An ultrasonic probe

Abstract

This invention provides an ultrasonic probe, comprising: a first housing having a first chamber; a fixed sleeve disposed within the first chamber; a rotating shaft having a receiving cavity extending along its length, one end of the rotating shaft passing through a first opening and extending into the first chamber, partially extending into the cavity of the fixed sleeve, the other end of the rotating shaft being rotatable relative to the fixed sleeve; a first sealing structure disposed between the inner wall of the cavity and the outer wall of the rotating shaft; one end of a sheath connected to the fixed sleeve; an ultrasonic transducer disposed at the other end of the sheath; one end of a signal line passing through the receiving cavity from the first opening of the rotating shaft and extending into the sheath to connect with the ultrasonic transducer; the receiving cavity at the other end of the rotating shaft being filled with a filling material, the rotating shaft having an injection hole with a plug, the injection hole being located in the area between the filling material and the fixed sleeve. The first sealing structure increases the sealing performance and prevents coupling agent leakage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ultrasonic probe technology, and specifically to an ultrasonic probe. Background Technology

[0002] An ultrasound probe is a device that uses a piezoelectric crystal to emit and receive ultrasound waves, primarily utilizing the piezoelectric effect of the material to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy. During endoscopic ultrasound examination, the flexible tube at the tip of the small ultrasound probe is directly inserted into the patient's upper gastrointestinal tract. The ultrasound probe driver drives the ultrasound transducer connected to the flexible shaft to perform a high-speed mechanical circumferential scan, emitting ultrasound pulses into the human tissue. Then, it receives the echoes from the interfaces of different tissue layers, processes and displays the ultrasound information, and utilizes the inconsistencies in the acoustic impedance characteristics of organs and tissues to obtain black-and-white contrast ultrasound images of tissue layers and surrounding organs.

[0003] Current ultrasonic miniature probes have poor sealing performance during rotation, and are prone to wear due to prolonged operation, leading to leakage of the ultrasonic coupling agent. In severe cases, this can affect the probe's image performance and lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe to solve the problem of poor sealing performance during the rotation of the ultrasonic probe, which easily leads to leakage of ultrasonic coupling agent.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention provides an ultrasonic probe, comprising:

[0007] A first housing, the first housing having a first chamber, and the first housing having a first opening and a second opening communicating with the first chamber at both ends;

[0008] A fixing sleeve is disposed in the first chamber;

[0009] A rotating shaft having a receiving cavity extending along the length of the rotating shaft, one end of the rotating shaft passing through the first opening and extending into the first chamber and partially extending into the sleeve cavity of the fixed sleeve, and one end of the rotating shaft being rotatable relative to the fixed sleeve;

[0010] A first sealing structure is disposed between the inner wall of the sleeve cavity and the outer wall of the rotating shaft;

[0011] A sheath, one end of which is connected to the fixing sleeve;

[0012] A spring tube, one end of which is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and the other end extends into the sheath tube and can rotate within the sheath tube;

[0013] An ultrasonic transducer is provided, wherein the other end of the spring tube is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer is disposed at the other end of the sheath.

[0014] A signal line, one end of which passes through the receiving cavity from the first opening of the rotating shaft and extends into the sheath to connect with the ultrasonic transducer;

[0015] The cavity at the other end of the rotating shaft is filled with filling material. The rotating shaft is provided with an injection hole, which is plugged. The injection hole is located in the area between the filling material and the fixing sleeve.

[0016] Furthermore, the first sealing structure includes a sealing ring, which is sleeved on one end of the rotating shaft.

[0017] Furthermore, the sealing ring is made of an elastic material.

[0018] Furthermore, the material of the sealing ring includes rubber and an abrasion-resistant agent dispersed in the rubber.

[0019] Furthermore, the surface of the sealing ring has a plating layer.

[0020] Furthermore, the area on the first housing corresponding to the injection hole is provided with a clearance hole.

[0021] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe also includes a bearing, which is disposed in the first opening, and the rotating shaft passes through the bearing.

[0022] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe also includes a bearing end cap, which is disposed at the end of the first housing near the first opening, and the bearing end cap abuts against the outer ring of the bearing.

