Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic equipment

Abstract

The ultrasonic probe comprises a sound head, a connecting cable and a plug, the sound head comprises a sound head shell, a transducer and a heat exchange piece, the connecting cable comprises a connecting cable shell, a first liquid path pipe and a second liquid path pipe, and the plug comprises a plug shell and an active liquid cooling device. The active liquid cooling device comprises a radiator, a pump, a liquid storage tank, a third liquid path pipe and a fourth liquid path pipe. The outlet of the pump is connected with the liquid storage tank, the cavity in the pump is communicated with the cavity of the liquid storage tank through the fourth liquid path pipe, the liquid storage tank is provided with a relatively larger cavity, and the larger cavity has a wider horizontal cross section, so that the hydraulic pressure of liquid can be effectively reduced, and the hydraulic pressure of the cavity in the pump communicated with the liquid storage tank is also reduced; the back pressure of the pump can be reduced through the liquid storage tank, the working pressure of the driving film in the pump can be reduced through reduction of the back pressure in the pump, the service life of the driving film is prolonged, and then the service life of the pump is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ultrasonic testing technology, specifically to an ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic equipment. Background Technology

[0002] The transducer in an ultrasonic probe is used to convert electrical energy into the mechanical energy of ultrasonic waves, and vice versa. The transducer generates heat during these conversions, especially in 2D array probes, which have a greater number of array elements and thus generate even more heat. To address this heat dissipation issue, ultrasonic probes employ active liquid cooling systems, which use pumps as a power source to circulate the coolant.

[0003] When an ultrasonic probe is cooled by liquid cooling circulation, the lifespan of the pump is particularly critical. Current active liquid cooling solutions have relatively short pump lifespans, which affects the heat dissipation and imaging of the ultrasonic probe. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention relates to an ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic equipment, which is used to solve the problem of short lifespan of active liquid-cooled heat pumps.

[0005] In one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe is provided, comprising:

[0006] A sound head includes a sound head housing, a transducer, and a heat exchanger. The transducer is located inside the sound head housing, and the heat exchanger is in contact with the transducer. The heat exchanger has a cavity or pipe inside, and the heat exchanger also has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the cavity or pipe.

[0007] A connecting cable includes a connecting cable housing, a first liquid passage tube, and a second liquid passage tube. The connecting cable housing has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connecting cable housing is connected to the sound head housing. The first liquid passage tube and the second liquid passage tube are located inside the connecting cable housing.

[0008] The plug includes a plug housing and an active liquid cooling device. The plug housing is connected to the second end of the connecting cable housing. The plug housing is used to connect to the socket of the ultrasound host. The active liquid cooling device is installed inside the plug housing.

[0009] The active liquid cooling device includes a radiator, a pump, a liquid storage tank, a third liquid passage pipe, and a fourth liquid passage pipe. The radiator, pump, and liquid storage tank each have an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the radiator is connected to the inlet of the pump via the third liquid passage pipe, and the outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of the liquid storage tank via the fourth liquid passage pipe. The outlet of the liquid storage tank is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger via the first liquid passage pipe, and the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the radiator via the second liquid passage pipe. The radiator, the third liquid passage pipe, the pump, the fourth liquid passage pipe, the liquid storage tank, the first liquid passage pipe, the heat exchanger, and the second liquid passage pipe form a liquid circulation loop.

[0010] When the plug housing is connected to the socket, the height of the radiator is higher than the height of the pump, and the height of the pump is higher than the height of the liquid storage tank.

[0011] In one embodiment, the radiator, the pump, and the liquid reservoir partially or completely overlap in the vertical direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the liquid storage tank has a flat structure, and the height of the liquid storage tank is less than the length and / or width of the liquid storage tank.

[0013] In one embodiment, the liquid storage tank includes a main body and a protrusion, the protrusion being located at the upper end of the main body, and the cavity within the protrusion communicating with the cavity within the main body; the outlet and the inlet of the liquid storage tank are disposed on the main body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the outlet and inlet of the liquid storage tank are located on one side of the main body, and the protrusion is located on the other side of the main body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the plug housing is provided with a first foolproof structure, which is adapted to and connected to a second foolproof structure of the ultrasonic host, so as to limit the heat sink, the pump and the liquid storage tank to be distributed from top to bottom when the plug housing is connected to the socket.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first liquid passage and / or the second liquid passage are in contact with the housing of the connecting cable.

