Accessory carrier and accessory system for ultrasonic probe

Abstract

The invention relates to an accessory carrier (10) for an ultrasound probe, comprising: a first attachment interface (12) arranged to be mechanically coupled with an ultrasound probe (2); and a second attachment interface (14) having a shape complementary to that of a third attachment interface (24) provided to the probe attachment, the second attachment interface being arranged to be mechanically coupled (AP2) in a detachable manner with the third attachment interface (24) by rotating the probe attachment (20) relative to the attachment carrier (10). The invention also relates to an accessory system (SI1) comprising said accessory carrier (10) and said probe accessory (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an accessory carrier for an ultrasound probe, and more particularly to a carrier and system intended to attach an accessory to an ultrasound probe. Background Art

[0002] Currently, ultrasound devices are widely used, especially in the fields of acoustics, material analysis, medical imaging and biomedicine.

[0003] For this purpose, the ultrasound device generally comprises an ultrasound probe controlled by electrical signals, which are transmitted, for example, between the probe and a control unit. The ultrasound probe (also referred to as an ultrasound transducer device) comprises at least one or a group of ultrasound transducer elements for transmitting ultrasound waves to a medium of interest and / or receiving ultrasound waves from a medium of interest. Thus, electrical signals representing ultrasound waves can be transmitted to these transducer elements and / or received by these transducer elements, so that ultrasound waves are transmitted to the medium under consideration and / or ultrasound waves are received from the medium under consideration.

[0004] More specifically, in a conventional ultrasound imaging method, an ultrasound probe equipped with one or more transducers may be used, for example, to convert an electrical signal into an ultrasound wave. The transducer may transmit an ultrasound beam or transmit multiple ultrasound beams in succession in the direction of a medium, which is equivalent to a transmitting operation. Thereafter, in a receiving operation, a group of backscattered echo signals are received from the medium through the same or different transducer element groups. In particular, each transducer element may, for example, convert the received echo signal into an electrical signal. The signal may then be processed by an ultrasound system or any directly connected or unrelated system.

[0005] In some use cases, it may be useful to mount accessories on the ultrasound probe. Exemplarily, it is known to attach a position sensor to the ultrasound probe so that the imaging system can detect the probe position to help the user position the probe relative to the medium of interest. Thus, a graphical representation of the probe or its position can be superimposed on an image (e.g. an ultrasound image or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) image) to mark the position of the probe in the medium under consideration. With the help of this type of sensor, the position provided to the image can be easily identified, for example, for observation, surgical intervention, biopsy or other purposes.

[0006] The correct positioning of such sensors relative to the ultrasound probe is crucial to accurately position the probe in space. Any unexpected movement of the sensor on the probe may, among other things, cause the system to detect disturbing motion of the probe that does not reflect the actual behavior of the probe.

[0007] Therefore, in order to prevent the detection of such interfering movements, the sensor should be reliably and firmly attached to the ultrasound probe. However, the mounting of such sensors must also not be implemented in a way that compromises other constraints, especially in terms of ergonomics, ease of installation and cleaning, and cost.

[0008] In order to overcome any problems of interfering with the movement, the position sensor may be integrated directly in the ultrasound probe. However, this sensor may not always be needed by the user of the probe, and it increases the weight of the probe and may reduce its ergonomics or its autonomy. The presence of the sensor in the probe may in particular require a change in the external shape of the probe and / or an increase in the diameter of the cable connecting the probe to the control unit, which may result in an increase in the rigidity of the assembly. Furthermore, it may be desirable to change the sensor depending on the use of the ultrasound probe, or to use the same sensor on different probes.

[0009] It is known to use sensor carriers which enable the position sensor to be attached to the ultrasound probe in a detachable manner. However, such carriers do not yet allow the sensor to be reliably and securely attached to the probe in a detachable manner at a limited cost and while ensuring good ergonomics of use. For example, in the case of a sensor being clipped to a carrier, there is a risk that the sensor moves or accidentally becomes detached from the probe. Conversely, if a clip-on attachment requires excessive force in order to attach or remove the sensor to or from the probe, this may cause operating problems for the user, especially if the sensor has a limited holding surface or if the user is wearing gloves. The user must generally be able to quickly and efficiently replace or remove a disassembled sensor in order to limit the risk of damaging the equipment, optimize the machine operating time, and avoid unnecessary operations.

[0010] Furthermore, due to their inappropriate design, sensor carriers are generally difficult to clean quickly and reliably, which can be particularly problematic in environments with high hygiene requirements, such as, in particular, the medical field. Summary of the invention

[0011] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve at least one of the above problems or disadvantages.

[0012] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an accessory carrier for ensuring a detachable attachment of an accessory to an ultrasound probe, such that the attachment is reliable and secure while ensuring good ergonomics and ease of use.

[0013] For this purpose, the subject of the invention is, according to a first aspect, an accessory carrier for an ultrasound probe, comprising:

[0014] - a first attachment interface configured to mechanically couple with an ultrasound probe; and;

[0015] a second attachment interface having a shape complementary to a third attachment interface provided with the probe accessory, the second attachment interface being arranged to be mechanically coupled to said third attachment interface in a detachable manner by rotating the probe accessory relative to the accessory carrier.

[0016] The accessory carrier according to the invention may include further features which may be employed alone or in combination, in particular in the following embodiments which are set forth for illustrative purposes only and which may be used in combination or in conjunction unless otherwise stated.

[0017] According to one example, one of the second attachment interface and the third attachment interface constitutes a male element, and the other constitutes a female element, and the male element and the female element are configured to be rotatably mechanically coupled by inserting the male element into the female element.

[0018] According to one example, the second attachment interface of the accessory carrier constitutes a female element.

[0019] According to one example, the second attachment interface is configured to be mechanically coupled to the third attachment interface in a detachable manner via a mechanical coupling, which mechanical coupling successively comprises inserting the male element into the female element along an insertion direction, and rotating the probe accessory relative to the accessory carrier around a rotation axis corresponding to the insertion direction.

