Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to an ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic equipment, wherein the ultrasonic probe comprises a sound head, a shell and a supporting block, the sound head is used for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, the shell has a containing cavity, the supporting block is arranged in the containing cavity, one end of the supporting block is connected to the cavity wall of the containing cavity, and the other end of the supporting block is connected to the sound head. The ultrasonic probe sets the supporting block in the containing cavity of the shell, the sound head is connected to the shell through the supporting block, and the connection between the sound head and the shell is realized. Compared with the first existing connection mode, the application does not need to set an adhesive in the containing cavity, the connection between the sound head and the shell can be realized by setting the supporting block between the sound head and the shell, and the positional relationship between the sound head and the shell after the connection is determined. Compared with the second existing connection mode, the application only needs to set the supporting block to connect the sound head and the shell, can support the sound head, does not need to change the structure of the sound head, and reduces the manufacturing process difficulty of the sound head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical instrument technology, and in particular to an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound diagnostic device. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound diagnostic equipment emits ultrasound signals towards specific areas of a subject, receives the reflected ultrasound signals (ultrasound echo signals), and uses the received ultrasound signals to non-invasively acquire tomographic images of the subject's soft tissues or blood flow images. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment includes an ultrasound probe that sends ultrasound signals to the subject and receives the reflected ultrasound signals.

[0003] In related technologies, ultrasonic probes consist of a connected acoustic head and a housing. There are two connection methods between the acoustic head and the housing. The first method involves filling the space between the acoustic head and the housing with an adhesive, which then supports and fixes the acoustic head. However, with this method, the positional relationship between the acoustic head and the housing is controlled solely by the shape of the cured adhesive, leading to inaccuracies in the acoustic head's installation position. Furthermore, there is a risk of introducing air bubbles during installation, resulting in significant errors in the cured shape of the adhesive. The second method involves processing the acoustic head's backing layer into a structural component and connecting it to the housing, using the backing layer to support the remaining components of the acoustic head. However, this second method places demands on not only the material of the backing layer but also the processing precision of its shape and the housing, making the acoustic head manufacturing process more challenging. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic device to address the connection issue between the sound head and the housing.

[0005] An ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe comprising:

[0006] A sound head, used to send and receive ultrasonic signals;

[0007] The outer shell has a receiving cavity;

[0008] A support block is disposed within the receiving cavity, with one end of the support block connected to the cavity wall and the other end connected to the sound head.

[0009] In one embodiment, one of the sound head and the support block is provided with a locking protrusion and the other is provided with a locking groove. The locking protrusion engages with the locking groove to limit the relative position of the sound head and the support block.

[0010] In one embodiment, the support block has a first surface and the sound head has a second surface. One of the first surface and the second surface is provided with the latching protrusion, and the other surface is provided with the latching groove. When the latching protrusion is engaged with the latching groove, the first surface and the second surface are in contact.

[0011] The first surface is configured as an inclined surface relative to a first direction to limit the mounting angle of the sound head, wherein the first direction is the length direction of the housing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sidewall of the support block near the sound head forms the first surface, and two first surfaces are provided correspondingly, with the card protrusion / or the card groove provided between the two first surfaces, and the included angle formed by the two first surfaces is greater than or equal to the field of view of the ultrasonic probe.

[0013] In one embodiment, the card protrusion is an outwardly convex arc surface, and the card slot is an inwardly concave arc surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, the support block is made of a thermally conductive material to transfer heat from the sound head to the housing; and / or,

[0015] The ultrasonic probe also includes a heat dissipation device disposed within the housing. The support block is made of thermally conductive material and is connected to the heat dissipation device. The support block transfers the heat from the ultrasonic probe to the heat dissipation device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cavity wall of the receiving cavity is provided with a glue sink groove extending along a second direction, the support block is disposed in the glue sink groove, and the glue sink groove is used to accommodate the adhesive connecting the support block and the outer shell, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the first direction is the length direction of the outer shell.

[0017] In one embodiment, the sound head includes an arc-shaped backing layer connected to the support block, wherein the axial direction of the backing layer is perpendicular to the second direction and the first direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the acoustic head includes a backing layer, an electrical connection layer, a piezoelectric layer, a matching layer, and an acoustic lens layer arranged and connected in sequence. The backing layer is connected to the support block, and the acoustic lens layer extends into the housing at least once in a third direction and engages with it.