[0017] In one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe is provided, comprising:

[0018] A sound head includes a sound head housing, a transducer, and a heat exchanger. The transducer is located inside the sound head housing, and the heat exchanger is in contact with the transducer. The heat exchanger has a cavity or pipe inside, and the heat exchanger also has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the cavity or pipe.

[0019] A connecting cable includes a connecting cable housing, a first liquid passage tube, and a second liquid passage tube. The connecting cable housing has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connecting cable housing is connected to the sound head housing. The first liquid passage tube and the second liquid passage tube are located inside the connecting cable housing.

[0020] The plug includes a plug housing and an active liquid cooling device. The plug housing is connected to the second end of the connecting cable housing. The plug housing is used to connect to the socket of the ultrasound host. The active liquid cooling device is installed inside the plug housing.

[0021] The active liquid cooling device includes a radiator, a pump, a liquid storage tank, a third liquid passage pipe, and a fourth liquid passage pipe. The radiator, the pump, and the liquid storage tank are each provided with an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the radiator is connected to the inlet of the pump through the third liquid passage pipe, and the outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of the liquid storage tank through the fourth liquid passage pipe. The outlet of the liquid storage tank is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger through the first liquid passage pipe, and the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the radiator through the second liquid passage pipe. The radiator, the third liquid passage pipe, the pump, the fourth liquid passage pipe, the liquid storage tank, the first liquid passage pipe, the heat exchanger, and the second liquid passage pipe form a liquid circulation loop.

[0022] In one embodiment, the liquid storage tank has a flat structure, and the height of the liquid storage tank is less than the length and / or width of the liquid storage tank.

[0023] In one embodiment, the liquid storage tank includes a main body and a protrusion, the protrusion being located at the upper end of the main body, and the cavity within the protrusion communicating with the cavity within the main body; the outlet and the inlet of the liquid storage tank are disposed on the main body.

[0024] In one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe is provided, comprising:

[0025] The sound head includes a sound head housing, a transducer, a heat exchange element, and an active liquid cooling device. The transducer is located inside the sound head housing, and the heat exchange element is in contact with the transducer. The heat exchange element has a cavity or pipe inside and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the cavity or pipe. The active liquid cooling device is installed inside the sound head housing.

[0026] The active liquid cooling device includes a radiator, a pump, and a liquid storage tank. The radiator, pump, and liquid storage tank are each provided with an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the radiator is connected to the inlet of the pump through a third liquid passage pipe. The outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of the liquid storage tank through a fourth liquid passage pipe. The outlet of the liquid storage tank is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger through a first liquid passage pipe. The outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the radiator through a second liquid passage pipe. The radiator, the third liquid passage pipe, the pump, the fourth liquid passage pipe, the liquid storage tank, the first liquid passage pipe, the heat exchanger, and the second liquid passage pipe form a liquid circulation loop.

[0027] In one embodiment, the liquid storage tank has a flat structure, and the height of the liquid storage tank is less than the length and / or width of the liquid storage tank.

[0028] In one embodiment, the liquid storage tank includes a main body and a protrusion, the protrusion being located at the upper end of the main body, and the cavity within the protrusion communicating with the cavity within the main body; the outlet and the inlet of the liquid storage tank are disposed on the main body.

[0029] In one embodiment, an ultrasonic device is provided, comprising:

[0030] The aforementioned ultrasonic probe;

[0031] The ultrasound unit is equipped with a socket for detachable connection to the plug housing.

[0032] According to the ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic equipment of the above embodiments, since the pump outlet is connected to a liquid storage tank, the cavity inside the pump is connected to the cavity of the liquid storage tank through a fourth liquid passage pipe. The liquid storage tank has a relatively larger cavity, and the larger cavity has a wider horizontal cross-section, which can effectively reduce the hydraulic pressure of the liquid. As a result, the hydraulic pressure of the cavity inside the pump connected to the liquid storage tank will also be reduced. That is, the setting of the liquid storage tank can reduce the back pressure of the pump. The reduction of the back pressure inside the pump can reduce the working pressure of the driving diaphragm inside the pump, improve the service life of the driving diaphragm, and thus improve the service life of the pump.

