Apparatus for carrying out ultrasonic testing and pressure measurements

Abstract

The device (1) for performing ultrasonic inspection and pressure measurement comprises an ultrasonic transducer (60), a pressure sensor (50), a housing (10) for accommodating the ultrasonic transducer (60) and the pressure sensor (50), a support plate (40) arranged in the housing (10), and a flexible membrane (21) arranged at one end of the housing. A sealed chamber (47) for receiving a liquid medium is formed between the membrane (21) and the support plate (40), and the ultrasonic transducer (60) and the pressure sensor (50) are arranged on the support plate (40) such that a first transmitting surface of the ultrasonic transducer (60) and a second transmitting surface of the pressure chamber (50) face towards the chamber (47).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing ultrasonic inspection and pressure measurements, and to a method for assembling such an apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasonography is a well-established imaging technique for examining biological tissues in human and veterinary medicine. Ultrasound probes are commonly used that are guided on the body surface. The probes comprise ultrasound transducers for generating ultrasound waves, for example by means of a piezo-array. These are coupled to the human or animal body via the end face of the ultrasound probe. The reflected signals are in turn recorded by the ultrasound transducers and the depth of the reflecting tissue structure can be determined based on the transit time of the reflected signals. The desired image data can then be processed from this and the brightness of the image information is determined based on the echo signals.

[0003] It is known to carry out ultrasound examinations while the examined tissue is subjected to various external pressures, whereby the elastic properties of the examined tissue and / or the internal pressure of a vessel, such as a blood vessel, can be examined. In this context, a portable device has been proposed which comprises an ultrasound probe and a device for measuring the pressure.

[0004] For example, CH707046A2 (VeinPress GmbH) describes a pressure measuring device for use with an ultrasonic measuring unit, whereby the pressure measuring device comprises an ultrasonically transparent container for the measuring liquid with at least two ultrasonically transparent windows. The actual pressure sensor is coupled to a receiving volume with the measuring liquid. The container is formed, for example, by an annular housing section surrounding the front side of the ultrasonic measuring unit. The pressure in the container can be increased by a pressure generating device.

[0005] WO2019 / 106535A1 (U.Baumann, V.Baumann) describes a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure and / or elasticity of a vein, organ or compartment and for combination with an ultrasonic measuring unit. It comprises a pressure sensor designed as a foil pressure sensor, whereby the space between the foils of the foil pressure sensor is filled with an ultrasonically transparent and non-electrolytic active liquid. The pressure measuring device is placed on the body surface in the area of ​​the examined tissue, then the ultrasonic measuring unit mechanically interacts with the rear part of the pressure measuring device and ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the pressure measuring device.

[0006] The handling of two separate units is cumbersome. The publication therefore also proposes mechanically coupling the pressure measuring device to the body surface or to the ultrasonic measuring unit. The latter is done, for example, by means of an L-shaped adapter that can be attached to the housing of the ultrasonic measuring unit.

[0007] Although this solution allows for easier handling, it is structurally complex and has many optical interfaces from the ultrasound transducer to the tissue under examination, which can adversely affect the optical quality of the ultrasound imaging. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] CH707046A2 [Patent Document 2] WO2019 / 106535A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The object of the invention is to create an apparatus for performing ultrasound examinations and pressure measurements belonging to the technical field mentioned at the outset, which is simple in design and allows high imaging quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The solution to this problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, an apparatus for carrying out ultrasonic testing and pressure measurements comprises: a) an ultrasonic transducer; b) a pressure sensor; and c) a housing for containing the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor; d) a support plate disposed within the housing; and e) a flexible membrane disposed in front of the housing; Equipped with.

[0011] A sealed chamber for receiving a liquid medium is formed between the membrane and the support plate, and the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor are positioned on the support plate such that a first transmitting surface of the ultrasonic transducer and a second transmitting surface of the pressure sensor face towards the chamber.

[0012] Ultrasonic transducers convert alternating voltages into mechanical vibrations and vice versa. They are usually based on piezoelectric crystals arranged in a so-called array (ultrasonic array, piezo array). In the context of the present invention, this array is arranged on a support plate and is suitable for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves into and through the chamber.

[0013] The pressure sensor is suitable for measuring the basic static pressure prevailing in the chamber, which static pressure results in particular from the pressing force of the device against a region of the object under examination, for example the body of a human or animal.

