An ultrasonic probe coupling assembly and an ultrasonic detector

Abstract

The application discloses an ultrasonic probe coupling assembly and an ultrasonic detector. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly comprises an ultrasonic probe and a block-shaped coupling body. The ultrasonic probe comprises a probe shell and an ultrasonic transducer arranged in the probe shell. The probe shell is provided with a coupling groove. An opening end of the coupling groove is used to determine a detection surface on the probe shell. The block-shaped coupling body is embedded in the coupling groove, and the block-shaped coupling body can propagate sound waves between the ultrasonic transducer and the surface of an object to be detected. When the ultrasonic probe coupling assembly searches for the position of the strongest blood flow signal on the object to be detected, the block-shaped coupling body can move together with the probe shell, and it is not necessary to frequently smear liquid coupling agent on different positions of the surface of the object to be detected. Therefore, the operation is simpler, and the waste of the coupling agent is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ultrasonic probe technology, specifically to an ultrasonic probe coupling assembly and an ultrasonic detector. Background Technology

[0002] To enable ultrasound probes to better acquire signals from the human body, a coupling agent that allows sound to travel at a high speed is typically applied to the area where the probe contacts the skin. This coupling agent is usually liquid, and after the ultrasound probe has completed signal acquisition, the coupling agent on the skin surface needs to be cleaned with a tissue or cloth. This not only increases the workload for medical staff but also adds to the cost of consumables. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, which requires manual wiping of the coupling agent attached to the skin, is relatively cumbersome, and affects the patient experience, thereby providing an ultrasound probe coupling component and an ultrasound detector.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this application is as follows: An ultrasonic probe coupling assembly includes an ultrasonic probe, a block-shaped coupler, and a cable. The ultrasonic probe includes a probe housing and an ultrasonic transducer disposed within the probe housing. One end of the cable is mounted on the probe housing and connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the other end of the cable extends outside the probe housing. The probe housing is provided with a coupling groove, the opening of which is used to define a detection surface on the probe housing. The block-shaped coupler is embedded in the coupling groove and is capable of propagating sound waves between the ultrasonic transducer and the surface of the object to be detected.

[0005] In some embodiments, the bulk coupling body is a coupling gel.

[0006] In some embodiments, the block-shaped coupler includes a coupler filling portion and a coupler shielding portion, the coupler filling portion filling the coupling groove, and the coupler shielding portion shielding the end of the probe housing facing the surface of the object to be detected.

[0007] In some embodiments, the filling portion of the coupler is conformally disposed within the coupling groove.

[0008] In some embodiments, the block-shaped coupler is detachably connected to the coupling groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, the probe housing is further provided with a mounting cavity, the probe housing includes an inner partition, the inner partition is located between the mounting cavity and the coupling groove, the ultrasonic transducer is located in the mounting cavity, the inner partition has an outward inclined surface facing the detection surface, and the outward inclined surface is inclined relative to the detection surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the angle between the outwardly inclined surface and the detection surface ranges from 20° to 40°.

[0011] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transducer includes a transmitting wafer and a receiving wafer; the transmitting wafer includes an ultrasonic transmitting surface for transmitting ultrasonic waves, and the receiving wafer includes an ultrasonic receiving surface for receiving ultrasonic waves; both the ultrasonic transmitting surface and the ultrasonic receiving surface are inclined relative to the outer inclined surface, and the openings formed by the ultrasonic transmitting surface and the ultrasonic receiving surface at an angle face the inner partition.

