Ultrasonic transducer and multi-element ultrasonic probe

Abstract

The application relates to an ultrasonic transducer and a multi-array ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a transducer array and an assembling frame; the assembling frame is provided with a mounting surface, and a side of the assembling frame facing the mounting surface is provided with a plurality of mounting holes arranged in an array; the transducer array comprises a plurality of transducer units, each of which is mounted in a corresponding mounting hole, and the emitting surface of each transducer unit is located on a side close to the mounting surface to form a preset spherical surface or be tangent to the preset spherical surface, so that the beams emitted by each emitting surface are all directed to the spherical center of the preset spherical surface, and each emitting surface is concave relative to the corresponding mounting surface. By concaving each emitting surface relative to the corresponding mounting surface, the area of the assembling frame between adjacent emitting surfaces can separate the adjacent emitting surfaces, so that the sound waves emitted by each transducer unit do not interfere with each other, the directivity of the beams emitted by each transducer unit is improved, that is, a structure similar to an acoustic beam collimator is formed around each emitting surface, thereby improving the working efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to ultrasonic transducers and multi-element ultrasonic probes. Background Technology

[0002] As the application areas and application locations of ultrasonic transducers have evolved, different requirements have been placed on the transducer structure itself, one of which is the development of medium-to-large-sized ultrasonic transducers. These transducers are typically used in ultrasound therapy, requiring the generation of significant acoustic energy in the transducer's focusing area to act on the treatment area. Such transducers often employ array-type spherical transducers, arranging multiple independent, smaller array elements in a regular or irregular manner on a sphere. However, in existing array-type spherical transducers, interference exists between the sound waves emitted from adjacent array elements, causing acoustic energy loss and thus affecting the working efficiency of multi-element ultrasonic probes. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an ultrasonic transducer to address the problem that interference exists between sound waves emitted by adjacent array elements in existing array-type spherical transducers, which causes sound energy loss and affects the working efficiency of multi-element ultrasonic probes.

[0004] An ultrasonic transducer includes a transducer array and a mounting frame; the mounting frame has a plurality of mounting holes arranged in an array; the mounting frame has a mounting surface, and the mounting frame has a plurality of mounting holes on the side facing the mounting surface, arranged in an array; the transducer array includes a plurality of transducer units, each transducer unit is mounted in a corresponding mounting hole, and the emitting surface of each transducer unit is located on the side close to the mounting surface to form a preset sphere or be tangent to a preset sphere, so that the beam emitted by each emitting surface points to the center of the preset sphere, and each emitting surface is recessed relative to the corresponding mounting surface.

[0005] In one embodiment, the emitting surface and the corresponding mounting surface have a preset distance in the radial direction of the preset sphere.

[0006] In one embodiment, the radius of the preset sphere is R, and the preset distance is greater than or equal to R / 5 and less than or equal to R2 / 5.

[0007] In one embodiment, the areas of each of the emitting surfaces are equal.

[0008] In one embodiment, the assembly frame includes at least two first annular frames and a plurality of first connecting rods; each of the first annular frames has a different size and is nested from the inside out; each of the first connecting rods is arranged circumferentially around the first annular frames and is connected to each of the first annular frames to enclose at least a portion of the mounting holes.

[0009] In one embodiment, the mounting hole has a protrusion on its wall, which abuts against the transducer unit to prevent the transducer unit from exiting the mounting hole.

[0010] In one embodiment, the assembly frame is provided with an assembly hole, and the ultrasonic transducer further includes an image acquisition component, which is installed in the assembly hole and is used to acquire image information.

[0011] In one embodiment, the mounting bracket includes an interconnected frame and a rear cover, the mounting hole is provided on the frame, the frame is provided with a mating hole, the rear cover is provided with a protrusion, the protrusion is inserted into the mating hole, and the mounting hole is provided on the protrusion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the mounting frame further includes a housing having a receiving groove, the bottom wall of which has a clearance opening communicating with the outside. The rear cover is inserted into the receiving groove and connected to the housing. The frame is accommodated in the receiving groove and located between the rear cover and the bottom wall of the receiving groove. Each of the emitting surfaces is opposite to the clearance opening so that the beam emitted by each of the emitting surfaces is discharged through the clearance opening.

[0013] This application also provides a multi-element ultrasonic probe that can solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0014] A multi-element ultrasonic probe, comprising the ultrasonic transducer described above.