[0023] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe also includes: a connecting seat, the connecting seat having a mounting cavity extending along the length direction, and the other end of the rotating shaft passing through the mounting cavity at one end of the connecting seat;

[0024] A connector, one end of which is disposed in the mounting cavity, and the connector is connected to the other end of the signal line.

[0025] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe also includes a lever, and the outer periphery of the connecting seat is provided with a boss, with the lever disposed on the boss.

[0026] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe also includes a second housing, the second housing having a second chamber, and one end of the second housing being sleeved on the outside of the first housing.

[0027] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe further includes: a second sealing structure disposed between the inner wall of the second chamber and the outer wall of the first housing; and / or

[0028] It also includes: a waterproof cover, wherein the second chamber extends through the second housing along the length of the second housing, and the waterproof cover is fitted onto the end of the second housing away from the first housing.

[0029] Furthermore, the ultrasound probe also includes a flexible tube, which is sleeved on one end of the first housing near the second opening, and one end of the sheath extends out of the flexible tube.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the above-mentioned technical solution of the present invention are as follows:

[0031] In the ultrasonic probe of the present invention, one end of the rotating shaft passes through the first opening, extends into the first chamber, and partially extends into the cavity of the fixed sleeve. One end of the rotating shaft is rotatable relative to the fixed sleeve. The receiving cavity at the other end of the rotating shaft is filled with a filling material. An injection hole is provided on the rotating shaft, and a plug is provided on the injection hole. The injection hole is located in the area between the filling material and the fixed sleeve. Coupling agent can be injected into the receiving cavity through the injection hole, and the coupling agent can enter the sheath. A first sealing structure is provided between the inner wall of the cavity and the outer wall of the rotating shaft. The first sealing structure increases the sealing performance, resulting in better sealing performance during the rotation of the ultrasonic probe, reducing wear, effectively preventing leakage of the ultrasonic coupling agent, and ensuring the image performance and service life of the probe. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasonic probe in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the centerline AA;

[0034] Figure 3 An exploded view of an ultrasonic probe in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] First housing 10; First chamber 11; Flexible tube 12;

[0037] Signal line 13; clearance hole 14;

[0038] Fixing sleeve 20;

[0039] 30; shaft; 31; filling material; 32; injection hole; plug;

[0040] First sealing structure 41; Second sealing structure 42;

[0041] Sheath 50; Bourdon tube 51;

[0042] Ultrasonic transducer 60; sheath 61;

[0043] Bearing 70; Bearing end cover 71; Connecting seat 72;

[0044] Connector 73; lever 74; boss 75; screw 76; screw 77; clearance groove 78;

[0045] Second housing 80; second chamber 81; waterproof cover 82; probe pin 83. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To further understand the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with examples. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are only for further illustrating the features and advantages of the present invention, and not for limiting the present invention.

[0047] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-3 The ultrasonic probe provided in this invention will be further explained and described.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe, which includes: a first housing 10, a fixing sleeve 20, a rotating shaft 30, a first sealing structure 41, a sheath 50, an ultrasonic transducer 60, and a signal line 13. The first housing 10 has a first chamber 11, and both ends of the first housing 10 have a first opening and a second opening communicating with the first chamber 11. The fixing sleeve 20 is disposed in the first chamber 11, and the outer side wall of the fixing sleeve 20 and the inner side wall of the first chamber 11 can be connected by threads, which facilitates the installation and removal of the fixing sleeve 20.

[0049] The rotating shaft 30 may have a receiving cavity extending along its length. One end of the rotating shaft 30 may pass through the first opening and extend into the first chamber 11, partially extending into the cavity of the fixed sleeve 20. One end of the rotating shaft 30 is rotatable relative to the fixed sleeve 20. A first sealing structure 41 is disposed between the inner wall of the fixed sleeve 20 and the outer wall of the rotating shaft 30. The first sealing structure 41 can respectively abut against the inner wall of the cavity and the outer wall of the rotating shaft 30. The first sealing structure 41 may be annular and may be sleeved on the outer wall of the rotating shaft 30. The first sealing structure 41 can improve the sealing performance of the dynamic seal, ensure the sealing performance of the probe, and effectively prevent the coupling agent from leaking out and external liquids from entering the probe.

