Accessory holder and accessory system for ultrasound probe

Abstract

To provide an accessory holder for ensuring removable attachment of an accessory to an ultrasound probe.SOLUTION: The invention relates to an accessory holder (10) for an ultrasound probe, the accessory holder including: a first attachment interface (12) configured to mechanically pair with an ultrasound probe (2); and a second attachment interface (14) shaped complementarily to a third attachment interface (24) included in a probe accessory (20). The second attachment interface (14) is configured to mechanically pair (AP2) in a removable manner with the third attachment interface (24) rotating the probe accessory (20) relative to the accessory holder (10). The invention also relates to an accessory system (SY1) that includes such an accessory holder (10) and such a probe accessory (20).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an accessory holder for an ultrasound probe, and is particularly directed to a holder and system intended for mounting accessories to an ultrasound probe. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasound devices currently have many applications, especially in the fields of acoustics, materials analysis, medical imaging and biomedicine.

[0003] For this purpose, an ultrasound device generally includes an ultrasound probe controlled by electrical signals, which are transmitted, for example, between the probe and a control unit. An ultrasound probe (also called an ultrasound transducer device) includes at least one or a set of ultrasound transducer elements intended to transmit and / or receive ultrasound waves to and / or from a medium of interest. Thus, electrical signals representative of ultrasound waves can be transmitted to and / or received from these transducer elements, causing the transmission and / or reception of ultrasound waves to and / or from the medium of interest.

[0004] More specifically, in conventional ultrasound imaging methods, an ultrasound probe with, for example, one or more transducers can be used to convert electrical signals into ultrasound waves. The transducers can transmit one or a series of multiple ultrasound beams in the direction of a medium, which corresponds to a transmit operation. Then, in a receive operation, a set of backscattered echo signals is received from the medium by the same or another set of transducer elements. In particular, each transducer element can, for example, convert the received echo signal into an electrical signal. This signal can then be processed by the ultrasound system or a directly connected or unassociated system.

[0005] In some use cases, it may be useful to attach accessories to the ultrasound probe. For example, it is known to attach a position sensor to the ultrasound probe, allowing an image processing system to detect the position of the probe and thus allowing the user to position the probe relative to the medium of interest. Thus, the position of the probe in the medium of interest can be indicated by superimposing an image (e.g. an ultrasound image or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) image) with a representation of the probe or its position. Thanks to this type of sensor, a given position in the image can be easily identified for the purposes of observation, surgical intervention, biopsy, etc.

[0006] Correct positioning of such sensors relative to the ultrasound probe is important to enable accurate positioning of the probe in space: unexpected movement of the sensors on the probe may result in the system detecting parasitic motion of the probe, among other things, that does not reflect the actual behavior of the probe.

[0007] To prevent the detection of such parasitic movements, the sensor should be securely and robustly attached to the ultrasound probe, but such attachment should not compromise other constraints, in particular ergonomics, ease of installation and cleaning, and cost.

[0008] To overcome the problem of parasitic motion, it is possible to integrate a position sensor directly into the ultrasound probe. However, the user of the probe may not always need this sensor, which may increase the weight of the probe and reduce ergonomics and autonomy. The presence of the sensor in the probe may in particular require changing the probe's external shape and / or increasing the diameter of the cable connecting the probe to the control unit, which may increase the stiffness of the assembly. Furthermore, it may be desirable to change the sensor depending on the application of the ultrasound probe or to use the same sensor in different probes.

[0009] It is known to use sensor holders for removably mounting position sensors on ultrasound probes. However, such holders do not allow a reliable and robust removably mounting of the sensor on the probe at limited cost while ensuring good ergonomic usability. For example, there is a risk that the sensor may move or unexpectedly detach from the probe when clipping the sensor to the holder. Conversely, clip-on mounting requires excessive force to attach and detach the sensor from the probe, which may cause handling problems for the user, especially if the sensor has a limited gripping surface or if the user is wearing gloves. In general, the user needs to be able to position and detach the sensor quickly and effectively in order to limit the risk of damaging the device, optimize the machine's uptime and avoid unnecessary operations.

[0010] Furthermore, such sensor holders are typically not well designed and therefore difficult to clean quickly and reliably, which can be problematic especially in environments with high hygiene demands such as the medical field. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Description of the invention SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is an object of the present invention to address at least one of the above problems or shortcomings.

[0012] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide an accessory holder for ensuring removable attachment of an accessory to an ultrasound probe, such attachment being reliable and robust while ensuring good ergonomics and ease of use.

[0013] To this end, according to a first aspect, the object of the invention is an accessory holder for an ultrasonic probe comprising a first mounting interface configured for mechanically pairing with an ultrasonic probe and a second mounting interface of complementary shape to a third mounting interface to which a probe accessory is provided, the second mounting interface being configured for mechanically pairing in a detachable manner with said third mounting interface by rotating the probe accessory relative to the accessory holder.

[0014] The accessory holder according to the present invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular may include features which may be combined or associated with the following embodiments, which are set out for illustrative purposes only and unless otherwise stated.

[0015] According to one embodiment, one of the second and third mounting interfaces comprises a male element and the other comprises a female element, said male element and female element configured to be rotatably mechanically paired by insertion of the male element into the female element.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the second mounting interface of the accessory holder constitutes a female element.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the second mounting interface is configured to removably mechanically pair with the third mounting interface by a mechanical pairing that sequentially includes an insertion direction for inserting the male element into the female element and a rotation direction for rotating the probe accessory relative to the accessory holder around a rotation axis corresponding to the insertion direction.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the female element comprises: at least one insertion slot configured to insert a respective locking member of the male element therein; - positioning slides each communicating with a respective insertion slot to enable the probe accessory to be rotated relative to the accessory holder to move the respective locking members in the positioning slide to a locked position, thereby causing mechanical pairing of the accessory holder and the probe accessory.

