Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic imager

Abstract

The ultrasonic probe comprises a shell assembly, a driving assembly and a transducer assembly with a main shaft, the shell assembly comprises a handle shell and a probe shell connected with the handle shell, the transducer assembly is arranged in the probe shell, and the driving assembly is arranged in the handle shell, is in transmission connection with the main shaft and is used for driving the main shaft to rotate. The transducer assembly is driven to rotate around the central axis of the main shaft; the driving assembly comprises a driving part and a first speed reducer, the first speed reducer comprises a mounting bracket, an output gear and a plurality of transmission gears arranged in the mounting bracket, the driving part comprises a motor and a driving gear connected with a motor shaft, the main shaft is connected with the output gear, and the plurality of transmission gears are sequentially meshed from the driving gear to the output gear; the driving part can improve driving force after speed reduction step by step through the transmission gears so as to drive the output gear to drive the main shaft to rotate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical testing equipment technology, and in particular to an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound imager. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasonic probes are primarily used for intracavitary ultrasonic testing. During the examination, the rotational force generated by the motor inside the probe is applied to the ultrasonic transducer via the spindle to drive the transducer to rotate at a large angle and scan. The spindle requires resistance from its internal electrical connections during rotation. Furthermore, when the force transmitted from the motor to the spindle is too small, the spindle speed can be reduced by bending of the electrical connections, making it impossible for the spindle to achieve the required rotational accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic imager, which can reduce the output speed of the drive component step by step through the transmission gear on the first reducer, thereby increasing the rotational force transmitted by the drive component to the main shaft. This significantly improves the control accuracy of the ultrasonic transducer and ensures that the ultrasonic transducer has a sufficiently large output torque.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe, including a housing assembly, a drive 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. The drive assembly is disposed within the handle housing and is drively connected to the main shaft for driving the main shaft to rotate, thereby causing the transducer assembly to rotate around the central axis of the main shaft.

[0005] The drive assembly includes a drive component and a first reducer. The first reducer includes a mounting bracket, an output gear, and a plurality of transmission gears disposed within the mounting bracket. The drive component includes a motor and a drive gear connected to the motor shaft. The main shaft is connected to the output gear. The plurality of transmission gears mesh sequentially from the drive gear to the output gear, so that the drive component can drive the output gear to rotate the main shaft after being reduced in speed step by step by the transmission gears. The output torque of each transmission gear after being reduced in speed step by step is greater than the output torque of the motor.

[0006] In an embodiment of the ultrasonic probe of this utility model, the mounting bracket includes a frame and a partition disposed within the frame. The partition divides the frame into a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity. The drive gear meshes with a transmission gear disposed in the first receiving cavity, and the output gear meshes with a transmission gear disposed in the second receiving cavity.

[0007] In an ultrasonic probe according to one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission gear includes a first gear, a gear shaft, and a second gear. A first shaft hole is provided on the partition plate, and the gear shaft is rotatably installed in the first shaft hole. The first gear and the second gear are respectively disposed at the two ends of the gear shaft located in the first and second receiving cavities. The output gear meshes with the second gear, and the driving gear is connected to the first gear in a transmission manner.

[0008] In an embodiment of the ultrasonic probe of this utility model, the transmission gear further includes a first double gear, the first double gear including a first input tooth meshing with the driving gear and a first output tooth drivingly connected to the first gear, the diameter of the first input tooth being larger than the diameter of the first output tooth.

[0009] In an ultrasonic probe according to one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission gear further includes a second double gear, the second double gear including a second input tooth meshing with the first output tooth and a second output tooth meshing with the first gear, the diameter of the second input tooth being larger than the diameter of the second output tooth.

[0010] In an ultrasonic probe according to one embodiment of the present invention, both the first double gear and the second double gear are disposed in the first receiving cavity, and the frame is provided with a first through hole, and the driving gear passes through the first through hole and meshes with the first input gear.

[0011] In an embodiment of the ultrasonic probe of this utility model, the drive assembly further includes an encoder, which is disposed on the side of the motor away from the first reducer and is used to detect the rotational speed of the spindle.

[0012] In an ultrasonic probe according to one embodiment of the present invention, a second reducer is connected between the encoder and the motor, and the transmission ratio of the second reducer corresponds to the transmission ratio of the first reducer.

[0013] In an ultrasonic probe according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second reducer includes a third double gear, a fourth double gear, and a power output unit. The motor has a drive gear at one end away from the first reducer. The drive gear is connected to the power output unit through the third double gear and the fourth double gear. The power output unit is connected to the encoder.

[0014] In an embodiment of the ultrasonic probe of this utility model, the housing assembly further includes a connecting seat with a spindle rotation hole. The connecting seat is connected between the handle housing and the probe housing. One end of the spindle is rotatably mounted in the spindle rotation hole and connected to the output gear. The mounting bracket is fixed on the connecting seat.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic probe further includes a control component, which is disposed inside the handle housing. The transducer assembly and the drive assembly are both electrically connected to the control component.

