Ultrasonic cavity inner probe suitable for pelvic cavity examination and ultrasonic imager

Abstract

An ultrasonic in-cavity probe suitable for pelvic cavity examination and an ultrasonic imager comprise a shell assembly, a driving assembly and a transducer assembly with a main shaft, the transducer assembly comprises at least two linear array transducers, each linear array transducer comprises a plurality of array elements, and the shell of the probe is provided with an acoustic window and a connecting shell. The end, back on to the acoustic window, of the connecting shell is connected with the handle shell, the at least two linear array transducers are distributed in the circumferential direction of the main shaft at intervals and arranged in the acoustic window, and the multiple array elements are linearly arranged in the preset direction of the main shaft. Wherein after being excited, the at least two linear array transducers can emit ultrasonic waves to a first target area in the pelvic cavity in the radial direction of the main shaft and receive returned ultrasonic echoes, so that at least two groups of ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the at least two linear array transducers are obtained; after the at least two groups of ultrasonic echo data are processed, corresponding longitudinal section ultrasonic images on at least two different section positions can be obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical detection equipment, and particularly relates to an ultrasonic endoprobe suitable for pelvic examination and an ultrasonic imager. Background Art

[0002] The ultrasonic endoprobe is mainly used for ultrasonic detection in the cavity. During the examination, the transducer assembly on the main shaft driven by the motor inside the ultrasonic endoprobe performs a circular cross-section scan in the cavity to obtain ultrasonic cross-sectional images. Among them, when the ultrasonic endoprobe performs a circular cross-section scan, medical staff need to hold the ultrasonic endoprobe and keep still with the patient to obtain clearer ultrasonic images. However, holding the ultrasonic endoprobe for a long time will not only cause wrist soreness of medical staff, but even cause discomfort and pain to the patient. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides an ultrasonic endoprobe suitable for pelvic examination and an ultrasonic imager, which can obtain ultrasonic cross-sectional images at at least two different longitudinal section positions corresponding to at least two linear array transducers arranged on the main shaft, shorten the time for the ultrasonic endoprobe to perform a circular cross-section scan, avoid shaking caused by long-term holding during the scan, and make the ultrasonic cross-sectional images clearer.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic endoprobe suitable for pelvic examination, including a housing assembly, a driving assembly, and a transducer assembly having a main shaft. The housing assembly includes a handle housing and a probe housing connected to the handle housing. The transducer assembly is arranged in the probe housing, and the driving assembly is arranged in the handle housing and is in transmission connection with the main shaft for driving the main shaft to rotate around its central axis;

[0005] Wherein, the transducer assembly includes at least two linear array transducers. Each linear array transducer includes a plurality of array elements linearly arranged along a preset direction of the main shaft. The probe housing has an acoustic window and a connecting housing. One end of the connecting housing facing away from the acoustic window is connected to the handle housing. At least two linear array transducers are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the main shaft and arranged in the acoustic window, so that the main shaft can drive at least two linear array transducers to rotate around the central axis of the main shaft.

[0006] After being excited, at least two linear array transducers can emit ultrasonic waves radially into a first target area in the pelvic cavity and receive the returned ultrasonic echoes, so as to obtain at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the at least two linear array transducers. The at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data can obtain ultrasonic cross-sectional images at at least two different longitudinal section positions after being processed.

[0007] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, the transducer assembly includes a first linear array transducer and a second linear array transducer, and the operating frequency range of the first linear array transducer is different from or the same as the operating frequency range of the second linear array transducer; and / or,

[0008] The size of the first linear array transducer is different from or the same as the size of the second linear array transducer; and / or,

[0009] The distance from the front end of the first linear array transducer to the front end of the main axis is different from or the same as the distance from the front end of the second linear array transducer to the front end of the main axis.

[0010] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present invention, the transducer assembly includes only a first linear array transducer and a second linear array transducer, and the first linear array transducer and the second linear array transducer are symmetrically arranged on the two side walls of the main shaft relative to a plane passing through the central axis of the main shaft.

[0011] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe also includes a convex array transducer, the main shaft includes a front end and a rear end extending axially along the main shaft, the drive assembly is transmission-connected to the rear end of the main shaft or a position of the main shaft close to the rear end, and the convex array transducer is located at the front end of the main shaft, and is used to transmit ultrasonic waves to a second target area in the pelvic cavity and receive returned ultrasonic echoes.

[0012] In the ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to one embodiment of the present invention, an opening is provided at the end of the acoustic window, and the convex array transducer is embedded in the opening and sealed.

[0013] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present invention, the convex array transducer is mounted on the main shaft and can rotate around the central axis of the main shaft; or, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe also includes a rotating shaft that can rotate independently relative to the main shaft, and the convex array transducer is connected to the rotating shaft.

[0014] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present invention, the transducer assembly includes a hinge shaft, the convex array transducer is hinged to the front end via the hinge shaft and can swing around the hinge shaft, and the axis of the hinge shaft is perpendicular to the axis of the main shaft.

[0015] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present invention, the convex array transducer has a swing angle range around the hinge axis that is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 180°. After being excited, the convex array transducer can emit ultrasonic waves toward the second target area along the radial direction of the hinge axis and receive returned ultrasonic echoes; thereby obtaining convex array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the convex array transducer, and after processing, the convex array ultrasonic echo data at least includes an ultrasonic section image of the tissue corresponding to the second target area at a cross-sectional position.

[0016] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present invention, the shell assembly also includes a connecting seat having a main shaft rotation hole, the connecting seat is connected between the handle shell and the connecting shell, one end of the main shaft is rotatably installed in the main shaft rotation hole and is transmission-connected to the drive assembly, and the other end of the main shaft extends into the acoustic window.

[0017] In the ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present invention, the transducer assembly further includes a bearing component, the bearing component is disposed in the main shaft rotation hole and the acoustic window, and the main shaft passes through the bearing component.

[0018] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe also includes a limit assembly, which is installed on at least one of the handle housing, the probe housing, the connecting seat and the main shaft, so that the main shaft can rotate at any angle within not less than 720 degrees.

[0019] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present invention, the limiting assembly includes a fixing member, a limiting member and at least one connecting member, the fixing member is fixed on the housing assembly, the limiting member is fixed on the main shaft, and the connecting member is rotatably mounted on the main shaft and is arranged between the fixing member and the limiting member.

[0020] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving assembly includes a driving member and a first reducer, and the driving member is drivingly connected to the main shaft via the first reducer.

[0021] In the ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present invention, the driving assembly further includes an encoder, which is arranged on a side of the driving member away from the first reducer and is used to detect the rotation speed of the main shaft.

[0022] In the ultrasonic intracavity probe of one embodiment of the present invention, a second reducer is connected between the encoder and the driving member, and the transmission ratio of the second reducer corresponds to the transmission ratio of the first reducer.

[0023] In the ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, a hollow structure is formed inside the main shaft, a conductive layer for signal transmission is disposed through the hollow structure, and at least two linear array transducers are connected to the side wall of the main shaft and connected to the conductive layer;

[0024] Wherein, the linear array transducer includes a support frame, an acoustic lens, a backing layer, and a piezoelectric layer electrically connected to the conductive layer. The acoustic lens is disposed outside the piezoelectric layer, the piezoelectric layer is disposed on the support frame through the backing layer, and the support frame is connected to the side wall of the main shaft.

[0025] In the ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to an embodiment of the present invention, the preset direction is the axial direction of the main shaft.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an ultrasonic imager, including a display, an ultrasonic host, and the above ultrasonic intracavitary probe. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe is connected to the ultrasonic host for transmitting ultrasonic waves and collecting ultrasonic echoes, and the display is used for displaying an ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic host according to the ultrasonic echoes.

[0027] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application may include the following beneficial effects: The present application designs an ultrasonic intracavitary probe and an ultrasonic imager suitable for pelvic examination. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe includes a housing assembly, a driving assembly, and a transducer assembly having a main shaft. The driving assembly is disposed inside the handle housing and is in transmission connection with the main shaft for driving the main shaft to rotate around its central axis, thereby driving the linear array transducer on the main shaft to rotate to obtain an ultrasonic cross-sectional image at a corresponding longitudinal section position.