[0019] According to one embodiment, one of the second and third mounting interfaces comprises at least one deformable wing configured to deform in response to movement of the respective locking member on the locking slide to the locked position and to generate a frictional force opposing said movement.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the at least one deformable wing is configured on a second mounting interface of an accessory holder.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the second attachment interface includes two deformable wings.

[0022] According to one embodiment, one of the second and third mounting interfaces comprises at least one first cavity, and the at least one deformable wing and the at least one first cavity are configured such that each deformable wing engages with a first cavity when the at least one locking member reaches a locked position.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the second mounting interface comprises at least two insertion slots of different sizes configured to engage with respective locking members of the third mounting interface.

[0024] According to one embodiment, one of the second and third mounting interfaces comprises a second cavity and the other comprises a protrusion configured to engage with the second cavity when the at least one locking member reaches a locked position.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the second and third mounting interfaces are configured to be removably mechanically paired by a quarter turn of the accessory holder relative to the probe accessory.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the object of the invention is an accessory holder for an ultrasound probe, said accessory holder comprising: an accessory holder as defined according to a first aspect of the invention, a probe accessory including a third mounting interface having a shape complementary to the second mounting interface of the accessory holder; Here, the second and third mounting interfaces are configured to be mechanically paired in a releasable manner by rotating the probe accessory relative to the accessory holder.

[0027] The accessory system according to the present invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular may include features of the following embodiments which are set out for illustrative purposes only and which may be combined or associated unless otherwise stated.

[0028] According to one embodiment, one of the second and third mounting interfaces constitutes a male element and the other constitutes a female element, said male element and female element being configured for rotatable mechanical pairing by insertion of the male element into the female element.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the second and third mounting interfaces are configured to be removably paired by mechanical pairing that sequentially includes inserting the male element into the female element in an insertion direction and rotating the probe accessory relative to the accessory holder about a rotation axis corresponding to the insertion direction.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the probe accessory includes at least one of the following: -sensor, - gel dispenser, -light source.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the probe accessory includes a position sensor.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the probe accessory forms a rotation knob.

[0033] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for mounting an accessory system as defined in the second aspect of the invention, said mounting method comprising:

[0034] - inserting the locking member of the male element into the insertion slot of the female element; Rotating the probe accessory relative to the accessory holder moves locking members in the respective positioning slides to a locked position, thereby causing mechanical pairing of the accessory holder and the probe accessory.

[0035] The invention therefore makes it possible to provide an accessory holder for an ultrasound probe which ensures a removable attachment of an accessory to the ultrasound probe, which attachment is reliable and robust whilst ensuring good ergonomic use and easy, effective and quick cleaning.

[0036] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from a reading of the following description, given purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: In particular, the embodiments illustrated in the figures can be combined together, unless mentioned or there is an obvious contradiction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures 1 to 15:

[0038] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an ultrasound system including an ultrasound probe, according to certain embodiments;

[0039] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of an accessory holder and accessory system for an ultrasound probe according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of the accessory holder and accessory system of FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of an accessory holder and accessory system according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic diagram of an accessory system including an accessory holder for an ultrasound probe and an accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic of the mechanical pairing of a probe accessory with an accessory holder (position P1) according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic of the mechanical pairing of a probe accessory with an accessory holder (position P2) according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an attachment method of an accessory system for an ultrasound probe according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] [Figure 9]FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic of a mounting interface of an accessory holder for an ultrasound probe according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view that diagrammatically illustrates a mounting interface of the accessory holder of FIG. 9 according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view that diagrammatically illustrates a mounting interface of the accessory holder according to FIGS. 9 and 10 , according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic of a probe accessory mounting interface according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic perspective and bottom view of a mounting interface of the probe accessory of FIG. 12 according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic diagram of an accessory holder and accessory system for an ultrasound probe according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an ultrasound probe with an accessory holder and a probe accessory according to an example embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] Description of the embodiments An ultrasound probe, also called an ultrasound probe or ultrasound device or transducer device, is an ultrasound transmitting and / or receiving device controllable by electrical signals, which are transmitted, for example, between the ultrasound probe and a control unit of a control system.

[0054] 1 depicts, purely for illustrative purposes, a schematic representation of one embodiment of an ultrasound system 1 including an ultrasound probe 2. This probe 2 may consist of one or more transducer elements (e.g. one or more piezoelectric elements) configured to transmit and / or receive ultrasound waves W. Each transducer element is thus configured to convert electrical signals received from the system 1 into ultrasound waves and / or vice versa. The nature of these waves depends on the system 1 and / or the probe 2, in particular on its method of use and the objectives to be achieved.

[0055] In this manner, the transducer elements may be configured to (a) transmit ultrasound waves W (or pulses) into the medium M, and / or (b) receive multiple ultrasound signals W from the medium M, possibly in response to the transmission of the ultrasound waves W (a).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the ultrasound probe 2 is configured to transmit ultrasound waves W, and according to another embodiment, the ultrasound probe 2 is configured to receive ultrasound waves W. According to another embodiment, the ultrasound probe 2 is configured to both transmit and receive ultrasound waves W.

