Ultrasonic probe

Abstract

ULTRASONIC PROBE The invention relates to an ultrasonic probe (10) incorporating a pivoting ultrasonic transducer unit (13) and an acoustic coupling fluid (15) in a housing (11), using a coaxial cable (17) between the ultrasonic transducer unit (13) and an image diagnostic device (30). The coaxial cable (17) is configured with a first coaxial cable (17a) which has one end connected to the ultrasonic transducer unit (13) and the other end connected to one end of a flexible printed circuit board (19), and is incorporated in the housing (11), and a second coaxial cable (17b) with one end connected to the other end of the flexible printed circuit board (19) and the other to the image diagnostic device (30). The ultrasonic probe (10) includes a liquid-tight structural part (21) which mounts the flexible printed circuit board (19) onto the housing (11) in a liquid-tight state.Figure to be published with the abbreviation: FIG. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: ULTRASONIC PROBE BACKGROUND 1. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe having a structure in which a pivoting ultrasonic transducer unit and an acoustic coupling fluid are incorporated in a housing. 2. Description of the associated prior art

[0002] Ultrasonic probes are used in various fields, particularly in the medical field, and have become essential for diagnosing internal diseases in the human body, etc.

[0003] As an example of an ultrasound probe, there exists a structure in which a pivoting ultrasound transducer unit and an acoustic coupling fluid are incorporated in a housing (e.g., Literature Patent 1). Using a pivoting ultrasound transducer unit, three-dimensional imaging information can be obtained, providing a wealth of useful information for diagnosis. By using an acoustic coupling fluid, the ultrasound transducer unit can efficiently transmit and receive ultrasound waves. Also, as an example of the type of ultrasound probe, there exists one for body cavities (e.g., Literature Patent 2).

[0004] 3. Prior art associated with: Literature Patent

[0005] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Patent Application Made Public No. 2022-11236

[0006] [Patent Literature 2] Japanese Patent Application Made Public No. 2019-17637 SUMMARY 1. Technical problem

[0007] The inventors associated with this invention have also advanced the development of an ultrasonic probe for body cavities that incorporates a pivoting ultrasonic transducer unit and an acoustic coupling fluid in a housing. Furthermore, the inventors have advanced the development of an ultrasonic probe using a pivoting ultrasonic transducer unit having multiple probe elements, and using multi-conductor coaxial cables to improve signal shielding. However, as will be described in detail later, in the ultrasonic probe under development, when the ultrasonic transducer unit was pivoted, the problem of bubble formation in the acoustic coupling fluid was encountered. Since the bubbles cause a Due to performance degradation of the ultrasonic probe, a technology to reduce bubble formation is desired.

[0008] The present invention has been made taking into account the above points, and consequently, the object of this invention is to provide a new ultrasonic probe having a structure which incorporates a pivoting ultrasonic transducer unit and an acoustic coupling fluid in a housing, and is of a type using a coaxial cable, having a structure which easily reduces the formation of bubbles in the acoustic coupling fluid. 2. Solution to the problem

[0009] To achieve the objective, the present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe comprising: a housing; a pivoting ultrasonic transducer unit and an acoustic coupling fluid which are incorporated in the housing; and a coaxial cable which connects the ultrasonic transducer unit to an external image diagnostic device,

[0010] The coaxial cable is configured with a first coaxial cable which has one end connected to the ultrasonic transducer unit and the other end connected to one end of a flexible printed circuit board, and is incorporated into the housing, and a second coaxial cable which has one end connected to the other end of the flexible printed circuit board and the other end connected to the external image diagnostic device, and the ultrasonic probe comprises:

[0011] the flexible printed circuit board, and

[0012] a liquid-tight structural part that mounts the flexible printed circuit board onto the housing in a liquid-tight state.

[0013] For implementation of the invention, it is preferable that the housing be elongated, that the ultrasonic transducer unit be incorporated into one end of the housing, and that the flexible printed circuit board be mounted on the other end. The ultrasonic probe is preferably for use in a body cavity. In an ultrasonic probe for a body cavity, in which the housing is elongated, the coaxial cable mounted inside the housing becomes longer. A longer coaxial cable has a larger gap between the outer sheath and the core wire, which leads to an increase in the amount of stored bubbles.In such cases, as in the present invention, the use of a first coaxial cable whose two ends are open inside the casing facilitates the degassing of bubbles existing between the outer sheath and the core wire, which makes it easier to reduce the formation of bubbles in the acoustic coupling fluid.