[0028] Wherein, the transducer assembly includes at least two linear array transducers. The at least two linear array transducers are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the main shaft, and each linear array transducer includes a plurality of array elements linearly arranged along the preset direction of the main shaft and can independently transmit ultrasonic waves and receive the returned ultrasonic echoes, so that after the at least two linear array transducers are excited, ultrasonic waves can be transmitted into the first target area in the pelvis along the radial direction of the main shaft and the returned ultrasonic echoes can be received, thereby obtaining at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the at least two linear array transducers. After the at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data are processed, ultrasonic cross-sectional images at at least two different longitudinal section positions can be obtained. In this way, not only can the scanning range of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe in the pelvis be increased, ensuring the comprehensiveness of the scanning of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe; but also the detection efficiency of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe in the pelvis can be improved, shortening the time for the ultrasonic intracavitary probe to perform a circular cross-sectional scan in the pelvis, avoiding the situation of jitter caused by long-term holding during the scanning process, making the ultrasonic cross-sectional image clearer, and at the same time, the corresponding ultrasonic cross-sectional image can be selected according to needs, reducing the workload of medical staff.

[0029] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory, and should not limit this application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an ultrasonic probe provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe in

[0033] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic exploded view of the ultrasonic probe in

[0034] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a partial exploded view of the ultrasonic probe in

[0035] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a partial schematic view of the ultrasonic probe in

[0036] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a partial cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe in

[0037] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a partial schematic view of the transducer assembly in

[0038] Figure 8 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the limiting component in

[0039] Figure 9 is Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of the limiting component in

[0040] Figure 10 is Figure 1 a schematic exploded view of the limiting component in

[0041] Figure 11 is Figure 1 another schematic view of the limiting component in

[0042] Figure 12 is Figure 11 a schematic cross-sectional view of the limiting component in

[0043] Figure 13 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the control component and the drive component in

[0044] Figure 14 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the first speed reducer in

[0045] Figure 15 is Figure 1 a schematic sectional view of the first speed reducer in

[0046] Figure 16 is Figure 1 a schematic exploded view of the first speed reducer in

[0047] Figure 17 is Figure 1 a partial schematic diagram of the drive component in

[0048] Figure 18 is Figure 1 a schematic exploded view of the second speed reducer in

[0049] Explanation of reference numerals in the drawings:

[0050] 10. Housing assembly; 11. Handle housing; 12. Probe housing; 121. Connecting housing; 122. Sound window; 13. Connecting seat; 131. Spindle rotation hole;

[0051] 20. Transducer assembly; 21. Linear array transducer; 211. First linear array transducer; 212. Second linear array transducer; 213. Circuit board; 22. Spindle; 222. First bearing mounting part; 223. Second bearing mounting part; 224. Hollow structure; 23. Bearing parts; 231. First bearing part; 232. Second bearing part; 233. Third bearing part; 24. Locknut;

[0052] 30. Drive component; 31. Driving part; 311. Driving gear; 32. First speed reducer; 321. First double gear; 3211. First input gear; 3212. First output gear; 322. Second double gear; 3221. Second input gear; 3222. Second output gear; 323. First transmission gear; 3231. First gear; 3232. Second gear; 3233. Gear shaft; 324. Output gear; 3241. Spindle fixing hole; 325. Mounting bracket; 3251. First accommodating cavity; 3252. Second accommodating cavity; 3253. First through hole; 3254. First shaft hole; 33. Encoder; 34. Second speed reducer; 342. Third double gear; 343. Fourth double gear; 344. Power output part; 312. Driving gear;

[0053] 40. Limit component; 41. Limiting part; 41a. Third sliding groove; 411. First blocking part; 412. Limiting part installation part; 42. Fixing part; 42a. Fourth sliding groove; 421. Second blocking part; 422. First connecting platform; 43. Connecting part; 43a. First sliding groove; 43b. Second sliding groove; 431. First connecting piece; 4311. First limiting part; 4311a. First upper limiting part; 4311b. First lower limiting part; 432. Second connecting piece; 4321. Second limiting part; 4321b. Second upper limiting part; 4321b. Second lower limiting part; 4322. Second connecting platform; 44. First limiting piece; 45. Second limiting piece;

[0054] 50. Control component; 51. Control board; 52. Fixed bracket.

[0055] 60. Conductive layer. Detailed implementation manner

[0056] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0057] It should also be understood that the terms used in the specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments. In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the described features. In the description of the present application, "a plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0058] Next, some embodiments of the present application will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Without conflict, the following embodiments and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0059] As Figures 1 to 18As shown in the figure, the present application provides an endocavity ultrasound probe applicable to pelvic examination, which includes a housing assembly 10, a driving assembly 30, and a transducer assembly 20 having a main shaft 22. Among them, the housing assembly 10 includes a handle housing 11 and a probe housing 12 connected to the handle housing 11. The transducer assembly 20 is disposed within the probe housing 12, and the driving assembly 30 is disposed within the handle housing 11 and is in transmission connection with the main shaft 22 for driving the main shaft 22 to rotate, so as to drive the linear array transducer 21 on the transducer assembly 20 to rotate around the central axis of the main shaft 22, such that the rotational force generated by the driving assembly 30 is applied to the linear array transducer 21 of the transducer assembly 20 via the main shaft 22, thereby rotationally driving the linear array transducer 21 to perform a radial scanning operation to obtain a corresponding ultrasonic cross-sectional image.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, as Figures 2 to 4 shown, the transducer assembly 20 includes at least two linear array transducers 21. Each linear array transducer 21 includes a plurality of array elements, and the plurality of array elements are linearly arranged along a preset direction of the main shaft 22, and each array element can independently transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. Among them, the probe housing 12 has an acoustic window 122 and a connecting housing 121. One end of the connecting housing 121 facing away from the acoustic window 122 is connected to the handle housing 11. The at least two linear array transducers 21 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the main shaft 22 and are disposed within the acoustic window 122, such that the main shaft 22 can drive the at least two linear array transducers 21 to rotate around the central axis of the main shaft 22, so that each linear array transducer 21 can scan the longitudinal section inside the pelvis during rotation, and when the endocavity ultrasound probe scans the longitudinal section inside the pelvis, real-time ultrasonic cross-sectional images at at least two different longitudinal section positions are obtained.

[0061] It should be noted that the at least two linear array transducers 21 being spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the main shaft 22 includes, but is not limited to, that the at least two linear array transducers 21 partially overlap in the radial direction of the main shaft 22, or the at least two linear array transducers 21 are staggered from each other in the extending direction of the main shaft 22, and the present application does not impose any restrictions.

[0062] Exemplarily, after at least two linear array transducers 21 are excited, they can emit ultrasonic waves along the radial direction of the main axis 22 towards the first target area in the pelvic cavity and receive the returned ultrasonic echoes, so as to obtain at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the at least two linear array transducers 21. After the at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data are processed, ultrasonic cross-sectional images at at least two different longitudinal section positions can be obtained. This can not only increase the scanning range of the ultrasonic endoprobe in the pelvic cavity and ensure the comprehensiveness of the scanning of the ultrasonic endoprobe, but also improve the detection efficiency of the ultrasonic endoprobe in the pelvic cavity, shorten the time for the ultrasonic endoprobe to perform circular cross-sectional scanning in the pelvic cavity, avoid the situation of jitter caused by long-term holding during the scanning process, make the ultrasonic cross-sectional images clearer, and at the same time, the corresponding ultrasonic cross-sectional images can be selected according to needs, reducing the workload of medical staff.