[0020] According to one example, the parent element comprises:

[0021] - at least one slot arranged so as to allow a corresponding locking element provided on the male element to be inserted therein; and

[0022] A positioning slide rail opens to each slot, respectively, so that the corresponding locking element can be moved into a locking position in the positioning slide rail by rotating the probe accessory relative to the accessory carrier, thereby obtaining a mechanical coupling between the accessory carrier and the probe accessory.

[0023] According to one example, one of the second and third attachment interfaces comprises at least one deformable wing arranged to deform in response to movement of the corresponding locking member in the positioning slide to the locking position to generate a friction force resisting said movement.

[0024] According to one example, the at least one deformable wing is comprised in a second attachment interface of the accessory carrier.

[0025] According to one example, the second attachment interface comprises two deformable wings.

[0026] According to one example, one of the second attachment interface and the third attachment interface includes at least one first chamber, and the at least one deformable wing and the at least one first chamber are configured so that when the at least one locking member reaches a locked position, each deformable wing engages in the first chamber.

[0027] According to one example, the second attachment interface includes at least two slots of different sizes configured to engage corresponding locking members of the third attachment interface therein.

[0028] According to one example, one of the second attachment interface and the third attachment interface comprises a second cavity, and the other comprises a protrusion arranged to engage in the second cavity when the at least one locking member reaches the locked position.

[0029] According to one example, the second attachment interface and the third attachment interface are configured to be mechanically coupled in a detachable manner by rotating the accessory carrier relative to the probe accessory by ¼ turn.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the subject of the invention is an accessory system for an ultrasound probe, comprising:

[0031] - an accessory carrier as defined in the first aspect of the invention; and

[0032] - a probe accessory comprising a third attachment interface having a shape complementary to the second attachment interface of the accessory carrier;

[0033] The second attachment interface and the third attachment interface are configured to be mechanically coupled in a detachable manner by rotating the probe accessory relative to the accessory carrier.

[0034] The accessory system according to the invention may include other features which may be employed alone or in combination, in particular in the following embodiments, which are set forth for illustrative purposes only and which may be combined or linked unless otherwise stated.

[0035] According to one example, one of the second attachment interface and the third attachment interface constitutes a male element, and the other constitutes a female element, and the male element and the female element are configured to be rotatably mechanically coupled by inserting the male element into the female element.

[0036] According to one example, the second attachment interface and the third attachment interface are configured to be mechanically coupled in a detachable manner via a mechanical coupling, which mechanical coupling successively comprises inserting the male element into the female element along an insertion direction, and rotating the probe accessory relative to the accessory carrier around a rotation axis corresponding to the insertion direction.

[0037] According to one example, the probe accessory includes at least one of the following:

[0038] -sensor;

[0039] - a gel dispenser; and

[0040] -light source.

[0041] According to one example, the probe accessory includes a position sensor.

[0042] According to one example, the probe attachment forms a knob.

[0043] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for attaching an accessory system as defined in the second aspect of the present invention. The attachment method comprises:

[0044] - inserting the locking piece of the male element into the slot of the female element accordingly; and

[0045] By rotating the probe accessory relative to the accessory carrier, the locking elements are moved in the positioning slides to a locking position, thereby mechanically coupling the accessory carrier to the probe accessory.

[0046] The invention thus advantageously enables an accessory carrier for an ultrasound probe to be provided which ensures reliable and secure attachment of accessories to the ultrasound probe in a detachable manner while guaranteeing good ergonomics of use and simple, effective and fast cleaning.

[0047] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by reading the following description which is provided by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In particular, the examples shown in the drawings may be combined together, as long as there is no mention or obvious inconsistency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] By referring to the following Figures 1 to 15 Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, in the accompanying drawings:

[0049] [ Figure 1 ] schematically illustrates an ultrasound system including an ultrasound probe according to an example;

[0050] [ Figure 2 ] schematically illustrates an accessory carrier and an accessory system for an ultrasound probe according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] [ Figure 3 ] schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 Accessory carriers and accessory systems;

[0052] [ Figure 4 ] schematically illustrates an accessory carrier and an accessory system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] [ Figure 5 ] is a perspective exploded view schematically showing an accessory system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the accessory system comprising an accessory carrier and an accessory for an ultrasound probe;

[0054] [ Figure 6 ] schematically illustrates the mechanical coupling of the accessory carrier to the probe accessory (position P1) according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] [ Figure 7 ] schematically illustrates the mechanical coupling of the accessory carrier to the probe accessory (position P2) according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] [ Figure 8 ] schematically illustrates an attachment method for attaching an accessory system for an ultrasound probe according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] [ Fig. 9 ] schematically illustrates an attachment interface for an accessory carrier of an ultrasound probe according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] [ Fig.10 ] schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view of an attachment interface of an accessory carrier;

[0059] [ Fig.11 ] schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A perspective view of an attachment interface of an accessory carrier;

[0060] [ Fig.12 ] schematically illustrates an attachment interface of a probe accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] [ Fig.13 ] schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.12 A perspective view and a bottom view of an attachment interface of a probe accessory;

[0062] [ Fig.14 ] schematically illustrates an accessory carrier and an accessory system for an ultrasound probe according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0063] [ Fig.15 ] is a view showing an ultrasound probe equipped with an accessory carrier and probe accessories according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] An ultrasound probe (also called ultrasound probe or ultrasound device or transducer device) is an ultrasound transmitter and / or receiver device which can be controlled by electrical signals, which are transmitted, for example, between the ultrasound probe and a control unit of a control system.

[0065] For illustrative purposes only, Figure 1 An embodiment of an ultrasound system 1 comprising an ultrasound probe 2 is schematically shown. The probe 2 may comprise one or more transducer elements (e.g. one or more piezoelectric elements) arranged to transmit and / or receive ultrasound waves W. Thus, each transducer element is arranged to convert electrical signals received from the system 1 into ultrasound waves and / or vice versa. The nature of these waves depends on the system 1 and / or the probe 2, in particular with regard to its use and the purpose to be achieved.

