Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic device

Abstract

The invention provides an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which suppress degradation of an acoustic transmission layer. An ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment includes a vibrator portion, a contact portion, and an acoustic transmission portion. The vibrator unit has a plurality of vibrators that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The contact portion is in contact with a subject. The acoustic transmission part is disposed between the vibrator part and the contact part, and is formed of a material having a low attenuation rate of ultrasonic waves. In addition, the thickness of the acoustic transmission part is in the range of 2.3 mm to 4.7 mm, and the acoustic transmission part is formed from a material having an acoustic impedance of 1.4 MRayl or more and 1.6 MRayl or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings relate to ultrasonic probes and ultrasonic diagnostic devices. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, ultrasonic probes have been preferred for their large effective acoustic aperture of emitted ultrasound waves. On the other hand, in cases such as fan-shaped probes, a smaller contact area with the biological body is required.

[0003] Therefore, an ultrasonic probe having an acoustic transmission layer for transmitting ultrasonic waves generated by an oscillator is disclosed. The subject-side of the acoustic transmission layer is formed as a curved surface protruding towards the subject. As a result, the ultrasonic probe can increase the effective acoustic aperture and reduce the contact area with the biological body.

[0004] However, butadiene rubber and other materials with low acoustic attenuation rates used in acoustic transmission layers have low resistance to chemicals and other agents. Therefore, a technology is needed to suppress the degradation of acoustic transmission layers.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-130947 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings is to suppress the degradation of the acoustic transmission layer. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings are not limited to the above-mentioned problems. Technical problems corresponding to the effects of the various configurations shown in the embodiments described below can also be identified as other technical problems.

[0010] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0011] The ultrasonic probe of this embodiment includes a transducer portion, a contact portion, and an acoustic transmission portion. The transducer portion has multiple transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The contact portion contacts the object being tested. The acoustic transmission portion is disposed between the transducer portion and the contact portion and is formed of a material primarily composed of butadiene rubber with low ultrasonic wave attenuation. Furthermore, the thickness of the acoustic transmission portion ranges from 2.3 mm to 4.7 mm, and the acoustic transmission portion is formed of a material with an acoustic impedance of 1.4 MRayl or higher and 1.6 MRayl or lower. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of a conventional ultrasonic probe.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic probe in Modified Example 1.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic probe in Modified Example 2.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic probe in Modified Example 3. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, the ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, the parts marked with the same reference numerals will be performed in the same manner, and repeated descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0019] (First Implementation)

[0020] First, an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 using the ultrasonic probe 20 of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an apparatus body 10, an ultrasonic probe 20, a display 30, and an input device 40.

[0021] The ultrasonic probe 20 is detachably connected to the main body 10 of the device. When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 20 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected sequentially by the discontinuities of acoustic impedance in the tissues of the subject P. The reflected ultrasonic waves are then received by the ultrasonic probe 20 as echoes (reflected waves). For example, the ultrasonic probe 20 is a two-dimensional array probe.

[0022] The display 30 shows a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for users to input various setting requests using the input device 40 for the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, or displays ultrasound images generated in the device body 10. The display 30 is implemented using a liquid crystal monitor, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) monitor, or the like.

[0023] The input device 40 is implemented through a trackball, switch, dial, touch command screen, foot switch, joystick, etc. The input device 40 accepts various setting requests from the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 and transmits these requests to the device body 10. For example, the input device 40 accepts various setting requests for controlling the ultrasonic probe 20 and transmits them to the control circuit 16.

[0024] The main body 10 of the device controls the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 20, and generates an ultrasonic image based on the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 20. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the main body of the device 10 includes a transceiver circuit 11, a B-mode processing circuit 12, a Doppler processing circuit 13, an image generation circuit 14, a storage circuit 15, and a control circuit 16.

