell 1, and the driving assembly 4 is used for driving the acoustic transmission structure 3; wherein the acoustic transmission structure 3 is provided with a first cavity 6, and an acoustic transmission medium is arranged in the first cavity 6.

[0064] Specifically, the ultrasonic transducer 2 comprises sound absorption blocks, wafers, matching layers and acoustic lenses and the like structures, and the ultrasonic transducer 2 is a multi-element ultrasonic transducer, which can be a linear array ultrasonic transducer, or a convex array ultrasonic transducer and the like. The acoustic transmission medium is an acoustic transmission liquid which can reduce the attenuation of ultrasonic signals, for example, the acoustic transmission liquid can be water, ultrasonic coupling liquid, glycerol and the like.

[0065] The acoustic transmission structure 3 is hollow inside and forms the first cavity 6, and the first cavity 6 is filled with the acoustic transmission medium, when the driving assembly 4 drives the acoustic transmission structure 3 at the front end of the ultrasonic transducer 2 to vibrate, shear waves are generated in the target to be detected, and the acoustic transmission medium in the acoustic transmission structure 3 can make the ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic transducer 2 propagate more in the acoustic transmission medium, so as to reduce the propagation in the acoustic transmission structure 3, thereby reducing the attenuation of the ultrasonic signals, and further improving the quality of the elastic imaging detection.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the ultrasonic detection probe further comprises an acoustic transmission film 5, and the acoustic transmission film 5 is part of the first cavity 6.

[0067] Specifically, the acoustic transmission film 5 is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first cavity 6, and together constitutes part of the structural wall of the first cavity 6, which can reduce the reflection of ultrasonic signals on the inner wall of the acoustic transmission structure 3, thereby improving the imaging quality.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the acoustic transmission medium fills the first cavity 6 and is in contact with the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2.

[0069] Specifically, when the acoustic transmission structure 3 is installed at the front end of the ultrasonic transducer 2, the bottom of the acoustic transmission structure 3 is connected with the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2, and the ultrasonic transducer 2 forms a closed cavity structure with the first cavity 6, that is, the lower edge of the acoustic transmission structure 3 is connected with the shell of the ultrasonic transducer 2 without gap, and the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2 becomes a part of the first cavity 6, so that the acoustic transmission medium in the first cavity 6 will be directly in contact with the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2, thereby ensuring the uninterrupted propagation of the ultrasonic signal and improving the two-dimensional imaging effect and the elasticity detection quality.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the ultrasonic detection probe further comprises a capsule cavity 7, which is located in the first cavity 6, and the surfaces of the capsule cavity 7 except the lower surface are attached to the inner wall of the first cavity 6, and the lower surface of the capsule cavity 7 is at least partially attached to the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2; wherein the acoustic transmission medium is arranged in the capsule cavity 7.

[0071] Specifically, the capsule cavity 7 is made of acoustic transmission material, the upper wall of the first cavity 6 and the upper surface of the capsule cavity 7 are tightly attached by adhesion, and the lower surface of the capsule cavity 7 and the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2 are tightly attached together by adhesion. The acoustic transmission medium filled in the capsule cavity 7 can make the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic transducer 2 propagate more in the acoustic transmission medium, so as to reduce the propagation in the acoustic transmission structure 3, thereby reducing the attenuation of the ultrasonic signal and improving the elasticity detection quality. In an implementation, the capsule cavity 7 is made of elastic acoustic transmission material, so that the capsule cavity 7 filled with acoustic transmission liquid can fill the first cavity 6.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 2 With Figure 3 In a further implementation of an embodiment, the acoustic transmission structure 3 further comprises a protruding part 31, which is arranged at the top of the acoustic transmission structure 3.