[0012] In some embodiments, the inner partition has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface on the side opposite to the outer inclined surface, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are inclined relative to each other, the ultrasonic emitting surface of the emitting wafer is attached to the first inclined surface, and the ultrasonic receiving surface of the receiving wafer is attached to the second inclined surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the probe housing includes a lower probe housing and an upper probe housing that are mated to each other, the opening end of the coupling groove is disposed on the side of the lower probe housing opposite to the upper probe housing, and the inner partition is disposed on the lower probe housing; The probe lower housing includes a cylindrical shell wall with an internal cavity and open ends. The inner partition and the cylindrical shell wall are an integral structure, and the inner partition separates the internal cavity of the cylindrical shell wall to form the mounting cavity and the coupling groove. The cylindrical shell wall includes a first shell wall that surrounds the inner partition to form the mounting cavity, and a second shell wall that surrounds the inner partition to form the coupling groove; the probe upper shell is connected to the second shell wall and covers the opening of the mounting cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the inner partition includes an inclined plate and a first horizontal plate and a second horizontal plate located at opposite ends of the inclined plate, and the outer inclined surface is located on one side of the inclined plate facing the coupling groove; The first horizontal plate is integrally connected between the inclined plate and the first shell wall, and the end of the first horizontal plate connected to the first shell wall is located at the end of the first shell wall away from the upper shell of the probe. The second horizontal plate is integrally connected between the inclined plate and the second shell wall, and one end of the second horizontal plate connected to the second shell wall is located at the end of the second shell wall near the upper shell of the probe.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inclined plate facing the side of the mounting cavity, the first horizontal plate facing the inner side of the mounting cavity, and the inner side of the first shell wall surround to form the cavity wall of the mounting cavity; the inclined plate facing the outer inclined surface of the coupling groove, the first horizontal plate facing the outer side of the coupling groove, the second horizontal plate facing the outer side of the coupling groove, and the inner side of the second shell wall surround to form the groove wall of the coupling groove.

[0016] In some embodiments, the angle between the outer inclined surface of the inclined plate and the outer side of the second horizontal plate facing the coupling groove is an obtuse angle, and at least one inner side of the second shell wall and the outer side of the second horizontal plate facing the coupling groove have an obtuse angle.

[0017] In some embodiments, the angle between the outer inclined surface of the inclined plate and the outer side of the second horizontal plate facing the coupling groove is 150°.

[0018] An ultrasonic detector includes a main unit and an ultrasonic probe coupling assembly as described above, electrically connected to the main unit. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly is used to emit ultrasonic signals and receive ultrasonic echo signals. The main unit is used to control the ultrasonic probe coupling assembly to emit ultrasonic signals and output detection parameters based on the ultrasonic echo signals.

[0019] The technical solution of this application has the following advantages: By setting a coupling groove inside the probe housing of the ultrasound probe and embedding a block-shaped coupler inside the coupling groove, the block-shaped coupler can propagate sound waves between the ultrasound transducer and the surface of the object to be tested. When this ultrasound probe coupling assembly locates the position of the strongest blood flow signal on the object to be tested, the block-shaped coupler can move with the probe housing, eliminating the need for frequent application of liquid coupling agent to different positions on the surface of the object to be tested, simplifying operation and reducing coupling agent waste. Moreover, after the test, there is no need to wipe and clean the surface of the object to be tested with tissues or cloths, reducing the workload of operators, minimizing the unpleasant experience for patients during the wiping process, and reducing unnecessary waste of tissues and cloths. At the same time, it can also reduce the residue of coupling agent on the probe housing or other components of the ultrasound probe, reducing the amount of cleaning work required after the ultrasound probe is tested. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a top view of the ultrasonic probe coupling assembly in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the ultrasonic probe coupling assembly in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the ultrasonic probe coupling assembly in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe coupling assembly in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the probe's lower housing in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a front view of the block coupler in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the block-shaped coupler in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a top view of the ultrasonic probe in an embodiment of this application, wherein the probe housing has been omitted to show the internal structure; Figure 9 This is a front view of the probe lower housing in an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the probe upper shell structure in an embodiment of this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the power cord structure in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Probe housing; 11. Lower probe housing; 11a. Detection surface; 11b. Mounting cavity; 11c. Coupling groove; 111. Cylindrical shell wall; 1111. First shell wall; 1112. Second shell wall; 12. Upper probe housing; 13. Inner partition; 13a. Outer inclined surface; 13b. First inclined surface; 13c. Second inclined surface; 13d. Isolation groove; 131. Inclined plate; 132. First horizontal plate; 133. Second horizontal plate; 2. Transmitting wafer; 3. Receiving wafer; 4. Block-shaped coupler; 41. Coupler filling part; 42. Coupler shielding part; 5. Cable; 6. Wire core; 7. Sheath; 8. Fixing groove; 91. Lower slot; 92. Upper slot. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this 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 this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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 connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 An ultrasonic probe coupling assembly is shown, comprising an ultrasonic probe and a block-shaped coupler 4. The ultrasonic probe includes a probe housing 1, an ultrasonic transducer, and a cable 5. The ultrasonic transducer is disposed inside the probe housing 1. One end of the cable 5 is mounted on the probe housing 1 and connected to the ultrasonic transducer, while the other end of the cable 5 extends outside the probe housing 1. The other end of the cable 5 can be connected to the host of a medical ultrasound device or a medical monitoring device. The host processes the ultrasonic echo signal returned by the ultrasonic probe to obtain detection parameters, and can display the processed detection parameters on the host's display screen, enabling long-term monitoring through the ultrasonic probe and the host.