[0063] After adopting the above technical solution, since at least two linear array transducers 21 are arranged on the main axis 22, and each linear array transducer 21 is provided with array elements linearly arranged along the preset direction of the main axis 22, and each array element can independently emit and receive ultrasonic waves. Therefore, after each linear array transducer 21 is excited, each array element on each linear array transducer 21 can emit ultrasonic waves along the radial direction of the main axis 22 towards the first target area in the pelvic cavity and receive the returned ultrasonic echoes, so as to obtain the linear array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the linear array transducer 21. After the linear array ultrasonic echo data is processed, an ultrasonic cross-sectional image at the corresponding longitudinal section position can be obtained, and at least two linear array transducers 21 can obtain ultrasonic cross-sectional images at at least two different longitudinal section positions.

[0064] When the driving component 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate around its central axis, the main shaft 22 drives at least two linear array transducers 21 to rotate around the central axis of the main shaft 22. As a result, each linear array transducer 21 can obtain a series of ultrasonic cross-sectional images during the rotation around the central axis of the main shaft 22. In this way, not only can the ultrasonic cross-sectional images of all the linear array transducers 21 be synthesized to form a matching composite image, such as a three-dimensional stereoscopic image, thereby shortening the scanning time of the ultrasonic endoprobe in the pelvic cavity and avoiding the jitter caused by long-term holding during the scanning process, making the ultrasonic cross-sectional images clearer; but also, the ultrasonic cross-sectional images of the first target area at different tissue depths can be obtained simultaneously by the linear array transducers 21 with different working frequency ranges. Without moving or switching the ultrasonic endoprobe, only one ultrasonic endoprobe can be used to scan the tissues at different depths in the first target area. That is, the multiple linear array transducers 21 with different working frequency ranges on the main shaft 22 cooperate to emit ultrasonic waves to the first target area in the pelvic cavity and receive the returned ultrasonic echoes, so as to obtain at least two groups of ultrasonic echo data of the tissues at different depths at at least two different longitudinal section positions in the first target area, greatly shortening the scanning time of the ultrasonic endoprobe, greatly improving the use efficiency of the ultrasonic endoprobe, and also avoiding the jitter caused by long-term holding during the scanning process at different tissue depths, making the ultrasonic cross-sectional images clearer. In addition, medical staff can select the corresponding ultrasonic cross-sectional images according to needs during the scanning process of the ultrasonic endoprobe, reducing the workload of medical staff.

[0065] Exemplarily, when the number of linear array transducers 21 is two, the two linear array transducers 21 can be symmetrically distributed on both sides of the main shaft 22 with respect to a plane passing through the central axis of the main shaft 22. Among them, the main shaft 22 includes a front end and a rear end extending along the axial direction of the main shaft 22. The driving assembly 30 is in transmission connection with the rear end of the main shaft 22 or a position near the rear end of the main shaft 22, and the two linear array transducers 21 are arranged at the front end of the main shaft 22 or a position near the front end of the main shaft 22. When the driving assembly 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate around its central axis, the main shaft 22 can drive the two linear array transducers 21 to rotate simultaneously. After the two linear array transducers 21 are excited, they can cooperate to emit ultrasonic waves along the radial direction of the main shaft 22 to a first target area in the pelvic cavity and receive the returned ultrasonic echoes, so that two sets of ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the two linear array transducers 21 can be obtained. After the two sets of ultrasonic echo data are processed, real-time ultrasonic cross-sectional images at two different longitudinal section positions can be obtained. After the driving assembly 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate one week around the central axis, each linear array transducer 21 can obtain a corresponding series of ultrasonic cross-sectional images. If the working frequency ranges of the two linear array transducers 21 are the same, the ultrasonic cross-sectional images obtained by the two linear array transducers 21 can be synthesized to form a matching composite image, such as a three-dimensional stereoscopic image. Since the scanning arc length of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe in the circumferential direction is evenly divided by the two linear array transducers 21, the scanning path of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe can be reduced by half. Similarly, the scanning time of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe can also be shortened by half. Similarly, if the working frequency ranges of the two linear array transducers 21 are different, different penetration depth requirements can be met, which is convenient for medical staff to quickly switch according to the requirements; or the tissues at different depths at two different longitudinal section positions can be scanned at one time to obtain ultrasonic cross-sectional images of tissues at different depths, without moving or switching the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, greatly improving the use efficiency of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe.

[0066] Similarly, when the number of linear array transducers 21 is n, where n is an integer greater than 2, the n linear array transducers 21 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the main axis 22 and are disposed at the front end of the main axis 22 or at a position close to the front end of the main axis 22. When the driving assembly 30 drives the main axis 22 to rotate about its central axis, the n linear array transducers 21 can rotate simultaneously with the main axis 22 and cooperate to emit ultrasonic waves into the first target area in the pelvic cavity, and then receive the returned ultrasonic echoes, so that n sets of ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the n linear array transducers 21 can be obtained. After being processed, the n sets of ultrasonic echo data can obtain real-time ultrasonic cross-sectional images at n different longitudinal section positions. If the operating frequency ranges of the n linear array transducers 21 are all the same, then compared with the case where only one linear array transducer 21 is provided on the main axis 22, its scanning path can be reduced by 1 / n, and the scanning time is also 1 / n of the original. If at least some of the operating frequency ranges of the n linear array transducers 21 are different, it can not only shorten the scanning path and scanning time, but also meet different penetration depth requirements, greatly improving the use efficiency of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, the preset direction is the axial direction of the main axis 22. Due to processing or assembly errors, it is allowed that multiple array elements are linearly arranged with deviations along the preset direction of the main axis 22, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment, the transducer assembly 20 includes a first linear array transducer 211 and a second linear array transducer 212. The operating frequency range of the first linear array transducer 211 is the same as that of the second linear array transducer 212, so that through the cooperative work of the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212, a combined image can be formed, reducing the scanning path of the transducer assembly 20 and also shortening the scanning time of the transducer assembly 20. The situation of jitter caused by long-term holding during the scanning process is avoided, making the ultrasonic cross-sectional image clearer. At the same time, the corresponding ultrasonic cross-sectional image can be selected according to needs, reducing the workload of medical staff.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the transducer assembly 20 includes a first linear array transducer 211 and a second linear array transducer 212. The operating frequency range of the first linear array transducer 211 is different from that of the second linear array transducer 212, so that ultrasonic cross-sectional images of tissues at different depths can be obtained during one rotation process without moving or switching the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, greatly improving the use efficiency of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe; or the first linear array transducer 211 or the second linear array transducer 212 with different frequencies can be quickly switched according to needs to scan tissues at different depths.

[0070] It should be noted that the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 can be simultaneously excited during the rotation around the central axis of the main shaft 22, and the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 can also be individually excited during the rotation around the central axis of the main shaft 22. Specifically, they can be rotated according to requirements, and the present application does not impose any restrictions.

[0071] In an alternative embodiment, the size of the first linear array transducer 211 is the same as the size of the second linear array transducer 212, that is, linear array transducers 21 with the same size can be arranged on the main shaft 22 according to requirements.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment, the size of the first linear array transducer 211 is different from the size of the second linear array transducer 212, that is, linear array transducers 21 with different sizes can be arranged on the main shaft 22 according to requirements.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, the distance from the front end of the first linear array transducer 211 to the front end of the main shaft 22 is the same as the distance from the front end of the second linear array transducer 212 to the front end of the main shaft 22, that is, the positions of the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 on the main shaft 22 ensure that at least the front ends are the same. If the sizes of the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 are the same, then the installation positions of the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 on the main shaft 22 are the same. If the sizes of the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 are different, then the rear end positions of the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 on the main shaft 22 are different, and specific settings can be made according to design and usage requirements, and the present application does not impose any restrictions.

