Ultrasonic probe and endoscope

Abstract

The present invention provides an ultrasonic probe and an endoscope, comprising: a probe body and a connecting device; the probe body comprises: an ultrasonic transducer, a driving unit, a cable and a shell; the ultrasonic transducer is connected to the driving unit, and the driving unit is connected to the cable; the ultrasonic transducer and the driving unit are arranged in the shell; a first connecting part is provided at one end of the connecting device; the probe body is connected through the first connecting part, and a second connecting part for connecting the endoscope is provided at the other end of the connecting device; a through hole for connecting the top of the endoscope with the outside world is also provided on the connecting device. In the present invention, the ultrasonic transducer and the driving unit are connected and integrated in the shell, and the driving unit drives the ultrasonic transducer to rotate for 360° circular scanning imaging. The driving unit is integrated in the probe, which simplifies the external rotation drive structure, and the ultrasonic probe is not easy to be damaged and is more flexible to use; a connecting device is provided, and the ultrasonic probe can be connected to a conventional endoscope for use, so that the conventional endoscope has an ultrasonic imaging function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to medical imaging equipment, and in particular to an ultrasonic probe and an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] With the development of technology, a variety of imaging methods have been applied in endoscopic examinations, including ultrasound imaging, optical coherence tomography (OTC), laser confocal imaging, fluorescence imaging, etc.

[0003] For example, endoscopic ultrasound examination is an examination method that performs ultrasonic scanning of the digestive tract wall and organs around the digestive tract in the digestive tract cavity under the guidance of an endoscope. It can observe the tissue structure of each layer of the digestive tract wall and the adjacent tissues and organs around the digestive tract in real time through ultrasonic scanning, and has a high diagnostic value for the location and characterization of lesions.

[0004] During endoscopic examination, the ultrasound probe often needs to pass through complex digestive tract cavities and other environments. During this process, the ultrasound probe is inevitably bent. However, due to its own structural characteristics, the ultrasound probe is easily broken and damaged at the bends, causing losses.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a solution to solve the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of the defects in the prior art, the present invention proposes an ultrasonic probe and an endoscope. The ultrasonic probe can be combined with a common electronic endoscope to achieve an upgrade of the endoscope imaging function; and the ultrasonic probe is more flexible and convenient to use and is not easy to be damaged.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is:

[0008] An ultrasonic probe comprises: a probe body and a connecting device;

[0009] The probe body comprises: an ultrasonic transducer, a driving unit, a cable and a housing;

[0010] The ultrasonic transducer is connected to the driving unit, and the driving unit is connected to the cable; and the ultrasonic transducer and the driving unit are both arranged in the housing;

[0011] A first connection portion is provided at one end of the connection device; the connection device is connected to the probe body via the first connection portion, and a second connection portion for connecting to an endoscope is provided at the other end of the connection device;

[0012] The connecting device is also provided with a through hole for connecting the top of the endoscope with the outside world.

[0013] In a specific embodiment, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion both include a groove;

[0014] The through hole is cylindrical in shape;

[0015] The through hole connects the groove with the outside world to form a water vapor channel from the groove to the outside world that matches the endoscope.

[0016] In a specific embodiment, the angle between the central axis of the through hole and the axis of the connecting device is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0017] In a specific embodiment, the side wall of the groove is also provided with a wire groove for accommodating the cable, and a light guide for connecting the top light source of the endoscope with the outside world;

[0018] The light guide at least partially leaks out of the side wall of the connecting device;

[0019] The shape of the wire trough matches the shape of the cable, and the width of the wire trough is smaller than the diameter of the cable;

[0020] The cable trough is provided with an open end for the cable to pass through and a closed end away from the open end for engaging the cable, and the width of the open end is smaller than the width of the closed end.

[0021] In a specific embodiment, a camera module for optical imaging is also provided;

[0022] The camera module, the ultrasonic transducer and the driving unit are connected in sequence and are all arranged in the shell.

[0023] In a specific embodiment, the centers of the camera module, the ultrasonic transducer, and the driving unit are coaxially arranged.