[0033] Furthermore, in the active liquid cooling device, the radiator, pump, and liquid storage tank are arranged from top to bottom. By utilizing the gravity of the liquid, liquid can always enter and exit the pump inlet and outlet, effectively avoiding the pump suction and discharge space, improving the continuity of liquid circulation within the active liquid cooling device, and helping to ensure the heat dissipation effect of the active liquid cooling device. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasonic probe in one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of an ultrasonic probe in one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the plug in one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plug in a vertical state in one embodiment;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid storage tank in one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid storage tank in one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasonic device in one embodiment;

[0041] The accompanying diagrams are labeled as follows:

[0042] 1-Sound head, 11-Sound head housing, 12-Transducer, 13-Heat exchange component;

[0043] 2-Connecting cable, 21-Connecting cable housing, 22-First fluid passage pipe, 23-Second fluid passage pipe;

[0044] 3-Plug, 31-Plug housing, 32-Active liquid cooling device, 321-Radiator, 322-Pump, 323-Reservoir, 3231-Main body, 3233-Protrusion, 3232-Inlet, 3234-Outlet, 324-Third liquid passage pipe, 325-Fourth liquid passage pipe, 326-Cooling fan;

[0045] 4-Ultrasound main unit, 41-Socket. Detailed Implementation

[0046] In the prior art, the pump life of the active liquid cooling system in the ultrasonic probe is relatively short. The reason is that the pump is subjected to a large back pressure, that is, a large pressure at the outlet. The large back pressure is easy to damage the dynamic membrane inside the pump, which ultimately leads to a shortened pump life.

[0047] Based on the above analysis, this utility model provides a new ultrasonic probe with a new active liquid cooling system. The active liquid cooling system includes a scheme to reduce pump back pressure: a liquid storage tank is set at the pump outlet. The pumped liquid can release pressure in the liquid storage tank, thereby reducing the back pressure of the pump connected to the liquid storage tank and thus improving the pump's lifespan.

[0048] Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the radiator, pump, and liquid storage tank are arranged sequentially from top to bottom; the liquid storage tank is located below the pump, which is beneficial for pressure reduction; the radiator is located above the pump to ensure that the pump inlet is always full of liquid, which can prevent air from entering the liquid circulation loop and is beneficial for sufficient heat dissipation.

[0049] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0050] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0051] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0052] In one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe is provided. This ultrasonic probe is a probe that generates relatively a lot of heat, for example, it is an external 2D array ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe is equipped with an active liquid cooling device, which drives liquid circulation to dissipate heat from the transducer inside the ultrasonic probe, so that the transducer of the ultrasonic probe can always operate at a relatively suitable temperature, thereby ensuring the accuracy of ultrasonic imaging.

[0053] In this embodiment, the active liquid cooling device mainly includes a radiator, a pump, and a liquid storage tank. The liquid storage tank is located at the pump outlet, and the pump outlet is connected to the liquid storage tank via a pipe. The liquid storage tank has a relatively large liquid storage cavity, which can effectively reduce the liquid pressure. The pump connected to the liquid storage tank can also reduce the back pressure, thereby reducing the impact of hydraulic pressure on the pump's internal drive diaphragm, improving the service life of the drive diaphragm, and thus improving the service life of the pump.

[0054] In the vertical direction, the radiator, pump, and liquid storage tank are arranged from top to bottom, with the radiator located above the pump. The liquid in the radiator automatically flows to the pump inlet under the guidance of gravity, and the liquid in the pump also automatically flows to the inlet of the liquid storage tank under the guidance of gravity. This ensures that the pump inlet and outlet are always full of liquid, which can prevent the pump from sucking in or expelling air or bubbles during operation. This ensures that the active liquid cooling device is always dissipating heat under liquid circulation, thereby ensuring the heat dissipation effect of the active liquid cooling device.

[0055] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 The ultrasonic probe in this embodiment mainly includes a sound head 1, a connecting cable 2, and a plug 3. The sound head 1, the connecting cable 2, and the plug 3 are connected in sequence to form a non-removable fixed structure. When the ultrasonic probe is working, the plug 3 can be detached from the socket 41 of the ultrasonic host 4 to realize communication between the sound head 1 and the ultrasonic host 4.