[0015] Beneficial effects:

[0016] The ultrasonic transducer provided in this application includes a transducer array and a mounting frame. The mounting frame has a mounting surface and multiple mounting holes on the side of the mounting frame facing the mounting surface. The mounting holes are arranged in an array. The transducer array includes multiple transducer units. Each transducer unit is installed in a corresponding mounting hole, and the emitting surface of each transducer unit is located on the side close to the mounting surface to form a preset sphere or be tangent to the preset sphere, so that the beam emitted by each emitting surface points to the center of the preset sphere, and each emitting surface is recessed relative to the corresponding mounting surface. By aligning the emitting surfaces of each transducer unit on the same side to form a preset sphere or tangent to it, the transducer array exhibits good focusing properties. This ensures that the beams emitted from each emitting surface are directed towards the center of the preset sphere, creating a focal point. Furthermore, the recessed mounting surfaces of each emitting surface allow the mounting bracket to be positioned between adjacent emitting surfaces, effectively separating them and preventing interference between the sound waves emitted by each transducer unit. This enhances the directivity of the beams emitted by each transducer unit, essentially creating a beam collimator-like structure around each emitting surface. This reduces energy loss and improves operational efficiency.

[0017] This application also provides a multi-element ultrasonic probe, including the ultrasonic transducer described above. This multi-element ultrasonic probe can achieve at least one of the aforementioned technical effects. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic transducer provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the frame in an ultrasonic transducer provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic transducer provided in an embodiment of this application with the outer casing removed. Figure 1 .

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic transducer provided in an embodiment of this application with the outer casing removed. Figure 2 .

[0022] Icon labels:

[0023] 100 - Transducer array; 110 - Transducer unit; 200 - Assembly frame; 210 - Mounting hole; 220 - Frame; 221 - First annular frame; 222 - First connecting rod; 223 - Second annular frame; 224 - Second connecting rod; 225 - Mating hole; 230 - Rear cover; 231 - Assembly hole; 232 - Protrusion; 233 - Boss; 234 - Through hole; 235 - Screw hole; 240 - Housing; 241 - Clearance opening. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0026] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0029] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0030] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic transducer provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the frame in an ultrasonic transducer provided in an embodiment of this application. The ultrasonic transducer provided in an embodiment of this application includes a transducer array 100 and a mounting frame 200. The mounting frame 200 has a mounting surface and a plurality of mounting holes 210 arranged in an array on the side facing the mounting surface. The transducer array 100 includes a plurality of transducer units 110, each transducer unit 110 being installed in a corresponding mounting hole 210. The emitting surface of each transducer unit 110 is located on the side closer to the mounting surface to form a preset sphere or be tangent to a preset sphere, so that the beam emitted by each emitting surface points to the center of the preset sphere, and each emitting surface is recessed relative to the corresponding mounting surface.

[0031] Specifically, by having the emitting surfaces of each transducer unit 110 located on the same side to form a preset sphere or tangent to a preset sphere, the transducer array 100 has good focusing properties, so that the beams emitted by each emitting surface can all point to the center of the preset sphere to form a focal point at the center. Furthermore, by having the mounting surfaces of each emitting surface recessed relative to each other, the mounting bracket 200 is located in the area between adjacent emitting surfaces, which can separate adjacent emitting surfaces so that the sound waves emitted by each transducer unit 110 will not interfere with each other, thereby improving the directivity of the beams emitted by each transducer unit 110. This is equivalent to forming a structure similar to a sound beam collimator around each emitting surface, thereby reducing energy loss and improving working efficiency.

[0032] Furthermore, the emitting surface is curved, so that the emitting surface of each transducer unit 110 forms a preset sphere. By making the emitting surface curved, the directional of the emitted beam from each emitting surface is strengthened, accurately pointing to the center of the preset sphere. In other embodiments, the emitting surface is planar, and each emitting surface is tangent to the preset sphere. Making the emitting surface planar facilitates the fabrication of each transducer unit 110.

[0033] Each transducer unit 110 includes a piezoelectric material, which may be a piezoelectric ceramic, a piezoelectric single crystal, or a piezoelectric composite material made from both. Each transducer unit 110 may also include one or more of an acoustic component matching layer and a backing. It should be noted that the ground wires and signal lines connecting each transducer unit 110 to the electrical system are not shown in the view.

[0034] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, a predetermined distance is maintained between the emitting surface and the corresponding mounting surface in the radial direction of the predetermined spherical surface, thereby providing a stable barrier between adjacent emitting surfaces to stably limit interference between sound waves emitted by adjacent emitting surfaces. Preferably, the mounting surface is curved.