[0014] Preferably, the front main surface of the support plate facing the chamber is planar, but this is not essential and in principle it could also have protrusions and / or recesses.

[0015] The ultrasonic transducers and pressure sensors can be arranged on the support plate such that their transmission surfaces (for example formed by or part of the respective end faces) are flush with the front main surface of the plate. However, the front or measuring surface may also protrude from the front main surface. The measuring surface of the pressure sensor may be arranged behind the front main surface, i.e. recessed. In the case of ultrasonic transducers, such an arrangement must ensure that the emission and reception of ultrasonic vibrations is not impeded. The first transmission surface of the ultrasonic transducer is preferably located in front of the main front surface. In particular, the distance between the planes is between 0.5 and 1.5 mm.

[0016] In particular, the housing forms a handle so that the device can be used in the manner of a conventional ultrasonic probe, whereby pressure is also applied manually to the surface to be examined. The housing thus has, for example, a circumference of about 12-20 cm in the handle area. Its cross section may be circular, oval or rectangular, for example with rounded edges. The housing may be made of various materials. Dimensionally stable plastics, for example ABS plastic or polyamide, have proven to be suitable.

[0017] The support plate, at least on the side facing the chamber, is made of a mechanically stable, corrosion-resistant material, suitably anodized aluminium, for example.

[0018] The membrane is ultrasonically transparent and is preferably made of a flexible material so that external forces are transmitted directly to the chamber behind it, so that no significant energy has to be expended to deform the membrane when normal impact forces are applied while the test is being performed by the device. A relatively soft membrane, with a hardness of 50 Shore A or less, in particular 45 Shore A or less, ensures that even small contact forces bring a sufficiently large area of ​​the membrane into contact with the test object, so that ultrasound can be transmitted reliably between the device and the test object. Silicone rubber is a particularly suitable material for the membrane. The thickness of the membrane in its active front area, which is used to contact the test object, is ideally 0.3-0.7 mm, in particular 0.4-0.6 mm.

[0019] The membrane may form a contact surface with the subject to be examined or may be covered during the examination by another flexible ultrasound-transparent element, for example by a disposable or replaceable sterile cap for individual patient use, thereby ensuring hygiene when examining the patient.

[0020] In addition to the membrane and the support plate, other components may be involved in sealing the chamber, such as certain seals or elements of the housing.

[0021] The integration of both sensors in a common chamber allows a compact design of the device according to the invention and therefore a simple and therefore easy-to-clean outline. The defined interaction of the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor with the housing, the support plate, the membrane and the liquid medium contained in the chamber leads to a high level of process reliability.

[0022] Preferably, the membrane has a circular base. The base surface extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the device. This results in an isotropic deformation of the membrane, regardless of the angle of the impact force relative to the longitudinal axis, which is particularly important when the device is placed in the examination area at an angle to the longitudinal axis. Behind the base surface of the membrane, the element with the membrane can have further sections, formed integrally with the actual membrane or as additional elements, for example used for holding and / or sealing against the housing and / or the support plate. As with the actual membrane, these additional sections can have a circular base or a different, for example polygonal, geometric shape.

[0023] In the filled state, the active front area of ​​the membrane in each diametral cross section has a shape that corresponds in particular to the shape of a chain function. This geometric shape arises when the membrane is prestressed by filling with contact liquid when it has a circular base area, which is made of the same material over its entire surface in the active area and the membrane thickness in this area is constant as long as the membrane is attached to the other elements of the device in such a way that no non-radial prestress occurs in the active area. Preferably, the membrane is preformed, i.e. its shape changes only slightly when it is filled.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the retention ring interacts with a peripheral retention area of ​​the support plate to encircle the proximal retention section of the membrane and retain it to the support plate.

[0025] Thus, advantageously, to form the sealed chamber, the retaining ring is slid over the membrane after the flexible membrane is attached to the support plate and is attached to the support plate.

[0026] The retaining ring also preferably has a circular shape, but in principle other geometries adapted to the geometry of the membrane and the support plate are also possible. In a circular design, the retaining section can interact with the support plate via a screw, i.e. the retaining ring can be designed as a screw ring. However, for example a bayonet or clip connection between the retaining ring and the support plate is also possible.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of this type, the membrane in the retention section has a bead that interacts with a circumferential groove in a support plate that is located distally and forward of the retention area.