[0056] The sound head 1 mainly includes a sound head housing 11, a transducer 12, and a heat exchanger 13. One end of the sound head housing 11 is provided with a sound window, and the sound head housing 11 has a receiving cavity. The transducer 12 and the heat exchanger 13 are installed inside the sound head housing 11. The end of the transducer 12 used for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves faces the sound window of the sound head housing 11, so that the transducer 12 can emit and receive ultrasonic waves through the sound window of the sound head housing 11.

[0057] The transducer 12 is used to convert electrical signals into ultrasonic waves and to convert acquired ultrasonic waves into electrical signals, so as to realize ultrasonic imaging of the area to be inspected. During the conversion of electrical energy into the mechanical energy of ultrasonic waves, the transducer 12 generates a large amount of heat. The transducer 12 is the main heat source of the acoustic head 1.

[0058] The heat exchanger 13 can be a heat exchange block or heat exchange plate, etc. The heat exchanger 13 has a flat structure and contacts the transducer 12. The flat structure of the heat exchanger 13 increases the contact area with the transducer 12, which is more conducive to heat dissipation. The heat exchanger 13 has a cavity or pipe inside, and also has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the cavity or pipe. Actively cooling liquid can enter the heat exchanger 13 to achieve heat exchange with the transducer 12, thereby removing the heat generated by the transducer 12 and achieving active liquid cooling of the transducer 12.

[0059] The heat exchanger 13 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper, which can improve the heat transfer of the heat from the transducer 12 to the circulating liquid inside the heat exchanger 13.

[0060] The connecting cable 2 mainly includes a connecting cable housing 21, a first liquid passage pipe 22, and a second liquid passage pipe 23. The connecting cable housing 21 has a tubular structure and has a first end and a second end that are relatively far apart. The first end of the connecting cable housing 21 is connected to the sound head housing 11, and the two can be fixed by means of snap-fit, heat sealing, etc. The main body of the first liquid passage pipe 22 and the second liquid passage pipe 23 is located inside the connecting cable housing 21. The two ends of the first liquid passage pipe 22 and the second liquid passage pipe 23 extend out of the two ends of the connecting cable housing 21, respectively, to connect with other components to form a liquid cooling circulation loop.

[0061] The connecting cable 2 also contains other structures, such as a signal line that extends to connect with the transducer 12 in the head 1. The signal line can transmit signals to the transducer 12 and also transmit the echo signal generated by the transducer 12 back to the ultrasonic host.

[0062] The plug 3 mainly includes a plug housing 31 and an active liquid cooling device 32. The plug housing 31 is connected to the second end of the connecting cable housing 21, and the plug housing 31 and the second end of the connecting cable housing 21 can be fixed by snap-fit, heat sealing, or other methods. The plug housing 31 has a receiving cavity, and the active liquid cooling device 32 is installed in the receiving cavity of the plug housing 31. Part of the plug housing 31 is connected to the socket 41 of the ultrasonic host 4.

[0063] The plug 3 also contains components such as a circuit board and an electrical connection part. The electrical connection part is electrically connected to the circuit board and can be a copper sheet or other metal sheet printed on the circuit board. One side of the plug 3 has an opening that mates with the socket 41 of the ultrasound host 4. The electrical connection part is located inside the opening of the plug 3 and is used for electrical connection with the pins inside the socket 41 of the ultrasound host 4. One end of the signal line in the connecting cable 2 extends into the plug 3 and connects to the circuit board. The transducer 12 can be connected to the ultrasound host 4 via the signal line, the circuit board, and the electrical connection part in sequence.

[0064] The active liquid cooling device 32 mainly includes a radiator 321, a pump 322, a liquid storage tank 323, a third liquid passage pipe 324, and a fourth liquid passage pipe 325. Among them, the radiator 321, the pump 322, and the liquid storage tank 323 are all equipped with inlets and outlets.

[0065] The radiator 321 is a heat dissipation structure with a curved flow path inside, and it includes fins and other heat dissipation components. The pump 322 is a power structure used to drive the liquid circulation. The liquid storage tank 323 has a certain volume and can store a portion of the liquid.