[0016] In an embodiment of the ultrasonic probe of this utility model, the control component includes a control board and a fixed bracket. The control board is fixed to the outside of the motor by the fixed bracket. The control board is connected to the transducer assembly and the drive assembly by a cable.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic probe further includes a limiting component, which is installed on at least one of the handle housing, probe housing, connecting seat and spindle, and is used to limit the spindle to rotate within a stroke angle of not less than 720 degrees.

[0018] In an ultrasonic probe according to one embodiment of the present invention, the limiting component 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 disposed between the fixing member and the limiting member.

[0019] In an ultrasonic probe according to one embodiment of the present invention, the transducer assembly includes at least two ultrasonic transducers, and the at least two ultrasonic transducers are distributed in the circumferential direction of the main shaft.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides an ultrasound imaging device, characterized in that it includes a display, an ultrasound host, and the aforementioned ultrasound probe, wherein the ultrasound probe is connected to the ultrasound host for transmitting ultrasound signals and acquiring echo signals, and the display is used to display an ultrasound image generated by the ultrasound host based on the echo signals.

[0021] The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment may include the following beneficial effects: This application designs an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic imager, including a drive assembly and a transducer assembly. The drive assembly includes a drive member and a first reducer. The drive member is connected to the main shaft of the transducer assembly through the first reducer, so that the output speed of the drive member can be reduced step by step through the transmission gear on the first reducer, thereby increasing the rotational force transmitted by the drive member to the main shaft. This not only ensures that the output torque of the transducer assembly is large, but also facilitates the control of the speed of the transducer assembly.

[0022] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasonic probe provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the ultrasonic probe in the image;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded view of the ultrasonic probe;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the ultrasonic probe in the image;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the ultrasonic probe in the image;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe in the image;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the transducer assembly in the diagram;

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the limiting component in the middle;

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the limiting component in the middle;

[0033] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the limiting component in the diagram;

[0034] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of the limiting component in the middle;

[0035] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the limiting component in the middle;

[0036] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the control and drive components in the diagram;

[0037] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first reducer in the process;

[0038] Figure 15 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first reducer in the process;

[0039] Figure 16 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the first reducer in the circuit;

[0040] Figure 17 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the driving components in the diagram;

[0041] Figure 18 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the second reducer in the circuit.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] 10. Housing assembly; 11. Handle housing; 12. Probe housing; 121. Connecting housing; 122. Acoustic window; 13. Connecting base; 131. Spindle rotation hole;

[0044] 20. Transducer assembly; 21. Ultrasonic transducer; 22. Spindle; 222. First bearing mounting part; 223. Second bearing mounting part; 23. Bearing component; 231. First bearing component; 232. Second bearing component; 233. Third bearing component; 24. Fastening nut;

[0045] 30. Drive assembly; 31. Drive component; 311. Drive gear; 32. First 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. Main shaft fixing hole; 325. Mounting bracket; 3251. First receiving cavity; 3252. Second receiving cavity; 3253. First through hole; 3254. First shaft hole; 33. Encoder; 34. Second reducer; 342. Third double gear; 343. Fourth double gear; 344. Power output unit; 312. Drive gear;

[0046] 40. Limiting assembly; 41. Limiting member; 41a. Third slide groove; 411. First blocking part; 412. Limiting member mounting part; 42. Fixing member; 42a. Fourth slide groove; 421. Second blocking part; 422. First connecting platform; 43. Connecting member; 43a. First slide groove; 43b. Second slide groove; 431. First connecting member; 4311. First limiting part; 4311a. First upper limiting part; 4311b. First lower limiting part; 432. Second connecting member; 4321. Second limiting part; 4321b. Second upper limiting part; 4321b. Second lower limiting part; 4322. Second connecting platform; 44. First limiting member; 45. Second limiting member;

[0047] 50. Control components; 51. Control board; 52. Mounting bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0049] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this utility model specification is merely for describing specific aspects of the present application. It is important to understand that terms such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0050] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 18As shown, according to a first aspect of this application, this application provides an ultrasonic probe, including a housing assembly 10, a drive assembly 30, and a transducer assembly 20 having a spindle 22. 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. The drive assembly 30 is disposed within the handle housing 11 and is drively connected to the spindle 22 for driving the spindle 22 to rotate, thereby causing the transducer assembly 20 to rotate around the axis of the spindle 22. The rotational force generated by the drive assembly 30 is applied to the ultrasonic transducer 21 of the transducer assembly 20 via the spindle 22, thereby rotatably driving the ultrasonic transducer 21 to perform a radial scanning operation to obtain a corresponding ultrasonic image.