[0027] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the ultrasonic transducer includes a transmitting wafer 2 and a receiving wafer 3 disposed within the probe housing 1. The transmitting wafer 2 is used to transmit ultrasonic signals, and the receiving wafer 3 is used to receive the echoed ultrasonic signals. A cable 5 extends into the probe housing 1, with one set of wire cores 6 connected to the positive and negative terminals of the transmitting wafer 2, and another set of wire cores 6 extending into the probe housing 1 connected to the positive and negative terminals of the receiving wafer 3. The probe housing 1 includes a lower probe shell 11 and an upper probe shell 12 that are mated together. A block-shaped coupler 4 is embedded in the coupling groove 11c of the lower probe shell 11. The block-shaped coupler 4 can transmit ultrasonic waves between the transmitting wafer 2 and the object to be tested, and between the receiving wafer 3 and the object to be tested. The block-shaped coupler 4 is specifically a non-fluid coupling gel.

[0028] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the probe lower housing 11 is made of plastic. The probe lower housing 11 includes a cylindrical shell wall 111 and an inner partition 13. The cylindrical shell wall 111 is a cylindrical structure with an internal cavity and open at both axial ends. The inner partition 13 is located inside the cylindrical shell wall 111, and its outer peripheral edge is integrally connected to the inner wall of the cylindrical shell wall 111. The inner partition 13 separates the internal cavity of the cylindrical shell wall 111 into a mounting cavity 11b and a coupling groove 11c. The open end of the coupling groove 11c is located on the side of the probe lower housing 11 facing away from the probe upper housing 12. The block-shaped coupler 4 is embedded in the coupling groove 11c, and the open end of the coupling groove 11c can define a detection surface 11a on the probe lower housing 11. The transmitting wafer 2 and the receiving wafer 3 are both bonded and fixed to the side of the inner partition 13 facing the mounting cavity 11b. The transmitting chip 2 includes an ultrasonic transmitting surface for transmitting ultrasonic waves, and the receiving chip 3 includes an ultrasonic receiving surface for receiving ultrasonic waves; both the ultrasonic wave path of the ultrasonic transmitting surface and the ultrasonic wave path of the ultrasonic transmitting surface pass obliquely through the detection surface 11a.

[0029] Reference Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the "detection surface" is a virtual surface. The detection surface 11a can be understood as the surface where the opening end of the coupling groove 11c is located or parallel to the surface when the ultrasonic probe coupling assembly is performing ultrasonic measurements facing the user. The detection surface 11a can be determined by the end of the probe lower shell 11 facing away from the probe upper shell 12, or by other similar methods.

[0030] In alternative embodiments, the lower probe housing 11 is a cylindrical structure with an internal cavity and open ends, and the inner partition 13 and the rest of the upper probe housing 12 are integrally connected. When the upper probe housing 12 and the lower probe housing 11 are connected, the inner partition 13 blocks one open end of the lower probe housing 11. At this time, the space inside the upper probe housing 12 is a mounting cavity for installing the transmitting chip 2 and the receiving chip 3, and the space inside the lower probe housing 11 is a coupling groove 11c for accommodating the block-shaped coupler 4. The other open end of the lower probe housing 11, which is not blocked by the inner partition 13, is the opening end of the coupling groove 11c.