[0066] The outlet of radiator 321 is connected to the inlet of pump 322 via a third liquid passage pipe 324. The outlet of pump 322 is connected to the inlet of storage tank 323 via a fourth liquid passage pipe 325. The outlet of storage tank 323 is connected to the inlet of heat exchanger 13 via a first liquid passage pipe 22. The outlet of heat exchanger 13 is connected to the inlet of radiator 321 via a second liquid passage pipe 23. Radiator 321, third liquid passage pipe 324, pump 322, fourth liquid passage pipe 325, storage tank 323, first liquid passage pipe 22, heat exchanger 13, and second liquid passage pipe 23 are sequentially connected to form a liquid circulation loop. Pump 322 drives the liquid to circulate within the liquid circulation loop.

[0067] The liquid circulating in the fluid circulation loop can be water or other coolants. For example, in low-latitude regions, ultrasonic probes can directly use water as the heat dissipation liquid; in high-latitude regions, a liquid mixed with antifreeze can be used as the heat dissipation liquid to prevent the liquid from freezing in the fluid circulation loop.

[0068] In this embodiment, the reservoir 323 can be a flat structure, and the height of the reservoir 323 is less than its length and / or width. The flat structure of the reservoir 323 has a larger horizontal cross-section, which can more effectively release hydraulic pressure to reduce the back pressure of the pump 322.

[0069] In other embodiments, the reservoir 323 may also be other structures with a larger horizontal cross-section, which can also effectively reduce the back pressure of the pump 322.

[0070] In this embodiment, since the outlet of pump 322 is connected to a liquid storage tank 323, the cavity inside pump 322 is connected to the cavity of liquid storage tank 323 through a fourth liquid passage pipe 325. Liquid storage tank 323 has a relatively larger cavity, and the larger cavity has a wider horizontal cross-section, which can effectively reduce the hydraulic pressure of the liquid. As a result, the hydraulic pressure inside the cavity of pump 322 connected to liquid storage tank 323 will also be reduced. That is, the setting of liquid storage tank 323 can reduce the back pressure of pump 322. The reduction of back pressure inside pump 322 can reduce the working pressure of the drive diaphragm inside pump 322, improve the service life of drive diaphragm, and thus improve the service life of pump 322.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first liquid pipe 22 and the second liquid pipe 23 of the liquid circulation loop are inserted into the housing 21 of the connecting cable. The length of the connecting cable 2 is generally about 2m. The two ends of the first liquid pipe 22 and the second liquid pipe 23 need to extend into the head 1 and the plug 3 respectively. The length of the first liquid pipe 22 and the second liquid pipe 23 is greater than the length of the connecting cable 2, that is, the first liquid pipe 22 and the second liquid pipe 23 have a length of more than 2m. The first liquid pipe 22 and the second liquid pipe 23 of such length can greatly help the liquid to cool naturally during the circulation process. In addition, the first liquid pipe 22 and the second liquid pipe 23 contact other parts inside the housing 21 of the connecting cable or the housing 21 of the connecting cable, which can greatly improve the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the radiator 321, pump 322 and liquid tank 323 are arranged vertically from top to bottom, wherein the height of the radiator 321 is higher than the height of the pump 322, and the height of the pump 322 is higher than the height of the liquid tank 323. This arrangement is in the state where the plug housing 31 is connected to the socket 41 of the ultrasonic host 4, that is, in the state where the ultrasonic probe is in use.

[0073] When the ultrasonic probe is in use, the radiator 321, pump 322, and reservoir 323 are arranged from top to bottom, with the radiator 321 located above the pump 322. The liquid in the radiator 321 automatically flows to the inlet of the pump 322 under gravity, and the liquid in the pump 322 also flows out to the reservoir 323 under gravity. This ensures that the inlet and outlet of the pump 322 are always full of liquid during operation. When the pump 322 is started, liquid can be continuously pumped in and out, preventing air or air bubbles from circulating into the liquid circulation system and ensuring the heat dissipation effect of the active liquid cooling device 32. If there is a liquid interruption at the inlet and outlet of the pump 322, air or air bubbles will be introduced into the liquid circulation system, leading to a decrease in heat dissipation efficiency.

[0074] The plug 3 is inserted into the side of the ultrasound host 4. The plug 3 is designed so that its height is greater than its width to reduce the space occupied by the plug 3. The radiator 321, pump 322 and liquid tank 323 are arranged from top to bottom, which can also make full use of the vertical space inside the plug 3 and reduce the volume of the plug 3.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, when the plug housing 31 is connected to the socket 41 of the ultrasonic host 4, the radiator 321, pump 322 and liquid tank 323 are distributed from top to bottom in the vertical direction. The radiator 321, pump 322 and liquid tank 323 are partially or completely overlapped in the vertical direction, which can make fuller use of the vertical space inside the plug 3 and further reduce the volume of the plug 3.