[0066] Thereby, the transducer element may be arranged to transmit (a) an ultrasonic wave W (or a pulse) into the medium M and / or, possibly in response to the transmission of the wave W (a), to receive (b) a plurality of ultrasonic signals W from the medium M.

[0067] According to one example, the ultrasound probe 2 is configured to transmit ultrasound waves W. According to another example, the ultrasound probe 2 is configured to receive ultrasound waves W. According to another example, the ultrasound probe 2 is configured to both transmit and receive ultrasound waves W.

[0068] The transducer elements of the probe 2 may include piezoelectric crystals and / or other components that may be configured to generate and / or record and / or receive signals.

[0069] As shown in the figure, the ultrasound system 1 may include a processing unit (or device) 3 configured to control the ultrasound probe 2 through electrical signals interacting (or transmitting) between the system 1 and the ultrasound probe 2 .

[0070] The processing unit 3 is configured to generate electrical signals, which are sent to the ultrasound probe 2 to cause the probe to emit ultrasound waves W in the direction of the medium M and / or to emit ultrasound waves W into the medium M. The electrical signals thus generated represent (or define) the ultrasound waves emitted into the medium M.

[0071] The processing unit 3 may also be configured to process (or interpret) electrical signals received from the ultrasound probe 2. These signals represent ultrasound waves received by the probe 2 from the medium M. These waves form, for example, one or more ultrasound waves, ie, the response of the medium M to previously emitted ultrasound waves.

[0072] The system 1 may include an ultrasound probe 2. Alternatively, the ultrasound probe 2 may be external to the system 1. For example, the ultrasound probe 2 may be connected to the system 1 via a cable 4 ( Figure 1 ) is connected to system 1, or can communicate wirelessly therewith.

[0073] The system 1 may be an imaging system, such as in the medical field. Images generated by the system 1 may be analyzed either in real time, such as by a user, or subsequently and / or at a location other than where the system 1 is located.

[0074] The system 1 may be a medical system, such as an ultrasound system. Accordingly, the ultrasound probe 2 may be, for example, an ultrasound probe.

[0075] For example, the system 1 can be associated with an ultrasound probe 2 to study a medium M, in particular to acquire ultrasound data from the medium M. Depending on the situation, the medium M thus observed can have various forms. It can be, for example, living tissue and / or in particular human tissue. It is also possible to observe a medium M comprising one or more mineral structures (e.g. gravel, volcanoes, etc.).

[0076] According to other examples, the system 1 and / or the ultrasound probe 2 are arranged for communication, imaging or scanning purposes, for example in the fields of medical imaging, radar, sonar, seismology, wireless communications, radio astronomy, acoustics and biomedicine.

[0077] Reference will now be made to the following for purposes of illustration. Figures 2 to 15 , illustrating an embodiment of an accessory carrier 10 for an ultrasound probe and an accessory system SY1 including the carrier 10 , and a corresponding attachment method.

[0078] Unless otherwise specified, common or similar elements in the various figures have the same reference numerals and have the same or similar features, so for the sake of simplicity, a general description of these common elements is generally omitted.

[0079] Herein, the words “first” (or “first, second”, etc.) are used according to arbitrary conventions so as to be able to identify or distinguish different elements (eg, operations, devices, etc.) implemented in the following embodiments.

[0080] In the following examples, purely for illustrative purposes, consider an accessory carrier 10, and more generally an accessory system SY1, which is configured to be attached to a Figure 1 The ultrasonic probe 2. As in Figures 2 to 15 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the configuration of the accessory carrier 10 and the accessory system SY1 , in particular in terms of shape, size, etc., can be adapted according to the circumstances, in particular depending on the ultrasound probe 2 and / or the accessory 20 under consideration.

[0081] The accessory carrier 10 is a carrier for an ultrasound probe, namely in the example considered for the ultrasound probe 2, which is arranged to carry or attach an accessory 20 (also referred to as a probe accessory) to the ultrasound probe 2 in a detachable manner. The nature and construction of this accessory 20 may vary according to the circumstances. Purely for illustrative purposes, in the following example, it is considered that the probe accessory 20 is a second carrier (also referred to as a device carrier) for accommodating or carrying an accessory device (such as a sensor). Alternative embodiments of this accessory 20 will be described below.

[0082] Accessory system SY1( Figures 2 to 3 ) comprises an accessory carrier 10 and an accessory 20, which two elements 10 and 20 can be attached together in a detachable manner as described below. The accessory 20 is an element other than the accessory carrier 10.

[0083] In this example, the accessory system SY1 and the ultrasound probe 2 form a probe system SY2 ( Figures 2 to 3 ).

[0084] More specifically, if Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the accessory carrier 10 includes two attachment interfaces (which are also referred to as locking interfaces or attachment devices), namely a first attachment interface 12 and a second attachment interface 14 .

[0085] The first attachment interface 12 is configured to mechanically couple (or couple) with the ultrasound probe 2. In other words, the attachment interface 12 is designed to mechanically couple (or attach) the ultrasound probe 2 and the accessory carrier 10 together. Thus, the accessory carrier 10 is an element external to the ultrasound probe 2 (or an element distinct from the probe 2). The attachment interface 12 may include any attachment mechanism for firmly anchoring the accessory carrier 10 to the probe 2.

[0086] In the example described, the attachment interface 12 is configured to mechanically couple (or associate, or attach) the accessory carrier 10, more generally the accessory system SY1, to the ultrasound probe 2 in a detachable manner. The mechanical coupling (or coupling) of the accessory carrier 10 to the probe 2 is denoted as AP1 ( Figure 3 Once the coupling AP1 is implemented, the user can, as desired, separate the accessory carrier 10 from the ultrasound probe 2 by performing a decoupling (or separation) operation opposite to the coupling operation AP1. However, an alternative embodiment may also be adopted, in which the mechanical coupling of the accessory carrier 10 to the probe 2 is permanent.