[0050] One end of the sheath 50 extends into the first chamber 11 through the second opening on the first housing 10. One end of the sheath 50 is connected to the fixing sleeve 20 and communicates with the receiving cavity of the rotating shaft 30, allowing coupling agent in the receiving cavity to enter the sheath 50. The fixing sleeve 20 may have a truncated cone near the end of the sheath 50, with a connecting hole extending along the axial direction of the cone. This connecting hole communicates with the cavity of the fixing sleeve 20, allowing one end of the sheath 50 to be fitted onto the truncated cone and communicate with the receiving cavity of the rotating shaft 30. The external thread of the fixing sleeve 20 engages with the internal thread of the inner wall of the first chamber 11, tightly pressing the end of the sheath 50 in place and preventing it from detaching from the first housing 10.

[0051] One end of the spring tube 51 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 30, and the other end extends into the sheath tube 50 and can rotate within the sheath tube 50; the other end of the spring tube 51 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 60, which is located at the other end of the sheath tube 50; one end of the signal line 13 can pass through the receiving cavity 31 through the first opening of the rotating shaft 30, and the other end of the signal line 13 extends into the sheath tube 50 and is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 60, through which ultrasonic detection signals can be transmitted.

[0052] The cavity at the other end of the rotating shaft 30 can be filled with a filler material 32, which can be a sealant to prevent the coupling agent from overflowing from the inside of the rotating shaft 30. The rotating shaft 30 can be provided with an injection hole 33, and a plug 34 can be provided on the injection hole 33. The plug 34 is removable and can be a bolt or screw for easy removal. It can be removed when coupling agent needs to be injected, and after the coupling agent is injected, the plug 34 can be installed to achieve a sealing effect. The injection hole 33 is located in the area between the filler material 32 and the fixing sleeve 20 to facilitate the injection of coupling agent through the injection hole 33. The filler material 32 can seal the cavity at the other end of the rotating shaft 30, preventing the coupling agent from flowing out of the cavity at the other end of the rotating shaft 30.

[0053] In the ultrasonic probe of the present invention, one end of the rotating shaft 30 extends through the first opening into the first chamber 11 and partially into the cavity of the fixed sleeve 20. One end of the rotating shaft 30 is rotatable relative to the fixed sleeve 20. The receiving cavity at the other end of the rotating shaft 30 is filled with a filling material 14. An injection hole 33 is provided on the rotating shaft 30, and a plug 34 is provided on the injection hole 33. The injection hole 33 can be located in the area between the filling material 14 and the fixed sleeve 20. Coupling agent can be injected into the receiving cavity through the injection hole 33, and the coupling agent can enter the sheath 50. The ultrasonic coupling agent is an auxiliary medium for the ultrasonic probe to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. By providing the injection hole 33 on the rotating shaft 30, the coupling agent can be replenished into the sheath 50 at any time, solving the problem of reduced coupling agent after a period of use, which leads to inaccurate or undetectable ultrasonic data, and increasing the service life of the ultrasonic probe.

[0054] A first sealing structure 41 is provided between the inner wall of the cavity and the outer wall of the rotating shaft 30. The first sealing structure 41 can increase the sealing performance. During the rotation of the ultrasonic probe, the sealing performance is better, which can reduce wear and effectively prevent the leakage of ultrasonic coupling agent, thus ensuring the image performance and service life of the probe.

[0055] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first sealing structure 41 may include a sealing ring, which is sleeved on one end of the rotating shaft 30 for easy installation and disassembly. When the rotating shaft 30 rotates, the sealing ring can provide a dynamic sealing effect, thereby improving the sealing performance. The number of sealing rings can be one or more, for example, two, and the specific number can be selected according to actual needs.

[0056] Optionally, the sealing ring can be made of an elastic material, which has good sealing performance. By being elastic, it can reduce the wear between the inner wall of the sleeve cavity and the outer wall of the rotating shaft 30.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the material of the sealing ring may include rubber and an abrasion-resistant agent dispersed in the rubber.