[0052] In one alternative implementation, such as Figures 5 to 12 As shown, the ultrasonic probe also includes a limiting component 40, which includes a fixing member 42, a limiting member 41, and at least one connecting member 43. The fixing member 42 is fixed to the housing assembly 10, the limiting member 41 is fixed to the spindle 22, and the connecting member 43 is rotatably mounted on the spindle 22 and disposed between the fixing member 42 and the limiting member 41. It is used to form a limiting engagement with the fixing member 42 and the limiting member 41 to restrict the spindle 22 to rotate within a stroke angle of not less than 720 degrees. This allows for limiting any stroke angle and enables the adjustment of the angular position when the drive assembly 30 drives the transducer assembly 20 to rotate. This solves the technical problem of the transducer assembly 20 rotating at angles exceeding 720 degrees. At the same time, it also protects the electrical connection components inside the spindle 22 during the torsion process, preventing electrical connection components similar to flexible circuit boards from being damaged during the rotation of the spindle 22, thereby improving the service life of the electrical connection parts.

[0053] It should be noted that the transducer assembly 20's rotation within a stroke angle of not less than 720 degrees means that the transducer assembly 20 can rotate more than two revolutions or equal to two revolutions around its central axis in either a counterclockwise or clockwise direction. Alternatively, it can mean that the total stroke angle of the transducer assembly 20's rotation around its central axis in both counterclockwise and clockwise directions is not less than 720 degrees, depending on the design requirements. For example, it could be rotation within 0 to 720 degrees, -360 to +360 degrees, or 0 to 810 degrees, or even rotation exceeding 810 degrees. Here, 0 degrees can be the initial rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20, and the aforementioned 720 degrees and 810 degrees can be the final rotation angles of the transducer assembly 20 in one direction. The aforementioned -360 and +360 degrees can be the final rotation angles of the transducer assembly 20 in the counterclockwise direction and the final rotation angle in the clockwise direction, 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.

[0054] For example, the rotation of the spindle 22 within a stroke angle of not less than 720 degrees includes rotation from a first stroke angle to a second stroke angle, where 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, where the forward direction is one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, and the reverse direction is the other of the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction.

[0055] By adopting the above technical solution, the transducer assembly 20 can rotate within a preset rotation angle between the first stroke angle and the second stroke angle, thanks to the cooperation of the fixing member 42, the limiting member 41, and at least one connecting member 43. This not only prevents the transducer assembly 20 from exceeding its limit position during rotation, thus avoiding damage to the internal electrical connection components, but also ensures that the rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20 is greater than 720 degrees, enabling imaging within the effective motion range of 720 degrees. Compared to the method that relies solely on a combination of motor pulse count and zero-return control, this application offers greater reliability. In particular, problems with the program used to control the motor pulse count and zero-return control can easily damage the internal electrical connection components of the transducer assembly 20, leading to transducer assembly 20 failure.

[0056] For example, when the first stroke angle is 0 degrees and the second stroke angle is 720 degrees, the drive assembly 30 can only drive the spindle 22 to rotate between 0 degrees and 720 degrees to protect the electrical connection components inside the spindle 22, thereby preventing the electrical connection components from affecting the transmission effect of the transducer assembly 20 when twisted or squeezed. Alternatively, when the first stroke angle is 0 degrees and the second stroke angle is greater than 720 degrees, the drive assembly 30 drives the spindle 22 to rotate at any angle range between 0 degrees and more than 720 degrees, so as to achieve a large angle selection of the transducer assembly 20, thereby meeting various angle requirements of the transducer assembly 20, improving the scanning efficiency of the transducer assembly 20, and also protecting the electrical connection components inside the spindle 22, which may affect the transmission effect of the transducer assembly 20 or even cause damage to the electrical connection components when twisted or squeezed. Alternatively, when the first stroke angle is -360 degrees and the second stroke angle is +360 degrees, the drive assembly 30 drives the spindle 22 to rotate at any angle between -360 degrees and +360 degrees, so as to realize the free angle selection of forward and reverse rotation of the transducer assembly 20, thereby meeting the various angle requirements of the transducer assembly 20.