[0028] In particular, due to the elasticity of the material, the bead of the membrane can be guided over the edge of the support plate until it enters the groove along its entire circumference. In the region of the bead, unintentional detachment of the membrane from the support plate can be prevented by a retaining ring which surrounds the corresponding section of the membrane on the outside. In this case, when the membrane is attached to the support plate, the retaining ring is guided on the outside over the bead region of the membrane and fixed to the support plate.

[0029] Advantageously, the proximal section of the retaining ring interacts with the shell-side region of the housing, in particular in the manner of a clip connection, which is formed in particular by interacting with projections on the retaining ring and on the housing, at least one of which is conical in cross section, such that the sections can be easily attached to one another but cannot be easily separated again from one another.

[0030] The clip connection is easy to form and does not require any rotational movement between the retaining ring and the housing, which requires some distance between the retaining ring and the proximal retaining section of the membrane.

[0031] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the membrane is held on a support plate carrying the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor, and the connection between the support plate carrying the membrane on the one hand and the housing on the other hand is formed by a retaining ring connected to both assemblies.

[0032] In the assembled state, a circumferential seal is advantageously arranged between the proximal section of the retaining ring and the shell-side region of the housing. The circumferential seal is in particular formed by an O-ring or an annular molded seal, which is partially accommodated in a circumferential groove in the shell of the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the seal can be made between the housing and the support plate. In particular, if the housing and the retaining ring or the support plate are made of different materials, for example if the housing is made of plastic and the retaining ring and the support plate are made of a metallic material, the seal compensates for the different thermal expansions and thus reliably prevents the ingress of moisture or dust.

[0033] The ultrasonic transducer is preferably mounted centrally on the support plate and the pressure sensor is mounted off-center on the support plate.

[0034] The ultrasonic transducer is therefore located in a central area to allow the best possible transmission and absorption of ultrasonic waves. In the case of a circular support plate, the center of the transducer in particular essentially coincides with the center of the circle. A typical elongated ultrasonic array extends equally far from the center of the circle in two diametric directions, for example, preferably to the edge region of the support plate. The diametric extent of the array is preferably at least 0.8D, where D is the outer diameter of the support plate. The pressure sensor is located off-center so that the function of the ultrasonic transducer is not impaired. Due to the isotropic distribution of the static pressure of the liquid in the chamber, the precise positioning of the pressure sensor does not affect its measurement accuracy.

[0035] Advantageously, the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor are each housed in a through opening in the support plate, whereby the through opening with the housed ultrasonic transducer and pressure sensor is sealed against the passage of the liquid medium.

[0036] The seal between the respective through-opening and the corresponding component can be formed by one or more sealing elements and / or by a material-locking seal, for example a cementing agent. The use of sealing compounds is also possible in principle. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor is inserted from the rear into the through-opening, which has a support flange in the region of the end face of the support plate. A first axial sealing element is arranged between the end face of the pressure sensor and the support flange, while a second radial sealing element is accommodated in an outer groove on the outer face of the pressure sensor and interacts with the inner surface of the through-opening. For this purpose and for a stable and reliable mechanical mounting of the pressure sensor housing, the through-opening is formed by a tubular section, which extends axially to the rear starting from the end face of the support plate. As a result, in this embodiment, the pressure sensor is mechanically attached to the support plate via a holder, which is screwed to the rear of the support plate, pressing it axially forward onto the axial seal.

[0037] The ultrasonic transducer is preferably inserted from the front into the passage opening and is mechanically and sealingly connected to the support plate by a sealing adhesive.

[0038] To use the device according to the invention, the chamber is filled with an ultrasonically transparent liquid. Advantageously, the ultrasonically transparent liquid is an oil having a viscosity of the ISO VG32 to 68 viscosity class. In particular, the oil can be a synthetic mineral oil and / or a vegetable oil. The viscosity is determined according to DIN ISO 3448:2010.

[0039] To introduce the liquid medium into the chamber, the device advantageously has a filling opening for the liquid medium, which is designed as a through-opening in the support plate, so that the chamber can be completely formed and sealed before filling with the medium, except for the through-opening.

[0040] Advantageously, a circuit board for holding electronic components is attached to the rear side of the support plate, the main surface of the circuit board extending substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the support plate. The circuit board can also be supported at other positions, in particular by the interior rear section of the housing.