[0058] The sealing ring can be made of a mixture of fluororubber and high-temperature wear-resistant agents. The fluororubber can include at least one of perfluoroether rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, and THV (a polymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride). The high-temperature wear-resistant agent can include at least one of ceramic powder, silicone oil, and mineral powder. The sealing ring has good chemical inertness, does not react with the ultrasonic coupling agent, does not swell, and maintains its dimensional stability.

[0059] Optionally, the surface of the sealing ring has a coating. After molding, the surface can be coated, resulting in good wear resistance and sealing performance. It also provides some support for the rotating shaft, solving the problem of unstable imaging caused by the shaft shaking during rotation.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the area on the first housing 10 corresponding to the injection hole 33 may be provided with a clearance hole 14 to reduce interference, facilitate the installation and removal of the plug 34, and facilitate the injection of coupling agent.

[0061] Optionally, the ultrasonic probe also includes a bearing 70, which can be a deep groove ball bearing. The bearing 70 is disposed in the first opening, and the rotating shaft 30 passes through the bearing 70, so that the rotating shaft 30 can rotate stably through the bearing 70.

[0062] Optionally, the ultrasonic probe further includes a bearing end cap 71. The bearing end cap 71 can be disposed at the end of the first housing 10 near the first opening. The bearing end cap 71 can be connected to the first housing 10 by bolts or screws. For example, the bearing end cap 71 can be connected to the first housing 10 by screws 77. The bearing end cap 71 can abut against the outer ring of the bearing 70, thereby compressing the outer ring of the bearing 70 and stabilizing the bearing 70. The bearing end cap 71 can press against the outer ring of the bearing 70 for axial positioning. The bearing end cap 71 can be connected to the end face of the first housing 10 by M1.6 screws.

[0063] Optionally, the ultrasonic probe further includes a connector 72 and a connector 73. The connector 72 has a mounting cavity extending along its length, and the other end of the rotating shaft 30 passes through the mounting cavity at one end of the connector 72. The sidewall at the other end of the rotating shaft 30 and the sidewall at one end of the connector 72 can be connected by bolts or screws. For example, the sidewall at the other end of the rotating shaft 30 and the sidewall at one end of the connector 72 can be connected by multiple screws 76, and the connector 72 can be fixed to the rotating shaft 30 by three M2 screws.

[0064] One end of connector 73 can be placed in the mounting cavity, and connector 73 is connected to the other end of signal line 13. Connector 73 can be a male connector for easy connection to external components. Connector 73 can be fastened by engaging the external thread with the internal thread of connector 72, and can be secured by applying thread-locking adhesive.

[0065] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ultrasonic probe further includes: a lever 74, and the number of levers 74 can be multiple, such as two. A boss 75 can be provided on the outer periphery of the connecting seat 72, and the levers 74 can be disposed on the boss 75 for easy installation and disassembly. The levers 74 and the outer side wall of the connecting seat 72 can be spaced apart, and the levers 74 and the connecting seat 72 can be arranged parallel to each other. A mounting hole can be provided on the boss 75, and the levers 74 can pass through the mounting hole, with an interference fit between the levers 74 and the mounting hole. A clearance groove 78 can be provided on the boss 75 to reduce interference and facilitate the installation of screws or bolts.

[0066] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ultrasonic probe further includes: a second housing 80, which may have a second chamber 81. One end of the second housing 80 may be sleeved on the outside of the first housing 10. The inner wall of the second chamber 81 at one end of the second housing 80 and the outer wall of the first housing 10 may be threaded together for easy installation and disassembly. The lever 74, connector 73, and connector 72 may be located in the second chamber 81, and the second housing 80 and the first housing 10 may provide protection.

[0067] Optionally, the ultrasonic probe may further include a second sealing structure 42. The second sealing structure 42 can be disposed between the inner wall of the second chamber 81 and the outer wall of the first housing 10. The second sealing structure 42 provides a sealing effect, improving the sealing performance and preventing external liquids or gases from entering the ultrasonic probe. The second sealing structure 42 can be a sealing ring, and the number of sealing rings can be one or more, for example, one sealing ring. The specific number can be selected according to actual needs. The sealing ring can be made of an elastic material, providing good sealing performance.