[0073] Specifically, the protrusion 31 is columnar or frustoconical, the end surface shape of the protrusion 31 can be circular, oval, square, etc., and the end surface of the protrusion 31 can also be convex or concave. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 31 is oval or circular, i.e., the protrusion 31 can be a circular cylinder or an oval cylinder, but is not limited to the above shapes, for example, can also be a cuboid. Taking the protrusion 31 as an oval cylinder as an example, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 31 is oval, and the end surface thereof is also oval. To ensure the quality of instantaneous elastography detection, the vertical height between the end surface of the protrusion 31 and the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2 is 2-30 mm, for example, can be 10 mm. In the process of elasticity detection, the vibration of the protrusion 31 can generate a shear wave in the detection target.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The array direction of the elements of the ultrasonic transducer 2 corresponds to the length direction d2 of the surface of the protrusion 31, which facilitates two-dimensional imaging using a multi-element ultrasonic transducer. The end surface of the protrusion 31 directly or indirectly acts on the surface of the detected tissue, and under the action of mechanical vibration, the end surface s of the protrusion 31 directly has a relative mechanical vibration effect with the skin. In order to better generate a shear wave field suitable for instantaneous elastography detection through vibration in the intercostal space, the size d1 of the end surface s of the protrusion 31 cannot be too large, and the length d1 of the minor axis of the oval is 5-15 mm, for example, Figure 7The end surface s of the protruding part 31 mechanically vibrates on the intercostal gap. Since the position of the rib is relatively fixed, the end surface of the protruding part 31 will press the skin tissue of the intercostal gap into the intercostal gap under the action of the mechanical vibration force. Compared with the fixed position of the rib, a clear fault will be formed, which is conducive to the generation of shear waves. The size d1 is arranged in the intercostal gap, and the size determines the size of the fault surface, which directly affects the generated shear wave field. The size d1 should not be too large. On the one hand, a diffraction effect will be generated, which is not conducive to elasticity detection. On the other hand, it is difficult to place in the intercostal gap, which is also not conducive to elasticity detection. The size d1 is consistent with the size range of the conventional instantaneous elasticity imaging probe. Usually, three types of S, M, and XL probes are 5mm, 7mm, and 10mm respectively. The S type is suitable for children with narrow intercostal gap. The M type is suitable for conventional adults. The XL type is suitable for obese patients with larger size.

[0075] It can be understood that if the protruding part 31 is cylindrical, that is, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding part 31 is circular, the diameter of the circle is 5-15mm.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In a further embodiment of the embodiment, the acoustic transparent structure 3 is coaxially arranged with the ultrasonic transducer 2.

[0077] Specifically, the acoustic transparent structure 3 is coaxially arranged with the ultrasonic transducer 2, that is, the protruding part 31 is also coaxially arranged with the ultrasonic transducer 2, so that the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic transducer 2 can be transmitted out of the acoustic transparent structure 3, and the ultrasonic signal detection of the measured tissue is realized through the acoustic transparent structure 3.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In a further embodiment of the embodiment, the protruding part 31 is provided with an extension section 33 on the opposite sides, and the included angle a between the extension section 33 and the central axis of the protruding part 31 is 0-30°.

[0079] Specifically, the extension cut surfaces 33 are located on both sides of the width direction of the surface of the protruding part 31, and the included angle a between the extension cut surfaces 33 and the central axis of the protruding part 31 is 0-30°, which is close to a plane. Since the array direction of the array element of the ultrasonic transducer 2 is consistent with the length direction of the rib gap, and the array direction of the array element of the ultrasonic transducer 2 is arranged corresponding to the length direction d2 of the surface of the protruding part 31, the part of the protruding part 31 located between the extension cut surfaces 33 can enter the gap between the ribs without obstruction during vibration, thereby forming effective vibration. In an implementation manner, the included angle a between the extension cut surfaces 33 and the central axis of the protruding part 31 can be 0°.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the ultrasonic detection probe further comprises a mounting part 32, which is located at the bottom of the sound-transparent structure 3 and connected with the sound-transparent structure 3.

[0081] Specifically, the mounting part 32 is provided with an opening at a position corresponding to the ultrasonic transducer 2, and the opening forms a second cavity (not marked in the figure) with the protruding part 31, and the ultrasonic transducer 2 is arranged in the second cavity and directly or indirectly contacts the sound-transparent structure 3.

[0082] The sound-transparent structure 3 is arranged on the mounting part 32. The ultrasonic transducer 2 can be accommodated in the second cavity formed by the mounting part 32 and the protruding part 31 and directly or indirectly contacts the sound-transparent structure 3. In this way, the mounting part 32 is not limited to being made of sound-transparent material, as long as the ultrasonic transducer 2 can form an ultrasonic wave propagation channel with the protruding part 31. In some embodiments, the sound-transparent structure 3 and the mounting part 32 can be integrally formed.

[0083] Please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the first cavity 6 surrounds the sound-transparent structure 3, and the sound-transparent structure 3 is connected with the ultrasonic transducer 2. The sound-transparent structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 are integrally movable or the sound-transparent structure 3 is separately movable.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the driving assembly 4 comprises a vibrator 41 and at least one transmission rod 42, one end of the transmission rod 42 is connected with the vibrator 41, and the other end of the transmission rod 42 is connected with the ultrasonic transducer 2 or the mounting part 32.