[0014] According to the ultrasonic probe of the present invention, the structure divides the coaxial cable into two parts. Since the first coaxial cable has a structure in which both ends are open to the acoustic coupling fluid, the air located in the gap between the outer sheath and the core wire of the first coaxial cable is easily degassed during the degassing operation performed before filling the housing with acoustic coupling fluid. In cases where only one end of the coaxial cable is open and the other end is connected to an external image diagnostic device (comparative example described later), there is a risk that the air in the gap between the outer jacket and the core wire of the long coaxial cable could become a source of bubble formation, causing bubbles in the acoustic coupling fluid for an extended period, whereas the structure of the present invention avoids this risk.Furthermore, in the present invention, since a flexible printed circuit board is used as a relay element between the first coaxial cable and the second coaxial cable, as will be described in detail later, it is easier to house multi-conductor coaxial cables, easier to achieve liquid sealing, and easier to improve the electromagnetic shielding property.

[0015] Advantageously, the liquid-tight structural part comprises: a tubular adapter that encloses a core wire on the other end side of the first coaxial cable, the flexible printed circuit board and a core wire on one end side of the second coaxial cable; a filling agent filling the adapter; and a gasket disposed between an outer wall of the adapter and the housing.

[0016] Thus, a new ultrasonic probe having a structure allowing easy reduction of bubble formation in the acoustic coupling fluid can be provided. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] [Fig.1] is a diagram describing the overall structure of an ultrasonic probe 10 according to one embodiment.

[0018] [Fig.2A] is a diagram describing the details of the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the exploded view embodiment.

[0019] [Fig.2B] is another diagram describing the details of the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the embodiment in cross-sectional view.

[0020] [Fig.3] is a diagram describing an ultrasonic probe 50 according to a comparative example. Description of the implementation methods

[0021] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each of the diagrams used for the description is merely schematically represented to the extent that the invention can be understood. Furthermore, in each of the diagrams used for the description, the same numbers are assigned to similar constituent elements, and their descriptions may be omitted. Furthermore, the shapes, materials, etc., described in the following embodiments are only examples included within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the following embodiments alone.

[0022] 1. Configuration of an ultrasonic probe 10 according to the embodiment

[0023] An example in which the invention is applied to an ultrasound probe for a body cavity is described as an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1, 2A, and 2B are diagrams illustrating this purpose. In particular, Figure 1 is a diagram describing the overall structure of the ultrasound probe 10 of the embodiment, Figure 2A is an exploded view describing the details of the ultrasound probe 10 of the embodiment, and Figure 2B is an enlarged cross-sectional view cut along line SS in part M of Figure 2A. Figure 1 also shows an external diagnostic device 30 to which the ultrasound probe 10 is connected.

[0024] The ultrasonic probe 10 comprises a housing 11, a swiveling ultrasonic transducer unit 13 and an acoustic coupling fluid 15 incorporated in the housing 11, a coaxial cable 17 which connects the ultrasonic transducer unit 13 to an external image diagnostic device 30, a flexible printed circuit board 19 and a liquid-tight structural part 21. However, in [Fig.1], [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B], the illustration of the drive mechanism, etc. for swiveling the ultrasonic transducer unit 13 is omitted.

[0025] One of the features of the ultrasonic probe 10 of the present invention is that the coaxial cable 17 is composed of a first coaxial cable 17a, one end of which is connected to the ultrasonic transducer unit 13 and the other end is connected to one end of the flexible printed circuit board 19, and a second coaxial cable 17b, one end of which is connected to the other end of the flexible printed circuit board 19 and the other end is connected to the external diagnostic device 30. Another feature is that the ultrasonic probe 10 comprises the flexible printed circuit board 19 and the liquid-tight structural portion 21 that mounts the flexible printed circuit board 19 in a liquid-tight state onto the housing 11. The specific structure, etc., of each of the constituent elements will be described below.