[0019] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic probe further includes a cable passing through the housing, and an electrical connection lead is connected to the electrical connection layer, the electrical connection lead being connected to the cable;

[0020] The electrical connection leads are provided in multiple ways, and the cables are provided in multiple ways. The multiple electrical connection leads and the multiple cables are arranged at intervals along the fourth direction, and the multiple electrical connection leads and the multiple cables are welded one-to-one to form solder joints. The fourth direction forms an angle with the first direction, and the first direction is the length direction of the outer shell.

[0021] Along the fourth direction, two adjacent solder joints are staggered.

[0022] This application also provides an ultrasound diagnostic device, including the ultrasound probe described above.

[0023] The aforementioned ultrasonic probe incorporates a support block housed within the housing cavity. One end of the support block is connected to the cavity wall, and the other end is connected to the acoustic probe, thus achieving the connection between the acoustic probe and the housing. Compared to the existing first connection method, the ultrasonic probe provided in this application eliminates the need for a large amount of adhesive within the housing cavity for direct bonding of the acoustic probe. Only a small amount of adhesive is required to bond the support block, achieving the connection between the acoustic probe and the housing. By placing a support block between the acoustic probe and the housing, the connection between them is achieved, and the positional relationship between the acoustic probe and the housing is determined after connection. Compared to the existing second connection method, the ultrasonic probe provided in this application only requires a support block to connect the acoustic probe and the housing, while simultaneously providing support for the acoustic probe. This eliminates the need to alter the acoustic probe's structure, reducing the manufacturing complexity of the acoustic probe. Compared to an ultrasonic probe without a support block, where space needs to be reserved between the head and the housing for assembly without a support block, and the connection between the head and the housing has a minimum size limitation on the assembly area, this application avoids the space requirement for direct assembly of the head and the housing by installing a support block inside the cavity. This makes the processed ultrasonic probe more compact and smaller in size. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasonic probe provided in this application.

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure for forming solder joints by welding electrical connection leads and cables provided in this application.

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electrical connection leads and cables provided in this application connected by a connector assembly.

[0027] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure in which the electrical connection leads and cables provided in this application are connected by a bonding wire.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 100. Acoustic head; 110. Backing layer; 120. Electrical connection layer; 130. Piezoelectric layer; 140. Matching layer; 150. Acoustic lens layer; 160. Electrical connection lead;

[0030] 200. Outer shell; 210. Receiving cavity; 220. Glue settling tank;

[0031] 300. Support block;

[0032] 400. Cable; 410. Solder joint; 420. Connector male socket; 430. Connector female socket; 440. Bonding wire. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0035] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0039] Ultrasound diagnostic equipment emits ultrasound signals towards specific areas of a subject, receives the reflected ultrasound signals (ultrasound echo signals), and uses the received ultrasound signals to non-invasively acquire tomographic images of the subject's soft tissues or blood flow. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment includes an ultrasound probe that sends ultrasound signals to the subject and receives the reflected ultrasound signals.

[0040] In related technologies, ultrasonic probes include a connected acoustic head and a housing. There are two connection methods between the acoustic head and the housing. The first method involves filling the space between the acoustic head and the housing with an adhesive, which then supports and fixes the acoustic head. However, with this method, the positional relationship between the acoustic head and the housing is controlled solely by the shape of the cured adhesive, leading to inaccuracies in the acoustic head's installation position. Furthermore, there is a risk of introducing air bubbles during installation, resulting in significant errors in the shape of the cured adhesive. Additionally, with this method, because the acoustic head is filled with adhesive, it cannot dissipate heat, nor can it transfer heat to the housing, posing a heat dissipation risk to the acoustic head.

[0041] The second connection method involves machining the backing layer of the speaker head into a structural component and connecting it to the outer shell, using the backing layer to support the remaining components of the speaker head. However, this second connection method places demands on not only the material of the backing layer but also the machining precision of its shape and the outer shell, making the speaker head manufacturing process more difficult. Furthermore, this second connection method necessitates modifications to the speaker head's structure, such as adding heat dissipation features, further increasing the manufacturing complexity.

[0042] This application provides an ultrasonic probe, such as Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasonic probe includes a sound head 100, a housing 200, and a support block 300. The sound head 100 is used to send and receive ultrasonic signals. The housing 200 has a receiving cavity 210. The support block 300 is disposed in the receiving cavity 210, with one end of the support block 300 connected to the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 210 and the other end connected to the sound head 100.