[0024] In a specific embodiment, a light-transmitting portion is provided at one end of the probe body away from the cable;

[0025] The camera module abuts against the light-transmitting portion;

[0026] The camera module includes a light source and an optical sensor connected in sequence, which are used to obtain an optical image of the front end field of view of the probe body and assist in positioning the probe body.

[0027] In a specific embodiment, the camera module is also provided with a wireless transmission module for transmitting image data;

[0028] The outside of the camera module is also covered with an electromagnetic shielding structure.

[0029] In a specific embodiment, the probe body and the connecting device are integrally formed;

[0030] The shape of the shell includes cylindrical, ellipsoidal or streamlined;

[0031] The cable is led out from one end of the housing close to the drive unit;

[0032] One end of the housing away from the cable is a smooth spherical surface or a conical surface.

[0033] An endoscope comprises the ultrasonic probe described above.

[0034] Beneficial effects:

[0035] The present invention provides an ultrasonic probe and an endoscope; an ultrasonic transducer and a driving unit are integrated in a housing, and the driving unit drives the ultrasonic transducer to rotate for 360° circular scanning imaging. The driving unit is integrated in the probe, which simplifies the external rotation driving structure of the ultrasonic probe, makes the ultrasonic probe less prone to damage, and is more flexible to use; a connecting device is provided, which can connect the ultrasonic probe to a conventional endoscope for use, so that the conventional endoscope has an ultrasonic imaging function, and reduces the production and use costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments are briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ultrasound probe in an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a cross section of a probe body in an embodiment Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a cross section of a probe body in an embodiment Figure 2 ;

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a probe body in another embodiment;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a connecting device in an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a connecting device in another embodiment;

[0043] Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a connecting device in an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the connection of the connection device in one embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 9 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a connection state of a connection device in an embodiment;

[0046] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the connection state of a connection device in an embodiment;

[0047] Fig.11 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the connection state of the connection device in another embodiment.

[0048] Figure markings: 1-probe body; 11-camera module; 111-light source; 112-optical sensor; 12-ultrasonic transducer; 13-driving unit; 14-cable; 15-shell; 151-light-transmitting part; 152-spherical surface; 153-connecting and fitting part; 2-connecting device; 21-first connecting part; 22-second connecting part; 211-groove; 212-fixing ring; 23-through hole; 24-wire groove; 241-open end; 242-closed end; 25-light guide; 3-endoscope. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the following, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully. The present disclosure may have various embodiments, and adjustments and changes may be made therein. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the various embodiments of the present disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but rather the present disclosure should be understood to cover all adjustments, equivalents and / or alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Hereinafter, the terms "include" or "may include" used in various embodiments of the present disclosure indicate the presence of disclosed functions, operations, or elements, and do not limit the addition of one or more functions, operations, or elements. In addition, as used in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "include", "have", and their cognates are intended only to indicate specific features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or a combination of the foregoing, and should not be understood as first excluding the presence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or a combination of the foregoing or the possibility of adding one or more features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or a combination of the foregoing. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the connecting member in this embodiment;

[0051] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the expression "or" or "at least one of A or / and B" includes any combination or all combinations of the words listed at the same time. For example, the expression "A or B" or "at least one of A or / and B" may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

[0052] The expressions (such as "first", "second", etc.) used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure may modify the various constituent elements in the various embodiments, but may not limit the corresponding constituent elements. For example, the above expressions do not limit the order and / or importance of the elements. The above expressions are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one element from other elements. For example, the first user device and the second user device indicate different user devices, although both are user devices. For example, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0053] It should be noted that if it is described that one component element is “connected” to another component element, the first component element may be directly connected to the second component element, and a third component element may be “connected” between the first component element and the second component element. Conversely, when one component element is “directly connected” to another component element, it can be understood that there is no third component element between the first component element and the second component element.

[0054] The term “user” used in various embodiments of the present disclosure may indicate a person using an electronic device or a device (eg, an artificial intelligence electronic device) using the electronic device.

