Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus

Abstract

To enable a user to easily recognize twisting of a cable of an ultrasonic probe.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment comprises: a probe head that includes at least a plurality of ultrasonic transducers; a connector that electrically connects the probe head to an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus main body; and a cable that is provided between the probe head and the connector, extends along a longitudinal direction of the cable and has a protruding portion projecting from an outer peripheral surface of the cable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the medical field, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs an ultrasonic examination on a subject using ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic probe has been widely used. In this ultrasonic examination, while the user keeps the probe head of the ultrasonic probe in close contact with the body surface of the subject, the user changes the orientation of the probe head of the ultrasonic probe by changing the orientation of the arm or the body to obtain an ultrasonic image. In particular, in ultrasonic examination, since the examination plane is determined according to the orientation of the probe head, it is necessary to finely change the orientation of the probe head according to the examination plane. For this reason, in order to ensure the operability of the ultrasonic probe, a highly flexible cable is used for the ultrasonic probe.

[0003] On the other hand, when a highly flexible cable is used for the ultrasonic probe, the cable may be twisted when the user changes the orientation of the probe head. And when the twist of the cable exceeds a certain level, the cable may break. For this reason, depending on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, there are cases where parts for preventing the cable from twisting are attached, but there is also a problem that the operability of the ultrasonic probe deteriorates when such parts are attached.

[0004] Therefore, the user needs to eliminate the twist of the cable in order to prevent the cable from breaking. However, there are problems such as not knowing whether the cable is twisted in the first place, and not knowing the direction of the twist even if the cable is twisted. For this reason, it is desired that the user can easily recognize the twist of the cable of the ultrasonic probe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-070493 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is that a user can easily recognize the twist of the cable of the ultrasonic probe. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problems corresponding to the respective effects of the respective configurations shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0007] The ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment includes a probe head including at least a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a connector that electrically connects the probe head and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, and a cable provided between the probe head and the connector, the cable extending along the longitudinal direction of the cable and having a protruding portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the cable. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be made only when necessary.

[0010] 〔First Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 10, an apparatus main body 20, a display 30, an input interface 40, a holder unit 50, and a cable support jig 60. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the display 30 and the input interface 40 are configured as separate bodies from the apparatus main body 20, but the apparatus main body 20, the display 30, and the input interface 40 may be configured integrally. Examples of the case where the apparatus main body 20, the display 30, and the input interface 40 are configured integrally include information processing apparatuses such as tablet terminals and workstations.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe 10 is a device that is connected to the apparatus main body 20, transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject, and receives a reflected wave signal reflected in the subject based on the transmitted ultrasonic waves. This ultrasonic probe 10 is, for example, a 1D array probe that scans a two-dimensional region in the subject, a mechanical 4D probe or a 2D array probe that scans a three-dimensional region in the subject. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe 10 is connected to the apparatus main body 20 by wired communication.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the present embodiment includes a probe head 11, a connector 12, and a cable 13.

[0013] The probe head 11 includes at least a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators. Specifically, the probe head 11 has, for example, a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators, a matching layer provided on the ultrasonic vibrators, and a backing material that prevents the propagation of ultrasonic waves rearward from the ultrasonic vibrators. The ultrasonic vibrator generates ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal, receives the reflected wave signal of the ultrasonic waves, and converts it into an electrical signal. The ultrasonic vibrator is, for example, a piezoelectric vibrator, and is made of piezoelectric ceramic as an example.

[0014] The connector 12 electrically connects the probe head 11 and the device main body 20. Specifically, the connector 12 is electrically connected to a connector port provided in the device main body 20. Then, the connector 12 electrically connected to the device main body 20 sends out the drive signal received from the ultrasonic transmission circuit in the device main body 20 via the connector port to the cable 13, and sends out the electrical signal received from the cable 13 to the ultrasonic reception circuit in the device main body 20 via the connector port.

[0015] The cable 13 is provided between the probe head 11 and the connector 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the cable 13 has a protruding portion 131.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the protruding portion 131 extends along the longitudinal direction of the cable 13 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface OS1 of the cable 13. Specifically, the protruding portion 131 extends along the longitudinal direction of the cable 13 and protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface OS1 of the cable 13. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the protruding portion 131 according to the present embodiment continuously extends from one end of the cable 13 on the probe head 11 side to the other end of the cable 13 on the connector 12 side along the longitudinal direction of the cable 13. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the protruding portion 131 is assumed to continuously extend from one end of the cable 13 to the other end of the cable 13, but it is not limited thereto. That is, the range in which the protruding portion 131 is provided with respect to the cable 13 is arbitrary. For example, the protruding portion 131 may be provided intermittently from one end of the cable 13 to the other end of the cable 13, or may be provided only in a part of the longitudinal direction of the cable 13.

[0017] Also, the protruding portion 131 according to the present embodiment is integrally formed with the cable 13. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the protruding portion 131 according to the present embodiment has a three-dimensional shape. Also, the protruding portion 131 according to the present embodiment is formed of, for example, the same material as the material constituting the cable 13. The protruding portion 131 according to the present embodiment is formed of a highly flexible material such as resin such as silicon constituting the cable 13.