[0068] Optionally, the ultrasonic probe may further include: a waterproof cover 82, with the second chamber 81 extending along the length of the second housing 80, and the waterproof cover 82 fitted onto the end of the second housing 80 away from the first housing 10. The waterproof cover 82 and the end of the second housing 80 away from the first housing 10 can be connected by threads for easy installation and removal. The waterproof cover 82 may have a mating hole, through which it can be fitted onto the second housing 80, providing a waterproof seal for the inner cavity of the ultrasonic probe. The waterproof cover 82 may have a protrusion for easy gripping. The second housing 80 may have a pin hole, in which a probe pin 83 can be installed. The probe pin 83 and the pin hole can be interference-fitted, and sealant can be applied to the mating position of the probe pin 83 and the pin hole for waterproofing, and sealant can also be applied between the probe pin 83 and the pin hole for waterproofing.

[0069] Optionally, the ultrasonic probe further includes a flexible tube 12, which can be sleeved on the end of the first housing 10 near the second opening, with one end of the sheath 50 extending out of the flexible tube 12. The end of the first housing 10 near the second opening may have a reduced diameter section, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of other areas. The flexible tube 12 can be sleeved on the reduced diameter section, with an interference fit, to facilitate the installation of the flexible tube 12.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the spring tube 51 can be a metal braided tube or a spring-braided tube. A sheath 61 can be provided at one end of the spring tube 51 near the ultrasonic transducer 60. The spring tube 51 and the sheath 61 can be connected by welding or bonding, or by laser welding. The ultrasonic transducer 60 can be mounted on the sheath 61, and the ultrasonic transducer 60 and the sheath 61 can be fixedly connected by adhesive bonding.

[0071] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship also changes accordingly.

[0072] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, include: A first housing, the first housing having a first chamber, and the first housing having a first opening and a second opening communicating with the first chamber at both ends; A fixing sleeve is disposed in the first chamber; A rotating shaft having a receiving cavity extending along the length of the rotating shaft, one end of the rotating shaft passing through the first opening and extending into the first chamber and partially extending into the sleeve cavity of the fixed sleeve, and one end of the rotating shaft being rotatable relative to the fixed sleeve; A first sealing structure is disposed between the inner wall of the sleeve cavity and the outer wall of the rotating shaft; A sheath, one end of which is connected to the fixing sleeve; A spring tube, one end of which is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and the other end extends into the sheath tube and can rotate within the sheath tube; An ultrasonic transducer is provided, wherein the other end of the spring tube is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer is disposed at the other end of the sheath. A signal line, one end of which passes through the receiving cavity of the rotating shaft from the first opening and extends into the sheath to connect with the ultrasonic transducer; The cavity at the other end of the rotating shaft is filled with filling material. The rotating shaft is provided with an injection hole, which is plugged. The injection hole is located in the area between the filling material and the fixing sleeve.

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sealing structure includes a sealing ring, which is sleeved on one end of the rotating shaft.

3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing ring is made of an elastic material.

4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing ring is made of rubber and a wear-resistant agent dispersed in the rubber.

5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, characterized in that, The surface of the sealing ring has a plating.

6. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing has a clearance hole in the area corresponding to the injection hole.

7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A bearing is disposed in the first opening, and the rotating shaft passes through the bearing.

8. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: A bearing end cap is disposed at the end of the first housing near the first opening, and the bearing end cap abuts against the outer ring of the bearing.

9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: A connecting seat having a mounting cavity extending along its length, and the other end of the rotating shaft passing through the mounting cavity at one end of the connecting seat; A connector, one end of which is disposed in the mounting cavity, and the connector is connected to the other end of the signal line.

10. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: The lever is provided on the outer periphery of the connecting seat, and the lever is disposed on the boss.

11. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second housing has a second chamber, and one end of the second housing is fitted onto the outside of the first housing.

12. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The second sealing structure is disposed between the inner wall of the second chamber and the outer wall of the first housing. and / or It also includes: a waterproof cover, wherein the second chamber extends through the second housing along the length of the second housing, and the waterproof cover is fitted onto the end of the second housing away from the first housing.

13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A flexible tube is fitted onto one end of the first housing near the second opening, and one end of the sheath extends out of the flexible tube.

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