[0055] The terms used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the various embodiments of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to also include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as the meanings commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the various embodiments of the present disclosure belong. The terms (such as the terms defined in the generally used dictionary) will be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant technical field and will not be interpreted as having an idealized meaning or an overly formal meaning, unless clearly defined in the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Example 1

[0057] The present application embodiment provides an ultrasonic probe, specifically, as Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a probe body 1 and a connecting device 2;

[0058] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the probe body 1 includes: an ultrasonic transducer 12, a driving unit 13 for driving the ultrasonic transducer 12 to rotate, a cable 14 and a housing 15;

[0059] The ultrasonic transducer 12 is connected to the driving unit 13, and the driving unit 13 is connected to the cable 14; and the ultrasonic transducer 12 and the driving unit 13 are both arranged in the housing 15.

[0060] On the one hand, the ultrasonic transducer 12 and the driving unit 13 are arranged in the housing 15, which can effectively protect the ultrasonic transducer 12 and the driving unit 13, reduce the impact of the external environment on the internal components of the ultrasonic probe, and also reduce the number of connection lines exposed to the outside, thereby reducing the risk of accidental damage, improving the safety of the ultrasonic probe, and helping to extend the service life of the ultrasonic probe;

[0061] On the other hand, by arranging the above components in the housing 15 and integrating the ultrasonic transducer 12 and the driving unit 13, an integrated design can be achieved, thereby simplifying the structure of the ultrasonic probe and improving the stability and reliability of the ultrasonic probe;

[0062] On the other hand, the design in which the ultrasonic transducer 12 and the driving unit 13 are integrated in the housing 15 makes the ultrasonic probe more compact in structure and can reduce the size of the ultrasonic probe.

[0063] Reducing the size of the ultrasound probe can reduce patient discomfort, help improve patient comfort, and optimize the examination experience for patients.

[0064] Smaller ultrasound probes are also more flexible and help doctors control and operate them. Doctors can use ultrasound probes better to obtain the required images and data, improve the accuracy of diagnosis, and apply them to more clinical scenarios.

[0065] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transducer 12 and the driving unit 13 are integrated into the housing 15, which simplifies the external driving structure and can also solve the problem that the ultrasonic probe is easily broken and damaged.

[0066] The ultrasonic transducer 12 is used to transmit ultrasonic waves and receive reflected signals, and the received reflected signals are used to generate ultrasonic images;

[0067] The ultrasonic transducer 12 has various types, and different types of ultrasonic transducers 12 are used in different ultrasonic probes;

[0068] Optionally, the ultrasonic probe can be a linear array probe, a convex array probe, a micro-convex array probe or a circular array probe. The type of ultrasonic transducer 12 depends on the requirements of the ultrasonic probe, and there is no limitation on the specific type.

[0069] Specifically, in some embodiments of the present application, the ultrasound probe is a single-element ring-scan probe;

[0070] The ultrasonic transducer 12 of the single-element ring-scan probe includes only one ultrasonic transmitting and receiving element, has a simple structure, and has a relatively low manufacturing cost. It can better meet the requirement of small size, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the probe; it can also reduce manufacturing complexity and improve reliability.

[0071] The single-element circular scanning probe can realize scanning in multiple directions through the driving unit 13, thereby providing 360-degree all-round imaging capability.

[0072] The driving unit 13 is used to drive the ultrasonic transducer 12 to rotate and swing, so as to realize 360-degree omnidirectional imaging of the ultrasonic probe.

[0073] Optionally, in terms of material, the shell 15 of the ultrasound probe can be made of flexible material, such as silicone material, polyvinyl alcohol material, or thermoelastic plastic material; these materials have good flexibility and can reduce the patient's discomfort.

[0074] Of course, there is no limitation on the specific material of the ultrasonic probe housing.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, one end of the connecting device 2 is provided with a first connecting portion 21, and the connecting device 2 is connected to the probe body 1 through the first connecting portion 21, and the other end of the connecting device 2 is provided with a second connecting portion 22 for connecting to the endoscope 3;

[0076] The connecting device 2 is also provided with a through hole 23 for connecting the top of the endoscope 3 with the outside.