[0025] The transceiver circuit 11, controlled by the control circuit 16, transmits and receives various data between the ultrasonic probe 20 and the device body 10. For example, the transceiver circuit 11 includes an A / D converter and a receiving beamformer. When the transceiver circuit 11 receives the echo signal from each subarray output from the ultrasonic probe 20, the A / D converter first converts the echo signal into digital data. The receiving beamformer performs phase-integration and summation processing on the digital data of each subarray to generate echo data, which is then sent to the B-mode processing circuit 12 and the Doppler processing circuit 13.

[0026] The B-mode processing circuit 12 receives the echo data output from the transceiver circuit 11. Then, the B-mode processing circuit 12 performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection, and other processing on the received echo data to generate data (B-mode data) in which signal strength is expressed as brightness. The B-mode processing circuit 12 is implemented, for example, by a processor.

[0027] The Doppler processing circuit 13 receives echo data output from the transceiver circuit 11. Then, based on the received echo data, the Doppler processing circuit 13 performs frequency analysis on the velocity information, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components based on the Doppler effect, and generates data (Doppler data) obtained by extracting average velocity, variance, energy, and other moving body information from multiple points. The Doppler processing circuit 13 is implemented, for example, by a processor.

[0028] The image generation circuit 14 generates an ultrasonic image based on data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 12 and the Doppler processing circuit 13. That is, the image generation circuit 14 generates an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic waves transmitted and received by the ultrasonic probe 20. The image generation circuit 14 is an example of a generation unit. Specifically, the image generation circuit 14 generates a B-mode image, where brightness represents the intensity of the echo, based on the B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 12. Furthermore, the image generation circuit 14 generates a color Doppler image, representing the average velocity, variance, energy, or a combination thereof, of the moving body information based on the Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuit 13. The image generation circuit 14 is implemented, for example, by a processor.

[0029] The storage circuit 15 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, hard disk, optical disk, etc. For example, the storage circuit 15 stores the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation circuit 14. In addition, the storage circuit 15 can also store data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 12 and the Doppler processing circuit 13.

[0030] The control circuit 16 controls the overall processing of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. For example, the control circuit 111 controls the ultrasound probe 20 via the transceiver circuit 101, thereby controlling the ultrasound scan.

[0031] Furthermore, the term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and programmable logic device (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor reads the program stored in the storage circuit 15 and performs the function by executing the read program. Alternatively, instead of storing the program in the storage circuit 15, the program can be directly loaded into the processor's circuitry. In this case, the processor performs the function by reading the program loaded into the circuitry and executing the read program. Furthermore, the processors in this embodiment are not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor; multiple independent circuits can be combined to form a single processor and perform its function.

[0032] Next, the ultrasonic probe 20 connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 will be described. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the ultrasonic probe 20 includes a backing portion 201, a transducer portion 202, an acoustic matching portion 203, an acoustic transmission portion 204, and a contact portion 205.

[0034] Here, as Figure 2 As shown, the width direction of the ultrasonic probe 20 is defined as the X-axis direction. The depth direction, orthogonal to the X-axis direction, is defined as the Z-axis direction. The height direction, orthogonal to both the X-axis and Z-axis directions, is defined as the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, in the ultrasonic probe 20, the side with the contact portion 205 is referred to as the front side, and the side with the backing portion 201 is referred to as the back side.

[0035] The backing portion 201 is disposed on the back side of the transducer portion 202. Furthermore, the backing portion 201 has a backing material. That is, the backing portion 201 absorbs the ultrasonic waves generated by the transducer portion 202. Thus, the backing portion 201 suppresses the ultrasonic waves generated by the transducer portion 202 from returning to the transducer portion 202 through reflection.

[0036] The transducer section 202 has multiple transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. For example, the transducers are piezoelectric elements. For example, the transducer section 202 has a two-dimensional array of multiple transducers arranged in a two-dimensional manner. More specifically, the transducer section 202 arranges multiple transducers along the azimuth direction. In other words, the multiple transducers are arranged along the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the width of the transducer section 202 in the elevation direction, which is orthogonal to the azimuth direction, is 6.0 mm or more and 20.0 mm or less. That is, the width of the transducer section 202 in the X-axis direction is 6.0 mm or more and 20.0 mm or less. Additionally, the transducer section 202 generates ultrasonic waves by applying them to the transducers based on the control of the device body 10. Furthermore, the transducer section 202 converts the reflected wave reflected by the test object P into an electrical signal. Then, the transducer section 202 outputs the electrical signal to the device body 10.