[0076] In one embodiment, the radiator 321, pump 322, and liquid reservoir 323 can also be staggered in the vertical direction. For example, the radiator 321, pump 322, and liquid reservoir 323 may overlap or not overlap in their vertical projections, and the radiator 321, pump 322, and liquid reservoir 323 are arranged from top to bottom. This also ensures that the inlet and outlet of pump 322 are always full of liquid, guaranteeing the heat dissipation effect of the active liquid cooling device 32.

[0077] In one embodiment, the radiator 321, pump 322, and reservoir 323 can also be partially overlapped in the vertical direction. For example, the center height of the radiator 321 is higher than the center height of the pump 322, but the bottom surface of the radiator 321 is lower than the top surface of the pump 322. With this arrangement, since the radiator 321 is still higher than the pump 322, the liquid in the radiator 321 will flow to the inlet of the pump 322 under the action of gravity. The positional relationship between the pump 322 and the reservoir 323 can also be arranged similarly, which will not be described in detail here.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the liquid storage tank 323 includes a main body 3231 and a protrusion 3233. The height of the protrusion 3233 is higher than that of the main body 3231, or the protrusion 3233 is located at the upper end of the main body 3231. The cavity inside the main body 3231 and the cavity inside the protrusion 3233 are connected. The outlet 3234 and the inlet 3232 of the liquid storage tank 323 are both located in the main body 3231. The outlet 3234 and the inlet 3232 of the liquid storage tank 323 can be located on the same or different sides of the main body 3231. The outlet 3234 of the liquid storage tank 323 can also be located at the bottom of the main body 3231.

[0079] The upper end of the inner cavity of the protrusion 3233 is higher than the outlet 3234 and inlet 3232 of the liquid storage tank 323, so that the cavity inside the protrusion 3233 can be used to collect and store bubbles or air generated in the liquid circulation loop, so that the bubbles or air stay in the protrusion 3233 of the liquid storage tank 323 and no longer enter the liquid circulation loop, thereby reducing the bubbles or air in the liquid circulation loop and improving the liquid cooling heat dissipation effect.

[0080] In one embodiment, the outlet 3234 and inlet 3232 of the liquid storage tank 323 are located on one side of the main body 3231 in the horizontal direction, and the protrusion 3233 is located on the other side of the main body 3231 in the horizontal direction. By separating the outlet 3234 and inlet 3232 of the liquid storage tank 323 from the protrusion 3233, the protrusion 3233 can collect air bubbles or air more effectively, further reducing the amount of air bubbles or air entering the liquid circulation loop and further improving the liquid cooling effect.

[0081] In one embodiment, the outlet 3234 and inlet 3232 of the liquid storage tank 323 are located at different positions on the main body 3231 from the protrusion 3233. Alternatively, the outlet 3234 and inlet 3232 of the liquid storage tank 323 can be spaced apart from the protrusion 3233 to reduce the entry of air bubbles or air into the liquid circulation loop. For example, the outlet 3234 and inlet 3232 of the liquid storage tank 323 are located at the bottom of the main body 3231, and the protrusion 3233 is located at the top of the main body 3231.

[0082] In one embodiment, the plug housing 31 is provided with a first anti-foolproof structure, and the socket 41 of the ultrasonic host 4 is provided with a second anti-foolproof structure. The first and second anti-foolproof structures correspond to and are adapted to each other. When the plug housing 31 is connected to the socket 41, the first and second anti-foolproof structures are adapted to each other. The connection of the first and second anti-foolproof structures is used to prevent the plug housing 31 from being installed upside down, so as to ensure that the heat sink 321, pump 322 and liquid tank 323 inside the plug housing 31 are distributed from top to bottom, thereby ensuring the heat dissipation effect of the active liquid circuit.

[0083] The first and second foolproof structures are connected by one or more of the following: abutment, snap-fit, and magnetic attraction. For example, the first foolproof structure is a protrusion on the upper end of the plug housing 31, and the second foolproof structure is a slot. The cooperation between the protrusion and the slot enables the plug 3 to be correctly inserted.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the active liquid cooling device further includes a cooling fan 326, which is mounted on the radiator 321 and dissipates air from the radiator 321 to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the radiator 321.