[0074] In an alternative embodiment, the distance from the front end of the first linear array transducer 211 to the front end of the main shaft 22 is different from the distance from the front end of the second linear array transducer 212 to the front end of the main shaft 22, that is, the front end positions of the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 on the main shaft 22 can be staggeredly arranged, and specific settings can be made according to design and usage requirements, and the present application does not impose any restrictions.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment, as Figures 2 to 4As shown, the transducer assembly 20 only includes a first linear array transducer 211 and a second linear array transducer 212. The first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 are symmetrically arranged on both side walls of the main shaft 22 with respect to the plane passing through the central axis of the main shaft 22, so that the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 can emit ultrasonic waves and receive the returned ultrasonic echoes along the radial direction of the main shaft 22 to two longitudinal section positions with opposite orientations, thereby obtaining two sets of ultrasonic echo data of the two longitudinal section positions with opposite orientations. After the two sets of ultrasonic echo data are processed, ultrasonic section images at the two longitudinal section positions with opposite orientations can be obtained. When the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 rotate one week around the central axis of the main shaft 22, the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 can both obtain a corresponding series of ultrasonic section images. These ultrasonic section images can not only be jointly used for three-dimensional reconstruction, but also the corresponding ultrasonic section images can be selected according to needs, thereby reducing the workload of medical staff; even tissues at different depths can be scanned to obtain ultrasonic section images of the tissues at the corresponding depths without moving or switching the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, greatly improving the use efficiency of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe further includes a convex array transducer. The convex array transducer is located at the front end of the main shaft 22 and is used to emit ultrasonic waves to a second target area in the pelvic cavity and receive the returned ultrasonic echoes, thereby obtaining a set of convex array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the convex array transducer. After the convex array ultrasonic echo data is processed, an ultrasonic section image at the corresponding transverse section position can be obtained, that is, the ultrasonic echo data of the front end area of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe can be collected through the convex array transducer to form an ultrasonic section image of this area, so as to increase the detection angle range of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe and make the inspection effect of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe better.

[0077] Exemplarily, the linear array transducer 21 can rotate around the central axis of the main shaft 22 and emit and receive ultrasonic waves along the radial direction of the main shaft 22, thereby obtaining linear array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the linear array transducer 21. After the linear array ultrasonic echo data is processed, an ultrasonic section image at the corresponding longitudinal section position can be obtained; while the convex array transducer can emit and receive ultrasonic waves to the front area in front of the front end of the main shaft 22 to obtain convex array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the convex array transducer. After the convex array ultrasonic echo data is processed, an ultrasonic section image at the corresponding transverse section position can be obtained. When the linear array transducer 21 and the convex array transducer work simultaneously, scanning detection of different areas can be realized, and a combined image can also be formed in cooperation, thereby increasing the detection range of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe.

[0078] It should be noted that the convex array transducer can also be driven by the main shaft 22 to rotate, so as to detect different cross-sections of the area in front of the front end, further improving the detection range. At the same time, the convex array transducer and the linear array transducer 21 can also work independently to scan two different areas separately, which is not restricted in this application.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment, an opening is provided at the end of the acoustic window 122, and the convex array transducer is embedded in the opening and sealed, so that the outer surface of the convex array transducer can be flush with the outer surface of the acoustic window 122, and the joint between the convex array transducer and the acoustic window 122 can be sealed.

[0080] It should be noted that when using the ultrasonic intracavitary probe to examine the pelvic cavity, the main shaft 22 needs to be inserted into the pelvic cavity. Therefore, in order to improve the comfort of the examination and reduce the pain of the patient, the shape of the pelvic cavity can be set to a cylindrical shape, and the front end of the main shaft 22 is designed to be arc-shaped, smoothly transitioning with the rod body of the main shaft 22, that is, there are no sharp structures such as edges and corners on the outer surface of the main shaft 22, and the patient has a higher level of comfort during the insertion process.

[0081] In an alternative embodiment, the convex array transducer is mounted on the main shaft 22 and can rotate around the central axis of the main shaft 22, so as to be able to detect different cross-sections of the area in front of the front end when the main shaft 22 rotates, improving the detection range of the convex array transducer. Only one driving component 30 is needed to drive the convex array transducer and the linear array transducer 21 on the main shaft 22 to rotate, which can simplify the structure and the control strategy, is easy to produce and assemble, and is easy to control costs.

[0082] In an alternative embodiment, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe further includes a rotating shaft that can rotate independently relative to the main shaft 22. The convex array transducer is connected to the rotating shaft, so that the convex array transducer can rotate relative to the main shaft 22, and thus does not need to rotate simultaneously with the linear array transducer 21, and can rotate independently according to requirements to expand the detection angle of the convex array transducer.

[0083] In an alternative embodiment, the transducer assembly 20 includes a hinge shaft. The convex array transducer is hinged to the front end through the hinge shaft and can swing around the hinge shaft. The axis of the hinge shaft is perpendicular to the axis of the main shaft 22, so that the convex array transducer can swing around the hinge shaft, that is, the convex array transducer can be driven to swing around the hinge shaft in a suitable manner, thereby improving the detection range of the convex array transducer.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment, the convex array transducer swings around the hinge axis within an angle range greater than 0° and less than or equal to 180°. After the convex array transducer is excited, the convex array transducer can emit ultrasonic waves along the radial direction of the hinge axis towards the second target area and receive the returned ultrasonic echoes, thereby obtaining convex array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the convex array transducer. After being processed, the convex array ultrasonic echo data at least includes ultrasonic cross-sectional images that can obtain the tissues corresponding to the second target area at the cross-sectional position, further improving the detection range of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, reducing the number of scans of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe in the pelvic cavity, and eliminating the need to move or replace the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, improving work efficiency, reducing detection errors caused by moving or replacing the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, and making the detection results more accurate.

[0085] In an alternative embodiment, as Figures 4 to 9 shown, the housing assembly 10 further includes a connecting seat 13 having a main shaft rotation hole 131. The connecting seat 13 is connected between the handle housing 11 and the probe housing 12. One end of the main shaft 22 is rotatably installed in the main shaft rotation hole 131 and is in transmission connection with the driving assembly 30. The other end of the main shaft 22 extends into the acoustic window 122. The linear array transducer 21 and the convex array transducer are both disposed in the acoustic window 122 to focus the ultrasonic beams emitted by the linear array transducer 21 and the convex array transducer. Among them, the acoustic window 122 can be made of various materials suitable for making acoustic lenses, such as polyethylene synthetic resin, etc.

[0086] In an alternative embodiment, as Figures 5 to 7 shown, the transducer assembly 20 further includes a bearing member 23. The bearing member 23 is disposed in the main shaft rotation hole 131 and the acoustic window 122. The main shaft 22 passes through the bearing member 23 to ensure the smooth rotation of the main shaft 22.

[0087] Exemplarily, the transducer assembly 20 further includes a fastening nut 24. The bearing member 23 includes a first bearing member 231, a second bearing member 232, and a third bearing member 233. The main shaft 22 is provided with a first bearing mounting portion 222 and a second bearing mounting portion 223. The inner rings of the first bearing member 231 and the second bearing member 232 are connected to the first bearing mounting portion 222, and the outer rings of the first bearing member 231 and the second bearing member 232 are connected to the inner wall of the main shaft rotation hole 131. The fastening nut 24 is locked on the outside of the second bearing member 232 to fix the second bearing member 232 on the main shaft 22. The inner ring of the third bearing member 233 is connected to the second bearing mounting portion 223, and the outer ring of the third bearing member 233 is fixed in the acoustic window 122.

[0088] It should be noted that the connecting seat 13 can be integrally formed with the handle housing 11 or the probe housing 12, or the connecting seat 13 can be separately formed from the handle housing 11 or the probe housing 12 and then fixed together by assembly. The present application does not impose any restrictions.

[0089] In an alternative embodiment, as Figures 5 to 12 shown, the ultrasonic probe further includes a limit assembly 40, and the limit assembly 40 is mounted on at least one of the handle housing 11, the probe housing 12, the connecting seat 13, and the main shaft 22, so that the main shaft 22 can rotate at any angle within not less than 720 degrees.