[0057] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the connecting member 43 has a first end face and a second end face facing each other. A first limiting member 44 is connected between the first end face and the limiting member 41, and a second limiting member 45 is connected between the second end face and the fixing member 42. The first limiting member 44 and the second limiting member 45 rotate relative to the connecting block, the limiting member 41 and the fixing member 42 around the axis of the main shaft 22. When the drive assembly 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate, since the limiting member 41 is fixed on the main shaft 22 and the fixing member 42 is fixed on the housing assembly 10, the connecting member 43 is sleeved on the main shaft 22 and can rotate relative to the main shaft 22. Therefore, the spindle 22 drives the limiting member 41 to rotate. When the limiting member 41 moves to the first limiting member 44 and the first limiting member 44 contacts the limiting end face of the limiting member 41, the limiting member 41 drives the first limiting member 44 to rotate around the axis of the spindle 22. When the first limiting member 44 contacts the limiting end face of the connecting member 43 on the first end face, the limiting member 41 drives the connecting member 43 to rotate relative to the fixing member 42 through the first limiting member 44. When the limiting end face of the connecting member 43 on the second end face contacts the second limiting member 45, the connecting member 43 drives the second limiting member 45 to rotate around the axis of the spindle 22 until the second limiting member 45 contacts the limiting end face of the fixing member 42. When the end face of the second limiting member 45 is in contact with the fixed member 42, the movement of the second limiting member 45 will be blocked by the limiting end face of the fixed member 42, thereby preventing the connecting member 43 from continuing to rotate relative to the fixed member 42. In turn, the connecting member 43 and the first limiting member 44 prevent the limiting member 41 from continuing to rotate, thus playing a mechanical limiting role. This solves the technical problem of the transducer assembly 20 with a rotation angle of more than 720 degrees. It can also protect the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 during the torsion process of the main shaft 22. It can not only control the number of pulses of the drive assembly 30, but also realize the mechanical limiting of the main shaft 22 during the rotation process through the limiting member 40. The structure is simple and the operation is reliable.

[0058] In one optional embodiment, a first groove 43a is provided on the first end face, a second groove 43b is provided on the second end face, a third groove 41a is provided on the limiting member 41, a fourth groove 42a is provided on the fixing member 42, a first limiting member 44 is slidably installed between the first groove 43a and the third groove 41a, and a second limiting member 45 is slidably installed between the second groove 43b and the fourth groove 42a, so that the limiting member 41 and the connecting member 43 can be mechanically limited by the first limiting member 44 connected between the first groove 43a and the third groove 41a, and the connecting member 43 and the fixing member 42 can be mechanically limited by the second limiting member 45 connected between the second groove 43b and the fourth groove 42a. The limiting angle between the limiting member 41 and the connecting member 43 is determined by the curvature of the first slide groove 43a and the curvature of the third slide groove 41a. The limiting angle between the connecting member 43 and the fixing member 42 is determined by the curvature of the second slide groove 43b and the curvature of the fourth slide groove 42a. In other words, the mechanical limiting angle of the limiting assembly 40 is determined by the rotation angle of the connecting member 43 relative to the main shaft 22 and the curvature of the first slide groove 43a, the second slide groove 43b, the third slide groove 41a and the fourth slide groove 42a.

[0059] For example, the first slide groove 43a has two opposing first limiting end faces, and the first limiting member 44 can rotate from one of the first limiting end faces to the other about the axis of the main shaft 22. Similarly, the third slide groove 41a has two opposing third limiting end faces, and the first limiting member 44 can rotate from one of the third limiting end faces to the other about the axis of the main shaft 22. When the first limiting member 44 is limited by both the first and third limiting end faces, 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 slide groove 43b has two opposing second limiting end faces, and the second limiting member 45 can rotate around the axis of the main shaft 22 from one of the second limiting end faces to the other; the fourth slide groove 42a has two opposing fourth limiting end faces, and the second limiting member 45 can rotate around the axis of the main shaft 22 from one of the fourth limiting end faces to the other. 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 slide groove 43b until the second limiting member 45 is blocked by the second limiting end face, at which point the second limiting member 45... It will rotate together with the connecting member 43 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, so the rotation angle of the second limiting member 45 can be limited. The second limiting member 45 can be limited by the rotation angle of the connecting member 43 through the second limiting end face. The connecting member 43 can be limited by the rotation angle of the first limiting member 44 through the first limiting end face. The first limiting member 44 can be limited by the rotation angle of the limiting member 41 through the third limiting end face.

[0060] In one alternative implementation, such as Figures 5 to 10 As 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. This allows the spindle 22 to achieve three levels of 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. This solves the technical problem of the transducer assembly 20 with a rotation angle exceeding 720 degrees. It also protects the electrical connection components inside the spindle 22 during the torsion process of the spindle 22. It can not only control the number of pulses of the drive assembly 30, but also achieve mechanical limiting of the spindle 22 during rotation through the limiting component 40. The structure is simple and the operation is reliable.

[0061] 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, which is not limited in this application.

[0062] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first connector 431 has a first limiting part 4311 on each of its opposite ends, and the second connector 432 has a second limiting part 4321 on each of its opposite ends. One of the first limiting parts 4311 and one of the second limiting parts 4321 form a limiting engagement, the other first limiting part 4311 and the limiting member 41 form a limiting engagement, and the other second limiting part 4321 and the fixing member 42 form a limiting engagement. This allows the first connector 431 and the second connector 432 to work together to limit the limiting part and the fixing member 42. It also solves the technical problem of transducer assembly 20 with a rotation angle of more than 720 degrees, so as to meet the requirements of transducer assembly 20 with various large-angle rotation. At the same time, it can also prevent the electrical connection parts inside the main shaft 22 from being damaged during the torsion of the main shaft 22.