[0041] The device according to the invention preferably comprises the following steps: a) inserting, sealing and fastening an ultrasonic transducer and a pressure sensor into a support plate; b) inserting the filling hose into the support plate; c) attaching a flexible membrane to a support plate to form a sealed chamber; d) filling the chamber with liquid medium via a filling hose; e) closing the filling opening for the liquid medium as soon as a predetermined amount of medium has been filled; The method includes:

[0042] The process steps a) to c) do not necessarily have to be performed in the specified order. The amount of medium may be specified directly by its mass or volume, or by the internal pressure to be achieved in the chamber.

[0043] Further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the claims as a whole.

[0044] The drawings used to illustrate example embodiments show: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention for performing ultrasonic testing and pressure measurements; FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the device, with the housing shown in transparent form. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the device, with the housing only partially shown. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of the device. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a side view of a membrane element of the device. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a membrane element of the device. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a top view of the support plate of the device. [Figure 6B] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the support plate of the apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] As a general rule, identical parts are given the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a measuring unit 1, which is a device according to the invention for carrying out ultrasonic testing and pressure measurements. The measuring unit 1 comprises an elongated housing 10 made of ABS plastic with a wall thickness of 2.3 mm. The housing 10 comprises a main part 10a, which has an essentially rectangular cross section with rounded corners transverse to the longitudinal axis and which is designed in this section so that the user can easily grip and hold it with one hand. In the rear part 10b, the cross section of the housing 10 tapers towards the end wall 10c of the housing 10 (see also FIG. 2). An opening is recessed in this end wall 10c, through which the cable 15, protected by a strain relief 16, runs. In the front part 10d, the shape of the housing is adapted to a connecting ring 10e. To this end, the membrane element 20 with the membrane 21 is attached to the front part of the housing 10 via a retaining ring 30, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0048] As can be seen from Figure 2, in which the housing 10 is shown in transparency, a first printed circuit board 71 (main board) and a second printed circuit board 72 (piggyback) are housed within the housing 10. The first printed circuit board 71 essentially extends the entire length of the housing 10, while the second printed circuit board 72 only requires a portion of the length of the housing.

[0049] FIG. 3 shows another perspective view of the device, with the housing only partially shown. FIG. 4 shows a cutaway perspective view of the device. A support plate 40 made of anodized aluminum is arranged in the front region of the housing 10, with its main surface extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the measuring unit 1. The support plate 40 is shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B. It is circular and comprises a base plate 41 and a jacket 42 in which an external thread 43 is formed. A rectangular opening 44 with rounded corners is arranged in the base plate 41. It extends radially to the periphery over essentially the entire diameter. A further opening in the base plate 41 opens into a cylindrical receptacle 45, which has a support flange 45a flush with the end face. A further opening in the end face of the base plate 41 opens into a channel 46. The support plate 40 houses a pressure sensor 50 in a receptacle 45 and an ultrasonic transducer 60 with a piezo array in an opening 44 .

[0050] The pressure sensor 50 comprises a piezoresistive measuring element housed in a cylindrical steel housing. The front part of the pressure sensor 50 comprises a stainless steel membrane. The pressure acting on it is further transmitted to the measuring element. The pressure sensor 50 has a measuring range of 0 to 0.35 bar. It provides an amplified analog output signal that can be immediately processed.

[0051] A holder 73 for the first printed circuit board 71 is arranged on the rear side of the support plate 71. The pressure sensor 50 is connected to the first printed circuit board 71 via a connecting cable 52 designed as a flat cable. The ultrasonic transducer 60 is also connected to the first printed circuit board 71 via a further connecting cable 61 which is also a flat cable.

[0052] The membrane element 20 (see Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B) is made of silicone rubber with a hardness of 40 Shore A. It has a circular base area with perfect circular symmetry and a diameter of about 50 mm, and a first cylindrical area formed by the jacket 22. This has, at its free rear end, an inwardly protruding bead 23. The actual membrane 21 is placed in the front area. The membrane element 20 is also preformed in the area of ​​the actual membrane 21 and has the shape of a spherical cap with a radius of curvature of 100 mm when unfilled. For a membrane diameter of about 50 mm, this results in a height of 3.1 mm. The geometric shape avoids excessive lens effects on the transmitted ultrasound and allows good processing in the required angular range.

[0053] In the region of the membrane 21 the material thickness is 0.5 mm. In the region of the jacket 22 it is 0.8 mm. Overall, the bead has an essentially circular cross section with a diameter of 2.0 mm.