[0043] The aforementioned ultrasonic probe has a support block 300 disposed within the receiving cavity 210 of the outer shell 200. One end of the support block 300 is connected to the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 210, and the other end is connected to the acoustic head 100, thereby achieving the connection between the acoustic head 100 and the outer shell 200. Compared with the existing first connection method, the ultrasonic probe provided in this application does not require a large amount of adhesive in the receiving cavity 210 for direct bonding of the acoustic head 100; only a small amount of adhesive is needed to bond the support block 300, thus achieving the connection between the acoustic head 100 and the outer shell 200. 。By setting a support block 300 between the acoustic probe 100 and the housing 200, the connection between the acoustic probe 100 and the housing 200 can be achieved, and the positional relationship between the acoustic probe 100 and the housing 200 is determined after the connection. Compared with the existing second connection method, the ultrasonic probe provided in this application only requires the support block 300 to connect the acoustic probe 100 and the housing 200, while also providing support for the acoustic probe 100. This does not require changing the structure of the acoustic probe 100, thus reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the acoustic probe 100. Compared to an ultrasonic probe without a support block 300, where space needs to be reserved between the head 100 and the housing 200 for assembly without the support block 300, and the connection between the head 100 and the housing 200 imposes a minimum size limitation on the assembly area, this application avoids the space requirement for direct assembly of the head 100 and the housing 200 by installing the support block 300 in the receiving cavity 210. This makes the processed ultrasonic probe more compact and smaller in size.

[0044] It should be noted that the side wall of the outer shell 200 near the sound head 100 is recessed inward to form a receiving cavity 210. The support block 300 is disposed in the receiving cavity 210 and connected to the inner wall of the outer shell 200, thereby placing the support block 300 on one side of the outer shell 200.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, one of the sound head 100 and the support block 300 is provided with a locking protrusion, and the other is provided with a locking groove. The locking protrusion engages with the locking groove to limit the relative position of the sound head 100 and the support block 300. A locking structure is provided between the sound head 100 and the support block 300. One of the locking protrusion and the locking groove of the locking structure are provided on the sound head 100, and the other is provided on the support block 300. The locking structure is used to lock the sound head 100 and the support block 300 together, thereby limiting the relative position of the sound head 100 and the support block 300.

[0046] In some embodiments, the support block 300 has a first surface, and the sound head 100 has a second surface. One of the first and second surfaces has a latching protrusion, and the other has a latching groove. When the latching protrusion engages with the latching groove, the first surface and the second surface are in contact. The first surface is configured as an inclined surface relative to a first direction to limit the installation angle of the sound head 100, wherein the first direction is the length direction of the housing 200. When the latching protrusion engages with the latching groove, the first surface of the support block 300 and the second surface of the sound head 100 are in contact, thereby limiting the installation angle of the sound head 100 on the support block 300. Since the support block 300 is installed on the receiving cavity 210 of the housing 200, the installation angle of the sound head 100 on the housing 200 is also limited.

[0047] In some embodiments, the support block 300 has a first surface, with a slot recessed inward along the first surface, and the sound head 100 has a second surface, with a protrusion protruding outward along the second surface. The protrusion can engage with the slot, and the first surface and the second surface fit together to limit the relative position of the sound head 100 and the support block 300.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the support block 300 has a first surface, and the locking protrusion protrudes outward along the first surface. The sound head 100 has a second surface, and the locking groove is recessed inward along the second surface. When the locking protrusion is engaged with the locking groove, the first surface and the second surface fit together to limit the relative position of the sound head 100 and the support block 300.

[0049] Furthermore, the sidewall of the support block 300 near the ultrasonic probe 100 forms a first surface, and two first surfaces are correspondingly provided, with a locking protrusion or groove between the two first surfaces. Preferably, the included angle formed by the two first surfaces is greater than or equal to the field of view of the ultrasonic probe. According to the actual operating requirements of the ultrasonic probe 100, the included angle formed by the two first surfaces is made greater than or equal to the field of view of the ultrasonic probe, thus limiting the installation angle of the ultrasonic probe 100 on the housing 200.

[0050] It should be noted that the field of view (FOV) of an ultrasonic probe refers to the angle formed by the center plane of the first element and the center plane of the last element.

[0051] Specifically, the acoustic head 100 includes an acoustic lens layer 160, a matching layer 140, a piezoelectric layer 130, an electrical connection layer 120, and a backing layer 110. The array elements in the acoustic head 100 are independent units formed by cutting a stacked structure. Each array element can transmit and receive signals independently. The acoustic head 100 is arc-shaped (i.e., the ultrasonic probe is a convex array probe). The angle formed by the two first surfaces is greater than or equal to the field of view of the ultrasonic probe. The field of view of the ultrasonic probe is the angle formed by the center surface of the first array element and the center surface of the last array element.