[0063] For example, 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. The first upper limit portion 4311a is used to form a limiting engagement with the limiting member 41 to prevent the limiting member 41 from rotating, or the limiting member 41 drives the first connecting member 431 to rotate through the first upper limit portion 4311a; the first lower limit portion 4311b is used to form a limiting engagement with the second upper limit portion 4321b to prevent the first connecting member 431 from rotating, or the first connecting member 431 drives the second connecting member 432 to rotate through the engagement of the first lower limit portion 4311b and the second upper limit portion 4321b; the second lower limit portion 4321b is used to form a limiting engagement with the fixing member 42 to prevent the second connecting member 432 from rotating.

[0064] In an optional embodiment, the limiting member 41 is provided with a first blocking part 411. The first blocking part 411 is disposed on the outer periphery of the limiting member 41 and is used to form a limiting engagement with the first limiting part 4311 disposed on the limiting member 41, so that the limiting member 41 can be mechanically limited by the first blocking part 411 and the first limiting part 4311. At the same time, the first blocking part 411 is disposed on the outer periphery of the limiting member 41, which facilitates the forming and processing of the first blocking part 411.

[0065] In an optional embodiment, the inner side of the first limiting part 4311 contacts the outer peripheral side of the limiting member 41, so that the limiting member 41 can rotate in contact with the inner side of the first limiting part 4311 to ensure the stability of the first connecting member 431 when rotating around the axis of the main shaft 22.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the fixing member 42 is provided with a first connecting platform 422 and a second blocking part 421 provided on one side of the first connecting platform 422. The inner side of the second limiting part 4321 contacts the outer peripheral side of the first connecting platform 422 to form a limiting engagement with the second blocking part 421. At the same time, the second connecting member 432 can also be made stable during rotation by the close contact between the second limiting part 4321 and the first connecting platform 422.

[0067] In an optional embodiment, the second connector 432 has a second connecting platform 4322 on the side facing the first connector 431. The second limiting part 4321 is connected to the outer periphery of the second connecting platform 4322, and its inner side contacts the outer periphery of the second connecting platform 4322. This allows the first connector 431 to rotate by fitting against the outer periphery of the second connecting platform 4322 through the first limiting part 4311, and then form a limiting engagement with the second limiting part 4321. This not only ensures the stability between the first connector 431 and the second connector 432, but also facilitates the processing and forming of the second connecting platform 4322 and the second limiting part 4321.

[0068] In an optional embodiment, the limiting member 41 is provided with a limiting member mounting part 412, which is used to fix the limiting member 41 on the spindle 22.

[0069] For example, the limiting member 41 includes a limiting member 41 body and a limiting member 41 fixing screw. The limiting member 41 body is provided with a screw fixing hole, and the limiting member 41 fixing screw is threaded into the screw fixing hole to realize the fixed connection between the limiting member 41 body and the main shaft 22.

[0070] In one alternative implementation, such as Figures 4 to 9As shown, the housing assembly 10 also includes a connecting seat 13 with a spindle rotation hole 131. The connecting seat 13 is connected between the handle housing 11 and the probe housing 12. The spindle 22 is rotatably mounted in the spindle rotation hole 131, and the fixing member 42 is fixed on the connecting seat 13.

[0071] In one alternative implementation, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the transducer assembly 20 also includes a bearing 23, which is connected between the spindle 22 and the connecting seat 13 and / or the probe housing 12 to ensure smooth rotation of the spindle 22.

[0072] For example, 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 or the connecting seat 13. One end of the spindle 22 is connected to the acoustic window 122 through a bearing 23. The other end of the spindle 22 passes through the spindle rotation hole 131 and is connected to the drive assembly 30 for transmission. A bearing 23 is connected between the spindle rotation hole 131 and the spindle 22.

[0073] Specifically, the transducer assembly 20 also includes a fastening nut 24. The bearing component 23 includes a first bearing component 231, a second bearing component 232, and a third bearing component 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 component 231 and the second bearing component 232 are connected to the first bearing mounting portion 222, and the outer rings of the first bearing component 231 and the second bearing component 232 are connected to the inner wall of the main shaft rotation hole 131. The fastening nut 24 is locked to the outside of the second bearing component 232 to fix the second bearing component 232 on the main shaft 22. The inner ring of the third bearing component 233 is connected to the second bearing mounting portion 223, and the outer ring of the third bearing component 233 is fixed inside the acoustic window 122.