[0037] The acoustic matching section 203 is a layer having one or more acoustic matching layers. The acoustic matching section 203 is disposed on the front side of the oscillator section 202. In other words, the acoustic matching section 203 is disposed between the test subject P and the oscillator section 202. The acoustic matching section 203 has one or more acoustic matching layers, which have an acoustic impedance between the test subject P and the oscillator section 202.

[0038] Here, there is a large difference in acoustic impedance between the test object P and the transducer 202. If the acoustic impedance difference is large, the ultrasonic waves will reflect off the surface of the test object P. An acoustic matching part 203 is disposed between the test object P and the transducer 202, reducing the acoustic impedance difference by utilizing the acoustic impedance between the test object P and the transducer 202. Therefore, the acoustic matching part 203 allows the ultrasonic waves to easily enter the test object P.

[0039] The acoustic transmission section 204 is a layer that transmits the ultrasonic waves generated by the transducer section 202. More specifically, the acoustic transmission section 204 is disposed between the transducer section 202 and the contact section 205, and is formed of a material with a low ultrasonic wave attenuation rate. For example, the acoustic transmission section 204 is formed of a material with butadiene rubber as the main component. For example, the acoustic transmission section 204 is formed of a material with an acoustic attenuation rate of 0.003 [dB / mmMHz] or less.

[0040] Specifically, the preferred material for the acoustic transmission section 204 is...

[0041] (a) Ultrasonic waves propagating at speeds greater than 1500 m / sec and less than 1600 m / sec

[0042] (b) Having an acoustic impedance of 1.4 MRayl or higher and 1.6 MRayl or lower,

[0043] (c) It has an attenuation of approximately 0.03*0.10 dB / mmMHz.

[0044] Furthermore, the thickness of the acoustic transmission portion 204 is preferably 2.3 mm or more. That is, the length of the acoustic transmission portion 204 in the Y-axis direction is preferably 2.3 mm or more. Here, the side portion 210 and the contact portion 205 are bonded together with a silicone adhesive. Additionally, the contact portion 205 is bonded to the acoustic transmission portion 204 with a silicone adhesive. Silicone adhesive is waterproof, but has low rigidity and low adhesion to plastic materials, thus requiring a relatively wide bonding area. To ensure sufficient bonding area, the acoustic transmission portion 204 has a thickness of 2.3 mm or more. Furthermore, the acoustic transmission portion 204 is bonded to the contact portion 205 with sufficient strength. Additionally, the contact portion 205 is bonded to the side portion 210 with sufficient strength.

[0045] Furthermore, the thickness of the acoustic transmission part 204 can be 2.3 mm or more and 4.7 mm or less. In this way, by increasing the thickness of the acoustic transmission part 204, that is, its length in the Y-axis direction, the width of contact with the test object P can be reduced.

[0046] In the case of a sector shape, to increase the intensity of the ultrasound waves, the ultrasonic probe 20 is required to be as large as possible. Figure 2The effective acoustic aperture is shown. That is, the ultrasonic probe 20 is required to maximize the transducer width W2. Furthermore, in order for the ultrasonic probe 20 to scan the circulator between the ribs, the area of ​​the biological contact surface in the contact portion 205, which is the part that contacts the subject P, needs to be reduced. To reduce the area of ​​the biological contact surface, the contact portion 205 is a curved surface protruding forward. Moreover, by forming the contact portion 205 as a curved surface, the biological contact surface is smaller compared to a flat surface.