[0031] This ultrasonic probe coupling assembly, by setting a coupling groove 11c within the lower housing 11 of the probe and embedding a block-shaped coupler 4 within the coupling groove 11c, allows ultrasonic waves to propagate between the transmitting wafer 2 and the surface of the object under test, and between the receiving wafer 3 and the surface of the object under test. Compared to the prior art method of applying liquid coupling agent to the surfaces in contact between the ultrasonic probe and the object under test to transmit ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic probe coupling assembly of this application allows the block-shaped coupler 4 to move along with the probe housing 1 when searching for the detection location with the strongest blood flow signal on the object under test. This eliminates the need for frequent application of liquid coupling agent at different locations on the surface of the object under test, simplifying operation and reducing waste of liquid coupling agent. Furthermore, after the test, there is no need to wipe the surface of the object under test with paper towels or cloths, reducing the workload of operators, minimizing the unpleasant experience caused by wiping, and reducing unnecessary waste of paper towels and cloths. Simultaneously, it also reduces the residue of liquid coupling agent on the probe housing 1 or other components of the ultrasonic probe, reducing the amount of cleaning work required after the test.

[0032] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the inner partition 13 includes an outwardly inclined surface 13a facing the coupling groove 11c, and the outwardly inclined surface 13a is inclined relative to the detection surface 11a. In some embodiments, the included angle between the outwardly inclined surface 13a and the detection surface 11a is 20°-40°; for example, the included angle between the outwardly inclined surface 13a and the detection surface 11a is 30°.

[0033] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the inner partition 13 has a first inclined surface 13b and a second inclined surface 13c on the side opposite to the outward inclined surface 13a. The first inclined surface 13b is inclined relative to the outward inclined surface 13a, and the second inclined surface 13c is inclined relative to the outward inclined surface 13a, with the first inclined surface 13b and the second inclined surface 13c inclined relative to each other. The ultrasonic emitting surface of the transmitting chip 2 is attached to the first inclined surface 13b, and the ultrasonic receiving surface of the receiving chip 3 is attached to the second inclined surface 13c. The opening of the inclined angle formed by the ultrasonic emitting surface of the transmitting chip 2 and the ultrasonic receiving surface of the receiving chip 3 faces the inner partition 13. In some embodiments, the acute angle formed between the first inclined surface 13b and the outward inclined surface 13a and the acute angle formed between the second inclined surface 13c and the outward inclined surface 13a are equal; for example, the acute angle formed between the first inclined surface 13b and the outward inclined surface 13a and the acute angle formed between the second inclined surface 13c and the outward inclined surface 13a are both 5°. With this configuration, the transmitting chip 2 can transmit ultrasonic signals to the human carotid artery through the opening end of the coupling slot 11c, according to the direction of the human carotid artery blood flow system. The ultrasonic echo signal reflected by the human carotid artery can be better received by the receiving chip 3, which facilitates the acquisition of the strongest signal of human carotid artery blood flow and enables long-term monitoring of the patient's carotid artery blood flow signal.

[0034] When this ultrasound probe coupling assembly detects blood flow in a patient's neck vessels, the probe housing 1, which contains a block-shaped coupler 4, can be directly fixed to the patient's neck. The detection surface 11a, defined by the opening end of the coupling groove 11c inside the probe housing 1, faces the patient's neck, and the block-shaped coupler 4 inside the coupling groove 11c contacts the surface of the patient's neck. At this time, the ultrasound waves emitted by the transmitting crystal 2 pass through the block-shaped coupler 4 and can pass through the opening end of the coupling groove 11c at an inclined angle and enter the patient's neck vessels. This allows for rapid location of the strongest blood flow signal in the patient's neck vessels, enabling better coupling and reflection with the movement of blood flow within the neck vessels, thereby improving the accuracy of blood flow parameters obtained by ultrasound detection. During blood flow detection, there is no need to manually adjust the tilt angle of the detection surface 11a on the probe housing 1, making the operation simpler.

[0035] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the cylindrical shell wall 111 includes a first shell wall 1111 that surrounds the inner partition 13 to form a mounting cavity 11b, and a second shell wall 1112 that surrounds the inner partition 13 to form a coupling groove 11c. The probe upper shell 12 is connected to the second shell wall 1112 and covers the opening of the mounting cavity 11b. The inner partition 13 includes an inclined plate 131 and a first horizontal plate 132 and a second horizontal plate 133 located at opposite ends of the inclined plate 131; the outer inclined surface 13a is located on the side of the inclined plate 131 facing the coupling groove 11c.