[0085] The cooling fan 326 can be installed at the top or bottom of the heat sink 321. The cooling fan 326 and the heat sink 321 are located in the same vertical space, which can make full use of the vertical space inside the plug housing 31 and reduce the space occupied by the cooling fan 326.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first liquid passage 22 and / or the second liquid passage 23 are in contact with the connecting cable housing 21, especially the second liquid passage 23, which can quickly transfer the heat in the liquid to the connecting cable housing 21 so that it can be diffused into the outside air to improve heat dissipation efficiency.

[0087] Other heat-conducting structures may also be provided inside the connecting cable housing 21 to connect to the first liquid pipe 22 and / or the second liquid pipe 23. The heat-conducting structures can transfer the heat of the liquid in the first liquid pipe 22 and / or the second liquid pipe 23 to the connecting cable housing 21 for heat dissipation.

[0088] In one embodiment, the first liquid passage 22 and / or the second liquid passage 23 are made of a material with high thermal conductivity, and the first liquid passage 22 and / or the second liquid passage 23 are thermally insulated from the signal line. The first liquid passage 22 and / or the second liquid passage 23 can quickly transfer internal heat to the connecting cable housing 21 for heat dissipation.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 7 In one embodiment, an ultrasonic device is provided, which includes the ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic host 4 in any of the above embodiments.

[0090] The ultrasound host 4 can be a desktop host or a portable host. The desktop host has a control panel and a monitor installed on top, and the desktop host is relatively large. The portable host has a laptop-like structure and combines the control panel and monitor.

[0091] The ultrasound host 4 is provided with one or more sockets 41, which are adapted to the plug 3 of the ultrasound probe. The plug housing 31 of the plug 3 can be detachably connected to the socket 41 of the ultrasound host 4 to realize the signal connection between the ultrasound probe and the ultrasound host 4.

[0092] In this embodiment, in the ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic device, since the outlet of the pump 322 is connected to the reservoir 323, the cavity inside the pump 322 is connected to the cavity of the reservoir 323 through the fourth liquid passage pipe 325. The reservoir 323 has a relatively larger cavity, and the larger cavity has a wider horizontal cross-section, which can effectively reduce the hydraulic pressure of the liquid. As a result, the hydraulic pressure in the cavity inside the pump 322 connected to the reservoir 323 will also decrease. That is, the setting of the reservoir 323 can reduce the back pressure of the pump 322. The reduction of the back pressure inside the pump 322 can reduce the working pressure of the driving diaphragm inside the pump 322, improve the service life of the driving diaphragm, and thus improve the service life of the pump 322.

[0093] The above-described specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the concept of this invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, include: A sound head includes a sound head housing, a transducer, and a heat exchanger. The transducer is located inside the sound head housing, and the heat exchanger is in contact with the transducer. The heat exchanger has a cavity or pipe inside, and the heat exchanger also has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the cavity or pipe. A connecting cable includes a connecting cable housing, a first liquid passage tube, and a second liquid passage tube. The connecting cable housing has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connecting cable housing is connected to the sound head housing. The first liquid passage tube and the second liquid passage tube are located inside the connecting cable housing. as well as The plug includes a plug housing and an active liquid cooling device. The plug housing is connected to the second end of the connecting cable housing. The plug housing is used to connect to the socket of the ultrasound host. The active liquid cooling device is installed inside the plug housing. The active liquid cooling device includes a radiator, a pump, a liquid storage tank, a third liquid passage pipe, and a fourth liquid passage pipe. The radiator, pump, and liquid storage tank each have an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the radiator is connected to the inlet of the pump via the third liquid passage pipe, and the outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of the liquid storage tank via the fourth liquid passage pipe. The outlet of the liquid storage tank is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger via the first liquid passage pipe, and the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the radiator via the second liquid passage pipe. The radiator, the third liquid passage pipe, the pump, the fourth liquid passage pipe, the liquid storage tank, the first liquid passage pipe, the heat exchanger, and the second liquid passage pipe form a liquid circulation loop. When the plug housing is connected to the socket, the height of the radiator is higher than the height of the pump, and the height of the pump is higher than the height of the liquid storage tank.