[0047] If the contact portion 205 were a curved surface protruding forward without the acoustic transmission section 204, the outer edge of the oscillator portion 202 would interfere with the contact portion 205 since the oscillator portion 202 is approximately planar. Therefore, by providing the acoustic transmission section 204, the contact portion 205 can be made curved. That is, the acoustic transmission section 204 can reduce the area of ​​the contact surface with the organism. Furthermore, the acoustic transmission section 204 has a thickness sufficient to form a curved surface in the contact portion 205. For example, the acoustic transmission section 204 is thicker than the contact portion 205 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the acoustic transmission section 204 is thicker than the contact portion 205 in the overlapping direction of the oscillator portion 202, the contact portion 205, and the acoustic transmission section 204.

[0048] Furthermore, the width of the transducer section 202 in the elevation direction, which is orthogonal to the orientation direction of the multiple transducers arranged therein, is smaller than the width of the opening 211 of the side section 210. That is, the width of the transducer section 202 in the X-axis direction is smaller than the width of the opening 211 of the side section 210. The difference between the width of the opening 211 of the side section 210, i.e., the side section opening width W1, and the width of the transducer in the X-axis direction of the transducer section 202, i.e., the transducer width W2, is 0.0 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. With this configuration, the ultrasonic probe 20 can suppress the attenuation of ultrasonic waves caused by the side section 210.

[0049] In addition, by minimizing the difference between the side opening width W1 and the transducer width W2, the ultrasonic probe 20 can suppress image quality degradation and signal-to-noise ratio (S / N ratio) reduction in areas (deeper) away from the contact portion 205.

[0050] The contact portion 205 contacts the subject P. For example, the contact portion 205 is disposed on the front side of the acoustic transmission portion 204. That is, the contact portion 205 is disposed between the acoustic transmission portion 204 and the subject P. In addition, the thickness of the center of the contact portion 205 is more than 0.3 mm and less than 2.0 mm. That is, the thickness of the contact portion 205 at the center in the Z-axis direction and approximately at the center in the X-axis direction is more than 0.3 mm and less than 2.0 mm. Furthermore, the attenuation of the ultrasonic waves between the acoustic transmission portion 204 and the contact portion 205 is less than 1.2 dB / MHz per 1 mm. As a result, the ultrasonic probe 20 has a lower attenuation acoustic configuration than a typical ultrasonic probe, thus enabling the acquisition of high-quality images.

[0051] For example, the contact portion 205 is formed of a material with silicone rubber as the main component. Here, the propagation speed of ultrasound in pure silicone rubber is approximately 1000 m / sec. Furthermore, the acoustic impedance of pure silicone rubber is approximately 1 MNayl. On the other hand, the acoustic impedance of biological materials is approximately 1.5 MNayl. Since pure silicone rubber has a lower acoustic impedance compared to biological materials, micro-powders of materials with a higher specific gravity, such as silica, are added. Because the propagation speed of ultrasound in silicone rubber is slower than that in biological materials, the silicone rubber with added high-specific-gravity materials achieves a focusing effect on ultrasound by being formed into a convex shape, thus also functioning as an acoustic lens.

[0052] Furthermore, silicone rubber is soft and therefore easily transmits impacts to the transducer portion 202. Therefore, to protect it from impacts such as drops, the ultrasonic probe 20 has a side portion 210. The side portion 210 is formed on the side of the acoustic transmission portion 204 and is a component that allows the contact portion 205 to protrude from the opening 211 formed at one end. Additionally, the side portion 210 is a highly rigid component that covers the side of the front end of the ultrasonic probe 20. That is, the side portion 210 covers the side of the contact portion 205. The side portion 210 fixes the contact portion 205 to the holding portion by covering the side of the contact portion 205. For example, the side portion 210 is formed of a plastic material.

[0053] The contact portion 205 and the side portion 210 are bonded together using a silicone adhesive. Silicone adhesives are waterproof but have low rigidity and weak adhesion to plastic materials, thus requiring a relatively wide bonding area. Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the contact portion 205 is provided to cover the side surface of the acoustic transmission portion 204. Because it has a relatively wide bonding area, the contact portion 205 is bonded to the side portion 210 on the side surface of the acoustic transmission portion 204 by a silicone adhesive.