[0090] Exemplarily, the limit assembly 40 includes a fixing member 42, a limiting member 41, and at least one connecting member 43. The fixing member 42 is fixed on the housing assembly 10, the limiting member 41 is fixed on the main shaft 22, and the connecting member 43 is rotatably mounted on the main shaft 22 and disposed between the fixing member 42 and the limiting member 41, and is used to form a limit fit with the fixing member 42 and the limiting member 41 to limit the main shaft 22 to rotate within a stroke angle of not less than 720 degrees, so as to limit any stroke angle, and is used to realize the adjustment of each angular position when the driving assembly 30 drives the transducer assembly 20 to rotate, solve the technical problem that the rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20 exceeds 720 degrees, and at the same time, it can also protect the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 during the twisting process, prevent the electrical connection components similar to flexible circuit boards from being damaged during the rotation of the main shaft 22, thereby improving the service life of the electrical connection part.

[0091] It should be noted that the rotation of the transducer assembly 20 within a stroke angle of not less than 720 degrees means that when the transducer assembly 20 rotates in one of the counterclockwise or clockwise directions around its central axis, it can exceed two circles or be equal to two circles, or it can also mean that the total stroke angle of the transducer assembly 20 rotating counterclockwise and clockwise around its central axis is not less than 720 degrees, which is specifically determined according to design requirements, such as rotating within 0 degrees to 720 degrees, rotating from -360 degrees to +360 degrees, or rotating within 0 degrees to 810 degrees, or even rotating within a range exceeding 810 degrees, etc. Among them, 0 degrees can be the starting rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20, and the above 720 degrees and 810 degrees, etc., can be the ending rotation angles of the transducer assembly 20 rotating in one direction, and the above -360 degrees and +360 degrees can be the ending rotation angles of the transducer assembly 20 rotating counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively. The starting rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20 can also be -180 degrees, -360 degrees, etc.; correspondingly, the ending rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20 is the difference between the stroke angle of the transducer assembly 20 and the starting rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20.

[0092] Exemplarily, the main shaft 22 rotates within a stroke angle of not less than 720 degrees, including rotating from a first stroke angle to a second stroke angle. The first stroke angle is the starting rotation angle or the reverse termination rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20, and the second stroke angle is the forward termination rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20. The forward direction is one of the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, and the reverse direction is the other of the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction.

[0093] After adopting the above technical solution, since the transducer assembly 20 can be restricted to rotate within a preset rotation angle between the first stroke angle and the second stroke angle under the cooperation of the fixing member 42, the limiting member 41 and at least one connecting member 43, this can not only avoid the transducer assembly 20 exceeding the limit position during rotation and causing damage to the internal electrical connection components, but also ensure that the rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20 is greater than 720 degrees and imaging can be performed within the effective motion range of 720 degrees. Compared with the method of only combining the pulse number of the motor and the homing control, the reliability of this application is stronger. Especially when there are problems with the program for controlling the pulse number of the motor and the homing control, it is easy to cause damage to the internal electrical connection components of the transducer assembly 20, resulting in the failure of the transducer assembly 20.

[0094] Exemplarily, when the first stroke angle is 0 degrees and the second stroke angle is 720 degrees, the driving assembly 30 can only drive the main shaft 22 to rotate between 0 degrees and 720 degrees to protect the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22, so as to prevent the electrical connection components from affecting the transmission effect of the transducer assembly 20 when being twisted or squeezed. Or, when the first stroke angle is 0 degrees and the second stroke angle is greater than 720 degrees, the driving assembly 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate within any angle range between 0 degrees and more than 720 degrees to achieve a large-angle selection of the transducer assembly 20, so as to meet various angle requirements of the transducer assembly 20, improve the scanning efficiency of the transducer assembly 20, and at the same time protect the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22. The electrical connection components will affect the transmission effect of the transducer assembly 20 when being twisted or squeezed, or even cause damage to the electrical connection components. Or, when the first stroke angle is -360 degrees and the second stroke angle is +360 degrees, the driving assembly 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate within any angle range between -360 degrees and +360 degrees to achieve a free-angle selection of the forward and reverse rotation of the transducer assembly 20, so as to meet various angle requirements of the transducer assembly 20.

[0095] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the connecting piece 43 has opposite first and second end faces. A first limiting piece 44 is connected between the first end face and the limiting piece 41, and a second limiting piece 45 is connected between the second end face and the fixing piece 42. The first limiting piece 44 and the second limiting piece 45 rotate around the axis of the main shaft 22 relative to the connecting block, the limiting piece 41 and the fixing piece 42. When the driving assembly 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate, since the limiting piece 41 is fixed on the main shaft 22 and the fixing piece 42 is fixed on the housing assembly 10, the connecting piece 43 is sleeved on the main shaft 22 and can rotate relative to the main shaft 22. Therefore, the main shaft 22 drives the limiting piece 41 to rotate. When the limiting piece 41 moves to the first limiting piece 44 and the limiting end face of the first limiting piece 44 contacts the limiting end face of the limiting piece 41, the limiting piece 41 drives the first limiting piece 44 to rotate around the axis of the main shaft 22, and when the limiting end face of the first limiting piece 44 contacts the limiting end face of the connecting piece 43 on the first end face, the limiting piece 41 drives the connecting piece 43 to rotate relative to the fixing piece 42 through the first limiting piece 44; when the limiting end face of the connecting piece 43 on the second end face contacts the second limiting piece 45, the connecting piece 43 drives the second limiting piece 45 to rotate around the axis of the main shaft 22 until the second limiting piece 45 contacts the limiting end face on the fixing piece 42, and the movement of the second limiting piece 45 will be blocked by the limiting end face on the fixing piece 42, thereby preventing the connecting piece 43 from continuing to rotate relative to the fixing piece 42, and further preventing the limiting piece 41 from continuing to rotate through the connecting piece 43 and the first limiting piece 44, playing a role of mechanical limit, solving the technical problem of the transducer assembly 20 with a rotation angle exceeding 720 degrees, and playing a protective role for the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 during the torsion process of the main shaft 22. It can not only control the pulse number of the driving assembly 30; moreover, it can also realize the mechanical limit of the main shaft 22 during the rotation process through the limiting assembly 40, with a simple structure and reliable operation.

[0096] In an alternative embodiment, a first sliding groove 43a is provided on the first end surface, a second sliding groove 43b is provided on the second end surface, a third sliding groove 41a is provided on the limiting member 41, a fourth sliding groove 42a is provided on the fixing member 42. The first limiting member 44 is slidably installed between the first sliding groove 43a and the third sliding groove 41a, and the second limiting member 45 is slidably installed between the second sliding groove 43b and the fourth sliding groove 42a, so that mechanical limitation can be performed between the limiting member 41 and the connecting member 43 through the first limiting member 44 connected between the first sliding groove 43a and the third sliding groove 41a, and mechanical limitation can be performed between the connecting member 43 and the fixing member 42 through the second limiting member 45 connected between the second sliding groove 43b and the fourth sliding groove 42a. Among them, the limiting angle between the limiting member 41 and the connecting member 43 is jointly determined by the radian of the first sliding groove 43a and the radian of the third sliding groove 41a, and the limiting angle between the connecting member 43 and the fixing member 42 is jointly determined by the radian of the second sliding groove 43b and the radian of the fourth sliding groove 42a, that is, the mechanical limiting angle of the limiting assembly 40 is jointly determined by the rotation angle of the connecting member 43 relative to the main shaft 22 and the radians of the first sliding groove 43a, the second sliding groove 43b, the third sliding groove 41a and the fourth sliding groove 42a.