[0057] The transducer elements of the probe 2 may include piezoelectric crystals and / or other components that may be configured to generate and / or record and / or receive signals.

[0058] As shown, the ultrasound system 1 may include a processing unit (or device) 3 configured to control the ultrasound probe 2 by means of electrical signals exchanged (or transmitted) between the system 1 and the ultrasound probe 2.

[0059] The processing unit 3 is configured to generate electrical signals that are transmitted to the ultrasound probe 2, causing said probe to transmit ultrasonic waves W towards and / or into the medium M. The electrical signals thus generated are representative (or define) of the ultrasonic waves transmitted into the medium M.

[0060] The processing unit 3 can also be configured to process (or interpret) electrical signals received from the ultrasound probe 2. These signals are representative of ultrasound waves received by the probe 2 from the medium M. These waves form, for example, one or more ultrasound waves, i.e. responses from the medium M to previously transmitted ultrasound waves.

[0061] In some cases, the system 1 comprises the ultrasound probe 2. Alternatively, the ultrasound probe 2 may be external to the system 1. For example, the ultrasound probe 2 may be connected to the system 1 by a cable 4 (FIG. 1) or may communicate with the system 1 wirelessly.

[0062] The system 1 may for example be an image processing system in the medical field. The images generated by the system 1 may be analysed in real time, for example by a user, or at a later time and / or at a location other than where the system 1 is located.

[0063] The system 1 is a medical system, for example an ultrasound system, and the ultrasound probe 2 is therefore for example an ultrasound probe.

[0064] For example, the system 1 is associated with an ultrasound probe 2 to study a medium M, and in particular to collect ultrasound waves from such a medium M. The medium M thus observed can possibly take different forms, for example biological tissue and / or in particular human tissue. It is also possible to observe a medium M that includes, for example, one or more mineral structures (gravel, volcanoes, etc.).

[0065] According to other embodiments, the system 1 and / or the ultrasound probe 2 are configured for communication, imaging or scanning purposes, for example in medical imaging, radar, sonar, seismology, wireless communication, radio astronomy, acoustics and biomedical fields.

[0066] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ultrasonic probe accessory holder 10 according to the present invention, an accessory system SY1 including such a holder 10, and a corresponding mounting method will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 15 provided for the purpose of explanation.

[0067] Unless otherwise noted, common or similar elements in the several figures are given the same reference numerals and have the same or similar features, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, these common elements will generally not be described again.

[0068] The term "first" (or "first, second", etc.) is used herein by arbitrary convention to make it possible to identify or distinguish different elements (operations, devices, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below.

[0069] In the following examples, an accessory holder 10, and more generally an accessory system SY1, configured to be attached to an ultrasonic probe 2 as described above with reference to Fig. 1 is considered purely for illustrative purposes. As can be seen in Figs. 2 to 15, the configuration of the accessory holder 10 and the accessory system SY1, in particular in terms of shape, size etc., can be adapted from case to case, in particular depending on the ultrasonic probe 2 and / or accessories 20 considered.

[0070] The accessory holder 10 is a holder for an ultrasonic probe, i.e. in the example considered, for an ultrasonic probe 2, which is configured to removably hold or attach an accessory 20 (also called a probe accessory) to the ultrasonic probe 2. The nature and configuration of this accessory 20 may vary from case to case. Purely for purposes of illustration, in the following examples, the probe accessory 20 is considered to be a second holder, known as a device holder, configured to accommodate or hold an accessory device, i.e. for example a sensor. Alternative embodiments of this accessory 20 are described below.

[0071] The accessory system SY1 (FIGS. 2-3) comprises an accessory holder 10 and an accessory 20, the two elements 10, 20 being attachable together in a releasable manner as described below. The accessory 20 is a separate element of the accessory holder 10.

[0072] The accessory system SY1 and the ultrasound probe 2 form a probe system SY2 (FIGS. 2-3) in this example.

[0073] More precisely, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, the accessory holder 10 includes two mounting interfaces (also known as locking interfaces, or mounting devices), namely a first mounting interface 12 and a second mounting interface 14.

[0074] The first attachment interface 12 is configured to mechanically pair (or be paired) with the ultrasonic probe 2. In other words, the attachment interface 12 is designed to mechanically couple (or attach) the ultrasonic probe 2 to the accessory holder 10. Thus, the accessory holder 20 is an element external to (or distinct from) the ultrasonic probe 2. The attachment interface 12 can be any attachment mechanism for securely fixing the accessory holder 10 to the probe 2.

[0075] In the described embodiment, the attachment interface 12 is configured to mechanically pair (or associate or attach) the accessory holder 10, or more generally the accessory system SY1, with the ultrasound probe 2 in a releasable manner. The mechanical pairing (or coupling) of the accessory holder 10 and the probe 2 is noted AP1 (FIG. 3). Once the pairing AP1 has been performed, the user can therefore, if desired, detach the accessory holder 10 from the ultrasound probe 2 by a decoupling (or detachment) operation that is the reverse of the pairing operation AP1. Nevertheless, alternative embodiments are possible in which the mechanical pairing AP1 of the accessory holder 10 to the probe 2 is permanent.

[0076] 2-4, the accessory holder 10 can be configured to have the ultrasonic probe 2 inserted therein. To this end, the accessory holder 10 can be configured with an inner surface having a shape complementary to the shape of at least a portion of the ultrasonic probe 2. The accessory holder 10 can, for example, form a cavity configured to allow all or a portion of the ultrasonic probe 2 to be inserted therein.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the first mounting interface 12 comprises an articulated arm rotatably attached to the body 10a of the accessory holder 10. When the ultrasonic probe 2 is inserted into the accessory holder 10, the articulated arm is rotatably moved from an open position to a closed position (and vice versa), which results in a mechanical pairing AP1 of the accessory holder 10 and the ultrasonic probe 2 (and vice versa) of these elements. The configuration of this arm varies from case to case and depending on the type of probe used. One embodiment of this articulated arm is shown in FIG. 4.