[0087] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the accessory carrier 10 can be configured to be inserted by the ultrasound probe 2. For this purpose, the accessory carrier 10 can include an inner surface having a shape complementary to the shape of at least a portion of the ultrasound probe 2. The accessory carrier 10 forms, for example, a cavity, which is configured so that all or a portion of the ultrasound probe 2 can be inserted therein.

[0088] According to one example, the first attachment interface 12 comprises an articulated arm rotatably mounted on the body 10a of the accessory carrier 10. Once the ultrasound probe 2 is inserted into the accessory carrier 10, the articulated arm can be rotated from an open position to a closed position (and vice versa), thereby obtaining a mechanical coupling AP1 of the accessory carrier 10 on the ultrasound probe 2 (and vice versa, a mechanical decoupling of these elements). The configuration of the arm can vary depending on the situation and the type of probe used. One embodiment of the articulated arm is in Figure 4 Shown in.

[0089] The second attachment interface 14 of the accessory carrier 10 has a third attachment interface 24 ( Figures 2 to 3 ). In other words, the accessory 20 includes a third attachment interface 24, whose shape is complementary to the shape of the second attachment interface 14. The attachment interface 14 of the accessory carrier 10 is thus configured to be mechanically coupled to the third attachment interface 24 in a detachable manner (or reversible manner) by rotating the probe accessory 20 relative to the accessory carrier 10. The mechanical coupling (or coupling) between the accessory carrier 10 and the accessory 20 is denoted as AP2 ( Figure 3 ).

[0090] The second attachment interface 14 and the third attachment interface 24 together form an attachment system SY3 ( Figure 5 ).

[0091] The complementary shapes of the attachment interfaces 14 and 24 enable them to mechanically cooperate together to achieve a detachable (or reversible) attachment of the accessory 20 to the accessory carrier 10. Once the coupling AP2 is implemented, the user can detach (or uncouple, or separate) the accessory 20 from the accessory carrier 10 as needed through a decoupling (or separation) operation opposite to the coupling operation AP2. The reversibility (or detachability) of the coupling AP2 means that the user can selectively attach and detach the attachment interfaces 14 and 24 relative to each other.

[0092] The shape complementarity between the attachment interfaces 14 and 24 can be ensured in various ways. According to one example, one of the second attachment interface 14 and the third attachment interface 24 constitutes a male element, and the other constitutes a female element, and these male elements and female elements are configured to achieve a rotatable mechanical coupling (coupling) by inserting the male element into the female element.

[0093] As especially in Figures 2 to 5 As shown in, hereinafter, purely for the purpose of explanation, it is assumed that the third attachment interface 24 constitutes a male element and the second attachment interface 14 constitutes a female element. Thus, the attachment interfaces 14 and 24 are configured to achieve a rotatable mechanical coupling by inserting (all or part of) the attachment interface 24 into (all or part of) the attachment interface 14.

[0094] However, alternative embodiments according to the opposite arrangement are possible. Thus, the embodiments described in the present invention can be applied in a similar manner to the alternative case where the second attachment interface 14 constitutes a male element and the third attachment interface 24 constitutes a female element.

[0095] The advantage of arranging the second attachment interface 14 as a female element is that a more secure mechanical coupling AP2 can be obtained than the reverse arrangement, especially if the ultrasound probe 2 is regarded as a fixed part and the accessory 20 is regarded as a movable part. For example, when the accessory 20 is manually held and moved by the user during operations OP1 and OP2, while the accessory carrier 10 remains substantially stationary in space, the accessory 20 can be counted as a movable part.

[0096] It is noted that the relative rotation OP1 of the accessory 20 with respect to the accessory carrier 10 can be implemented in various ways, for example, by performing a rotation of the accessory 20 while maintaining the accessory carrier 10 in a fixed position, or by performing a rotation of the accessory carrier 10 while maintaining the accessory 20 in a fixed position, or by performing a rotation of both the accessory carrier 10 and the accessory 20 (in opposite directions).

[0097] Figure 6 to Figure 7 A method of mechanically coupling the accessory 20 to the accessory carrier 10 AP2 according to one specific example is shown. Figure 8 The steps of an attachment method aimed at attaching the accessory carrier 10 and the accessory 20 together according to the mechanical coupling AP2 are shown in schematic form.

[0098] like Figures 3 to 8 As shown exemplarily, the mechanical coupling AP2 is accomplished by successively performing the insertion operation OP1 and the rotation operation OP2. Assume that in the initial stage, the attachment interfaces 12 and 24 are in the first uncoupled state ST1. During the insertion operation OP1 (step S2, Figure 8 ), the attachment interface 24 of the accessory 20 is inserted (or engaged) OP1 into the attachment interface 14 of the accessory carrier 10 (e.g., by a translational movement). Once the attachment interface 24 is inserted into the attachment interface 14, a rotation OP2 of the accessory 20 relative to the accessory carrier 10 about the rotation axis AX1 is performed (step S4, Figure 8), from the first angular position P1 to a second angular position P2, referred to as the locked position, thereby mechanically coupling the accessory 20 to the accessory carrier 10 AP2. The mechanical coupling AP2 thus enables the attachment interfaces 14 and 24 to be changed from the uncoupled state ST1 to the second coupled state ST2 (position P2).