[0097] Exemplarily, the first chute 43a has two opposite first limiting end faces, and the first limiting member 44 can rotate around the axis of the main shaft 22 from one first limiting end face to the other first limiting end face. Similarly, the third chute 41a has two opposite third limiting end faces, and the first limiting member 44 can rotate around the axis of the main shaft 22 from one third limiting end face to the other third limiting end face. When the first limiting member 44 is jointly limited by the first limiting end face and the third limiting end face, the limiting member 41 can drive the connecting member 43 to rotate relative to the main shaft 22 through the first limiting member 44. Similarly, the second chute 43b has two opposite second limiting end faces, and the second limiting member 45 can rotate around the axis of the main shaft 22 from one second limiting end face to the other second limiting end face; the fourth chute 42a has two opposite fourth limiting end faces, and the second limiting member 45 can rotate around the axis of the main shaft 22 from one fourth limiting end face to the other fourth limiting end face. When the limiting member 41 drives the connecting member 43 to rotate through the first limiting member 44, the second limiting member 45 can rotate relative to the second chute 43b until the second limiting member 45 is blocked by the second limiting end face, and then the second limiting member 45 will follow the connecting member 43 to rotate around the axis of the main shaft 22 until the second limiting member 45 is blocked by the fourth limiting end face. Since the fixing member 42 is fixed on the housing assembly 10, that is, the fourth limiting end face is fixed relative to the housing assembly 10, the rotation angle of the second limiting member 45 can be restricted in this way, and the second limiting member 45 can restrict the rotation angle of the connecting member 43 through the second limiting end face. The connecting member 43 can restrict the rotation angle of the first limiting member 44 through the first limiting end face, and the first limiting member 44 can restrict the rotation angle of the limiting member 41 through the third limiting end face.

[0098] In an alternative embodiment, as Figures 5 to 10 shown, the connecting member 43 includes a first connecting member 431 and a second connecting member 432 that forms a limiting fit with the first connecting member 431. The first connecting member 431 forms a limiting fit with the limiting member 41 to limit the rotation angle of the connecting member 43; the second connecting member 432 forms a limiting fit with the fixing member 42 to limit the rotation angle of the connecting member 43, so that the main shaft 22 can achieve three-stage mechanical limiting through the limiting fit between the limiting member 41 and the first connecting member 431, the limiting fit between the first connecting member 431 and the second connecting member 432, and the limiting fit between the second connecting member 432 and the fixing member 42, solving the technical problem of the transducer assembly 20 with a rotation angle exceeding 720 degrees, and playing a protective role for the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 during the torsion process of the main shaft 22. It can not only control the pulse number of the driving assembly 30; but also realize the mechanical limiting of the main shaft 22 during rotation through the limiting assembly 40, with a simple structure and reliable operation.

[0099] It should be noted that the relative rotation angle between the limiting member 41 and the first connecting member 431 can be between 0 degrees and 360 degrees, such as 240 degrees; the relative rotation angle between the first connecting member 431 and the second connecting member 432 can also be set between 0 degrees and 360 degrees, such as 240 degrees. Similarly, the relative rotation angle between the second connecting member 432 and the fixing member 42 can also be set between 0 degrees and 360 degrees, such as 240 degrees. Therefore, the limiting angle of the entire limiting assembly 40 can be 720 degrees or even greater than 720 degrees, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0100] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, first limiting portions 4311 are respectively provided at opposite ends of the first connecting member 431, and second limiting portions 4321 are respectively provided at opposite ends of the second connecting member 432. One of the first limiting portions 4311 forms a limiting fit with one of the second limiting portions 4321, another first limiting portion 4311 forms a limiting fit with the limiting member 41, and another second limiting portion 4321 forms a limiting fit with the fixing member 42, so as to enable the first connecting member 431 and the second connecting member 432 to jointly perform a limiting fit on the limiting member and the fixing member 42, and at the same time solve the technical problem of the transducer assembly 20 with a rotation angle exceeding 720 degrees, so as to meet the various large-angle rotation requirements of the transducer assembly 20, and at the same time, it is also possible to prevent the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 from being damaged during the torsion of the main shaft 22.

[0101] Exemplarily, the first limiting portion 4311 includes a first upper limiting portion 4311a facing the limiting member 41 and a first lower limiting portion 4311b facing the second connecting member 432, and the second limiting portion 4321 includes a second upper limiting portion 4321b facing the first connecting member 431 and a second lower limiting portion 4321b facing the fixing member 42. Among them, the first upper limiting portion 4311a is used to form a limiting fit with the limiting member 41 to prevent the limiting member 41 from rotating or the limiting member 41 driving the first connecting member 431 to rotate through the first upper limiting portion 4311a; the first lower limiting portion 4311b is used to form a limiting fit with the second upper limiting portion 4321b to prevent the first connecting member 431 from rotating or the first connecting member 431 driving the second connecting member 432 to rotate through the cooperation between the first lower limiting portion 4311b and the second upper limiting portion 4321b; the second lower limiting portion 4321b is used to form a limiting fit with the fixing member 42 to prevent the second connecting member 432 from rotating.

[0102] In an alternative embodiment, a first blocking portion 411 is provided on the limiting member 41. The first blocking portion 411 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the limiting member 41 and is used to form a limiting fit with a first limiting portion 4311 provided on the limiting member 41, so that the limiting member 41 can form mechanical limitation through the first blocking portion 411 and the first limiting portion 4311. At the same time, the first blocking portion 411 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the limiting member 41, which facilitates the forming and processing of the first blocking portion 411.

[0103] In an alternative embodiment, the inner side surface of the first limiting portion 4311 contacts the outer peripheral side of the limiting member 41, so that the limiting member 41 can rotate while fitting on the inner side surface of the first limiting portion 4311 to ensure the stability when the first connecting member 431 rotates around the axis of the main shaft 22.

[0104] In an alternative embodiment, a first connecting platform 422 and a second blocking portion 421 disposed on one side of the first connecting platform 422 are provided on the fixing member 42. The inner side surface of the second limiting portion 4321 contacts the outer peripheral side of the first connecting platform 422 and is used to form a limiting fit with the second blocking portion 421. At the same time, the stability of the second connecting member 432 during rotation can also be ensured through the fitting contact between the second limiting portion 4321 and the first connecting platform 422.

[0105] In an alternative embodiment, a second connecting platform 4322 is provided on the side of the second connecting member 432 facing the first connecting member 431. The second limiting portion 4321 is connected to the outer peripheral side of the second connecting platform 4322, and its inner side surface contacts the outer peripheral side of the second connecting platform 4322, so that the first connecting member 431 can rotate while fitting on the outer peripheral side of the second connecting platform 4322 through the first limiting portion 4311, and then form a limiting fit with the second limiting portion 4321. This can not only ensure the stability between the first connecting member 431 and the second connecting member 432, but also facilitate the processing and forming of the second connecting platform 4322 and the second limiting portion 4321.

[0106] In an alternative embodiment, a limiting member mounting portion 412 is provided on the limiting member 41, and the limiting member mounting portion 412 is used to fix the limiting member 41 on the main shaft 22.

[0107] Exemplarily, the limiting member 41 includes a limiting member 41 body and a limiting member 41 fixing screw. A screw fixing hole is provided on the limiting member 41 body, and the limiting member 41 fixing screw is threadedly connected in the screw fixing hole to realize the fixed connection between the limiting member 41 body and the main shaft 22.

[0108] In an alternative embodiment, the fixing member 42 is mounted on the connecting seat 13, and the limiting member 41 is fixed on one end of the main shaft 22 extending out of the connecting seat 13.

[0109] In an alternative embodiment, the drive assembly 30 includes a drive member 31 and a first speed reducer 32. The drive member 31 is in transmission connection with the main shaft 22 through the first speed reducer 32, so that the drive assembly 30 can gradually reduce the output speed of the drive member 31 through the transmission gears on the first speed reducer 32, thereby increasing the rotational force transmitted from the drive member 31 to the main shaft 22, so that the control accuracy of the ultrasonic transducer 21 can be greatly improved. At the same time, it can also ensure that the ultrasonic transducer 21 has a sufficiently large output torque to overcome the resistance of the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 during the torsion of the main shaft 22 or the resistance of the transducer assembly 20 to the tissue in the body cavity during the detection process.