[0078] The second mounting interface 14 of the accessory holder 10 is complementary in shape to a third mounting interface 24 (FIGS. 2-3) of the probe accessory 20. That is, the accessory 20 includes a third mounting interface 24 that is complementary in shape to the second mounting interface 14. Thus, the mounting interface 14 of the accessory holder 10 is configured to be removably (or reversibly) mechanically paired with the third mounting interface 24 by rotating the probe accessory 20 relative to the accessory holder 10. The mechanical pairing (or coupling) of the accessory holder 10 and the accessory 20 is denoted as AP2 (FIG. 3).

[0079] The second and third mounting interfaces 14 and 24 together form a mounting system SY3 (FIG. 5).

[0080] The mutual complementarity of shapes allows the attachment interfaces 14 and 24 to mechanically cooperate to removably (or reversibly) attach the accessory 20 to the accessory holder 10. Once pairing AP2 has been performed, the user can therefore, if desired, detach (or decouple, or separate) the accessory 20 from the accessory holder 10 by a decoupling (or detachment) operation that is the reverse of the pairing operation AP2. The reversible (or removable) nature of pairing AP2 means that the user can selectively attach and detach the attachment interfaces 14 and 24 relative to one another.

[0081] The geometric complementarity between the mounting interfaces 14 and 24 can be ensured in various ways. According to one embodiment, one of the second and third mounting interfaces 14, 24 constitutes a male element and the other constitutes a female element that are configured to be rotatably mechanically paired (coupled) by insertion of the male element into the female element.

[0082] 2-5, it will be assumed hereinafter, purely for purposes of example, that third mounting interface 24 constitutes the male element and second mounting interface 14 constitutes the female element. Thus, mounting interfaces 14 and 24 are configured for rotatable mechanical pairing by insertion of (all or part of) mounting interface 24 into (all or part of) mounting interface 14.

[0083] Nevertheless, alternative embodiments with the reverse configuration are possible, and therefore the example embodiments described in the present invention are equally applicable to the alternative case in which the second attachment interface 14 constitutes a male element and the third attachment interface 24 constitutes a female element.

[0084] The configuration of the second attachment interface 14 as a female element advantageously makes it possible to obtain a more robust mechanical pairing AP2 than the opposite configuration, especially when the ultrasound probe 2 is considered as a fixed part and the accessory 20 as a movable part. The accessory 20 can, for example, be qualified as a movable part if this part is manually gripped and moved by the user during operations OP1 and OP2, whereas the accessory holder 20 remains substantially stationary in space.

[0085] It should be noted that the relative rotation OP1 of the accessory 20 with respect to the accessory holder 10 can be performed in various ways, for example, by performing a rotation of the accessory 20 while maintaining the accessory holder 10 in a fixed position, or by performing a rotation of the accessory holder 10 while maintaining the accessory 20 in a fixed position, or by performing a rotation of both the accessory holder 10 and the accessory 20 (in opposite directions).

[0086] Figures 6-7 represent a process for mechanically pairing AP2 an accessory 20 with an accessory holder 10 according to one particular embodiment. Figure 8 represents in diagram form the steps of an attachment method aimed at attaching the accessory holder 10 and the accessory 20 together according to the mechanical pairing AP2.

[0087] As illustrated in Figs. 3-8, the mechanical pairing AP2 is achieved by successively performing an insertion operation OP1 and a rotation operation OP2. It is assumed that at an initial stage, the attachment interfaces 12 and 24 are in a first unpaired state ST1. During the insertion operation OP1 (step S2, Fig. 8), the attachment interface 24 of the accessory 20 is inserted (or engaged) OP1 into the attachment interface 14 of the accessory holder 10 (for example by a translational movement). Once the attachment interface 24 is inserted into a predetermined position in the attachment interface 14, a rotation OP2 of the accessory 20 relative to the accessory holder 10 is performed about the rotation axis AX1 (step S4, Fig. 8) from a first angular position P1 to a second angular position P2, known as the locked position, which causes a mechanical pairing AP2 of the accessory 20 with the accessory holder 10. The mechanical pairing AP2 thus allows the attachment interfaces 14 and 24 to be changed from the unpaired state ST1 to a second paired state ST2 (position P2).

[0088] The manner in which the operations (or movements) of insertion OP1 and rotation OP2 are performed may vary depending on the configuration of the attachment interfaces 12 and 14. According to one embodiment, particularly shown in Fig. 3 and Figs. 5-8, the second attachment interface 14 is configured for removably mechanical pairing with the third attachment interface 24 by a mechanical pairing AP2 that successively comprises an insertion OP1 of a male element (i.e., the third attachment interface 24 in this example) into a female element (i.e., the second attachment interface 14 in this example) in an insertion direction 6, and a rotation OP2 of the probe accessory 20 relative to the accessory holder 10 around a rotation axis corresponding to the insertion direction 6. In other words, when the male element is inserted (or engaged) into the female element by an insertion movement OP1 (by translation) along the axis 6, a relative rotation OP2 of the probe accessory 20 with respect to the accessory holder 10 is performed around a direction (or axis) 6 that serves as a rotation axis. Thus, the pairing AP2 is performed by successive execution of the operations OP1 and OP2. In this manner, the second and third mounting interfaces 14 and 24 can be removably mechanically coupled, advantageously, by successive movements in the same direction 6, i.e., translation along axis 6 and then rotation about this same axis 6. This directional correspondence between the insertion movement OP1 and the rotation movement OP2 allows the accessory holder 10 and the probe accessory 20 to be easily, quickly, and accurately paired with minimal manipulation, for example, by successive manual movements including advantageously inserting OP1 and then rotating OP2.