[0026] The housing 11, in the example, is designed to be elongated in shape to serve as an ultrasound probe for a body cavity. The housing 11, in the example, consists of two parts, each having an outer wall of a predetermined thickness, and which are designed to be bonded together with adhesive, etc., after the ultrasound transducer unit, etc., has been mounted inside. The material of the housing 11 can be made of any material depending on The ultrasonic probe design, such as resin or metal, or resin-coated metal. The ultrasonic transducer unit 13 is incorporated into one end of the housing 11, and the flexible printed circuit board 19 is mounted to the other end of the housing 11 via the liquid-tight structural portion 21.

[0027] The ultrasonic transducer unit 13 is an array of multiple transducers arranged in a fan shape in the example. The number of transducers is determined according to the resolution and the amount of image information required for the ultrasonic probe 10. Without limitation, the number of transducers is, for example, 128 elements. Each of the transducers can be made of, for example, piezoelectric ceramic, etc. Predetermined electrodes are provided on each of the transducers and are connected to the image diagnostic device 30 via the first coaxial cable 17a and the second coaxial cable 17b described later. In the example, the ultrasonic transducer unit 13 is designed to pivot as indicated by an arrow Q around a pivot point P (see [Fig. 1]) of the fan.Although not illustrated, a shaft and gear from a motor are connected to the ultrasonic transducer unit 13.

[0028] The acoustic coupling fluid 15 fills the internal space of the housing 11, and improves the acoustic adaptation of the ultrasonic waves transmitted and received through the wall of the housing 11 with respect to the ultrasonic transducer unit 13.

[0029] The first coaxial cable 17a has one end connected to the ultrasonic transducer unit 13 and the other end connected to one end of the flexible printed circuit board 19. Thus, the first coaxial cable 17a is mounted inside the housing 11 with both ends in an open state. Consequently, at the two respective ends of the first coaxial cable 17a, a gap 17z between an outer sheath 17x and a core wire 17y is in contact with the space inside the housing 11, i.e., in an open relationship.

[0030] On the other hand, the second coaxial cable 17b has one end connected to the other end of the flexible printed circuit board 19, and the other end connected to the external diagnostic device 30. Therefore, the second coaxial cable 17b is in a disposition relationship where the second coaxial cable 17b does not come into contact with the internal space of the housing 11.

[0031] The flexible printed circuit board 19 can be made of any known type arbitrarily suitable. The flexible printed circuit board 19 includes wiring for the number plus a of the multiple transducers provided on the ultrasonic transducer unit 13. However, the flexible printed circuit board 19 is covered by the liquid-tight structural portion 21 described later. such that the acoustic coupling fluid 15 does not flow outwards from the housing 11 from the part.

[0032] The liquid-tight structural portion 21, in the example, as particularly shown in [Fig. 2A] and [Fig. 2B], consists of an adapter 21a, a filler 21b, and a gasket 21c. More specifically, the adapter 21a is a tubular component that encloses the core wire on the far end of the first coaxial cable 17a, the flexible printed circuit board 19, and the core wire on one end of the second coaxial cable 17b. It is preferable that the adapter 21a be made of metal, and it is also preferable to connect the adapter 21a to ground to ensure electromagnetic shielding. The filler 21b fills the gap between the adapter 21a and the flexible printed circuit board 19, etc., inside the adapter 21a. The filler 21b, but not limited to, may be composed of silicone resin for example.The gasket 21c ensures liquid sealing between the housing 11 and the adapter 21a, and may consist of a rubber gasket, for example.

[0033] The liquid-tight structural part 21 consisting of the adapter 21a, the filler 21b and the gasket 21c prevents the acoustic coupling fluid 15 inside the housing 11 from flowing out of the housing 11.

[0034] 2. Operation and effect of the ultrasonic probe 10 of the embodiment

[0035] In what follows, with reference to [Fig. 1], the operation and effect of the ultrasonic probe 10 of the embodiment will be described. In the case of the ultrasonic probe 10 of the embodiment, the first coaxial cable 17a is incorporated into the internal space of the housing 11 and, furthermore, as both ends are open, at both ends of the first coaxial cable 17a, the gap 17z between the outer sheath 17x and the core wire 17y is in contact with the internal space of the housing 11.