[0085] Specifically, when the acoustic transmission structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 move integrally, the transmission rod 42 is connected with the mounting portion 32 or the ultrasonic transducer 2 to synchronously drive the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the acoustic transmission structure 3 to vibrate. When the acoustic transmission structure 3 vibrates alone, the transmission rod 42 is connected with the mounting portion 32 to drive the acoustic transmission structure 3 to vibrate alone, as shown in Figure 2 In some embodiments, the transmission rod 42 can be provided with 2 or 4.

[0086] When the acoustic transmission structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 move integrally, the ultrasonic transducer 2 is directly connected with the acoustic transmission structure 3 or indirectly connected with the acoustic transmission structure 3.

[0087] For example, when the ultrasonic transducer 2 is directly connected with the acoustic transmission structure 3, in an implementation, the ultrasonic transducer 2 directly abuts against the bottom surface of the acoustic transmission structure 3, as shown in Figure 8

[0088] Please refer to Figure 9 When the acoustic transmission structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 move integrally, the shell of the ultrasonic transducer 2 is bonded with the mounting portion 32, or the shell of the ultrasonic transducer 2 is integrally provided with the mounting portion 32.

[0089] Specifically, the acoustic transmission structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 can be connected and fixed by pasting to ensure that the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2 is closely attached to the mounting portion 32 or the protruding portion 31. In addition, the mounting portion 32 can also serve as the shell of the ultrasonic transducer 2, so that the acoustic transmission structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 are integrally provided, and the ultrasonic transducer 2 is closely attached to the mounting portion 32 or the protruding portion 31.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 9 In a further implementation of one embodiment, when the acoustic transmission structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 move integrally, the ultrasonic detection probe further comprises a connecting device 9, the ultrasonic transducer 2 is arranged on the connecting device 9, and the transmission rod 42 is connected with the connecting device 9.

[0091] Specifically, the connecting device 9 is provided with a groove structure (not labeled in the figure), and the ultrasonic transducer 2 is clamped with the connecting device 9 through the groove structure. The transmission rod 42 is connected with the connecting device 9, and the driving assembly 4 synchronously drives the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the acoustic transmission structure 3 to vibrate by driving the connecting device 9.

[0092] Please continue to refer to Figure 9 ​Further, an elastic gasket 13 is arranged between the connecting device 9 and the ultrasonic transducer 2, and is arranged at the bottom of the groove structure, so that the ultrasonic transducer 2 has an upward force after being mounted on the connecting device 9, thereby making the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the acoustic-transparent structure 3 more closely connected. In an implementation, the elastic gasket 13 can be a rubber gasket.

[0093] In another implementation, a transition structure (not shown in the figure) is arranged between the acoustic-transparent structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2, and is made of an acoustic-transparent material, so that the ultrasonic signal can pass through the transition structure, and the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the acoustic-transparent structure 3 are connected through the transition structure. The transition structure can be a capsule with an elastic membrane, or can be an acoustic-transparent elastic pad with elasticity. The elasticity of the transition structure can provide a squeezed force, which can ensure that the transition structure and the acoustic-transparent structure 3, and the transition structure and the detection surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2 are closely attached, thereby ensuring that there is no gap between the acoustic-transparent structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2, and facilitating the propagation of the ultrasonic signal.

[0094] In the application, the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the acoustic-transparent structure 3 are synchronously vibrated by the driving assembly 4, so that the mechanical impact phenomenon between the acoustic-transparent structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 is avoided, and a gap between the acoustic-transparent structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 during vibration is avoided, so that the acoustic-transparent structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 are closely attached during vibration, and the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic transducer 2 placed behind the acoustic-transparent structure 3 can be smoothly propagated to the detected tissue without interruption, thereby avoiding the influence of the mechanical vibration of the acoustic-transparent structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 on the detection and imaging of the ultrasonic signal. At the same time, the mechanical impact phenomenon between the acoustic-transparent structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 during vibration is also avoided, so that the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2 is not damaged.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 10 In some embodiments, when the acoustic-transparent structure 3 is independently activated, a connecting piece 8 is arranged between the acoustic-transparent structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2.