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the cable 13 according to this embodiment has a protruding portion 131 with a three-dimensional shape, and the protruding portion 131 has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially rectangular. In the example shown in Figure 3, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 131 is substantially rectangular, but the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 131 is not limited to this. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 131 is arbitrary. For example, it may be substantially semicircular or substantially triangular.

[0019] Also, as shown in Figure 3, the cable 13 has the protruding portion 131 and includes a wiring 132 and an outer skin tube 133. The wiring 132 is a signal line or the like. The outer skin tube 133 covers the wiring 132. In the example shown in Figure 3, the outer skin tube 133 covers seven wirings 132, but the number of wirings 132 covered by the outer skin tube 133 is not limited to seven. That is, the number of wirings 132 covered by the outer skin tube 133 is arbitrary and may be six or less or eight or more.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the protruding portion 131 according to this embodiment protrudes from the outer peripheral surface OS1 of the cable 13, that is, the outer peripheral surface OS1 of the outer skin tube 133. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the protruding portion 131 is integrally formed with respect to the outer skin tube 133 of the cable 13. For this reason, for example, the material of the outer skin tube 133 and the material of the protruding portion 131 in the cable 13 according to this embodiment are formed of the same material.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the second embodiment is twisted. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is twisted by 45° in the R1 direction with respect to one end of the cable 13 on the probe head 11 side. Further, as the cable 13 is twisted by 45° in the R1 direction, the protruding portion 131 integrally formed with the cable 13 is also twisted by 45° in the R1 direction with respect to one end of the cable 13 on the probe head 11 side. As shown in FIG. 4, since the cable 13 according to the present embodiment has the three-dimensional protruding portion 131, it is easy to grasp the degree of twisting of the cable 13 three-dimensionally. That is, the user can easily recognize the twisting of the cable 13.

[0022] Returning to FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 20 is an apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on the reception signal received from the ultrasonic probe 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe 10, the display 30, and the input interface 40 are connected to the apparatus main body 20 according to the present embodiment. This apparatus main body 20 corresponds to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body in the present embodiment.

[0023] The display 30 is a display device that displays various ultrasonic images and various settings. For example, the display 30 displays the ultrasonic image generated by the apparatus main body 20, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the operator, and the like. In the present embodiment, the display 30 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display.

[0024] The input interface 40 is an input device for performing various settings and the like. For example, it is realized by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad that performs an input operation by touching an operation surface, a touch monitor in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, a voice input circuit, and the like. The input interface 40 is connected to the processing circuit of the device main body 20 described later, converts the input operation received from the operator into an electrical signal, and outputs it to the processing circuit of the device main body 20. Note that in this specification, the input interface 40 is not limited to only those having physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuit of the device main body 20 is also included in the examples of the input interface 40.

[0025] The holder unit 50 holds the ultrasonic probe 10 that is not used for ultrasonic inspection. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the holder unit 50 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the holder unit 50 according to the present embodiment includes a probe holder 51 and a holder support portion 52.

[0026] The probe holder 51 detachably holds the probe head 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10. Further, the probe holder 51 is configured to be detachable from the holder support portion 52, for example. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the probe holder 51 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the probe holder 51 according to the present embodiment has a bottom surface 511 with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the holder support portion 52, a side surface 512 with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the holder support portion 52 and having a tapered shape such that the outer diameter increases from the bottom surface 511 toward the upper surface 513, and an upper surface 513 with an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the holder support portion 52. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, notches 5111 and 5121 for passing the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 are formed in the bottom surface 511 and the side surface 512.

[0027] The holder support portion 52 rotatably supports the probe holder 51. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the holder support portion 52 according to the present embodiment rotatably supports three probe holders 51 in the R2 to R4 directions with respect to their respective rotation axes AX1 to AX3. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the holder support portion 52 supports three probe holders 51, but the number of probe holders 51 supported by the holder support portion 52 is not limited to three. That is, the number of probe holders 51 supported by the holder support portion 52 is arbitrary, and may be two or less, or four or more.

[0028] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, since the inner diameter of the holder support portion 52 is formed smaller than the outer diameter of the upper surface 513 of the probe holder 51, the holder support portion 52 according to the present embodiment supports the probe holder 51. Further, a notch portion 521 for passing the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is formed in the holder support portion 52. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the directions in which the notch portion 5121 on the side surface 512 of the probe holder 51 and the notch portion 521 of the holder support portion 52 face each other coincide, the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 passes through the notch portion 5121 on the side surface 512 and the notch portion 521 of the holder support portion 52, and the ultrasonic probe 10 can be taken out from the holder unit 50.