[0052] In some embodiments, a slot is provided between the two first surfaces, and a second surface is formed on the side wall of the sound head 100 near the support block 300. There are two second surfaces, and a protrusion is provided between the two second surfaces. When the protrusion engages with the slot, the two first surfaces and the two second surfaces are fitted together in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, a protrusion is provided between the two first surfaces. The side wall of the sound head 100 near the support block 300 forms a second surface. There are two second surfaces, and a slot is provided between the two second surfaces. When the protrusion engages with the slot, the two first surfaces and the two second surfaces are fitted together in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the sound head 100 is arc-shaped. In this case, the two second surfaces of the sound head 100 are arranged at an angle, which can be an acute angle or an obtuse angle. When the card protrusion is engaged with the card slot, the second surface and the first surface fit together, the two second surfaces are arranged at an angle, and the two first surfaces are also arranged at an angle, and the angle between the two second surfaces is the same as the angle between the two first surfaces.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cross-section of the sound head 100 is semi-circular. The two second surfaces of the sound head 100 are arranged in parallel, and the included angle between the two second surfaces is 180°. When the card protrusion is engaged with the card slot, the second surface and the first surface fit together. Since the two second surfaces are parallel, the two first surfaces are also parallel, and the included angle between the two first surfaces is also 180°.

[0056] In some embodiments, the latching protrusion and the latching groove can be set to any shape, as long as they can achieve the snap-fit. For example, the latching protrusion and the latching groove can be cuboid, cylindrical, or wedge-shaped.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the convex part is an outwardly convex arc surface, and the slot is an inwardly concave arc surface. Both the convex part and the slot are designed as arc-shaped structures, with the surfaces used for engagement being arc surfaces, to prevent damage to the support block 300 or the sound head 100 caused by mutual collisions during engagement.

[0058] More specifically, the support block 300 and the sound head 100 are engaged by a snap-fit ​​structure to determine their positions, and an adhesive is provided on at least one of the snap protrusions and slots to further enhance the connection strength between the sound head 100 and the support block 300.

[0059] In some embodiments, the support block 300 is made of a thermally conductive material so that it can transfer heat from the sound head 100 to the housing 200. By making the support block 300 of a thermally conductive material, the support block 300 has a thermal conductivity, and the heat generated when the sound head 100 is working can be transferred to the support block 300, which then transfers the heat to the housing 200, thereby reducing the heat on the support block 300.

[0060] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe further includes a heat dissipation device. A support block 300 is made of a thermally conductive material and is connected to the heat dissipation device. The support block 300 transfers heat from the ultrasonic probe 100 to the heat dissipation device. Because the support block 300 is made of a thermally conductive material and is connected to the heat dissipation device, it has a thermal conductivity function, and the heat generated by the ultrasonic probe 100 during operation is sequentially transferred to the heat dissipation device through the support block 300.

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, a recessed adhesive groove 220 extending along a second direction is provided on the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 210. The support block 300 is disposed within the recessed adhesive groove 220. The recessed adhesive groove 220 is used to accommodate the adhesive connecting the support block 300 and the outer shell 200. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, which is the length direction of the outer shell 200. The recessed adhesive groove 220 on the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 210 can not only install the support block 300, but also accommodate the adhesive connecting the support block 300 and the outer shell 200, as well as the adhesive connecting the sound head 100 and the outer shell 200.

[0062] In some embodiments, the sound head 100 includes an arc-shaped backing layer 110 connected to the support block 300, wherein the axial direction of the backing layer is perpendicular to the second direction and the first direction. On the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 210 on the side away from the sound head 100, a glue-soaking groove 220 extending along the second direction is provided, and the axial direction of the backing layer, the second direction, and the first direction are perpendicular to each other, thereby defining the specific location of the glue-soaking groove 220.

[0063] It should be noted that the backing layer 110 of the sound head 100 is arc-shaped, that is, the cross-section of the backing layer 110 is fan-shaped, and it necessarily has an axis. More specifically, as... Figure 1 As shown, the backing layer 110 is in the shape of a semi-circular ring. The cross-section of the backing layer 110 is a semi-circular structure, and the axial direction of the backing layer 110 is perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0064] In some embodiments, when the ultrasonic probe is a convex array probe, the convex array probe includes an arc-shaped acoustic head 100, a housing 200, and a support block 300. The acoustic head 100 is used to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals. The housing 200 has a receiving cavity 210. The support block 300 is disposed in the receiving cavity 210, with one end of the support block 300 connected to the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 210 and the other end connected to the acoustic head 100.