[0099] The manner of implementing the insertion operation OP1 and the rotation (or movement) operation OP2 may vary according to the settings of the attachment interfaces 12 and 14. Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 8 In the example particularly shown in FIG. 1 , the second attachment interface 14 is configured to be mechanically coupled to the third attachment interface 24 in a detachable manner by a mechanical coupling AP2, which mechanical coupling AP2 successively includes inserting the male element (in this example, the third attachment interface 24) into the female element (in this example, the second attachment interface 14) OP1 along the insertion direction 6, and then rotating the probe accessory 20 relative to the accessory carrier 10 around the rotation axis corresponding to the insertion direction 6 by OP2. In other words, once the male element is inserted (or engaged) in the female element by the insertion movement (OP1) along the axis 6 (by translation), the rotation OP2 of the probe accessory 20 relative to the accessory carrier 10 around the direction (or axis) 6 as the rotation axis is performed. The coupling AP2 is thus implemented by successively performing the operations OP1 and OP2. The advantage of such a configuration is that the second attachment interface 14 and the third attachment interface 24 can be mechanically coupled in a detachable manner by continuous movement along the same direction 6 (i.e., translation along the axis 6 and then rotation around the same axis 6). The directional correspondence between the insertion movement OP1 and the rotation movement OP2 advantageously enables, for example, the accessory carrier 10 and the probe accessory 20 to be coupled conveniently and quickly by continuous manual movements (successively comprising first insertion OP1 and then rotation OP2 ) with high precision and minimal manipulation.

[0100] Moreover, the coupling according to the invention is able to effectively carry the probe accessory regardless of its weight, including in cases where its weight is greater than or even much greater than the weight of the probe. In fact, in the specific case where the probe accessory is heavier than the probe, there may be risks in conventional coupling systems, because the accessory may produce non-autonomous movements under the effect of its weight, thereby causing the components to unintentionally decouple. With the help of the system of the invention, the inertial forces and moments of inertia that the probe accessory may exert on the attachment mechanism (attachment interface) of the probe carrier are generally not exerted in a direction that may lead to an unintentional decoupling (for example, not along axis 6), especially a decoupling related to the weight of the accessory, which provides favorable conditions for ensuring the coupling.

[0101] For illustration purposes only, consider that the attachment interfaces 14 and 24 are configured so that the rotation OP1 (S4) is performed in a clockwise direction (eg, Figure 3 and Figure 6 to Figure 7 According to an alternative embodiment, the rotation OP1 is carried out in a counterclockwise direction.

[0102] According to one example, the second attachment interface 14 and the third attachment interface 24 are configured to be mechanically coupled together in a detachable manner (or reversible manner) by rotating the accessory carrier 10 relative to the probe accessory 20 by 1 / n turn OP2, where n is an integer from 2 to 4.

[0103] According to one example, n=4. In other words, the second attachment interface 14 and the third attachment interface 24 may be arranged to be connected by rotating the accessory carrier 10 relative to the probe accessory 20 by 1 / 4 turn OP2 ( Figure 6 to Figure 7 ), but mechanically coupled together in a detachable manner (or reversible manner). This particular arrangement is advantageous because it enables a good compromise to be obtained between the speed at which the user performs the mechanical coupling AP2 and the firmness of the coupling AP2.

[0104] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown in the example of , the ultrasound probe 2 includes a transmission output end (or transmitter portion) 5, which is located at the distal end of the probe and is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves W. The accessory carrier 10 is configured so that once the mechanical coupling AP1 is implemented, the transmission output end 5 is in an uncovered or free state (that is, not covered by the accessory carrier 10) so that ultrasonic waves W can be emitted from the output end 5. According to one example, the accessory carrier 10 includes an opening corresponding to the position of the transmission output end 5 to expose the transmission output end 5 when the mechanical coupling AP1 between the accessory carrier 10 and the probe 2 is implemented.

[0105] The design of the attachment interfaces 14 and 24 can be adjusted according to the situation. Figures 9 to 13 Embodiments of these attachment interfaces are described.

[0106] In the following examples, it is assumed that the accessory 20 includes at least one locking member 26 ( Figure 12 to Figure 13 ), which is arranged to enable the attachment interface 24 to be locked with the attachment interface 14 during mechanical coupling of the AP 2. As described below, other alternative embodiments are also possible.

[0107] according to Figures 9 to 11In one example shown in FIG. 1 , the female element (in this example, the attachment interface 14) comprises at least one slot 15 and a positioning slide 16 respectively associated with each slot 15. Each slot 15 is configured for inserting a corresponding locking piece 26 provided with an accessory 20 therein. Moreover, the positioning slide 16 leads to each slot 15 respectively so that the corresponding locking piece 26 can be moved to the locking position P2 in the positioning slide 16 by rotating the OP2 probe accessory 20 relative to the accessory carrier 10, and the movement thereby causes the mechanical coupling AP2 of the accessory carrier 10 and the probe accessory 20.

[0108] Alternative embodiments according to the reverse arrangement are also possible, in which the attachment interface 24 of the accessory 20 comprises slots 15 and positioning rails 16 respectively associated with each slot 15, and wherein the attachment interface 14 of the accessory carrier 10 comprises one or more corresponding locking members 26. Moreover, the various examples described in the present invention apply in a similar manner to this reverse arrangement.

[0109] like Figures 9 to 13 As shown, in the following example, purely for illustrative purposes, it is assumed that the accessory 20 includes two locking members 26. For this purpose, the attachment interface 14 of the accessory carrier 10 includes two slots 15 and two positioning rails 16 respectively leading to these slots 15, so that by rotating the OP2 probe accessory 20 relative to the accessory carrier 10, the locking members 26 are moved to the locking position P2 in their respective positioning rails 16, and this movement thus causes the mechanical coupling AP2 of the accessory carrier 10 and the probe accessory 20.

[0110] However, it is noted that alternative embodiments are possible with a different number of locking members 26 and therefore a different number of associated slots 15 and positioning slides 16. Exemplarily, the attachment interface 24 of the accessory 20 may include a single locking member 26. In this case, the attachment interface 14 of the accessory carrier 10 may include a single slot 15 and a single associated positioning slide 16 to enable the single locking member 26 to be moved to the locking position P2. Alternatively, an embodiment with more than two locking members 26 and the same number of slots 15 and positioning slides 16 is also possible. The use of two or more locking members 26 advantageously enables the mechanical coupling AP2 to be made more secure while limiting its manufacturing complexity.