[0096] Specifically, when the driving assembly 4 drives the acoustic transparent structure 3 to vibrate alone, a gap is generated between the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the acoustic transparent structure 3. By arranging a connecting piece 8 between the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the acoustic transparent structure 3, the connecting piece 8 has the ability of acoustic transmission and deformation, and can move together with the acoustic transparent structure 3 when the acoustic transparent structure 3 vibrates. The connecting piece 8 maintains the connection between the acoustic transparent structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2, so as to avoid the problem that the gap generated when the acoustic transparent structure 3 vibrates alone causes the ultrasonic signal to be unable to propagate.

[0097] It should be noted that the independent activity of the acoustic transparent structure 3 includes the case that the ultrasonic transducer 2 can vibrate in the opposite direction of the acoustic transparent structure 3 when the acoustic transparent structure 3 vibrates alone.

[0098] In an implementation manner, the connecting piece 8 can be an elastic acoustic transparent capsule, which is connected between the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the acoustic transparent structure 3. The elastic acoustic transparent capsule is provided with an acoustic transmission medium. The acoustic transmission medium can be water, glycerol or other medium in which ultrasonic signals can propagate.

[0099] Specifically, the elastic acoustic transparent capsule is attached to the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the surface of the acoustic transparent structure 3, and the elastic acoustic transparent capsule is provided with an acoustic transmission medium capable of transmitting ultrasonic signals. When the acoustic transparent structure 3 vibrates alone, the elastic acoustic transparent capsule can be deformed under the pulling of the acoustic transparent structure 3. The deformation can keep the connection between the acoustic transparent structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2, so that the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic transducer 2 can be smoothly transmitted to the detection target through the acoustic transparent structure 3 without interruption.

[0100] Please refer to Figure 10 In some embodiments, when the acoustic transparent structure 3 vibrates alone, the ultrasonic detection probe further comprises a fixed part 10, the fixed part 10 is arranged in the shell 1, and the ultrasonic transducer 2 is arranged on the fixed part 10; the transmission rod 42 is arranged in the fixed part 10 and connected with the mounting part 32.

[0101] Specifically, the fixed part 10 is fixedly connected with the shell 1, and the ultrasonic transducer 2 is arranged on the fixed part 10 or directly fixedly connected to the shell 1. Wherein, the fixed part 10 is provided with a through hole (not marked in the figure) for the transmission rod 42 to pass through, when the driving assembly 4 drives the sound transmission structure 3 to vibrate, the transmission rod 42 vibrates in the through hole, the fixed part 10 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 do not vibrate, and the sound transmission structure 3 is connected with the transmission rod 42 or the transmission rod 42 is connected with the mounting part 32 to drive the sound transmission structure 3 to vibrate alone, wherein the ultrasonic signal propagation channel between the sound transmission structure 3 and the ultrasonic transducer 2 can be realized through the connecting piece 8.

[0102] In some embodiments, when the ultrasonic detection probe propagates ultrasonic signals through the capsule cavity 7 provided with the sound transmission medium, because the capsule cavity 7 is elastic, by arranging the ultrasonic transducer 2 on the fixed part 10, the sound transmission structure 3 can also be vibrated alone, as shown in Figure 11 .

[0103] In a further embodiment of one embodiment, the mounting part 32 is provided with a first pipeline 12, and the first pipeline 12 communicates with the first cavity 6; one end of the first pipeline 12 away from the first cavity 6 is provided with a plug 121, as shown in Figure 12 .

[0104] Specifically, the mounting part 32 is provided with a first pipeline 12, one end of the first pipeline 12 communicates with the first cavity 6, and the other end of the first pipeline 12 is provided with a plug 121 for sealing, and the sound transmission liquid can be filled into the first cavity 6 through the first pipeline 12.

[0105] It should be noted that in another implementation, the first pipeline 12 can also directly communicate with the first cavity 6.

[0106] In a further embodiment of one embodiment, the ultrasonic detection probe further comprises an elastic medium 11 connected between the mounting part 32 and the shell.

[0107] Specifically, the mounting part 32 is directly or indirectly connected with the shell 1 through the elastic medium 11 to form a closed ultrasonic detection probe. Wherein, the elastic medium 11 has an elastic function, which can make the sound transmission structure 3 complete vibration under the driving of the vibrator 41 and keep connected with the shell 1.

[0108] It should be noted that if the ultrasonic transducer 2 is installed on the connecting device 9, the elastic medium 11 can be arranged between the connecting device 9 and the shell 1.