[0077] The ultrasonic probe and the endoscope 3 are connected via the connecting device 2, thereby achieving the upgrading and expansion of the functions of the endoscope 3.

[0078] Furthermore, if Figure 6 As shown, the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 22 both include a groove 211;

[0079] Specifically, the connection method of the probe body 1, the connecting device 2, and the endoscope 3 is as follows: Figures 8 to 10 shown.

[0080] Alternatively, if Figure 7 As shown, the side wall of the connecting device 2 may also be provided with a fixing ring 212, and the fixing ring 212 may be used to connect the probe body 1 or the endoscope 3;

[0081] Specific connection method: Fig.11 shown.

[0082] The through hole 23 is cylindrical in shape;

[0083] The through hole 23 connects the groove 211 with the outside world to form a water vapor passage from the groove 211 to the outside world matching the endoscope 3 .

[0084] The water-gas channel is used to provide water and gas to the endoscope 3. During clinical operations, doctors can introduce clean water or air into the observation area of ​​the endoscope 3 through the water-gas channel to clean, rinse and dry areas to keep the field of vision clear. The water-gas channel is also used to inject liquid or gas into the inspection area to expand or fill organs, cavities or tissues to assist in inspection and treatment.

[0085] In summary, the water vapor channel of the endoscope 3 plays a very important auxiliary role in the operation of the endoscope 3, which helps to obtain better optical imaging images, thereby improving the inspection quality and optimizing the inspection process.

[0086] The through hole 23 opened on the main body of the connecting device 2 is connected to the side wall of the groove 211 of the second connecting part 22, and can be connected to the water vapor channel of the endoscope 3, which is equivalent to extending the water vapor channel; after the endoscope 3 and the ultrasonic probe are connected using the connecting device 2, the water vapor channel can still be used during the use of the ultrasonic probe, which is convenient for inspection and treatment.

[0087] Furthermore, the angle between the central axis of the through hole 23 and the axis of the connecting device 2 is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees;

[0088] The central axis of the through hole 23 is biased toward one side of the first connecting portion 21. The design of the angle between the central axis of the through hole 23 and the main axis of the connecting device 2 is used to better spray or guide water vapor so that it is evenly distributed within the field of view to avoid blocking or interfering with the field of view, thereby maintaining the clarity of the endoscope 3 during operation; the sprayed water vapor can also better rinse the target area, remove secretions, blood or other dirt, improve the visibility and cleanliness of the lesion, and contribute to accurate diagnosis and treatment.

[0089] Furthermore, if Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the side wall of the groove 211 is also provided with a wire groove 24 for accommodating the cable 14. Figure 6 As shown, and a light guide 25 for connecting the top light source (not shown) of the endoscope 3 with the outside world;

[0090] The light guide 25 at least partially protrudes from the side wall of the connecting device 2;

[0091] The material of the light guide 25 has a high light transmittance, and can guide the light source 111 of the endoscope 3 out of the main body of the connecting device 2 for forward field of view illumination, so as to obtain better inspection and imaging effects.

[0092] The shape of the wire groove 24 matches the shape of the cable 14 , and the width of the wire groove 24 is smaller than the diameter of the cable 14 ;

[0093] The wire slot 24 is provided with an open end 241 for the cable 14 to pass through and a closed end 242 away from the open end 241 for engaging the cable 14 . The width of the open end 241 is smaller than that of the closed end 242 .

[0094] A wire groove 24 for accommodating the cable 14 is also provided on the side wall of the groove 211 of the first connecting portion 21;

[0095] The shape of the wire groove 24 matches the shape of the cable 14 ; the width of the wire groove 24 is smaller than the diameter of the cable 14 .