[0036] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the inclined plate 131, the first horizontal plate 132, and the second horizontal plate 133 are integrally formed. The first horizontal plate 132 is integrally connected between the inclined plate 131 and the first shell wall 1111, with one end of the first horizontal plate 132 connected to the first shell wall 1111 located at the end of the first shell wall 1111 away from the probe upper shell 12. The second horizontal plate 133 is integrally connected between the inclined plate 131 and the second shell wall 1112, with one end of the second horizontal plate 133 connected to the second shell wall 1112 located at the end of the second shell wall 1112 closer to the probe upper shell 12. The planes of the first horizontal plate 132 and the second horizontal plate 133 are both parallel to the detection surface 11a defined by the opening end of the coupling groove 11c. There is a gap between the first horizontal plate 132 and the detection surface 11a, and there is also a gap between the second horizontal plate 133 and the detection surface 11a; and the distance between the second horizontal plate 133 and the detection surface 11a is greater than the distance between the first horizontal plate 132 and the detection surface 11a.

[0037] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the side of the inclined plate 131 facing the mounting cavity 11b, the inner side of the first horizontal plate 132 facing the mounting cavity 11b, and the inner side of the first shell wall 1111 enclose the cavity wall of the mounting cavity 11b. The outer inclined surface 13a of the inclined plate 131 facing the coupling groove 11c, the outer side of the first horizontal plate 132 facing the coupling groove 11c, the outer side of the second horizontal plate 133 facing the coupling groove 11c, and the inner side of the second shell wall 1112 enclose the cavity wall of the coupling groove 11c. The included angle between the outer inclined surface 13a of the inclined plate 131 and the outer side of the second horizontal plate 133 facing the coupling groove 11c is an obtuse angle, which can be 150°; and at least one inner side of the second shell wall 1112 has an obtuse angle between it and the outer side of the second horizontal plate 133 facing the coupling groove 11c.

[0038] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, the block-shaped coupler 4 includes a coupler filling portion 41 and a coupler shielding portion 42. The coupler filling portion 41 fills the coupling groove 11c, and the coupler shielding portion 42 shields the end of the probe housing 1 facing the surface of the object to be tested, that is, the coupler shielding portion 42 blocks the detection surface 11a of the probe housing 1. The coupler shielding portion 42 can completely shield the detection surface 11a of the probe lower housing 11 and provide a certain buffering effect, reducing the pressure pain caused by the direct contact between the probe lower housing 11 and the human body, and improving the patient's testing experience. The coupler filling portion 41 fits into the groove wall of the coupling groove 11c inside the probe lower housing 11, and the size of the coupler filling portion 41 is the same as the size of the coupling groove 11c. The coupler filling portion 41 completely occupies the space inside the coupling groove 11c, which can expel the air inside the coupling groove 11c and reduce the attenuation of ultrasound waves propagating in the air. The block-shaped coupler 4, with its unique shape and size, fits well into the coupling groove 11c and moves with the probe housing 1. It also allows for easy removal from the coupling groove 11c of the probe housing 1 for cleaning and sterilization, eliminating the need for excessive cleaning of the probe housing 1's surface and hard-to-reach areas, thus simplifying the cleaning process for the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly can be used disposable by replacing the block-shaped coupler 4, or the cleaned and sterilized block-shaped coupler 4 can be reused.

[0039] like Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the inner partition 13 is further provided with an isolation groove 13d, and the inner partition 13 is disposed between the first inclined surface 13b and the second inclined surface 13c. The isolation groove 13d can prevent interference between the ultrasonic signal emitted by the transmitting chip 2 and the ultrasonic echo signal received by the receiving chip 3.

[0040] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a sheath 7 is fitted onto one end of the cable 5 that connects to the probe housing 1. The outer diameter of the sheath 7 is larger than the outer diameter of the cable 5, and a fixing groove 8 is provided on the outer periphery of the sheath 7. The lower probe housing 11 is provided with a lower locking groove 91, and the upper probe housing 12 is provided with an upper locking groove 92. The lower locking groove 91 and the upper locking groove 92 form an annular locking groove structure after the lower probe housing 11 and the upper probe housing 12 are mated. The fixing groove 8 on the sheath 7 cooperates with the locking groove structure to fix the sheath 7 onto the probe housing 1.