[0074] It should be noted that the connector 13 can be integrally formed with the handle housing 11 or the probe housing 12, or the connector 13 can be separately formed with the handle housing 11 or the probe housing 12 and then fixed together by assembly. This application does not impose any restrictions.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment, the fastener 42 is mounted on the connector 13, and the limiting member 41 is fixed to the end of the spindle 22 that extends out of the connector 13.

[0076] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 4 , Figures 13 to 18As shown, the drive assembly 30 includes a drive member 31 and a first reducer 32. The drive member 31 is connected to the main shaft 22 via the first reducer 32, so that the drive assembly 30 can reduce the output speed of the drive member 31 step by step through the transmission gear on the first reducer 32, thereby increasing the rotational force transmitted from the drive member 31 to the main shaft 22. This greatly improves the control accuracy of the ultrasonic transducer 21 and ensures 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 process of the main shaft 22 or the resistance of the transducer assembly 20 to the tissue inside the body cavity during the detection process.

[0077] Specifically, during the examination, the ultrasound probe is inserted into the body cavity to perform a complete circumferential scan to acquire data for the examined area, such as when examining the pelvic cavity. When the ultrasound probe scans within the body cavity, the drive unit 31 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate within the cavity. The body cavity wall on the outer circumference of the main shaft 22 generates a resistance force in the opposite direction to the main shaft 22, preventing its rotation. This resistance force not only reduces the rotational speed of the main shaft 22 but may even force it to stop rotating. Simultaneously, to improve the control accuracy of the ultrasound probe, the rotational speed of the main shaft 22 within the body cavity cannot be too fast. Furthermore, due to the limitations of the internal space of the ultrasound probe, the stepper motor is typically transmitted to the main shaft 22 via a single-stage spur gear transmission, which is insufficient to meet the driving force required by the main shaft 22. Therefore, in this application, while meeting the size requirements, the first reducer 32 is connected between the drive member 31 and the main shaft 22. This not only satisfies the driving force required by the main shaft 22 through the principle of speed reduction and torque increase, but also enables the main shaft 22 to achieve normal acceleration, uniform speed and deceleration through the drive member 31, thereby greatly improving the control accuracy of the ultrasonic transducer 21.

[0078] In one alternative implementation, such as Figures 13 to 16 As shown, the first reducer 32 includes a mounting bracket 325, an output gear 324, and multiple transmission gears disposed within the mounting bracket 325. The drive unit 31 includes a motor and a drive gear 311 connected to the motor shaft. The main shaft 22 is connected to the output gear 324. The multiple transmission gears mesh sequentially from the drive gear 311 to the output gear 324, enabling the drive unit 31 to drive the output gear 324 to rotate the main shaft 22 through progressively reducing speed via each transmission gear. This achieves a speed reduction and torque increase effect, ensuring the required driving force for the main shaft 22 and significantly improving the control accuracy of the ultrasonic transducer 21.

[0079] After adopting the above technical solution, when the ultrasound probe rotates in the body cavity, the body cavity wall will resist the further rotation of the main shaft 22 in response to the resistance of the ultrasound transducer 21 as it is inserted into and rotates in the body cavity; if this resistance exceeds the rotational resistance of the motor, the motor will stop working. Therefore, this application increases the rotational torque of the main shaft 22 by using multiple transmission gears to gradually reduce the speed, so that the torque transmitted from the motor to the main shaft 22 through the first reducer 32 is much greater than the original output torque of the motor, thereby overcoming 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.

[0080] It should be noted that the rotational speed of the spindle 22 can be controlled by a motor, but the original output torque of the motor is generally difficult to exceed the resistance encountered by the spindle 22 during rotation within the body cavity. In other words, the design torque or original output torque of the motor cannot meet the driving force required by the spindle 22.

[0081] In an optional embodiment, the mounting bracket 325 includes a frame and a partition disposed within the frame, the partition dividing the frame into a first receiving cavity 3251 and a second receiving cavity 3252. The drive gear 311 meshes with a transmission gear disposed in the first receiving cavity 3251, and the output gear 324 meshes with a transmission gear disposed in the second receiving cavity 3252. While fulfilling the speed reduction function of the first reducer 32, this design results in a more compact structure, a more rational layout, effectively reducing the volume of the first reducer 32 and saving manufacturing costs. In an optional embodiment, the transmission gear includes a first transmission gear 323, which includes a first gear 3231, a gear shaft 3233, and a second gear 3232. A first shaft hole 3254 is provided on the partition plate, and the gear shaft 3233 is rotatably mounted in the first shaft hole 3254. The first gear 3231 and the second gear 3232 are respectively disposed at both ends of the gear shaft 3233 located in the first receiving cavity 3251 and the second receiving cavity 3252. The output gear 324 meshes with the second gear 3232, and the driving gear 311 is connected to the first gear 3231 to achieve a transmission connection between the transmission gears in the first receiving cavity 3251 and the second receiving cavity 3252. This allows the driving gear 311 to 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, thereby driving the main shaft 22 to rotate. In this application, the diameter of the second gear 3232 is larger than the diameter of the first gear 3231.