[0054] As can be seen in particular in Fig. 4B, the jacket 22 of the membrane element 20 interacts in the assembled state with a distal cylindrical region of the support plate 40. Proximal to this cylindrical region, the support plate 40 has a circumferential recess in which the bead 23 of the membrane element 20 is accommodated. The membrane 21 is supported in the transition region to the jacket 22 by a rounded transition surface of the support plate 40.

[0055] The membrane element 20 is fixed to the support plate 40 using a stainless steel retaining ring 30. It has an internal thread 31 which interacts with an external thread 43 on the support plate 40. Both proximal and distal to the internal thread 31, the retaining ring 30 has an essentially cylindrical section. The distal section covers the jacket 22 of the membrane element 20 and thus prevents it from being dislodged by the interaction of the bead 23 with a recess in the support plate 40. On the other hand, in the section proximal to the internal thread 31, the retaining ring 30 has an inwardly projecting flange which interacts with the end face of the housing 10. Proximal to the flange, the retaining ring 30 surrounds the casing of the housing 10. In this section proximal to the flange, a circumferential lug 32 is formed on the retaining ring 30, which interacts with a recess 12 in the casing of the housing 10 in the manner of a clip connection. The retaining ring 30 is thus firmly held in the housing 10. Additionally, O-ring 11 is received in a groove in the outer casing of housing 10 and when mated interacts with the interior of the proximal section of retaining ring 30 to seal the interior of the housing against the ingress of moisture and dirt.

[0056] A sealed chamber 47 for receiving the liquid medium is formed between the support plate 40 and the membrane 21. On the one hand, the seal occurs between the support plate 40 and the membrane element 20 mounted thereon. On the other hand, the pressure sensor 50 is sealed to its receptacle 45 in the support plate by a radially sealing first O-ring 53 arranged on the jacket of the pressure sensor 50, on the one hand, and by an axially sealing second O-ring 54 arranged between the end face edge of the pressure sensor 50 and the support flange 45a of the receptacle 41, on the other hand.

[0057] The ultrasonic transducer 60 is sealed to the support plate 40 by an adhesive bond, as described in more detail below.

[0058] When mounting the measuring unit 1, the ultrasonic transducer 60 is first mounted on the support plate 40. For this purpose, the transducer is inserted from the front into the corresponding opening 44, so that the contact surface between the housing of the ultrasonic transducer 60 and the support plate 40 is first provided with a silicone-based adhesive. After insertion of the ultrasonic transducer 60, the joining area is shaped by a spatula to ensure a reliable seal. Finally, the joined elements are mechanically fixed to each other during the drying time of the adhesive.

[0059] A fill hose 48 made of silicone (see FIG. 3) is then fed through a channel 46 in the support plate 40 and re-fixed in the front channel 46 by a silicone-based adhesive, so that the end of the hose is aligned with the inlet and outlet of the channel 46 at the front side of the base plate 41. The bond also ensures a tight seal between the fill hose 48 and the channel 46.

[0060] Once the bonding agent has dried, the membrane element 20 can be attached to the support plate 40. For this purpose, it is pulled over the jacket 42 of the support plate 40 by its jacket 22 until the bead 23 of the membrane element 20 is completely hidden in the recess in the jacket 42 of the support plate 40. The retaining ring 30 can then be screwed by its internal thread 31 onto the external thread 43 of the support plate 40.

[0061] To mount the pressure sensor 50, the first O-ring 54 is first inserted into the receptacle 45 of the support plate 40. It rests on the support flange 45a. The pressure sensor 50 with the second O-ring 53 is then inserted from the rear into the receptacle 45 until its end face contacts the first O-ring 54. Now the holder 51 (see FIG. 3) can be placed behind the pressure sensor 50 and screwed to the support plate 40 using two screws. The pressure sensor 50 is thereby pressed further forward onto the first O-ring 54, which results in a reliable seal between the pressure sensor 50 and the support plate 40.

[0062] The holder 73 for the main board, which is now attached to the ultrasonic transducer 60 , is therefore attached to the rear of the support plate 40 .