[0110] Specifically, since the ultrasonic probe is inserted into the body cavity during the inspection process for a complete circumferential scan to obtain data of the inspected part, such as inspecting the pelvic cavity through the ultrasonic probe. When the ultrasonic probe scans in the body cavity, the drive member 31 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate in the body cavity, and the body cavity wall on the outer peripheral surface of the main shaft 22 will generate a resistance force in the opposite direction to the main shaft 22 to prevent the main shaft 22 from rotating. These resistance forces will not only cause the rotation speed of the main shaft 22 to decrease, but even force the main shaft 22 to stop rotating; at the same time, in order to improve the control accuracy of the ultrasonic probe, the rotation speed of the main shaft 22 in the body cavity cannot be too fast. Coupled with the limitation of the internal space size of the ultrasonic probe, generally only through the transmission method of a single-stage transmission spur gear, the stepping motor is transmitted to the main shaft 22, which cannot meet the driving force required by the main shaft 22. Therefore, in this application, under the condition of meeting the size requirements, the first speed reducer 32 is connected between the drive member 31 and the main shaft 22, which can not only meet the driving force required by the main shaft 22 through the principle of speed reduction and torque increase, but also can realize the normal acceleration, uniform speed and deceleration of the main shaft 22 through the drive member 31, so that the control accuracy of the ultrasonic transducer 21 can be greatly improved.

[0111] In an alternative embodiment, as Figures 13 to 16 shown, the first speed reducer 32 includes a mounting bracket 325, an output gear 324 and a plurality of transmission gears arranged in the mounting bracket 325. Among them, the drive member 31 includes a motor and a driving gear 311 connected to the motor shaft. The main shaft 22 is connected to the output gear 324, and the plurality of transmission gears are sequentially engaged from the driving gear 311 to the output gear 324, so that the drive member 31 can drive the output gear 324 to drive the main shaft 22 to rotate after gradually reducing the speed through each transmission gear, playing a role in reducing speed and increasing torque, not only ensuring the driving force required by the main shaft 22, but also enabling the control accuracy of the ultrasonic transducer 21 to be greatly improved.

[0112] After adopting the above technical solution, when the ultrasonic probe rotates in the body cavity, the body cavity wall will respond to the resistance of the ultrasonic transducer 21 inserted into the body cavity and rotating to resist the further rotation of the main shaft 22; if it exceeds the rotation resistance of the motor, it will cause the motor to stop working. Therefore, the present application gradually reduces the speed through multiple transmission gears to increase the rotation torque of the main shaft 22, so that the torque transmitted to the main shaft 22 by the motor through the first reducer 32 is much greater than the original output torque of the motor, so as to overcome the resistance of the body cavity wall during the rotation of the main shaft 22 and the resistance generated by the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 during the torsion process.

[0113] It should be noted that the rotation speed of the main shaft 22 can be controlled by a motor, and the original output torque of the motor is generally difficult to exceed the resistance encountered by the main shaft 22 during rotation in the body cavity, that is, the design torque or original output torque of the motor cannot meet the driving force required by the main shaft 22.

[0114] In an optional embodiment, the mounting bracket 325 includes a frame and a partition disposed in the frame, and the partition divides the frame into a first accommodating chamber 3251 and a second accommodating chamber 3252. The driving gear 311 meshes with the transmission gear disposed in the first accommodating chamber 3251, and the output gear 324 meshes with the transmission gear disposed in the second accommodating chamber 3252, which not only meets the deceleration function of the first reducer 32, but also makes the structure more compact and the layout more reasonable, effectively reduces the volume of the first reducer 32, and saves manufacturing costs. In an optional embodiment, the transmission gear includes a first transmission gear 323, and the transmission gear includes a first gear 3231, a gear shaft 3233 and a second gear 3232; wherein, a first shaft hole 3254 is provided on the partition, and the gear shaft 3233 is rotatably installed in the first shaft hole 3254, and the first gear 3231 and the second gear 3232 are respectively arranged on the two ends of the gear shaft 3233 located in the first accommodating cavity 3251 and the second accommodating cavity 3252, the output gear 324 is meshed with the second gear 3232, and the driving gear 311 is transmission-connected with the first gear 3231 to realize the transmission connection of the transmission gear between the first accommodating cavity 3251 and the second accommodating cavity 3252, so that the driving gear 311 can transmit the output torque of the motor to the gear shaft 3233 through the first gear 3231, and then transmit the output torque of the gear shaft 3233 to the main shaft 22 through the meshing between the second gear 3232 and the output gear 324 to drive the main shaft 22 to rotate. In the present application, the diameter of the second gear 3232 is greater than the diameter of the first gear 3231 .

[0115] In an alternative embodiment, the transmission gear further includes a first double gear 321. The first double gear 321 includes a first input gear 3211 and a first output gear 3212. The first input gear 3211 is meshed and connected with the driving gear 311, and the first output gear 3212 is in transmission connection with the first gear 3231. Among them, the diameter of the first input gear 3211 is larger than that of the first output gear 3212. Through the integrated double gear design structure, not only can it ensure that the first double gear 321 can increase the reduction ratio of the first speed reducer 32 within the allowable strength of the first speed reducer 32 and improve the output torque of the first speed reducer 32, but also it can reduce the volume and weight of the first speed reducer 32, make the interior of the first speed reducer 32 more compact, and reduce the manufacturing cost of the first speed reducer 32.

[0116] In an alternative embodiment, the transmission gear further includes a second double gear 322. The second double gear 322 includes a second input gear 3221 and a second output gear 3222. The second input gear 3221 is meshed and connected with the first output gear 3212, and the second output gear 3222 is meshed with the first gear 3231. Among them, the diameter of the second input gear 3221 is larger than that of the second output gear 3222. By adopting the double gear, not only can the structure of the first speed reducer 32 be made more compact and the overall volume be smaller, but also it is convenient for the installation of the first speed reducer 32 and the manufacturing cost is low.

[0117] In an alternative embodiment, both the first double gear 321 and the second double gear 322 are arranged in the first accommodation cavity 3251, and the frame body is provided with a first through hole 3253. The driving gear 311 passes through the first through hole 3253 and is meshed with the first input gear 3211 to transmit the output torque of the motor to the first input gear 3211 of the gear shaft 3233, and then the output torque on the first double gear 321 is transmitted to the second double gear 322 through the meshing of the first output gear 3212 and the second input gear 3221, and then the output torque on the second double gear 322 is transmitted to the first transmission gear 323 through the meshing of the second output gear 3222 and the first gear 3231. Finally, the output torque on the first transmission gear 323 is transmitted to the main shaft 22 through the meshing of the second gear 3232 and the output gear 324, so as to drive the ultrasonic transducer 21 on the main shaft 22 to rotate to perform a scanning operation on the body cavity, so as to obtain a corresponding ultrasonic image.

[0118] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 13 、 Figure 17 and Figure 18 shown, the driving assembly 30 further includes an encoder 33. The encoder 33 is arranged on the side of the motor away from the first speed reducer 32 and is used to detect the rotation speed of the main shaft 22 to improve the control accuracy of the ultrasonic probe.

[0119] In an alternative embodiment, a second speed reducer 34 is connected between the encoder 33 and the motor. The transmission ratio of the second speed reducer 34 corresponds to that of the first speed reducer 32, enabling the encoder 33 to match the output speed of the main shaft 22, greatly improving the control precision of the ultrasonic probe; at the same time, it can also make the motor operate more stably with less vibration.

[0120] In an alternative embodiment, the second speed reducer 34 includes a third double gear 342, a fourth double gear 343, and a power output section 344. The motor is provided with a driving gear 312 at one end away from the first speed reducer 32. The driving gear 312 is in transmission connection with the power output section 344 through the third double gear 342 and the fourth double gear 343. The power output section 344 is connected to the encoder 33, so that the operating condition of the motor can be transmitted to the control component 50 of the ultrasonic probe through the encoder 33 at any time, enabling the control component 50 to analyze the operation of the motor, record the rotation speed and position of the motor, and make appropriate feedback, thereby maintaining high precision of the motor at high and low torques.

[0121] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 16 shown, one end of the main shaft 22 is rotatably installed in the main shaft rotation hole 131 and connected to the output gear 324. The mounting bracket 325 is fixed on the connecting seat 13. In this embodiment, the output gear 324 is provided with a main shaft fixing hole 3241, and the inner diameter of the main shaft fixing hole 3241 is adapted to the outer diameter of the main shaft 22, enabling the main shaft 22 to be fixed in the main shaft fixing hole 3241. In an alternative embodiment, the ultrasonic probe further includes a control component 50. The control component 50 is arranged in the handle housing 11. The transducer component 20 and the driving component 30 are both electrically connected to the control component 50, enabling the control component 50 to control the driving component 30 and the control component 50 to work.