[0111] Thus, in the example considered ( Figures 8 to 13), during the insertion step S2, an insertion operation OP1 causes each of the two locking elements 26 to be inserted into a corresponding slot 15 provided for this purpose in the attachment interface 14 of the accessory carrier 10. Once the locking elements 26 have been inserted in the attachment interface 14, the accessory 20 is rotated relative to the accessory carrier 10 about the rotation axis AX1 from the first angular position P1 to the second angular position P2 (locked position), thereby causing the accessory 20 to be mechanically coupled AP2 to the accessory carrier 10. Thus, the movement of the locking elements 26 along their respective positioning rails 16 from the position P1 to the position P2 enables the attachment interfaces 14 and 24 to be mechanically coupled together (AP2). Thus, when the locking elements 26 are positioned according to the position P1, the attachment interfaces 14 and 24 are in a first uncoupled state ST1. When the locking elements 26 are positioned according to the position P2, the attachment interfaces 12 and 24 are in a second coupled state ST2.

[0112] As especially in Figures 9 to 11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the attachment interface 14 of the accessory carrier 10 may include a cavity 14a configured to receive at least a portion of the attachment interface 24 of the accessory 20. The cavity 14a facilitates the insertion of the locking member 26 into their respective slots 15. One or more positioning rails 16 may be formed at the edge of the cavity 14a to enable the locking member 26 to be easily moved in the rails 16 by rotating the accessory 20 OP2 relative to the accessory carrier 10 about the rotation axis AX1 ( Figure 3 and Fig.10 ).

[0113] In the example considered, each positioning rail 16 is composed of at least one upper rail edge 15a ( Figures 9 to 11 ) is defined. Each slot 15 is positioned to define the entrance of the corresponding positioning slide rail 16. In this way, each locking member 26 can reach its own slide rail 16 through the associated slot 15.

[0114] The arrangement of the locking member 26 (especially in terms of position, shape, number, etc.) can be adjusted according to the arrangement of the slot 15 and the positioning rail 16, and vice versa. Figure 12 to Figure 13 As exemplarily shown in FIG. 1 , the locking member 26 may be (or include) various rigid elements in the form of, for example, wings, protrusions, pins, which can be inserted into the slot 15 and moved to their respective locking positions P2 in the positioning rail 16 by rotating OP2.

[0115] like Figures 9 to 11As shown, each positioning slide 16 may be provided with a limit stop 16a marking the locking position P2 of the received locking member 26. These stoppers 16a are arranged to block the locking member 26 when the locking member 26 reaches its locking position P2 in the respective positioning slide 16 at the end of the rotation OP2. With the help of these stoppers 16a, it is ensured that the accessory 20 is locked in the desired position relative to the accessory carrier 10.

[0116] According to one example, the second attachment interface 14 comprises two slots 15 (or even three or more), which may be of different sizes, which are arranged so that during the insertion operation OP1 ( Figure 8 Step S2) causes the corresponding locking member 26 of the third attachment interface 24 to be engaged therein (or inserted therein). Fig. 9 and Fig.11 As shown, one of the slots 15 is larger than the other. Similarly, one of the locking members 26 is larger than the other, and each locking member 26 is arranged to be inserted into the associated slot 15. Advantageously, this arrangement enables a mistake-proofing device to be formed at the attachment interface 14 to prevent any positioning error of the accessory 20 relative to the accessory carrier 10. For this purpose, one of the two locking members 26 can be arranged to be larger (or wider) than the other slot 15 (i.e. the slot designed to receive the other locking member 26 in this example). As a result, the accessory 20 can have only a single orientation relative to the accessory carrier 10, thereby avoiding any positioning error when mechanically coupling AP2. This arrangement may be particularly advantageous in some use environments, such as in surgical intervention situations, where it is necessary to operate the various elements involved effectively, quickly and reliably, despite the restrictive environment (e.g. due to wearing gloves, sound or other interference, pressure, high risk of error, etc.).

[0117] According to one example, the two sockets 15 of the attachment interface 14 are positioned diametrically opposite each other relative to the axis of rotation AX1 of the accessory 20 relative to the accessory carrier 10. This arrangement enables the user to easily achieve a secure mechanical coupling AP2.

[0118] According to one example, one of the second attachment interface 14 and the third attachment interface 24 comprises at least one deformable wing 17, which is arranged to deform in response to the corresponding locking member 26 moving in its positioning slide 16 to its locking position P2, so as to generate a friction force resisting said movement. Figures 9 to 11As shown, it is assumed by way of example that there are two deformable wings 17 in the attachment interface 14 of the accessory carrier 10. It should be noted that various arrangements of these deformable wings 17 are possible, in particular in terms of number, positioning and shape. In general, at least one deformable wing 14 can be arranged in the second attachment interface 14, or in the third attachment interface 24, or in both interfaces.

[0119] More specifically, in Figures 9 to 11 In the example shown, two deformable wings 17 are arranged at the bottom 14b of the chamber 14a provided in the attachment interface 14 of the accessory carrier 10. These wings 17 are arranged to deform under the action of the movement of the locking member 26 from the position P1 to the locking position P2 during the rotation OP2, thereby generating a friction force that resists (opposes) the movement of the locking member 26. This friction force causes the deformable wings 17 to rub against the contact surface of the third attachment interface 24 (for example, the contact surface of the locking member 26). For this purpose, the deformable wings 17 can be made of an elastic material (for example, polyamide (PA) or steel), the specific choice depending on its elasticity and needs. Preferably, a material with a high elastic limit is selected to ensure the spring effect of the deformable wings 17.