[0089] Moreover, the coupling according to the invention allows for an effective retention of the probe accessory regardless of its weight, including cases where the weight of the probe accessory is greater or substantially greater than that of the probe. Indeed, if the probe accessory is heavy relative to the probe, there is a risk in conventional coupling systems that the accessory may cause an involuntary motion under the action of its weight, resulting in an unexpected decoupling of the assembly. Thanks to the system of the invention, the coupling can be advantageously ensured, since the inertial forces and moments that may be exerted by the probe accessory on the mounting mechanism (mounting interface) of the probe holder, especially in relation to the weight of the accessory, are generally not exerted in one direction (e.g. not along axis 6) that may cause an unexpected decoupling.

[0090] It is considered purely for purposes of example that the mounting interfaces 14 and 24 are configured such that the rotation OP1 (S4) is performed in a clockwise direction (as shown in Figures 3 and 6-7). According to an alternative embodiment, the rotation OP1 is performed in a counterclockwise direction.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the second and third mounting interfaces 14 and 24 are configured to be removably (or reversibly) mechanically paired by a 1 / n rotation OP2 of the accessory holder 10 relative to the probe accessory 20, where n is an integer between 2 and 4.

[0092] According to one embodiment, n=4. In other words, the second and third attachment interfaces 14 and 24 can be configured to mechanically pair in a removable manner by a quarter-turn OP2 of the accessory holder 10 relative to the probe accessory 20 (FIGS. 6-7). This particular configuration is advantageous in that it allows the user to obtain a good compromise between the speed of execution of the mechanical pairing AP2 and the robustness of the pairing AP2.

[0093] As shown in the embodiment of Figures 2-5, the ultrasound probe 2 includes a transmission output section (or transmitter) 5 located at a distal end of the probe and configured to transmit ultrasound waves W. The accessory holder 10 is configured such that once mechanical pairing AP1 is performed, the transmission output section 5 is uncovered or opened (i.e., not covered by the accessory holder 10), thereby enabling transmission of ultrasound waves W from the transmission output section 5. According to one embodiment, the accessory holder 20 includes an opening disposed corresponding to the transmission output section 5 so as to expose the transmission output section 5 when mechanical pairing AP1 between the accessory holder 10 and the probe 2 is performed.

[0094] The design of the mounting interfaces 14 and 24 can be adapted accordingly. Examples of embodiments of these mounting interfaces will now be described with reference to figures 9 to 13.

[0095] In the following examples, accessory 20 is provided with at least one locking member 26 (FIGS. 12-13) configured to allow for locking attachment interface 24 to attachment interface 14 during mechanical pairing AP2. Other alternative embodiments are possible, as described below.

[0096] According to an embodiment shown in figures 9-11, the female element, i.e. in this embodiment the mounting interface 14, comprises at least one insertion slot 15 and a positioning slide 16 respectively associated with each insertion slot 15. Each insertion slot 15 is configured for inserting a respective locking member 26 provided on the accessory 20 therein. Furthermore, a positioning slide 16 is respectively connected to each insertion slot 15, such that by rotating OP2 the probe accessory 20 relative to the accessory holder 10 the respective locking member 26 in the positioning slide 15 can be moved to a locking position P2, which movement results in a mechanical pairing AP2 between the accessory holder 10 and the probe accessory 20.

[0097] An alternative embodiment with the reverse configuration is also possible, where the mounting interface 24 of the accessory 20 includes an insertion slot 16 and a positioning slide 16 respectively associated with each insertion slot 15, and the mounting interface 14 of the accessory holder 10 includes a corresponding locking member(s) 26. Moreover, the various embodiments described herein apply equally to this reverse configuration.

[0098] 9-13, in the following examples, purely for purposes of illustration, it is assumed that the accessory 20 includes two locking members 26. For this purpose, the mounting interface 14 of the accessory holder 10 therefore includes two insertion slots 15 and two positioning slides 16 leading to these insertion slots 15 respectively, such that a rotation OP2 of the probe accessory 20 relative to the accessory holder 10 allows the locking members 26 in the respective positioning slides 15 to be moved to a locked position P2, which movement thus causes a mechanical pairing AP2 of the accessory holder 10 and the probe accessory 20.

[0099] It should nevertheless be noted that alternative embodiments having a different number of locking members 26 and thus associated insertion slots 15 and positioning slides 16 are possible. As an example, the mounting interface 24 of the accessory 20 can consist of a single locking member 26. In this case, the mounting interface 14 of the accessory holder 10 includes a single insertion slot 15 and a single positioning slide 16, which can be moved to the locking position P2. Alternatively, embodiments having two or more locking members 26 and the same number of insertion slots 15 and positioning slides 16 are also possible. The use of two or more locking members 26 advantageously allows the mechanical pairing AP2 to be robust while limiting the manufacturing complexity.