[0036] Therefore, during the degassing operation of the internal space of the housing 11, performed before filling the housing space with the acoustic coupling fluid 15, the air located in the gap 17z of the first coaxial cable 17a can be effectively degassed from both ends of the first coaxial cable 17a. Thus, compared to a comparative example described later, the risk of the coaxial cable becoming a source of bubble formation can be reduced. Consequently, even if the first coaxial cable 17a oscillates in response to the pivoting of the ultrasonic transducer unit 13, the risk of bubble formation can be reduced.

[0037] 3. Comparative example

[0038] Figure 3 is a diagram describing an ultrasonic probe 50 according to a comparative example. The difference between the ultrasonic probe 50 of the comparative example and the present invention is that a coaxial cable 51 extending from the ultrasonic transducer unit 13 to the image diagnostic device 30 is a single coaxial cable. In other words, at one end of the coaxial cable 51, a core wire 51y is connected to the ultrasonic transducer unit 13, and the other end reaches the image diagnostic device 30 through the housing 11. Therefore, a gap between an outer sheath 5Ix and the core wire 5ly of the coaxial cable 51 is in contact with the acoustic coupling fluid 15 in the internal space of the housing 11 only at one end of the coaxial cable 51. Consequently, since a coaxial cable 51 that is very long compared to the embodiment comes into contact with the acoustic coupling fluid 15, a large amount of air stored in a gap 51z between the outer sheath 5Ix and the core wire 5ly of the coaxial cable 51 that is very long compared to the embodiment cannot be eliminated by the degassing operation alone and will remain after the product is completed.This is why, in the comparative example, bubbles are more likely to appear in response to the pivoting of the ultrasonic transducer unit 13.

[0039] In the embodiment described above, an example in which the present invention is applied to an ultrasonic probe for a human cavity has been described, but the present invention can be applied to various ultrasonic probes having a structure in which a pivoting ultrasonic transducer unit and an acoustic coupling fluid are incorporated in a housing.

[0040] Description of the reference figures:

[0041] 10: ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment

[0042] 11: housing

[0043] 13: ultrasonic transducer unit

[0044] 15: acoustic coupling fluid

[0045] 17a: first coaxial cable

[0046] 17b: second coaxial cable

[0047] 17x: outer sheath

[0048] 17y: soul thread

[0049] 17z: interval

[0050] 19: Flexible printed circuit board

[0051] 21: liquid-tight structural part

[0052] 21a: adapter

[0053] 21b: filler

[0054] 21c: garnish

[0055] 50: ultrasonic probe according to a comparative example

Claims

Demands

1. Ultrasonic probe (10), characterized in that it comprises: a housing (11); a pivoting ultrasonic transducer unit (13) and an acoustic coupling fluid (15) incorporated in the housing (11);and a coaxial cable (17), connecting the ultrasonic transducer unit (13) to an external image diagnostic device (30), and the coaxial cable (17) being configured with a first coaxial cable (17a) which has one end connected to the ultrasonic transducer unit (13) and the other end connected to one end of a flexible printed circuit board (19), and is incorporated into the housing (11), and a second coaxial cable (17b) which has one end connected to the other end of the flexible printed circuit board (19) and the other end connected to the external image diagnostic device (30), and the ultrasonic probe (10) comprising: the flexible printed circuit board (19), and a liquid-tight structural portion (21) which mounts the flexible printed circuit board (19) onto the housing (11) in a liquid-tight state.

2. Ultrasonic probe (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (11) is elongated in shape, the ultrasonic transducer unit (13) being incorporated into one end side of the housing (11) and the flexible printed circuit board (19) being mounted on the other end side.

3. Ultrasonic probe (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid-tight structural part (21) comprises: a tubular adapter (21a) which encloses a core wire on the other end side of the first coaxial cable (17a), the flexible printed circuit board (19) and a core wire on one end side of the second coaxial cable (17b), a filler (21b) filling the adapter (21a), and a gasket (21c) disposed between an outer wall of the adapter (21a) and the housing (11).

4. Ultrasound probe (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ultrasound probe (10) is an ultrasound probe for a body cavity.

Images