[0120] It is advantageous to arrange the one or more deformable wings 17 at the attachment interface 14 of the accessory carrier 10 (rather than at the attachment interface 24), because this enables a more secure locking system SY3 to be obtained, in particular if it is considered that the accessory carrier 10 (and more generally the ultrasound probe 2) constitutes a fixed component. Alternatively, however, the one or more deformable wings 17 can also be arranged at the attachment interface 24 of the accessory 20.

[0121] It is advantageous to have two or more deformable wings 17, since this makes the locking system SY3 more secure and easier to operate. As shown, there may be two deformable wings 17, which makes it possible to limit the dimensions and allows a good compromise to be obtained between the dimensions of the wings and the load-bearing capacity obtained. This compromise can be achieved particularly advantageously by positioning the two deformable wings 17 in positions diametrically opposite each other relative to the axis of rotation AX1 of the accessory 20 relative to the accessory carrier 10.

[0122] according to Figures 9 to 13 In one example shown, the attachment interface 24 includes two chambers 27 arranged to engage the corresponding deformable wings 17 when the locking member 26 reaches its locked position P2 (at the end of the rotation OP2). The provision of these chambers 27 facilitates the retention of the probe accessory 20 in the locked position P2 relative to the accessory carrier 10. For this purpose, the shape of each chamber 27 may be complementary to the shape of the deformable wing 17 it receives.

[0123] It is noted that the configuration of these chambers 27, in particular in terms of number and positioning, can be adjusted according to the configuration of one or more deformable wings 17. In general, at least one of the second attachment interface 14 and the third attachment interface 24 may include such a chamber 27 ( Fig.13 ), which is arranged to receive the corresponding deformable wing 27 when one or more locking members 26 reach their locking position P2 (at the end of rotation OP2). Alternatively, a single cavity 27 may be provided in the attachment interface 14 (and / or in the attachment interface 24) to insert a single deformable wing 27 provided in the attachment interface 24 (and / or, respectively, in the attachment interface 14). Alternatively, a plurality of such cavities 27 may be provided in the attachment interface 14 and / or in the attachment interface 24.

[0124] according to Figures 9 to 13 In one example shown, the second attachment interface 14 includes two protrusions 18, while the third attachment interface 24 includes two corresponding chambers (or recesses) 28. Each protrusion 18 is arranged to engage in a corresponding chamber 28 when the rotation OP2 is completed and the locking member 26 reaches its locking position P2. For this purpose, the protrusions 18 and the chambers 28 can have complementary shapes to mechanically cooperate together according to a male-female system. The provision of such a protrusion 18 and such a chamber 28 is conducive to achieving a more secure locking during the mechanical coupling AP2.

[0125] However, alternative embodiments are possible, particularly with respect to the number and positioning of the protrusions 18 and the chambers 18. Alternatively, one or more protrusions 18 may be provided in the attachment interface 24, and one or more chambers 28 may be provided in the attachment interface 14. More generally, thus, of the second attachment interface 14 and the third attachment interface 24, one may include a chamber 28, and the other may include a protrusion 18 that engages in the chamber 28 when the at least one of the pieces 26 reaches the locked position P2.

[0126] according to Figures 9 to 13 In one example shown, each locking element 26 of the accessory 20 comprises a respective cavity 28 and, correspondingly, each positioning slide 16 of the attachment interface 14 comprises a protrusion 18 arranged to engage in the corresponding cavity 28 when the locking element 26 reaches its locking position P2 at the end of the rotation OP2. Advantageously, this enables a particularly secure locking to be achieved during the mechanical coupling AP2.

[0127] It should be noted that the accessory carrier 10 and the probe accessory 20 can have a variety of configurations, especially in terms of shape, size, and dimensions. The configuration of the accessory carrier 10 and the probe accessory 20 can be adjusted in particular according to the configuration of the ultrasound probe 2 .

[0128] Fig.14 and Fig.15 Two alternative embodiments of the accessory carrier 10 and of the probe accessory 20 are shown, their respective configuration being adapted according to the configuration of the ultrasound probe 2 .

[0129] The invention thus advantageously enables an accessory carrier 10 for an ultrasound probe to be provided, ensuring a removable attachment of an accessory 20 to an ultrasound probe 2 that is reliable and secure, while guaranteeing good ergonomics of use and easy, effective and fast cleaning.

[0130] In particular, the arrangement of the accessory carrier 10 and the accessory 20 advantageously enables mechanical coupling by rotation relative to one another, which facilitates operation for the user (improves ergonomics) and limits the time required for coupling and the risk of incorrect positioning.

[0131] The user can easily attach and detach the accessory 20 and achieve a good compromise between the required force and the secureness of the support. By means of the accessory carrier 10 it is advantageously possible to switch between various accessories 20 attached to the ultrasound probe 2 .

[0132] The particular configuration of the accessory carrier 10 and more generally of the accessory system SY1 advantageously allows for easy, effective and rapid cleaning of the components.

[0133] Furthermore, the nature of the probe accessories 20 may vary depending on the circumstances. In fact, the accessory carrier 10 , and more generally the accessory system SY1 , may advantageously be adapted to enable various probe accessories 20 to be attached to the ultrasound probe 2 .

[0134] Exemplarily, the probe attachment 20 includes at least one of the following:

[0135] -sensor;

[0136] - a gel dispenser; and

[0137] -light source.

[0138] The probe accessory 20 may thus be (or include) a sensor and / or a gel dispenser and / or a light source. However, other types of accessories are also possible.

[0139] According to one example, the probe accessory 20 is an object (e.g., a person or an animal). In this case, the accessory carrier 10 advantageously enables the ultrasound probe 2 to be attached to the object, such as a person, in a detachable manner. For example, the ultrasound probe can be attached to the anatomical part of the object to perform a test, such as performing an ultrasound scan.

[0140] According to one example, the accessory 20 comprises a sensor, such as a position, motion, pressure, optical and / or temperature sensor. The accessory 20 comprises, for example, a position sensor (magnetic or other type) which is arranged to detect the position of the ultrasound probe 2 in space when the accessory 20 is attached to the ultrasound probe 2 via the accessory carrier 10.