[0035] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the radius of the preset sphere is R, and the preset distance is greater than or equal to R / 5 and less than or equal to R2 / 5. This avoids the situation where the preset distance between the end face of the mounting hole 210 and the adjacent emitting surface is too small, which would prevent interference between the sound waves emitted by the adjacent reflecting surfaces. It also avoids the situation where the depth of the focus point entering the human body is limited when the preset distance is too large.

[0036] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the areas of each emitting surface are equal, thereby ensuring that the impedance of each transducer unit 110 is the same, and that the emitted beam energy of each transducer unit 110 is the same, thus ensuring consistent emission performance, reducing signal distortion, and improving the reliability of the ultrasonic transducer. The equality of the areas of each emitting surface in this application can be either completely equal or approximately equal.

[0037] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the assembly frame 200 includes at least two first annular frames 221 and a plurality of first connecting rods 222; each of the first annular frames 221 has a different size and is sequentially fitted from the inside to the outside; each of the first connecting rods 222 is arranged circumferentially around the first annular frames 221 and is connected to each of the first annular frames 221 to enclose at least part of the mounting holes 210.

[0038] Specifically, the wall of the mounting hole 210 between the outermost first annular frame 221 and the innermost first annular frame 221 is composed of two adjacent first annular frames 221 and two adjacent first connecting rods 222, thereby enabling stable assembly with the corresponding transducer unit 110. The side of the first annular frame 221 and the first connecting rod 222 facing the center of the preset sphere is constructed as the mounting surface.

[0039] In order to reduce the size of the assembly frame 200, the ends of each first connecting rod 222 can extend beyond the outermost first annular frame 221, so that the outermost first annular frame 221 and the adjacent two first connecting rods 222 constitute part of the hole wall of the mounting hole 210.

[0040] See Figure 1 In one embodiment, the mounting hole 210 has a protrusion on its wall, which abuts against the transducer unit 110 to prevent the transducer unit 110 from coming out of the mounting hole 210.

[0041] Specifically, the protrusion is located on the side of the transducer unit 110 facing the emitting surface, or on the side of the transducer unit 110 away from the emitting surface, thereby achieving stable positioning of one side of the transducer unit 110. Furthermore, each transducer unit 110 can be stably connected to the wall of the mounting hole 210 by adhesive bonding, thereby improving the reliability of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0042] In other embodiments, the corresponding positions of each transducer unit 110 and the assembly frame 200 can be fixed by means of movable buckles or tenon and mortise structures, so as to facilitate the replacement of the transducer unit 110 in the future.

[0043] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 200 is provided with mounting holes 231, and the ultrasonic transducer also includes an image acquisition component installed in the mounting holes 231. The image acquisition component is used to acquire image information, thereby enabling real-time monitoring of the location of focused ultrasound action within the human body, as well as changes in tissue at the action location before and after surgery. Preferably, the image acquisition component is an imaging probe.

[0044] See Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic transducer provided in an embodiment of this application with the outer casing removed. Figure 1 . Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic transducer provided in an embodiment of this application with the outer casing removed. Figure 2In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 200 includes a frame 220 and a rear cover 230. A mounting hole 210 is provided on the frame 220, and a mating hole 225 is provided on the frame 220. A protrusion 232 is provided on the rear cover 230, and the protrusion 232 is inserted into the mating hole 225. An assembly hole 231 is provided on the protrusion 232.

[0045] Specifically, the rear cover 230 and the frame 220 are stably connected and supported by the insertion and engagement of the protrusion 232 and the mating hole 225. The image acquisition component is installed within the mounting hole 231 of the protrusion 232. Cables and other structures connecting the image acquisition component to the electrical system extend from the end opposite to the mounting hole 231, and the mating hole 225 avoids obstructing the image acquisition component, ensuring accurate image acquisition. Preferably, the mating hole 225 is located in the middle of the frame 220.

[0046] The frame 220 can be made of materials such as metal or plastic that can firmly maintain its shape, and the processing technology can be machining or 3D printing.

[0047] Furthermore, the rear cover 230 is provided with vias 234 for leading out the signal lines and ground lines of each transducer unit 110. The surface of the rear cover 230 has evenly distributed screw holes 235, which facilitates the mechanical connection and fixation of the probe with structural components such as robotic arms and fixtures, and facilitates testing and use.

[0048] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the frame 220 further includes a second annular frame 223, which is inserted into the innermost first annular frame 221 and connected to the first annular frame 221. The inner ring of the second annular frame 223 is configured as a mating hole 225.