[0065] Specifically, the sound head 100 includes an acoustic lens layer 160, a matching layer 140, a piezoelectric layer 130, an electrical connection layer 120, and a backing layer 110. The array elements in the sound head 100 are independent units formed by cutting the stacked structure, and each array element can transmit and receive signals independently.

[0066] More specifically, the ultrasonic probe also includes a limiting structure (not shown), which includes a limiting groove and a limiting protrusion. One of the limiting groove and the limiting protrusion is disposed on the groove wall of the adhesive sink 220 along the second direction, and the other is disposed on the support block 300. The limiting protrusion can be engaged with the limiting groove, thereby limiting the position of the support block 300 in the adhesive sink 220.

[0067] In some embodiments, the support block 300 and the adhesive sink 220 are fixed along the wall of the sink in the second direction by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the support block 300 and the adhesive sink 220 are connected along the wall of the sink in the second direction by a locking member.

[0068] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the acoustic head 100 includes a backing layer 110, an electrical connection layer 120, a piezoelectric layer 130, a matching layer 140, and an acoustic lens layer 150 arranged and connected in sequence. The backing layer 110 is connected to the support block 300, and at least one end of the acoustic lens layer 150 extends into and engages with the housing 200 along a third direction. By increasing the length of the acoustic lens layer 150 along the third direction, the range of the ultrasonic signal is kept within the design range, and the extension and engagement of at least one end of the acoustic lens layer 150 along the third direction further limits the movement of the acoustic lens layer 150 along the third direction. It should be noted that the third direction refers to the extension direction of the acoustic lens layer 150.

[0069] Specifically, the acoustic lens layer 150 extends into the housing 200 at least one end in a third direction and engages with it, and is then fixed to the housing 200 by an adhesive.

[0070] It should be noted that the sound head 100 is attached to the support block 300 by a slot and a protrusion, and the end of the sound head 100 along the third direction is connected to the outer shell 200 by an adhesive.

[0071] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the ultrasonic probe also includes a cable 400 passing through the housing 200. An electrical connection lead 160 is connected to the electrical connection layer 120, and the electrical connection lead 160 and cable 400 are connected. Multiple electrical connection leads 160 and multiple cables 400 are provided, and both are arranged at intervals along a fourth direction. Each electrical connection lead 160 and cable 400 is welded to a corresponding solder joint 410. The fourth direction forms an angle with the first direction, which is the length direction of the housing 200. Along the fourth direction, adjacent solder joints 410 are staggered. By providing the cable 400, one end of the cable 400 is connected to the electrical connection lead 160 extending from the electrical connection layer 120, and the other end is connected to an external device. The cable 400 connects the ultrasonic probe 100 and the external device, thereby transmitting the ultrasonic signal received by the external ultrasonic probe 100 to the external device. Multiple cables 400 and multiple electrical connection leads 160 are provided. These cables 400 and leads 160 are arranged at intervals along the fourth direction. Adjacent leads 160 are soldered to cables 400 to connect them. Along the fourth direction, adjacent solder joints 410 are staggered, reducing the space occupied by the cables 400 and electrical connections in the housing 200. Furthermore, the staggered arrangement of solder joints 410 reduces the space requirements for the cable 400 channels inside the housing 200, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the ultrasonic probe.

[0072] It should be noted that the specific direction of the fourth direction is not specifically limited and can be any direction that forms an angle with the first direction. For example, in some embodiments, multiple cables 400 and multiple electrical connection leads 160 are arranged at intervals along the second direction, and adjacent cables 400 and electrical connection leads 160 along the first direction are welded together, and adjacent solder points 410 are staggered along the second direction.

[0073] It should be noted that the electrical connection lead 160 has two structures. One type is as described above, where it is a separate component, with both ends of the electrical connection lead 160 connected to the electrical connection layer 120 and the cable 400, respectively. The other type is an integrally formed structure of the electrical connection lead 160 and the electrical connection layer 120, in which case no connecting structure is required to connect the electrical connection lead 160 and the electrical connection layer 120.

[0074] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the electrical connection lead 160 and the cable 400 are connected via a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a male connector 420 and a female connector 430 that mate with each other. One of the male connector 420 and the female connector 430 is disposed on the electrical connection lead 160, and the other is disposed on the cable 400. The male connector 420 and the female connector 430 are plugged into each other, thereby connecting the electrical connection lead 160 and the cable 400.