[0100] Thus, in the embodiment considered (FIGS. 8 to 13), during an insertion step S2, an insertion operation OP1 causes each of the two locking members 26 to be inserted into a corresponding insertion slot 15 provided for this purpose in the mounting interface 14 of the accessory holder 10. Once the locking members 26 are inserted into a predetermined position in the mounting interface 14, a rotation OP2 of the accessory 20 relative to the accessory holder 10 is performed about the rotation axis AX1 from a first angular position P1 to a second angular position P2 (locked position), thus causing a mechanical pairing AP2 of the accessory 20 with the accessory holder 10. The movement of the locking members 26 along the respective positioning slides 16 from position P1 to position P2 thus allows the mounting interfaces 14 and 24 to be mechanically paired (AP2). Thus, when the locking members 26 are positioned according to position P1, the mounting interfaces 12 and 24 are in a first unpaired state ST1. When the locking member 26 is positioned according to position P2, the mounting interfaces 12 and 24 are in a second pairing state ST2.

[0101] As shown particularly in Figures 9 to 11, the mounting interface 14 of the accessory holder 10 can include a cavity 14a configured to receive at least a portion of the mounting interface 24 of the accessory 20. This cavity 14a facilitates insertion OP1 of the locking member 26 into the respective insertion slot 15. And, the positioning slide 16 is formed on the edge of this cavity 14a, and can enable easy movement of the locking member 26 in the slide 16 by rotating the accessory 20 OP2 relative to the accessory holder 30 about a rotation axis AX1 (Figures 3 and 10).

[0102] In the embodiment considered, each positioning slide 16 is defined by at least one upper slide edge 15a (FIGS. 9-11). The insertion slots 15 are respectively arranged to define an entrance of a respective positioning slide 15. Thus, each locking member 26 can reach a respective slide 16 through the associated insertion slot 15.

[0103] The configuration (particularly the position, shape, number, etc.) of the locking members 26 can be adapted depending on the configuration of the insertion slot 15 and the positioning slide 16 and vice versa. As illustrated by way of example in Figures 12-13, the locking members 26 may be (or may include) various rigid elements, e.g. having the form of wings, protrusions or pins, which are insertable into the insertion slot 15 and which are movable by a rotation OP2 of the positioning slide 16 to a respective locking position P2.

[0104] 9-11, each positioning slide 16 can be provided with limit stops 16a indicating the locking position P2 of the locking member 26 it receives. These stops 16a are configured to block the locking member 26 when it reaches its locking position P2 in the respective positioning slide 16 at the end of the rotation OP2. Thanks to these stops 16a, the locking of the accessory 20 in the desired position relative to the accessory holder 10 is ensured.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the second mounting interface 14 comprises two insertion slots 15 (or even three or more) of possibly different sizes, which are configured to be engaged therein (or inserted therein) by a respective locking member 26 of the third mounting interface 24 during the insertion operation OP1 (step S2, FIG. 8). As shown for example in FIGS. 9 and 11, one of the insertion slots 15 is larger than the other. Similarly, one of the locking members 26 is larger than the other, each of these locking members 26 being configured to be inserted in the associated insertion slot 15. Advantageously, this configuration makes it possible to form in the mounting interface 14 a foolproof device for preventing positioning errors of the accessory 20 relative to the accessory holder 10. For this purpose, one of the two locking members 26 can be configured larger (or wider) than another insertion slot 15, i.e., in this example, the insertion slot 15 designed to receive the other locking member 26. In this way, a unique orientation of the accessory 20 relative to the accessory holder 10 is possible, making it possible to avoid positioning errors during mechanical pairing AP2. This configuration is particularly advantageous in some use situations, such as, for example, surgical interventions, where various elements need to be effectively, quickly and reliably manipulated despite a restrictive environment (e.g. due to the wearing of gloves, sounds or other disturbances, stress, high stakes in case of errors, etc.).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the two insertion slots 15 of the mounting interface 14 are arranged diametrically opposite from each other with respect to the rotation axis AX1 of the accessory 20 relative to the accessory holder 10. This configuration allows for a robust and easy mechanical pairing AP2 for the user.

[0107] According to one embodiment, one of the second and third mounting interfaces 14 and 24 includes at least one deformable wing 17 configured to deform in response to movement of the respective locking member 26 on its locking slide 16 to the locking position P2, thereby generating a frictional force opposing said movement. As an example, assume that there are two deformable wings 17 on the mounting interface 14 of the accessory holder 10, as shown in Figs. 9-11. It should be noted that these deformable wings 17 may be variously configured, particularly in terms of number, position, and shape. In general, the at least one deformable wing 14 may be located on the second mounting interface 14, or on the third mounting interface 24, or on both.

[0108] More precisely, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 9 to 11, two deformable wings 17 are arranged at the bottom 14b of a cavity 14a arranged at the mounting interface 14 of the accessory holder 10. These wings 17 are configured to deform under the effect of the movement of the locking member 26 from position P1 to the locked position P2 during the rotation OP2, thus causing a frictional force opposing (countering) the movement of the locking member 26. This frictional force causes the deformable wings 17 to rub against the contact surface of the third mounting interface 24 (which is for example the contact surface of the locking member 26). For this purpose, the deformable wings 17 can be made of an elastic material (for example polyamide (PA) or steel) that is selected depending on its elastic properties and the needs of each case. Preferably, a material with a high elastic limit is selected to ensure the spring effect of the deformable wings 17.

[0109] Arranging the deformable wings 17 at the mounting interface 14 of the probe holder 10 (rather than at the mounting interface 24) is advantageous in that it makes it possible to obtain a more robust locking system SY3, especially when the probe holder 10 (or more generally the ultrasound probe 2) is considered to be the fixed part. Alternatively, the deformable wings 17 can be arranged at the mounting interface 24 of the accessory 20.