2. The ultrasonic probe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The radiator, the pump, and the liquid storage tank may partially or completely overlap in the vertical direction.

3. The ultrasonic probe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank has a flat structure, and the height of the liquid storage tank is less than the length and / or width of the liquid storage tank.

4. The ultrasonic probe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank includes a main body and a protrusion. The protrusion is located at the upper end of the main body, and the cavity inside the protrusion is connected to the cavity inside the main body. The outlet and the inlet of the liquid storage tank are located on the main body.

5. The ultrasonic probe as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The outlet and inlet of the liquid storage tank are located on one side of the main body, and the protrusion is located on the other side of the main body.

6. The ultrasonic probe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plug housing is provided with a first anti-foolproof structure, which is adapted to and connected to the second anti-foolproof structure of the ultrasonic host to limit the radiator, the pump and the liquid storage tank to be arranged from top to bottom when the plug housing is connected to the socket.

7. The ultrasonic probe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid passage tube and / or the second liquid passage tube are in contact with the housing of the connecting cable.

8. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, include: A sound head includes a sound head housing, a transducer, and a heat exchanger. The transducer is located inside the sound head housing, and the heat exchanger is in contact with the transducer. The heat exchanger has a cavity or pipe inside, and the heat exchanger also has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the cavity or pipe. A connecting cable includes a connecting cable housing, a first liquid passage tube, and a second liquid passage tube. The connecting cable housing has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connecting cable housing is connected to the sound head housing. The first liquid passage tube and the second liquid passage tube are located inside the connecting cable housing. as well as The plug includes a plug housing and an active liquid cooling device. The plug housing is connected to the second end of the connecting cable housing. The plug housing is used to connect to the socket of the ultrasound host. The active liquid cooling device is installed inside the plug housing. The active liquid cooling device includes a radiator, a pump, a liquid storage tank, a third liquid passage pipe, and a fourth liquid passage pipe. The radiator, the pump, and the liquid storage tank are each provided with an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the radiator is connected to the inlet of the pump through the third liquid passage pipe, and the outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of the liquid storage tank through the fourth liquid passage pipe. The outlet of the liquid storage tank is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger through the first liquid passage pipe, and the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the radiator through the second liquid passage pipe. The radiator, the third liquid passage pipe, the pump, the fourth liquid passage pipe, the liquid storage tank, the first liquid passage pipe, the heat exchanger, and the second liquid passage pipe form a liquid circulation loop.

9. The ultrasonic probe as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank has a flat structure, and the height of the liquid storage tank is less than the length and / or width of the liquid storage tank.

10. The ultrasonic probe as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank includes a main body and a protrusion. The protrusion is located at the upper end of the main body, and the cavity inside the protrusion is connected to the cavity inside the main body. The outlet and the inlet of the liquid storage tank are located on the main body.

11. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, include: The sound head includes a sound head housing, a transducer, a heat exchange element, and an active liquid cooling device. The transducer is located inside the sound head housing, and the heat exchange element is in contact with the transducer. The heat exchange element has a cavity or pipe inside and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the cavity or pipe. The active liquid cooling device is installed inside the sound head housing. The active liquid cooling device includes a radiator, a pump, and a liquid storage tank. The radiator, pump, and liquid storage tank are each provided with an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the radiator is connected to the inlet of the pump through a third liquid passage pipe. The outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of the liquid storage tank through a fourth liquid passage pipe. The outlet of the liquid storage tank is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger through a first liquid passage pipe. The outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the radiator through a second liquid passage pipe. The radiator, the third liquid passage pipe, the pump, the fourth liquid passage pipe, the liquid storage tank, the first liquid passage pipe, the heat exchanger, and the second liquid passage pipe form a liquid circulation loop.

12. The ultrasonic probe as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank has a flat structure, and the height of the liquid storage tank is less than the length and / or width of the liquid storage tank.

13. The ultrasonic probe as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank includes a main body and a protrusion. The protrusion is located at the upper end of the main body, and the cavity inside the protrusion is connected to the cavity inside the main body. The outlet and the inlet of the liquid storage tank are located on the main body.

14. An ultrasonic device, characterized in that, include: The ultrasonic probe as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; The ultrasound unit is equipped with a socket for detachable connection to the plug housing.

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