[0096] On the one hand, the wire groove 24 can embed various cables 14 led out of the ultrasound probe into the wire groove 24, which is helpful for storage and can prevent various cables 14 from getting tangled and entangled to a certain extent;

[0097] On the other hand, embedding various cables 14 into the cable groove 24 can guide the installation and connection of the ultrasound probe, so as to achieve a better connection effect.

[0098] Furthermore, the wire groove 24 extends along the axial direction of the main body of the connecting device 2, and the wire groove 24 is in a long strip shape;

[0099] The wire slot 24 is provided with an open end 241 for the cable 14 to pass through and a closed end 242 away from the open end 241 for engaging the cable 14 . The width of the open end 241 is smaller than that of the closed end 242 .

[0100] Specifically, the closed end 242 is in a teardrop shape or an ellipse shape, and gradually narrows toward the open end 241 .

[0101] The width of the open end 241 of the wire groove 24 is smaller than that of the closed end 242, which can better fix the position of the cable 14. The closed end 242 gradually narrows toward the side of the open end 241, which can provide additional constraints to keep the cable 14 in the wire groove 24 more firmly and stably, avoiding the cable 14 from loosening or shifting, so as to achieve a better fitting effect.

[0102] Furthermore, if Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, a camera module 11 for optical imaging is also provided;

[0103] The camera module 11 , the ultrasonic transducer 12 , and the driving unit 13 are connected in sequence and are all arranged in the housing 15 .

[0104] The camera module 11 is further integrated into the housing 15 where the ultrasonic transducer 12 and the driving unit 13 are located, so as to reduce the volume of the ultrasonic probe and solve the problem that the ultrasonic probe is easily broken and damaged; it also helps to protect the camera module 11.

[0105] The ultrasonic transducer 12 can provide high-resolution ultrasonic images, which can directly observe detailed information such as tissue structure and blood flow; while the camera module 11 can provide high-definition color images, which can better observe the location and range of the lesion.

[0106] At the same time, a camera module 11 for optical imaging and an ultrasonic transducer 12 for ultrasonic imaging are provided, which can improve the accuracy of imaging, facilitate more comprehensive diagnosis, improve work efficiency, and provide more reliable and accurate information for the diagnosis and treatment of medical imaging.

[0107] Furthermore, the camera module 11, the ultrasonic transducer 12, and the driving unit 13 are coaxially arranged at their centers. Such a layout can reduce the size of the ultrasonic probe as much as possible.

[0108] By arranging the centers of the three coaxially, precise alignment among the camera module 11, the ultrasonic transducer 12, and the driving unit 13 can be achieved, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the correspondence between the ultrasonic wave and the image and improving the accuracy of the diagnosis.

[0109] The central coaxial setting can make the camera module 11, the ultrasonic transducer 12 and the driving unit 13 form an integrated design; simplify the structure, optimize the internal layout, reduce the connection between components, thereby reducing the size of the ultrasonic probe and improving the overall stability and reliability.

[0110] Specifically, in some embodiments of the present application, the above-mentioned related design is adopted, and the diameter of the ultrasound probe is between 6 mm and 15 mm, and the length is between 8 mm and 30 mm;

[0111] Exemplarily, the diameter of the ultrasound probe may be 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm or 15 mm;

[0112] The length of the ultrasound probe can be 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm or 30 mm.

[0113] The small size allows the ultrasound probe to move freely in the cavities or organs inside the human body, which not only ensures the integrity and stability of the internal device of the probe, but also takes into account the comfort and safety of the patient and reduces the patient's discomfort.

[0114] Furthermore, if Figure 4 As shown, a light-transmitting portion 151 is provided at one end of the probe body 1 away from the cable 14;

[0115] The camera module 11 abuts against the light-transmitting portion 151;

[0116] Optionally, the light-transmitting portion 151 can be realized by providing a light-transmitting hole, or by a hollow design, or by using a transparent or light-transmitting material;

[0117] There is no restriction on the specific implementation method, which depends on the actual use requirements and only needs to meet the light transmission function.

[0118] Specifically, in some embodiments of the present application, in order to achieve good sealing, the light-transmitting portion 151 uses a transparent, light-transmitting material.