[0110] The presence of more than one deformable wing 17 is advantageous in that it makes the locking system SY3 more robust and easier to operate. As shown, there may be two deformable wings 17, which allows the size to be limited and allows a good compromise between the wing dimensions and the obtained holding force. Such a compromise can be advantageously achieved, in particular, by arranging two deformable wings 17 diametrically opposite each other with respect to the axis of rotation AX1 of the accessory 20 relative to the accessory holder 10.

[0111] According to one embodiment shown in Figures 9-13, the mounting interface 24 includes two cavities 27 configured to engage with respective deformable wings 17 when the locking member 26 reaches its locked position P2 (at the end of rotation AP). The arrangement of these cavities 27 facilitates retention of the probe accessory 20 in the locked position P2 relative to the accessory holder 10. To this end, each cavity 27 may have a shape complementary to the shape of the deformable wing 17 it receives.

[0112] It should be noted that the configuration, especially the number and location, of these cavities 27 can be adapted from case to case depending on the configuration of the deformable wings 27. In general, at least one of the second and third mounting interfaces 14 and 24 can include such a cavity 27 (FIG. 13) configured to receive a corresponding deformable wing 27 when the locking member 26 reaches its locking position P2 (end of rotation OP2). Alternatively, a single cavity 27 can be arranged in the mounting interface 14 (and / or in the mounting interface 24) for inserting therein a single deformable wing 27 arranged in the mounting interface 24 (and / or in the mounting interface 14, respectively). Alternatively, a plurality of such cavities 27 can be arranged in the mounting interface 14 and / or in the mounting interface 24.

[0113] According to one embodiment shown in Figures 9-13, the second mounting interface 14 consists of two projections 18 and the third mounting interface 24 comprises two corresponding cavities (or recesses) 28. Each projection 18 is configured to engage with a respective cavity 28 when the locking member 26 reaches the locked position P2 at the end of a rotation OP2. To this end, the projections 18 and the cavities 28 may have complementary shapes in order to mechanically cooperate according to a male-female system. Such an arrangement of the projections 18 and the cavities 28 advantageously makes it possible to obtain a more secure lock during the mechanical pairing AP2.

[0114] Nevertheless, alternative embodiments are possible, particularly in terms of the number and location of the protrusions 18 and cavities 18. Alternatively, the protrusions 18 could be located at the mounting interface 24 and the cavities 28 could be located at the mounting interface 14. More generally, one of the second and third mounting interfaces 14 and 24 could define a cavity 28, while the other could include a protrusion 18 configured to engage the cavity 18 when the at least one locking member 26 reaches the locked position P2.

[0115] 9 to 13, each locking member 26 of the accessory 20 comprises a respective cavity 28 and each positioning slide 16 of the mounting interface 14 comprises a protrusion 18 configured to reciprocally engage in the respective cavity 28 when the locking member 26 reaches its locking position P2 at the end of a rotation OP2. Advantageously, this makes it possible to obtain a particularly robust lock during the mechanical pairing AP2.

[0116] It should be noted that the configuration of the accessory holder 10 and the probe accessory 20 may be variously configured, in particular in terms of shape, size, dimensions, etc. The configuration of the accessory holder 10 and the probe accessory 20 may be adapted in particular depending on the configuration of the ultrasound probe 2.

[0117] 14 and 15 show two alternative embodiments of the accessory holder 10 and the probe accessory 20, the configuration of each being adapted depending on the configuration of the ultrasound probe 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0118] The invention thus makes it possible to provide an accessory holder 10 for an ultrasonic probe which ensures a removable attachment of an accessory 20 to an ultrasonic probe 2, which attachment is reliable and robust whilst ensuring good ergonomic use and easy, effective and quick cleaning.

[0119] In particular, the configuration of the accessory holder 10 and the accessory 20 advantageously allows them to be mechanically paired by rotating them relative to one another, which facilitates operation by the user (improved ergonomics) and limits the time required for pairing and the risk of incorrect positioning.

[0120] The user can easily attach and detach the accessories 20 with a good compromise between the force required and the robustness of the hold. It is advantageously possible to switch between different accessories 20 attached to the ultrasound probe 2 by the accessory holder 10.

[0121] The particular configuration of the accessory holder 10, and more generally the accessory system SY1, advantageously allows for easy, effective and quick cleaning of the assembly.

[0122] Furthermore, the nature of the probe accessories 20 may differ from case to case. The accessory holder 10, and more generally the accessory system SY1, may in fact be adapted to advantageously allow various probe accessories 20 to be attached to the ultrasound probe 2.

[0123] By way of example, the probe accessory 20 may include: -sensor, - gel dispenser, and at least one of the light sources.

[0124] The probe accessory 20 may be (or may include) a sensor, a gel dispenser, a light source, etc. Other types of accessories are possible.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the probe accessory 20 is a subject (e.g. a human or an animal). In this case, the accessory holder 10 advantageously allows the ultrasound probe 2 to be attached in a removable manner to a subject, e.g. an individual. Such an ultrasound probe can be attached to an anatomical location of the subject to perform an examination, e.g. an ultrasound scan.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the accessory 20 includes sensors, such as, for example, a position sensor, a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, and / or a temperature sensor. The accessory 20 includes a position sensor (magnetic or of another type) configured to detect the position of the ultrasound probe 2 in space, for example, when the accessory 20 is attached to the ultrasound probe 2 by the accessory holder 10.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the accessory 20 includes a light source (eg, an illumination device) configured to illuminate a region of interest proximate to the ultrasound probe 2 when the accessory 20 is attached to the ultrasound probe 2 by the accessory holder 10.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the accessory 20 includes a gel dispenser configured to dispense gel, for example, for application onto the ultrasound probe 2 and / or onto a region of interest proximate to the ultrasound probe 2 .