[0082] In an optional embodiment, the transmission gear further includes a first double gear 321, which includes a first input tooth 3211 and a first output tooth 3212. The first input tooth 3211 meshes with the driving gear 311, and the first output tooth 3212 is driven by the first gear 3231. The diameter of the first input tooth 3211 is larger than the diameter of the first output tooth 3212. This integrated double gear design not only ensures that the first double gear 321 can increase the reduction ratio of the first reducer 32 and improve its output torque within the allowable strength of the first reducer 32, but also reduces the size and weight of the first reducer 32, making its internal structure more compact and lowering its manufacturing cost.

[0083] In an optional embodiment, the transmission gear further includes a second double gear 322, which includes a second input tooth 3221 and a second output tooth 3222. The second input tooth 3221 meshes with the first output tooth 3212, and the second output tooth 3222 meshes with the first gear 3231. The diameter of the second input tooth 3221 is larger than the diameter of the second output tooth 3222. Using a double gear not only makes the structure of the first reducer 32 more compact and its overall size smaller, but also facilitates the installation of the first reducer 32 and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0084] In an optional embodiment, both the first double gear 321 and the second double gear 322 are disposed in the first receiving cavity 3251, and the frame is provided with a first through hole 3253. The driving gear 311 passes through the first through hole 3253 and meshes with the first input tooth 3211 to transmit the output torque of the motor to the first input tooth 3211 of the gear shaft 3233. 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 tooth 3212 with the second input tooth 3221. 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 tooth 3222 with 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 with the output gear 324, thereby driving the ultrasonic transducer 21 on the main shaft 22 to rotate to perform a scanning operation inside the body cavity so as to obtain the corresponding ultrasonic image.

[0085] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 13 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the drive assembly 30 also includes an encoder 33, which is located on the side of the motor away from the first reducer 32 and is used to detect the rotational speed of the spindle 22 in order to improve the control accuracy of the ultrasonic probe.

[0086] In an optional embodiment, a second reducer 34 is connected between the encoder 33 and the motor. The transmission ratio of the second reducer 34 corresponds to the transmission ratio of the first reducer 32, so that the encoder 33 can match the output speed of the main shaft 22, which greatly improves the control accuracy of the ultrasonic probe. At the same time, it can also make the motor run more stably and reduce vibration.

[0087] In an optional embodiment, the second reducer 34 includes a third double gear 342, a fourth double gear 343, and a power output unit 344. The motor has a drive gear 312 at the end away from the first reducer 32. The drive gear 312 is connected to the power output unit 344 through the third double gear 342 and the fourth double gear 343. The power output unit 344 is connected to the encoder 33, so that the motor operation status is transmitted to the control component 50 of the ultrasonic probe in real time through the encoder 33. This allows the control component 50 to analyze the operation of the motor, record the motor speed and position, and make appropriate feedback, thereby maintaining the high accuracy of the motor at high and low torque.

[0088] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 16 As shown, one end of the spindle 22 is rotatably mounted in the spindle 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 spindle fixing hole 3241, the inner diameter of which is adapted to the outer diameter of the spindle 22, so that the spindle 22 can be fixed in the spindle fixing hole 3241. In an optional embodiment, the ultrasonic probe also includes a control component 50, which is disposed inside the handle housing 11. The transducer assembly 20 and the drive assembly 30 are both electrically connected to the control component 50, so that the control component 50 can control the operation of the drive assembly 30 and the control component 50.

[0089] In an optional embodiment, the control assembly 50 includes a control board 51 and a mounting bracket 52. The control board 51 is fixed to the outside of the motor via the mounting bracket 52. Cables are connected between the control board 51 and the transducer assembly 20 and the drive assembly 30 for controlling the operation of the transducer assembly 20 and the drive assembly 30.

[0090] In an optional embodiment, the transducer assembly 20 includes at least two ultrasonic transducers 21 distributed circumferentially on the main shaft 22. Driven by the drive assembly 30, the transducers 21 rotate around the central axis of the main shaft 22 and emit ultrasonic signals to multiple locations to acquire echo signals at those locations, thereby generating an ultrasonic image for display. By designing at least two ultrasonic transducers 21 on the main shaft 22, the scanning path of each transducer 21 can be reduced, thus shortening the scanning time for each transducer 21. Furthermore, different configurations of the ultrasonic transducers 21 can meet different penetration depth requirements.

[0091] like Figures 1 to 18 As shown, according to a second aspect of this application, this application provides an ultrasound imager, including a display, an ultrasound host, and the aforementioned ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe is connected to the ultrasound host for transmitting ultrasound signals and acquiring echo signals, and the display is used to display an ultrasound image generated by the ultrasound host based on the echo signals.