[0122] In an alternative embodiment, the control component 50 includes a control board 51 and a fixing bracket 52. The control board 51 is fixed on the outside of the motor through the fixing bracket 52. Wires are connected between the control board 51 and the transducer component 20 and the driving component 30 for controlling the transducer component 20 and the driving component 30 to work.

[0123] In an alternative embodiment, a hollow structure 224 is formed inside the main shaft 22. A conductive layer 60 for signal transmission is disposed through the hollow structure 224. At least two linear array transducers 21 are connected to the sidewall of the main shaft 22 and connected to the conductive layer 60. The linear array transducer 21 includes a support frame, an acoustic lens, a backing layer, and a piezoelectric layer electrically connected to the conductive layer 60. The acoustic lens is disposed outside the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer is disposed on the support frame through the backing layer. The support frame is connected to the sidewall of the main shaft 22.

[0124] In an alternative embodiment, a circuit board 213 is connected between at least two ultrasonic transducers 21. The circuit board 213 is disposed on a side of the support frame facing away from the backing layer. The piezoelectric layer is electrically connected to the circuit board 213. The circuit board 213 is connected to the conductive layer 60. The circuit board 213 includes, but is not limited to, a flexible FPC board.

[0125] In an alternative embodiment, a first connector is disposed on a side of the support frame facing away from the backing layer. A second connector is disposed on the circuit board 213. The first connector is connected to the second connector to achieve quick plugging and electrical connection between the piezoelectric layer and the circuit board 213.

[0126] As Figures 1 to 18 shown, according to a second aspect of the present application, the present application provides an ultrasonic imager, including a display, an ultrasonic host, and the above ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe is connected to the ultrasonic host for transmitting ultrasonic signals and collecting echo signals. The display is used for displaying an ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic host according to the echo signals.

[0127] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. It may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. It may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. It may be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0128] In this application, unless otherwise clearly stipulated and defined, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the situation where the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through additional features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0129] The above disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure of this application, the components and settings of specific examples are described above. Of course, they are only examples and are not intended to limit this application. In addition, this application may repeat reference numerals and / or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and in itself does not indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, this application provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art can be aware of the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0130] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "schematic embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoprobe suitable for pelvic examination, characterized in that, It includes a housing assembly, a driving assembly, and a transducer assembly having a main shaft. The housing assembly includes a handle housing and a probe housing connected to the handle housing. The transducer assembly is disposed within the probe housing, and the driving assembly is disposed within the handle housing and is in transmission connection with the main shaft for driving the main shaft to rotate about its central axis. Wherein, the transducer assembly includes at least two linear array transducers. Each linear array transducer includes a plurality of array elements linearly arranged along a preset direction of the main shaft. The probe housing has an acoustic window and a connecting housing. One end of the connecting housing facing away from the acoustic window is connected to the handle housing. At least two linear array transducers are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the main shaft and are disposed within the acoustic window, such that the main shaft can drive at least two linear array transducers to rotate about the central axis of the main shaft. After being excited, at least two linear array transducers can emit ultrasonic waves along the radial direction of the main shaft to a first target area within the pelvic cavity and receive the returned ultrasonic echoes, thereby obtaining at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the at least two linear array transducers. After being processed, the at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data can obtain ultrasonic cross-sectional images at at least two different longitudinal section positions corresponding thereto.

2. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 1, wherein The transducer assembly includes a first linear array transducer and a second linear array transducer, and the operating frequency range of the first linear array transducer is different from or the same as that of the second linear array transducer; and / or, The size of the first linear array transducer is different from or the same as that of the second linear array transducer; and / or, The distance from the front end of the first linear array transducer to the front end of the main shaft is different from or the same as the distance from the front end of the second linear array transducer to the front end of the main shaft.

3. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 1, wherein The transducer assembly only includes a first linear array transducer and a second linear array transducer, and the first linear array transducer and the second linear array transducer are symmetrically disposed on both side walls of the main shaft with respect to a plane passing through the central axis of the main shaft.

4. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic intracavitary probe further includes a convex array transducer. The main shaft includes a front end and a rear end extending along the axial direction of the main shaft. The driving assembly is in transmission connection with the rear end of the main shaft or a position of the main shaft close to the rear end. The convex array transducer is located at the front end of the main shaft for emitting ultrasonic waves to a second target area within the pelvic cavity and receiving the returned ultrasonic echoes.

5. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 4, characterized in that, An opening is provided at the end of the acoustic window, and the convex array transducer is embedded in the opening and sealed.

6. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 4, characterized in that, The convex array transducer is mounted on the main shaft and can rotate about the central axis of the main shaft; or, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe further includes a rotating shaft that can rotate independently relative to the main shaft, and the convex array transducer is connected to the rotating shaft.

7. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transducer assembly includes a hinge shaft, and the convex array transducer is hinged to the front end through the hinge shaft and can swing about the hinge shaft. The axis of the hinge shaft is perpendicular to the axis of the main shaft.

8. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 7, characterized in that, The convex array transducer swings around the hinge axis in an angle range greater than 0° and less than or equal to 180°. After being excited, the convex array transducer can emit ultrasonic waves toward the second target area along the radial direction of the hinge axis and receive returned ultrasonic echoes; thereby obtaining convex array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the convex array transducer. After processing, the convex array ultrasonic echo data at least includes an ultrasonic section image of the tissue corresponding to the second target area at a cross-sectional position.

9. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 1, wherein, The housing assembly also includes a connecting seat having a main shaft rotation hole, the connecting seat is connected between the handle housing and the connecting housing, one end of the main shaft is rotatably installed in the main shaft rotation hole and is transmission-connected to the driving assembly, and the other end of the main shaft extends into the sound window.

10. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transducer assembly further comprises a bearing component, wherein the bearing component is arranged in the main shaft rotation hole and the acoustic window, and the main shaft passes through the bearing component.

11. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ultrasonic intracavitary probe also includes a limit assembly, which is installed on at least one of the handle housing, the probe housing, the connecting seat and the main shaft, so that the main shaft can rotate at any angle within a range of not less than 720 degrees.

12. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 11, wherein The limiting component includes a fixing member, a limiting member and at least one connecting member, the fixing member is fixed on the housing component, the limiting member is fixed on the main shaft, and the connecting member is rotatably mounted on the main shaft and arranged between the fixing member and the limiting member.

13. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving assembly includes a driving member and a first reducer, and the driving member is drivingly connected to the main shaft via the first reducer.

14. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 13, wherein, The driving assembly further includes an encoder, which is disposed on a side of the driving member away from the first reducer and is used to detect a rotation speed of the spindle.

15. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 14, characterized in that, A second reducer is connected between the encoder and the driving member, and a transmission ratio of the second reducer corresponds to the transmission ratio of the first reducer.

16. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, A hollow structure is formed inside the main shaft, a conductive layer for signal transmission is provided inside the hollow structure, and at least two of the linear array transducers are connected to the side wall of the main shaft and connected to the conductive layer; Among them, the linear array transducer includes a support frame, an acoustic lens, a backing layer and a piezoelectric layer electrically connected to the conductive layer, the acoustic lens is arranged on the outside of the piezoelectric layer, the piezoelectric layer is arranged on the support frame through the backing layer, and the support frame is connected to the side wall of the main shaft.

17. The ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset direction is the axial direction of the main shaft.

18. An ultrasonic imager, characterized in that, It comprises a display, an ultrasound host and an ultrasound intracavity probe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the ultrasound intracavity probe is connected to the ultrasound host to emit ultrasound waves and collect ultrasound echoes, and the display is used to display an ultrasound image generated by the ultrasound host according to the ultrasound echoes.

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