[0054] As a result, the width of the biological contact surface at the front end of the ultrasonic probe 20, which contacts the subject P, increases. That is, the width of the biological contact surface in the X-axis direction increases relative to the width of the transducer portion 202 in the X-axis direction.

[0055] Here, Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of a conventional ultrasonic probe 20a. (See diagram for example.) Figure 3 As shown, the ultrasonic probe 20a includes a backing portion 201, a transducer portion 202, an acoustic matching portion 203, an acoustic lens portion 206, and an acoustic transmission portion 204a.

[0056] That is, the existing ultrasonic probe 20a does not have a contact portion 205. Therefore, the acoustic transmission portion 204a of the conventional ultrasonic probe 20a is in contact with the subject P.

[0057] Here, the acoustic transmission parts 204 and 204a are formed of a material with butadiene rubber as the main component. However, materials with butadiene rubber as the main component have low resistance to pharmaceuticals and the like.

[0058] After use, the ultrasonic probe 20 undergoes cleaning, sterilization, and disinfection. This process involves irradiation with ultraviolet light or the application of chemicals. The acoustic transmission parts 204 and 204a, which are primarily composed of butadiene rubber, exhibit low resistance to these ultraviolet rays and chemicals.

[0059] Therefore, as Figure 2 As shown, the ultrasonic probe 20 has a contact portion 205 that covers the front side of the acoustic transmission section 204. In other words, the contact portion 205 covers the exposed portion of the acoustic transmission section 204.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the contact portion 205 is configured to cover the front side of the acoustic transmission portion 204. More specifically, the contact portion 205 is configured to cover both the front and sides of the acoustic transmission portion 204. Thus, the contact portion 205 protects the acoustic transmission portion 204 from UV radiation and chemicals.

[0061] For example, the contact portion 205 is formed of the same material as the acoustic lens. The acoustic lens focuses the ultrasonic beam in both the X-axis and Z-axis directions. Thus, the acoustic lens improves azimuth resolution. For example, the acoustic lens is formed of a material primarily composed of silicone rubber.

[0062] For example, the contact portion 205 is formed of a material with excellent chemical resistance. Specifically, the contact portion 205 is formed of a material with silicone rubber as the main component. Alternatively, the contact portion 205 may also be formed of a material with polyimide as the main component.

[0063] For example, in Figure 3 In the conventional ultrasonic probe 20a configuration shown, the acoustic lens portion 206 is formed of a material primarily composed of silicone rubber. Therefore, the manufacturer bonds the acoustic lens portion 206 and the transducer portion 202 by applying a silicone-based adhesive and allowing it to cure. The acoustic transmission portion 204 is formed of a material primarily composed of butadiene rubber. Therefore, the manufacturer bonds the acoustic lens portion 206 and the acoustic transmission portion 204 by applying a butadiene-based adhesive and allowing it to cure. In other words, the conventional ultrasonic probe 20 utilizes different adhesives and multiple steps for bonding.

[0064] On the other hand, in the case of the ultrasonic probe 20, the acoustic transmission part 204 is formed of a material with butadiene rubber as the main agent. Therefore, the transducer part 202 and the acoustic transmission part 204 are bonded together by a butadiene-based adhesive. That is, the manufacturer bonds them by applying a butadiene-based adhesive between the transducer part 202 and the acoustic transmission part 204 and allowing it to cure. Additionally, the manufacturer bonds them by applying a butadiene-based adhesive between the contact part 205 and the acoustic transmission part 204 and allowing it to cure. In this way, since both adhesives are butadiene-based, the manufacturer can cure and bond them in one step. Furthermore, the acoustic attenuation rate of the butadiene-based adhesive is lower than that of the silicon-based adhesive, thus reducing the attenuation rate of the ultrasonic waves.