[0063] A clamp is then pulled onto the filling hose 48 and the chamber 47 is filled, via the filling hose, with a synthetic lubricating oil of viscosity class ISO VG46 approved for use in the pharmaceutical sector. The weight of the partially mounted sensor containing the filled liquid is monitored during filling so that filling can be stopped when a predetermined filling weight is reached. Care is taken to ensure that no air bubbles remain in the chamber 47 during filling. The filling hose 48 is then closed by a clamp and the free end of the filling hose 48 is placed on a mandrel placed behind the holder 51 for the pressure sensor 50.

[0064] Here, a first printed circuit board 71 (main board), on which a printed circuit board 72 (piggyback) is held, can be inserted into the holder 73 and at the same time a connection can be made to the ultrasonic transducer 60. The connection cable 52 of the pressure sensor 50 is then connected by its plug to a corresponding socket on the main board. The connection cable 15 is also fed through an end opening in the housing 10 and connected to the main board by a corresponding plug. The housing 10 is finally connected to the front part (with the membrane element 20, the retaining ring 30, the support plate 40, the pressure sensor 50, the ultrasonic transducer 60 and the printed circuit boards 71, 72) by pushing it into the retaining ring 30 until the clip connection is engaged.

[0065] The invention is not limited to the embodiment examples shown. For example, the geometry of the individual components does not have to correspond to the geometry of the embodiment. For example, the membrane can be designed with an elliptical or rounded rectangular base, which also requires adjustments to other components such as the retaining ring and the housing. The materials can also be selected separately. The chamber also does not necessarily have to be sealed with the above-mentioned sealing materials.

[0066] In summary, the present invention provides an apparatus for performing ultrasound inspection and pressure measurements that is simple in design and allows for high imaging quality. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 Measurement unit 10. Housing 10a Main part 10b Rear 10c end wall 10d Front 10e Connecting Ring 11 O-ring 12 Recess 15 Cable 16 Strain Relief 20 Membrane elements 21 Membrane 22 Jacket 23 Bead 30 Retaining ring 31 Female thread 32 Rug 40 Support Plate 41 Base Plate 42 Jacket 43 Male thread 44 Opening 45 Receptacle 45a Support flange 46 Channels 47 Chamber 48 Filling Hose 50 Pressure Sensor 51 Holder 52 Connection cable 53 O-ring 54 O-ring 60 Ultrasonic Transducer 61 Connection cable 71 Printed circuit board (main board) 72 Printed Circuit Board (Piggyback) 73 Holder

Claims

1. An apparatus for performing ultrasonic inspection and pressure measurement, comprising: a) an ultrasonic transducer; b) a pressure sensor; c) a housing for accommodating the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor; and d) a support plate disposed within the housing; e) a flexible membrane disposed in front of the housing; characterized in that a sealed chamber for receiving a liquid medium is formed between the membrane and the support plate, and the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor are disposed on the support plate such that a first transmission surface of the ultrasonic transducer and a second transmission surface of the pressure sensor face the chamber.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the membrane has a circular base.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a retaining ring cooperates with a retaining area around the support plate to surround a proximal retaining section of the membrane and hold it to the support plate.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the membrane has a bead within the retaining section that cooperates with a circumferential groove of the support plate that is distally disposed in front of the retaining area.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that a proximal section of the retaining ring interacts with a shell-side area of the housing, particularly in a snap-fit connection.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that in the assembled state, a circumferential seal is disposed between the proximal section of the retaining ring and the shell-side area of the housing.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the ultrasonic transducer is centrally mounted on the support plate and the pressure sensor is eccentrically mounted on the support plate.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor are respectively received within through-openings of the support plate, and the through-openings having the received ultrasonic transducer and pressure sensor are sealed against a passage of the liquid medium.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the chamber is filled with an ultrasonic-transparent liquid.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the ultrasonic transmissive liquid is an oil having a viscosity in the viscosity class of ISO VG32 to 68.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a filling opening for the liquid medium designed as a through-opening in the support plate.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a circuit board for holding electronic components is attached to the rear surface of the support plate, and the main surface of the circuit board extends substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the support plate.

13. A method of assembling the apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the following steps, namely: a) inserting, sealing and fastening the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor into the support plate; b) inserting a filling hose into the support plate; c) attaching the flexible membrane to the support plate to form the sealing chamber; d) filling the chamber with the liquid medium via the filling hose; e) closing the filling opening for the liquid medium as soon as a predetermined amount of the medium has been filled. A method characterized by including the above steps.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that a retaining ring slides over the membrane and is fastened to the support plate to form the sealing chamber after the flexible membrane has been attached.

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