[0092] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0093] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0094] The foregoing disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described above. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this application, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0095] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, The device includes a housing assembly (10), a drive assembly (30), and a transducer assembly (20) having a main shaft (22). 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 inside the probe housing (12). The drive assembly (30) is disposed inside the handle housing (11) and is drively connected to the main shaft (22) for driving the main shaft (22) to rotate, thereby causing the transducer assembly (20) to rotate around the axis of the main shaft (22). The drive assembly (30) includes a drive component and a first reducer (32). The first reducer (32) includes a mounting bracket (325), an output gear (324), and a plurality of transmission gears disposed in the mounting bracket (325). The drive component includes a motor (31) and a drive gear (311) connected to the shaft of the motor (31). The main shaft (22) is connected to the output gear (324). The plurality of transmission gears mesh sequentially from the drive gear (311) to the output gear (324), so that the drive component can drive the output gear to rotate the main shaft (22) after the transmission gears reduce speed step by step. The output torque of each transmission gear after the transmission gears reduce speed step by step is greater than the output torque of the motor.

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (325) includes a frame and a partition disposed within the frame. The partition divides the frame into a first receiving cavity (3251) and a second receiving cavity (3252). The drive gear (311) meshes with a transmission gear disposed in the first receiving cavity (3251), and the output gear (324) meshes with a transmission gear disposed in the second receiving cavity (3252).

3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission gear includes a first gear (3231), a gear shaft (3233), and a second gear (3232). The partition plate is provided with a first shaft hole (3254). The gear shaft (3233) is rotatably installed in the first shaft hole (3254). The first gear (3231) and the second gear (3232) are respectively disposed on both ends of the gear shaft (3233) located in the first receiving cavity (3251) and the second receiving cavity (3252). The output gear (324) meshes with the second gear (3232). The driving gear (311) is connected to the first gear (3231) in a transmission connection.

4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission gear further includes a first double gear (321), which includes a first input tooth (3211) meshing with the drive gear (311) and a first output tooth (3212) drivingly connected to the first gear (3231). The diameter of the first input tooth (3211) is larger than the diameter of the first output tooth (3212).

5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transmission gear also includes a second double gear (322), which includes a second input tooth (3221) meshing with the first output tooth (3212) and a second output tooth (3222) meshing with the first gear (3231). The diameter of the second input tooth (3221) is larger than the diameter of the second output tooth (3222).

6. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first double gear (321) and the second double gear (322) are both disposed in the first receiving cavity (3251), and the frame is provided with a first through hole (3253). The driving gear (311) passes through the first through hole (3253) and meshes with the first input gear (3211).

7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly (30) also includes an encoder (33), which is disposed on the side of the motor (31) away from the first reducer (32) and is used to detect the rotational speed of the main shaft (22).

8. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, characterized in that, A second reducer (34) is connected between the encoder (33) and the motor (31), and the transmission ratio of the second reducer (34) corresponds to the transmission ratio of the first reducer (32).

9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second reducer (34) includes a third double gear (342), a fourth double gear (343), and a power output unit (344). The motor (31) has a drive gear (312) at one end away from the first reducer (32). The drive gear (312) is connected to the power output unit (344) through the third double gear (342) and the fourth double gear (343). The power output unit (344) is connected to the encoder (33).

10. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly (10) further includes a connecting seat (13) having a spindle rotation hole (131), the connecting seat (13) being connected between the handle housing (11) and the probe housing (12), one end of the spindle (22) being rotatably mounted in the spindle rotation hole (131) and connected to the output gear (324), and the mounting bracket (325) being fixed on the connecting seat (13).

11. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe also includes a control component (50), which is disposed inside the handle housing (11). The transducer assembly (20) and the drive assembly (30) are both electrically connected to the control component (50).

12. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 11, characterized in that, The control assembly (50) includes a control board (51) and a fixed bracket (52). The control board (51) is fixed to the outside of the motor (31) by the fixed bracket (52). The control board (51) is connected to the transducer assembly (20) and the drive assembly (30) by a cable.

13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe also includes a limiting component (40), which is mounted on at least one of the handle housing (11), probe housing (12), connecting seat (13) and spindle (22) for limiting the spindle (22) to rotate within a stroke angle of not less than 720 degrees.

14. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 13, characterized in that, The limiting component (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).

15. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transducer assembly (20) includes at least two ultrasonic transducers (21), which are distributed in the circumferential direction of the main shaft (22).

16. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, The device includes a display, an ultrasound host, and an ultrasound probe as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the ultrasound probe is connected to the ultrasound host for transmitting ultrasound signals and acquiring echo signals, and the display is used to display an ultrasound image generated by the ultrasound host based on the echo signals.

Images