[0049] Furthermore, the frame 220 also includes a plurality of second connecting rods 224, one end of each second connecting rod 224 being connected to the second annular frame 223 and the other end being connected to the innermost first annular frame 221 to enclose part of the mounting holes 210, thereby maximizing the use of space on the frame 220 to arrange more transducer units 110 and improve the energy conversion of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0050] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In one embodiment, the mounting frame 200 further includes a housing 240 having a receiving groove, the bottom wall of which has a clearance opening 241 communicating with the outside. A rear cover 230 is inserted into the receiving groove and connected to the housing 240. A frame 220 is accommodated in the receiving groove and located between the rear cover 230 and the bottom wall of the receiving groove, with each emitting surface facing the clearance opening 241 so that the beam emitted by each emitting surface is discharged through the clearance opening 241.

[0051] Specifically, the outer casing 240 provides protection and makes the ultrasonic transducer structure more robust. The frame 220 and outer casing 240 can be bonded together using mechanical means or by applying adhesive to the outer periphery of the frame 220. It should be noted that the frame 220 is installed onto the outer casing 240 after the transducer units 110 are assembled onto the frame 220.

[0052] The outer shell 240 portion, together with the outermost first annular frame 221 and any two adjacent first connecting rods 222 portions, forms the wall of a portion of the mounting hole 210.

[0053] Furthermore, on the side of the rear cover 230 away from the frame 220, there is a circumferentially arranged boss 233, which is used to abut against the end face of the receiving groove of the outer shell 240 and then fixed by adhesive or mechanical structure.

[0054] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This application also provides a multi-element ultrasonic probe, including the aforementioned ultrasonic transducer. By having the emitting surfaces of each transducer unit 110 located on the same side to form a preset sphere or tangent to a preset sphere, the transducer array 100 has good focusing properties, so that the beams emitted by each emitting surface can all point to the center of the preset sphere to form a focal point at the center. By having the mounting surfaces of each emitting surface recessed relative to each other, the mounting bracket 200 is located in the area between adjacent emitting surfaces, which can separate adjacent emitting surfaces so that the sound waves emitted by each transducer unit 110 will not interfere with each other, improving the directivity of the beams emitted by each transducer unit 110. That is, it is equivalent to forming a structure similar to a sound beam collimator around each emitting surface, thereby reducing energy loss and improving working efficiency.

[0055] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0056] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic transducer, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transducer includes a transducer array and a mounting frame; the mounting frame has a mounting surface and a plurality of mounting holes on the side of the mounting frame facing the mounting surface, the mounting holes being arranged in an array; the transducer array includes a plurality of transducer units, each transducer unit being installed in a corresponding mounting hole, and the emitting surface of each transducer unit being located on the side close to the mounting surface to form a preset sphere or be tangent to a preset sphere, so that the beams emitted by each emitting surface are all directed toward the center of the preset sphere, and each emitting surface is recessed relative to the corresponding mounting surface.

2. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the radial direction of the preset spherical surface, there is a preset distance between the launching surface and the corresponding mounting surface.

3. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radius of the preset sphere is R, and the preset distance is greater than or equal to R / 5 and less than or equal to R2 / 5.

4. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The areas of all the aforementioned emitting surfaces are equal.

5. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The assembly frame includes at least two first annular frames and a plurality of first connecting rods; each of the first annular frames has a different size and is nested from the inside out; each of the first connecting rods is arranged circumferentially around the first annular frame and is connected to each of the first annular frames to enclose at least part of the mounting holes.

6. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting hole has a protrusion on its wall, which abuts against the transducer unit to prevent the transducer unit from coming out of the mounting hole.

7. The ultrasonic transducer according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The assembly frame is provided with an assembly hole, and the ultrasonic transducer also includes an image acquisition component, which is installed in the assembly hole and is used to acquire image information.

8. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The assembly frame includes an interconnected frame and a rear cover. The mounting hole is provided on the frame, and the frame is provided with a mating hole. The rear cover is provided with a protrusion that is inserted into the mating hole, and the assembly hole is provided on the protrusion.

9. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The assembly frame also includes a housing with a receiving groove. The bottom wall of the receiving groove has a clearance opening that communicates with the outside. The rear cover is inserted into the receiving groove and connected to the housing. The frame is housed in the receiving groove and located between the rear cover and the bottom wall of the receiving groove. Each of the transmitting surfaces is opposite to the clearance opening so that the beam emitted by each of the transmitting surfaces is discharged through the clearance opening.

10. A multi-element ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, Includes the ultrasonic transducer according to any one of claims 1-9.

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