[0109] In summary, the ultrasonic detection probe provided by the application comprises: a shell, an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic transmission structure arranged at the front end of the ultrasonic transducer, and a driving assembly arranged in the shell and used for driving the acoustic transmission structure, wherein the acoustic transmission structure is provided with a first cavity in which an acoustic transmission medium is arranged. When the driving assembly drives the acoustic transmission structure to vibrate, a shear wave is generated in the detection target, and the acoustic transmission medium in the acoustic transmission structure allows the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic transducer to propagate more in the acoustic transmission medium, so as to reduce the propagation in the acoustic transmission structure, thereby reducing the attenuation of the ultrasonic signal and improving the elastic imaging detection quality.

[0110] It should be understood that the application of the application is not limited to the above examples, and those skilled in the art can make improvements or changes according to the above description, and all these improvements and changes shall belong to the protection scope of the appended claims of the application.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic testing probe, characterized in that, include: case; An ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is a multi-element ultrasonic transducer. A sound-transmitting structure is disposed at the front end of the ultrasonic transducer; The acoustic transmission structure further includes: a protrusion; the protrusion is disposed on the top of the acoustic transmission structure; the vibration of the protrusion generates a shear wave within the detection target; A driving assembly, disposed within the housing, is used to drive the acoustic transmission structure; wherein... The acoustically permeable structure is hollow to form a first cavity, and an acoustically permeable medium is disposed inside the first cavity. The end face area of ​​the protrusion is smaller than the end face area of ​​the ultrasonic transducer. The acoustic medium is disposed between the protrusion and the ultrasonic transducer, and the protrusion and the ultrasonic transducer are disposed in a non-contact manner.

2. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an acoustic permeable membrane, which is part of the first cavity.

3. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acoustic medium fills the first cavity and contacts the surface of the ultrasonic transducer.

4. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A capsule body is located within the first cavity, and the surfaces of the capsule body, except for its lower surface, are in contact with the inner wall of the first cavity. The lower surface of the capsule body is in contact with at least partially the surface of the ultrasonic transducer. The acoustic transmission medium is disposed within the capsule body.

5. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cavity surrounds the acoustic transmission structure, which is connected to the ultrasonic transducer.

6. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The acoustic transmission structure can be integrated with the ultrasonic transducer or the acoustic transmission structure can be moved independently.

7. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the acoustic transmission structure and the ultrasonic transducer move together, the ultrasonic transducer is directly or indirectly connected to the acoustic transmission structure.

8. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 7, characterized in that, A transition structure is provided between the acoustic transmission structure and the ultrasonic transducer.

9. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the acoustic transmission structure is activated independently, a connecting component is provided between the acoustic transmission structure and the ultrasonic transducer.

10. The ultrasonic testing probe according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The acoustically permeable medium is an acoustically permeable liquid.

11. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 7 or 9, characterized in that, Also includes: Mounting part; the mounting part is located at the bottom of the acoustic transmission structure and is connected to the acoustic transmission structure.

12. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 11, characterized in that, The acoustic structure is integrally formed with the mounting part.

13. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 11, characterized in that, The mounting section is provided with a second cavity, and the ultrasonic transducer is housed in the second cavity.

14. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 11, characterized in that, The driving component includes: vibrator; At least one transmission rod, one end of which is connected to the vibrator, and the other end of which is connected to the ultrasonic transducer or the mounting part.

15. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: A connecting device; the ultrasonic transducer is mounted on the connecting device, and the transmission rod is connected to the connecting device.

16. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 14, characterized in that, It also includes: a fixing part; the fixing part is disposed inside the housing, and the ultrasonic transducer is disposed on the fixing part; the transmission rod passes through the fixing part and is connected to the mounting part.

17. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 15, characterized in that, The ultrasonic testing probe further includes: an elastic medium connected between the mounting portion and the housing of the ultrasonic transducer, or the elastic medium connected between the connecting device and the housing of the ultrasonic transducer.

18. The ultrasonic testing probe according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A first conduit is connected to the first cavity; a plug is provided at the end of the first conduit away from the first cavity.

19. The ultrasonic testing probe according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The acoustic transmission structure is coaxially arranged with the ultrasonic transducer.

20. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the surface of the protrusion is 5-15mm.

21. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is columnar or frustum-shaped.

22. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the protruding surface is less than twice the width of the protruding surface.

23. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the two extended tangents in the width direction of the protrusion and the central axis of the protrusion is 0-30 degrees.

24. The ultrasonic testing probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The array direction of the ultrasonic transducer elements corresponds to the length direction of the surface of the protrusion.

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