[0119] The camera module 11 includes a light source 111 and an optical sensor 112 connected in sequence. The light of the light source 111 can pass through the light-transmitting portion 151 to obtain an optical image of the front field of the probe body 1 and assist in positioning the probe body 1.

[0120] The light source 111 includes various lamp beads;

[0121] Specifically, in some embodiments of the present application, the light source 111 is a light emitting diode (LED); the optical sensor 112 is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor 112;

[0122] LED lights have high brightness and low power consumption characteristics, and can provide a uniform and stable light source 111, thereby ensuring the clarity and accuracy of the image; during use, they can also save energy and extend the battery life of the device;

[0123] In addition, LED lamps have a long lifespan, usually reaching thousands or even tens of thousands of hours, which reduces replacement frequency and maintenance costs.

[0124] The CMOS optical sensor 112 has the advantages of high sensitivity, low noise and high dynamic range, and can capture richer and more accurate image details. It also has a fast data output speed and can realize real-time image acquisition and processing, meeting the real-time and accuracy requirements of medical examinations.

[0125] Furthermore, the camera module 11 is also provided with a wireless transmission module (not shown in the figure) for transmitting image data;

[0126] Through the wireless transmission module, the collected images are transmitted in real time to external devices for display and analysis, making it convenient for doctors to observe and evaluate the images in real time on the screen, guide operations and make corresponding diagnoses.

[0127] The camera module 11 is also externally covered with an electromagnetic shielding structure (not shown in the figure).

[0128] The design of the camera module 11 being covered with an electromagnetic shielding structure can effectively reduce electromagnetic interference, improve signal transmission quality and stability, and improve electromagnetic compatibility, thereby improving the performance and reliability of the camera module 11.

[0129] Furthermore, the probe body 1 and the connecting device 2 are integrally formed;

[0130] One-piece molding can reduce looseness and wear at the connection, making the entire probe structure more stable, reducing the possibility of image quality degradation or equipment damage due to looseness, and improving the reliability of the equipment.

[0131] like Figures 1 to 4 ,as well as Figure 8 As shown, the shape of the housing 15 includes a cylindrical shape, an ellipsoidal shape, or a streamlined shape;

[0132] On the one hand, probe housings 15 of different shapes will have different effects on the propagation of ultrasonic waves. The cylindrical, ellipsoidal or streamlined design can effectively reduce the reflection and scattering of sound waves during propagation, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and accuracy of ultrasonic waves.

[0133] On the other hand, a cylindrical, ellipsoidal, streamlined or other shaped shell 15 is more conducive to the ultrasonic probe entering the human body and reducing the patient's discomfort.

[0134] The cable 14 is led out from one end of the housing 15 close to the drive unit 13; the housing 15 is also provided with a connecting fitting portion 153 at one end close to the cable 14;

[0135] One end of the housing 15 away from the cable 14 is a smooth spherical surface 152 or a conical surface.

[0136] The connection fitting portion 153 is used to connect with the first connection portion 21 . The shape of the connection fitting portion 153 matches the shape of the first connection portion 21 , so that the ultrasonic probe can be easily embedded in the first connection portion 21 .

[0137] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0138] The camera module 11, the ultrasonic transducer 12, and the driving unit 13 are connected in sequence and coaxially arranged in the center, and are all arranged in the shell 15, which simplifies the external driving structure of the shell 15 and solves the problem that the ultrasonic probe is easily damaged when bent; the integrated setting optimizes the internal structure design of the ultrasonic probe and reduces the volume of the ultrasonic probe, which is beneficial to reduce the discomfort of patients during examination; the camera module 11 and the ultrasonic transducer 12 are arranged at the same time, and a variety of imaging methods are combined to provide more reliable and accurate information for medical imaging diagnosis and treatment; a connecting device 2 is provided to achieve the upgrade of the imaging function of the endoscope 3, with a simple structure and significant effect; the shape of the shell 15 includes cylindrical, ellipsoidal or streamlined, which can effectively reduce the reflection and scattering of sound waves during propagation, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and accuracy of ultrasonic waves, and also helps the ultrasonic probe to enter the human body, further reducing the discomfort of patients.