[0129] According to one embodiment, the probe accessory 20 comprises a second holder, known as a device holder, configured to accommodate or hold an accessory device, i.e., for example a sensor and / or a gel dispenser and / or a light source as described above.

[0130] According to one embodiment, accessory 20 is a second holder including a housing configured to accommodate (or receive) a sensor as described above, such as a position sensor (magnetic or other type) and / or a temperature sensor.

[0131] Furthermore, the probe accessory 20 may have different shapes depending on the case. According to one embodiment, the accessory 20 forms a rotation knob. Advantageously, this knob thus serves as a gripping element that can be easily manipulated (in particular rotated) during the mechanical pairing AP2 of the accessory 20 with the accessory holder 10.

[0132] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, all of the above-mentioned embodiments and alternative embodiments, some of which are intentionally simplified for ease of explanation, merely constitute non-limiting examples of the implementation of the present invention. In particular, those skilled in the art may envision adapting or combining the above-mentioned embodiments and alternative embodiments to address specific needs.

[0133] The invention is therefore not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but extends in particular to control methods including sub-steps, without departing from the scope of the invention, as well as to control devices and, more generally, to control systems for implementing such methods.

Claims

1. An accessory holder (10) for an ultrasound probe, comprising: a first mounting interface (12) configured to mechanically pair with an ultrasound probe (2); and a second mounting interface (14) having a shape complementary to a third mounting interface (24) on which a probe accessory is provided, the second mounting interface (14) being configured to mechanically pair (AP2) in a removable manner with the third mounting interface (24) by rotating (OP2) the probe accessory relative to the accessory holder. Accessory holder for ultrasound probes.

2. One of the second and third mounting interfaces (14, 24) constitutes a male element and the other constitutes a female element, the male element and the female element being configured to be rotatably mechanically paired (AP2) by inserting the male element into the female element. The accessory holder of claim 1 .

3. The second mounting interface (14) of the accessory holder (10) constitutes the female element. The accessory holder according to claim 2 .

4. the second attachment interface is configured to removably mechanically pair with the third attachment interface by a mechanical pairing (AP2) that includes successively inserting (OP1) the male element into the female element in an insertion direction (6) and rotating (OP2) the probe accessory relative to the accessory holder about a rotation axis corresponding to the insertion direction (6); The accessory holder according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The female element is at least one insertion slot (15) configured to insert a respective locking member (26) of said male element; and a positioning slide (16) communicating with each of the insertion slots (15) so as to allow the probe accessory (20) to be moved to a locking position (P2) by rotating (OP2) the probe accessory (20) relative to the accessory holder (10), thereby mechanically pairing (AP2) the accessory holder with the probe accessory. The accessory holder according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. One of the second and third mounting interfaces (14, 24) includes at least one deformable wing (17) configured to deform in response to movement of the respective locking member (26) within a locking slide to the locked position (P2) to create a frictional force opposing said movement. The accessory holder according to claim 5 .

7. The at least one deformable wing (17) is configured on the second mounting interface (14) of the accessory holder (10). The accessory holder according to claim 6.

8. The second attachment interface (14) comprises two deformable wings (17). The accessory holder of claim 7.

9. One of the second and third mounting interfaces (14, 24) comprises at least one first cavity (27), and the at least one deformable wing (17) and the at least one first cavity (27) are configured such that each deformable wing engages a first cavity when the at least one locking member (26) reaches the locked position (P2). An accessory holder according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. The second mounting interface (14) includes at least two insertion slots (15) of different sizes configured to be engaged therein by respective locking members (26) of the third mounting interface (24). An accessory holder according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

11. One of the second and third mounting interfaces (14, 24) includes a second cavity (28) and the other includes a protrusion (18) configured to engage within the second cavity when the at least one locking member (26) reaches the locked position (P2). An accessory holder according to any one of claims 5 to 10.

12. The second and third mounting interfaces (14, 24) are configured to removably mechanically pair with one-quarter turn of the accessory holder relative to the probe accessory. An accessory holder according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An ultrasonic probe accessory system (SY1), An accessory holder (10) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, a probe accessory (20) including a third mounting interface (24) having a shape complementary to the second mounting interface (14) of the accessory holder; The second and third mounting interfaces are configured to removably mechanically pair (AP2) with each other by rotating (OP2) the probe accessory relative to the accessory holder. Accessory system for ultrasound probes.

14. one of the second and third mounting interfaces (14, 24) constituting a male element and the other constituting a female element, the male element and the female element being configured to rotatably mechanically pair (AP2) by insertion of the male element into the female element; The second and third attachment interfaces are configured to be mechanically paired in a releasable manner by a mechanical pairing (AP2) that includes sequentially inserting (OP1) the male element into the female element in an insertion direction (6) and rotating (OP2) the probe accessory relative to the accessory holder about a rotation axis corresponding to the insertion direction (6). The system of claim 13.

15. The probe accessory (20) sensor, A gel dispenser, and light source At least one of 15. A system according to claim 13 or 14.

16. The probe accessory (20) includes a position sensor. The system of claim 15.

17. The probe accessory (20) forms a rotating knob 17. A system according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

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