[0065] As described above, the ultrasonic probe 20 according to the first embodiment includes a transducer portion 202, a contact portion 205, and an acoustic transmission portion 204. The acoustic transmission portion 204 is disposed between the transducer portion 202 and the contact portion 205, and is formed of a material with butadiene rubber as the main agent, which has a low ultrasonic attenuation rate. That is, the acoustic transmission portion 204 is covered by the contact portion 205, and therefore does not come into contact with UV light or pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe 20 can suppress the deterioration of the acoustic transmission layer.

[0066] (Variation Example 1)

[0067] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 20b in Modified Example 1. (See diagram for example.) Figure 4 As shown, the ultrasonic probe 20b may also have an acoustic lens portion 206b on the front side of the transducer portion 202. That is, the ultrasonic probe 20b may also have an acoustic lens portion 206b between the acoustic transmission portion 204b and the transducer portion 202.

[0068] An acoustic lens section 206b is disposed between the transducer section 202 and the acoustic transmission section 204b to converge the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transducer section 202. The acoustic lens section 206b is an example of a first acoustic lens section. More specifically, the acoustic lens section 206b has acoustic lenses that converge the ultrasonic beam in both the X-axis and Z-axis directions. Therefore, the acoustic lens section 206b improves azimuth resolution. For example, the acoustic lens section 206b is formed of a material primarily composed of silicone rubber.

[0069] When the propagation speed of ultrasound in the acoustic lens portion 206b is slower than the propagation speed of ultrasound in a living organism, the acoustic lens portion 206b has a convex shape with the surface on the subject P side raised. That is, the acoustic lens portion 206b has a convex shape that protrudes in the thickness direction, i.e., the Y-axis direction. On the other hand, when the propagation speed of ultrasound in the acoustic lens portion 206b is faster than the propagation speed of ultrasound in a living organism, the acoustic lens portion 206b has a concave shape with the surface on the subject P side recessed. That is, the acoustic lens portion 206b has a concave shape that is recessed in the thickness direction, i.e., the Y-axis direction. In addition, the thickness of the thickest part of the acoustic lens portion 206b is preferably, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 0.9 mm or less.

[0070] (Variation Example 2)

[0071] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 20c in Modified Example 2. (See diagram for example.) Figure 5 As shown, the ultrasonic probe 20c may also have an acoustic lens 206c on the front side of the acoustic transmission part 204c.

[0072] An acoustic lens section 206c is disposed between the acoustic transmission section 204c and the contact section 205 to converge the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the oscillator section 202. The acoustic lens section 206c is an example of a second acoustic lens section. More specifically, the acoustic lens section 206c has acoustic lenses that converge the ultrasonic beam in both the X-axis and Z-axis directions. Therefore, the acoustic lens section 206c improves azimuth resolution. For example, the acoustic lens section 206c is formed of a material primarily composed of silicone rubber.

[0073] In Modification 2, the manufacturer also bonded the oscillator 202 and the acoustic transmission part 204c by applying a butadiene-based adhesive and allowing it to cure. Alternatively, the manufacturer bonded the acoustic lens part 206c and the acoustic transmission part 204c by applying a butadiene-based adhesive and allowing it to cure. That is, since both adhesives are butadiene-based, the manufacturer can cure and bond them in one step.

[0074] (Variation Example 3)

[0075] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 20d in Modified Example 3. (See diagram for example.) Figure 6 As shown, the ultrasonic probe 20d can also have a contact portion 205d with an ultrasonic lens.

[0076] Similar to an ultrasonic lens, the contact portion 205d is formed of a material primarily composed of silicone rubber. Therefore, the contact portion 205d can also function as an acoustic lens. In other words, the contact portion 205d focuses the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transducer portion 202.

[0077] In Modification 3, the manufacturer also bonded the oscillator portion 202 and the acoustic transmission portion 204 by applying a butadiene-based adhesive between them and allowing it to cure. Alternatively, the manufacturer bonded the contact portion 205d and the acoustic transmission portion 204 by applying a butadiene-based adhesive between them and allowing it to cure. That is, since both adhesives are butadiene-based, the manufacturer can cure and bond them in one step.