[0041] In some embodiments, the probe housing 1 is connected to a fastener for securing the probe housing 1 to the surface of the object to be tested. The fastener can specifically be a sheath or adhesive tape, which can be fixed to the neck of the human body. This facilitates long-term monitoring of the ultrasound probe on the patient's neck, ensures that monitoring is not affected during patient movement, and simultaneously frees the hands of medical personnel during monitoring.

[0042] This application also provides an ultrasound detector, including a main unit and an ultrasound probe coupling assembly as described above, electrically connected to the main unit. The main unit includes a controller, a signal processing module, and a display screen. The ultrasound probe coupling assembly is used to transmit ultrasound signals and receive ultrasound echo signals; the controller of the main unit is used to control the ultrasound probe coupling assembly to transmit ultrasound signals; the signal processing module is used to output detection parameters based on the ultrasound echo signals returned by the ultrasound probe coupling assembly; and the display screen is used to display the detection parameters. The main unit can be the main unit of a monitor, and the detection parameter can specifically be blood flow. When the ultrasound probe coupling assembly is fixed to the patient's blood flow detection site (e.g., the neck), the monitor can perform blood flow system monitoring.

[0043] This ultrasound scanner's method for detecting blood flow parameters in patients includes the following steps: Step S1: Fix the probe housing 1, which is filled with block-shaped coupling material 4 in the coupling groove 11c, to the object to be tested, and make the open end of the coupling groove 11c in the probe housing 1 contact the surface of the object to be tested; Step S2: The transmitting chip 2 inside the probe housing 1 transmits an ultrasonic signal to the object to be tested through the opening end of the coupling groove 11c, and the receiving chip 3 inside the probe housing 1 receives the ultrasonic echo signal reflected by the object to be tested. Step S3: Calculate the blood flow parameters of the object to be tested based on the ultrasound echo signal.

[0044] By fixing the probe housing 1 to the patient's blood flow detection site, the location of the strongest blood flow signal at the blood flow detection site can be quickly found without manually adjusting the tilt angle of the detection surface 11a on the probe housing 1, making the operation simpler. Moreover, the coupling groove 11c of the probe housing 1 can directly hold the coupling agent, so the operator does not need to hold the coupling agent supply device with one hand to frequently apply the coupling agent and hold the ultrasound probe with the other hand to perform the operation, resulting in a better user experience and reducing the waste caused by frequent application of coupling agent.

[0045] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe coupling assembly, characterized in that, The device includes an ultrasonic probe, a block coupler (4), and a cable (5). The ultrasonic probe includes a probe housing (1) and an ultrasonic transducer disposed within the probe housing (1). One end of the cable (5) is mounted on the probe housing (1) and connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the other end of the cable (5) extends out of the probe housing (1). The probe housing (1) is provided with a coupling groove (11c), and the open end of the coupling groove (11c) is used to define a detection surface (11a) on the probe housing (1). The block coupler (4) is embedded in the coupling groove (11c), and the block coupler (4) is capable of propagating sound waves between the ultrasonic transducer and the surface of the object to be tested.

2. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The block-shaped coupler (4) is a coupling gel.

3. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The block-shaped coupler (4) includes a coupler filling portion (41) and a coupler shielding portion (42). The coupler filling portion (41) fills the coupling groove (11c), and the coupler shielding portion (42) shields the end of the probe housing (1) facing the surface of the object to be tested.

4. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The filling portion (41) of the coupler is in contact with the wall of the coupling groove (11c); and / or, the block-shaped coupler (4) is detachably connected to the coupling groove (11c).

5. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The probe housing (1) is further provided with a mounting cavity (11b). The probe housing (1) includes an inner partition (13). The inner partition (13) is located between the mounting cavity (11b) and the coupling groove (11c). The ultrasonic transducer is located in the mounting cavity (11b). The inner partition (13) has an outward inclined surface (13a) facing the detection surface (11a), and the outward inclined surface (13a) is inclined relative to the detection surface (11a).

6. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transducer includes a transmitting wafer (2) and a receiving wafer (3); the transmitting wafer (2) includes an ultrasonic transmitting surface for transmitting ultrasonic waves, and the receiving wafer (3) includes an ultrasonic receiving surface for receiving ultrasonic waves; the ultrasonic transmitting surface and the ultrasonic receiving surface are both inclined relative to the outer inclined surface (13a), and the opening formed by the ultrasonic transmitting surface and the ultrasonic receiving surface at an angle faces the inner partition (13).

7. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inner partition (13) has a first inclined surface (13b) and a second inclined surface (13c) on the side opposite to the outer inclined surface (13a). The first inclined surface (13b) and the second inclined surface (13c) are inclined relative to each other. The ultrasonic emitting surface of the emitting wafer (2) is attached to the first inclined surface (13b), and the ultrasonic receiving surface of the receiving wafer (3) is attached to the second inclined surface (13c).

8. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The probe housing (1) includes a lower probe housing (11) and an upper probe housing (12) that are connected to each other. The opening end of the coupling groove (11c) is located on the side of the lower probe housing (11) away from the upper probe housing (12). The inner partition (13) is located on the lower probe housing (11). The probe lower shell (11) includes a cylindrical shell wall (111) with an internal cavity and open at both ends. The inner partition (13) and the cylindrical shell wall (111) are an integral structure. The inner partition (13) separates the cavity inside the cylindrical shell wall (111) to form the mounting cavity (11b) and the coupling groove (11c). The cylindrical shell wall (111) includes a first shell wall (1111) that surrounds the inner partition (13) to form the mounting cavity (11b), and a second shell wall (1112) that surrounds the inner partition (13) to form the coupling groove (11c); the probe upper shell (12) is connected to the second shell wall (1112) and covers the opening of the mounting cavity (11b); The inner partition (13) includes an inclined plate (131) and a first horizontal plate (132) and a second horizontal plate (133) located at opposite ends of the inclined plate (131), and the outer inclined surface (13a) is located on one side of the inclined plate (131) facing the coupling groove (11c); The first horizontal plate (132) is integrally connected between the inclined plate (131) and the first shell wall (1111), and the end of the first horizontal plate (132) connected to the first shell wall (1111) is located at the end of the first shell wall (1111) away from the probe upper shell (12); The second horizontal plate (133) is integrally connected between the inclined plate (131) and the second shell wall (1112), and one end of the second horizontal plate (133) connected to the second shell wall (1112) is located at the end of the second shell wall (1112) near the probe upper shell (12); The plane in which the first horizontal plate (132) is located and the plane in which the second horizontal plate (133) is located are both parallel to the detection surface (11a) defined by the opening end of the coupling groove (11c). There is a gap between the first horizontal plate (132) and the detection surface (11a), and there is also a gap between the second horizontal plate (133) and the detection surface (11a); and the distance between the second horizontal plate (133) and the detection surface (11a) is greater than the distance between the first horizontal plate (132) and the detection surface (11a). The inclined plate (131) facing the side of the mounting cavity (11b), the first horizontal plate (132) facing the inner side of the mounting cavity (11b), and the inner side of the first shell wall (1111) enclose to form the cavity wall of the mounting cavity (11b); the inclined plate (131) facing the outer inclined surface (13a) of the coupling groove (11c), the first horizontal plate (132) facing the outer side of the coupling groove (11c), the second horizontal plate (133) facing the outer side of the coupling groove (11c), and the inner side of the second shell wall (1112) enclose to form the groove wall of the coupling groove (11c); The angle between the outer inclined surface (13a) of the inclined plate (131) and the outer side of the second horizontal plate (133) facing the coupling groove (11c) is an obtuse angle, and at least one inner side of the second shell wall (1112) and the outer side of the second horizontal plate (133) facing the coupling groove (11c) are also obtuse angles.

9. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The included angle between the outer inclined surface (13a) of the inclined plate (131) and the outer side of the second horizontal plate (133) facing the coupling groove (11c) is 150°.

10. An ultrasonic detector, characterized in that, The device includes a host and an ultrasonic probe coupling assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, electrically connected to the host. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly is used to transmit ultrasonic signals and receive ultrasonic echo signals. The host is used to control the ultrasonic probe coupling assembly to transmit ultrasonic signals and output detection parameters based on the ultrasonic echo signals.

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