[0075] More specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, there are multiple electrical connection leads 160, multiple cables 400, and multiple sets of connector assemblies. The multiple electrical connection leads 160 and multiple cables 400 are arranged at intervals along the fourth direction. Adjacent electrical connection leads 160 and cables 400 are connected by connector assemblies, and adjacent connector assemblies are staggered along the fourth direction.

[0076] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, electrical connection lead 160 and cable 400 are connected via bonding wire 440.

[0077] More specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, there are multiple electrical connection leads 160, multiple cables 400, and multiple bonding wires 440. The multiple electrical connection leads 160 and multiple cables 400 are arranged at intervals along the fourth direction. Adjacent electrical connection leads 160 and cables 400 are connected by bonding wires 440, and adjacent bonding wires are staggered along the fourth direction.

[0078] This application also provides an ultrasound diagnostic device, including an external device and the aforementioned ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe's cable 400 is connected to the external device, thereby enabling information exchange between the ultrasound probe and the external device.

[0079] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0080] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe includes: A sound head (100) is used to send and receive ultrasonic signals; The outer casing (200) has a receiving cavity (210); A support block (300) is disposed in the receiving cavity (210), one end of the support block (300) is connected to the cavity wall of the receiving cavity (210), and the other end is connected to the sound head (100); The sound head (100) includes a backing layer (110) which is connected to the support block (300); The cavity wall of the receiving cavity (210) is provided with a glue sink (220) extending along the second direction. The support block (300) is disposed in the glue sink (220). The glue sink (220) is used to accommodate the adhesive connecting the support block (300) and the outer shell (200). The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the first direction is the length direction of the outer shell (200). The ultrasonic probe also includes a limiting structure, which includes a limiting groove and a limiting protrusion. One of the limiting groove and the limiting protrusion is disposed on the groove wall of the adhesive sink (220) along the second direction, and the other is disposed on the support block (300). The limiting protrusion can be engaged with the limiting groove.

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the sound head (100) and the support block (300) is provided with a locking protrusion and the other is provided with a locking groove. The locking protrusion engages with the locking groove to limit the relative position of the sound head (100) and the support block (300).

3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support block (300) has a first surface, and the sound head (100) has a second surface. One of the first surface and the second surface is provided with the card protrusion, and the other surface is provided with the card groove. When the card protrusion is engaged with the card groove, the first surface and the second surface are in contact. The first surface is configured as an inclined surface relative to a first direction to limit the mounting angle of the sound head (100), wherein the first direction is the length direction of the housing (200).

4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support block (300) has a sidewall near the sound head (100) forming the first surface. There are two first surfaces, and the card protrusion / or the card groove is provided between the two first surfaces. The included angle formed by the two first surfaces is greater than or equal to the field of view of the ultrasonic probe.

5. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The card protrusion is an outwardly convex arc surface, and the card slot is an inwardly concave arc surface.

6. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support block (300) is made of a thermally conductive material so that it transfers heat from the sound head (100) to the housing (200); and / or, The ultrasonic probe also includes a heat dissipation device disposed within the housing (200). The support block (300) is made of thermally conductive material and is connected to the heat dissipation device. The support block (300) transfers heat from the acoustic head (100) to the heat dissipation device.

7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sound head (100) includes an arc-shaped backing layer (110) connected to the support block (300), wherein the axial direction of the backing layer (110) is perpendicular to the second direction and the first direction.

8. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acoustic head (100) includes a backing layer (110), an electrical connection layer (120), a piezoelectric layer (130), a matching layer (140), and an acoustic lens layer (150) arranged and connected in sequence. The backing layer (110) is connected to the support block (300), and the acoustic lens layer (150) extends into the housing (200) at least once in a third direction and engages with it.

9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe also includes a cable (400) passing through the housing (200), and an electrical connection lead (160) is connected to the electrical connection layer (120), and the electrical connection lead (160) is connected to the cable (400); Multiple electrical connection leads (160) and multiple cables (400) are provided. The multiple electrical connection leads (160) and multiple cables (400) are arranged at intervals along the fourth direction, and the multiple electrical connection leads (160) and multiple cables (400) are welded one-to-one to form solder joints (410). The fourth direction forms an angle with the first direction, and the first direction is the length direction of the outer shell (200). Along the fourth direction, two adjacent solder joints (410) are staggered.

10. An ultrasound diagnostic device, characterized in that, Includes the ultrasonic probe as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images