[0139] Example 2

[0140] An endoscope includes an ultrasonic probe provided in Example 1, wherein the probe body 1 includes: an ultrasonic transducer 12, a driving unit 13, a cable 14 and a housing 15;

[0141] The ultrasonic transducer 12 is connected to the driving unit 13, and the driving unit 13 is connected to the cable 14; and the ultrasonic transducer 12 and the driving unit 13 are both arranged in the housing 15;

[0142] One end of the connecting device 2 is provided with a first connecting portion 21, and the connecting device 2 is connected to the probe body 1 through the first connecting portion 21, and the other end of the connecting device 2 is provided with a second connecting portion 22 for connecting to the endoscope 3;

[0143] The connecting device 2 is also provided with a through hole 23 for connecting the top of the endoscope 3 with the outside.

[0144] The endoscope 3 is combined with the ultrasonic probe to upgrade the imaging function of the endoscope 3.

[0145] The rest of the contents are the same as those in Example 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0146] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the accompanying drawings are merely schematic diagrams of a preferred implementation scenario, and the modules or processes in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily required for implementing the present invention.

[0147] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the modules in the device in the implementation scenario can be distributed in the device in the implementation scenario according to the implementation scenario description, or can be changed accordingly and located in one or more devices different from the implementation scenario. The modules in the above implementation scenario can be combined into one module, or can be further split into multiple sub-modules.

[0148] The above serial numbers of the present invention are only for description and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the implementation scenarios.

[0149] Disclosed above are only several specific implementation scenarios of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any changes that can be conceived by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that: include: Probe body and connecting device; The probe body comprises: an ultrasonic transducer, a driving unit for driving the ultrasonic transducer to rotate, a cable and a housing; The ultrasonic transducer is connected to the driving unit, and the driving unit is connected to the cable; and the ultrasonic transducer and the driving unit are both arranged in the housing; A first connection portion is provided at one end of the connection device; the connection device is connected to the probe body via the first connection portion, and a second connection portion for connecting to an endoscope is provided at the other end of the connection device; The connecting device is also provided with a through hole for connecting the top of the endoscope with the outside world; The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion both include a groove; The through hole is cylindrical in shape; The through hole connects the groove with the outside world to form a water vapor passage from the groove to the outside world matching the endoscope; The angle between the central axis of the through hole and the axis of the connecting device is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.

2. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the groove is also provided with a wire groove for accommodating the cable, and a light guide for connecting the top light source of the endoscope with the outside world; The light guide at least partially leaks out of the side wall of the connecting device; The shape of the wire trough matches the shape of the cable, and the width of the wire trough is smaller than the diameter of the cable; The cable trough is provided with an open end for the cable to pass through and a closed end away from the open end for engaging the cable, and the width of the open end is smaller than the width of the closed end.

3. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: A camera module for optical imaging is also provided; The camera module, the ultrasonic transducer and the driving unit are connected in sequence and are all arranged in the shell.

4. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The camera module, the ultrasonic transducer and the driving unit are coaxially arranged.

5. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that: A light-transmitting portion is provided at one end of the probe body away from the cable; The camera module abuts against the light-transmitting portion; The camera module includes a light source and an optical sensor connected in sequence, which are used to obtain an optical image of the front end field of view of the probe body and assist in positioning the probe body.

6. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 5, characterized in that: The camera module is also provided with a wireless transmission module for transmitting image data; The outside of the camera module is also covered with an electromagnetic shielding structure.

7. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The probe body and the connecting device are integrally formed; The shape of the shell includes cylindrical, ellipsoidal or streamlined; The cable is led out from one end of the housing close to the drive unit; One end of the housing away from the cable is a smooth spherical surface or a conical surface.

8. An endoscope, characterized in that: An ultrasonic probe comprising any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images