[0141] According to one example, the accessory 20 comprises a light source (eg a light emitting device) arranged to illuminate a region of interest proximate to the ultrasound probe 2 when the accessory 20 is attached to the ultrasound probe 2 via the accessory carrier 10 .

[0142] According to one example, the accessory 20 comprises a gel dispenser, which is arranged to dispense gel, for example to be applied on the ultrasound probe 2 and / or on an area of ​​interest close to the ultrasound probe 2 .

[0143] According to one example, the probe accessory 20 constitutes a second carrier, referred to as a device carrier, which is arranged to accommodate or carry an accessory device, such as a sensor and / or a gel dispenser and / or a light source as described above.

[0144] According to one example, the accessory 20 is a second carrier comprising a housing arranged to house (or receive) a sensor as described above, such as a position sensor (magnetic or other type) and / or a temperature sensor.

[0145] Moreover, the probe attachment 20 can have various shapes according to the situation. According to one example, the attachment 20 forms a knob. Advantageously, the knob can be used as an easily operable (especially rotatable) gripping element during the mechanical coupling AP2 of the attachment 20 to the attachment carrier 10.

[0146] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, all of the above-described embodiments and alternative embodiments (some of which have been intentionally simplified to make them easier to explain) constitute only non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. In particular, those skilled in the art may conceive of adjusting or combining the above-described embodiments and alternative embodiments to address specific needs.

[0147] Therefore, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but extends in particular to control methods that may include secondary steps without exceeding the scope of the invention. Likewise, the invention is also applicable to control devices for implementing such methods, or more generally, control systems.

Claims

1. An accessory carrier (10) for an ultrasound probe, comprising: - a first attachment interface (12) configured to mechanically couple with the ultrasound probe (2); as well as - a second attachment interface (14) having a shape complementary to a third attachment interface (24) provided to the probe accessory, the second attachment interface being arranged to be mechanically coupled (AP2) to the third attachment interface (24) in a detachable manner by rotating (OP2) the probe accessory relative to the accessory carrier.

2. The accessory carrier of claim 1, wherein: One of the second attachment interface (14) and the third attachment interface (24) constitutes a male element, and the other constitutes a female element, and the male element and the female element are configured to achieve rotatable mechanical coupling (AP2) by inserting the male element into the female element.

3. The accessory carrier of claim 2, wherein: The second attachment interface (14) of the accessory carrier (10) constitutes the female element.

4. An accessory carrier as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein: The second attachment interface is configured to be mechanically coupled to the third attachment interface in a detachable manner via a mechanical coupling (AP2), the mechanical coupling (AP2) successively comprising inserting (OP1) the male element into the female element along an insertion direction (6), and rotating (OP2) the probe accessory relative to the accessory carrier around a rotation axis corresponding to the insertion direction (6).

5. An accessory carrier as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The parent element comprises: - at least one slot (15) arranged to receive a corresponding locking element (26) provided with the male element; and - a positioning slide (16) which leads to each slot (15) respectively, so that the corresponding locking element can be moved into a locking position (P2) in the positioning slide by the rotation (OP2) of the probe accessory (20) relative to the accessory carrier (10), thereby obtaining a mechanical coupling (AP2) between the accessory carrier and the probe accessory.

6. The accessory carrier of claim 5, wherein: One of the second attachment interface (14) and the third attachment interface (24) includes at least one deformable wing (17) which is configured to deform in response to movement of the corresponding locking member (26) in the positioning slide rail to the locking position (P2) to generate a friction force resisting the movement.

7. The accessory carrier of claim 6, wherein: The at least one deformable wing (17) is included in a second attachment interface (14) of the accessory carrier (10).

8. The accessory carrier of claim 7, wherein: The second attachment interface (14) comprises two deformable wings (17).

9. An accessory carrier as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: One of the second attachment interface (14) and the third attachment interface (24) includes at least one first chamber (27), and the at least one deformable wing (17) and the at least one first chamber (27) are arranged so that when the at least one locking member (26) reaches the locking position (P2), each deformable wing (17) is engaged in the first chamber.

10. An accessory carrier as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein: The second attachment interface (14) includes at least two slots (15) of different sizes configured to engage corresponding locking members (26) of the third attachment interface (24) therein.

11. An accessory carrier as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein: One of the second attachment interface (14) and the third attachment interface (24) includes a second cavity (28), and the other includes a protrusion (18) which is configured to engage in the second cavity when the at least one locking member (26) reaches the locking position (P2).

12. An accessory carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The second attachment interface (14) and the third attachment interface (24) are configured to be mechanically coupled in a detachable manner by rotating the accessory carrier relative to the probe accessory by 1 / 4 turn.

13. An accessory system (SY1) for an ultrasound probe, comprising: - An accessory carrier (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; and - a probe accessory (20) comprising a third attachment interface (24) having a shape complementary to the second attachment interface (14) of the accessory carrier; The second attachment interface and the third attachment interface are configured to be mechanically coupled (AP2) in a detachable manner by rotating (OP2) the probe accessory relative to the accessory carrier.

14. The system of claim 13, in, One of the second attachment interface (14) and the third attachment interface (24) constitutes a male element, and the other constitutes a female element, and the male element and the female element are configured to be rotatably mechanically coupled (AP2) by inserting the male element into the female element; The second attachment interface and the third attachment interface are configured to be mechanically coupled in a detachable manner via a mechanical coupling (AP2), the mechanical coupling successively comprising inserting (OP1) the male element into the female element along an insertion direction (6), and rotating (OP2) the probe accessory relative to the accessory carrier around a rotation axis corresponding to the insertion direction (6).

15. The system of claim 13 or 14, wherein: The probe accessory (20) includes at least one of the following: -sensor; - a gel dispenser; and -light source.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein: The probe attachment (20) includes a position sensor.

17. The system of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein: The probe attachment (20) forms a knob.

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