[0078] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the degradation of the acoustic transmission layer can be suppressed.

[0079] Some embodiments have been described, but these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope or spirit of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0080] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0081] 1. Ultrasonic diagnostic device

[0082] 10. Main body of the device

[0083] 11 Transceiver Circuit

[0084] 12 B-mode processing circuit

[0085] 13. Doppler processing circuit

[0086] 14 Image Generation Circuit

[0087] 15. Storage Circuit

[0088] 16 Control Circuit

[0089] 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d ultrasonic probes

[0090] 30 monitors

[0091] 40 Input Device

[0092] 101 Transceiver Circuit

[0093] 111 Control Circuit

[0094] 201 Backing section

[0095] 202 Oscillator Section

[0096] 203 Sound Matching Section

[0097] Acoustic transmission sections 204, 204a, 204b, and 204c

[0098] 205, 205d contact parts

[0099] Acoustic lens section 206, 206b, 206c

[0100] P Subject

[0101] W1 Side opening width

[0102] W2 oscillator width

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, have: The transducer section has multiple transducers that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves; The contact part, which comes into contact with the subject; and An acoustic transmission section, disposed between the oscillator section and the contact section, is formed of a material with a low ultrasonic wave attenuation rate. The thickness of the acoustic transmission part ranges from 2.3 mm to 4.7 mm. The acoustic transmission part is formed using a material with an acoustic impedance of 1.4 MNayl or more and 1.6 MNayl or less.

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attenuation of ultrasonic waves between the acoustic transmission part and the contact part is less than 1.2 dB / MHz per 1 mm.

3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe also has a side portion formed on the side of the acoustic transmission portion, such that the contact portion protrudes from an opening formed at one end. The oscillator section has the plurality of oscillators arranged along the azimuth direction. The width of the oscillator in the elevation direction, which is orthogonal to the azimuth direction, is smaller than the width of the opening in the elevation direction. The difference between the width of the oscillator section in the elevation direction and the width of the opening in the elevation direction is less than 1.0 mm.

4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first acoustic lens is also provided between the oscillator section and the acoustic transmission section. The first acoustic lens has a thickness of 0.3 mm or more and 0.9 mm or less, and has a concave surface or a convex surface that is recessed along the thickness direction of the first acoustic lens.

5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the oscillator in the elevation direction orthogonal to the azimuth direction in which the plurality of oscillators are configured is 6.0 mm or more and 20.0 mm or less.

6. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acoustic transmission section is formed of a material in which the propagation speed of ultrasonic waves propagating in the acoustic transmission section is 1500 m / sec to 1600 m / sec and has an attenuation of 0.03*0.10 dB / mmMHz.

7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acoustic transmission part is formed of a material with an ultrasonic attenuation rate of less than 0.003 dB / mmMHz.

8. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe has a first acoustic lens section disposed between the transducer section and the acoustic transmission section to converge the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transducer section.

9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe includes a second acoustic lens portion disposed between the acoustic transmission portion and the contact portion, which converges the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transducer portion.

10. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact portion converges the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the oscillator portion.

11. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the stacking direction where the oscillator portion, the contact portion, and the acoustic transmission portion overlap, the acoustic transmission portion is thicker than the contact portion.

12. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oscillator and the acoustic transmission part are bonded together by a butadiene-based adhesive.

13. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The contact portion covers the subject side of the acoustic transmission portion.

14. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The contact portion is formed of a material with silicone rubber as the main agent.

15. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, comprising an ultrasonic probe and a device body, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe includes: The transducer section has multiple transducers that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves; The contact part, which comes into contact with the subject; and An acoustic transmission section, disposed between the oscillator section and the contact section, is formed of a material with low ultrasonic wave attenuation rate. The thickness of the acoustic transmission part ranges from 2.3 mm to 4.7 mm. The acoustic transmission part is formed using a material with an acoustic impedance of 1.4 MRayl or higher and 1.6 MRayl or lower. The main body of the device includes a generating unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic waves transmitted and received by the transducer.

Images