[0029] In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the probe holder 51 is supported by the holder support portion 52 because the outer diameter of the upper surface 513 of the probe holder 51 is formed larger than the inner diameter of the holder support portion 52. However, the support method of the probe holder 51 is not limited to this. That is, the support method of the probe holder 51 is arbitrary. For example, the side surface 512 of the probe holder 51 may have a tapered shape such that the outer diameter of the side surface 512 increases from the bottom surface 511 toward the upper surface 513 and is larger than the inner diameter of the holder support portion 52, so that the side surface 512 of the probe holder 51 is supported by the holder support portion 52.

[0030] The cable support jig 60 is provided between the probe head 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 and the connector 12 of the ultrasonic probe 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the cable support jig 60 according to the present embodiment includes a cable support portion 61 and a mounting arm 62.

[0031] The cable support portion 61 slidably supports the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10. Specifically, the cable support portion 61 slidably supports the cable 13 in the longitudinal direction of the cable 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the cable support portion 61 according to the present embodiment is attached to the apparatus main body 20 via the mounting arm 62. Further, the shape of the cable support portion 61 according to the present embodiment is a cylindrical shape. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the shape of the cable support portion 61 is assumed to be a cylindrical shape, but it is not limited thereto. That is, the shape of the cable support portion 61 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a prismatic shape or the like.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the cable support portion 61 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, an insertion hole 611 and an engagement groove 612 are formed in the cable support portion 61 according to the present embodiment. The insertion hole 611 is a hole for inserting the cable 13.

[0033] The engagement groove 612 is a groove for engaging with the protruding portion 131 of the cable 13. As shown in FIG. 7, four engagement grooves 612 are formed in the cable support portion 61 according to the present embodiment. Further, since the shape of the protruding portion 131 of the cable 13 according to the present embodiment is a rectangular shape, the shape of each of the four engagement grooves 612 is a rectangular shape. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the four engagement grooves 612 are formed around the insertion hole 611 at 90° intervals with respect to the cable support portion 61.

[0034] Note that although four engaging grooves 612 are formed in the cable support portion 61 according to the present embodiment, the number of the engaging grooves 612 is not limited to four. That is, the number of the engaging grooves 612 is arbitrary, and it may be formed to be equal to or more than the number of the protruding portions 131 of the cable 13. Further, although the shape of the engaging groove 612 according to the present embodiment is a rectangular shape, the shape of the engaging groove 612 according to the present embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the shape of the engaging groove 612 according to the present embodiment is arbitrary, and it may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the protruding portion 131 of the cable 13. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, although the engaging grooves 612 are formed at equal intervals around the insertion hole 611, the intervals at which the engaging grooves 612 are formed may be different for each engaging groove 612.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the cable support portion 61 according to the first embodiment supports the cable 13. As shown in FIG. 8, the insertion hole 611 of the cable support portion 61 according to the present embodiment passes through the cable 13, and one of the engaging grooves 612 of the cable support portion 61 engages with the protruding portion 131. Thereby, the torsion of the cable 13 passing through the cable support portion 61, that is, the torsion of the cable 13 between the connector 12 and the cable support portion 61 is suppressed. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the cable support portion 61 slidably supports the cable 13 and the protruding portion 131 of the cable 13 in the longitudinal directions D1 and D2 of the cable 13 through the insertion hole 611 and the engaging groove 612 of the cable support portion 61.

[0036] As shown in this FIG. 8, the cable 13 between the probe head 11 and the cable support portion 61 is twisted, but the protruding portion 131 of the cable 13 that has passed through the cable support portion 61, that is, the cable 13 between the connector 12 and the cable support portion 61, has its twist eliminated. That is, the cable support portion 61 according to the present embodiment is attached to the cable 13 in a state where the cable 13 between the connector 12 and the cable support portion 61 is not twisted.

[0037] Therefore, even when the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is pulled out in the longitudinal direction D1 of the cable 13 via the cable support portion 61 and the cable 13 is twisted, the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is returned in the longitudinal direction D2 of the cable 13 via the cable support portion 61 and passes through the cable support portion 61, so that the twist of the cable 13 passing through the cable support portion 61, that is, the twist of the cable 13 between the connector 12 and the cable support portion 61 is eliminated. That is, when the cable 13 is twisted, only the cable 13 between the probe head 11 and the cable support portion 61 is twisted.

[0038] Returning to FIG. 1, the mounting arm 62 is a member for mounting the cable support portion 61 to the apparatus main body 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the cable support portion 61 is attached to one end of the mounting arm 62 according to the present embodiment, and the other end of the mounting arm 62 according to the present embodiment is attached to the apparatus main body 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the mounting arm 62 according to the present embodiment is composed of a single member.

[0039] Note that the number of members constituting the mounting arm 62 is not limited to one. That is, the number of members constituting the mounting arm 62 is arbitrary, and for example, it may be constituted by two or more members. Further, when the mounting arm 62 is constituted by two or more members, the mounting arm 62 may be configured such that the cable support portion 61 is movable with respect to the apparatus main body 20 by connecting each of the plurality of members with joints.

[0040] In addition, although the cable support jig 60 according to the present embodiment is provided with the mounting arm 62, the cable support jig 60 does not necessarily have to be provided with the mounting arm 62. In this case, the cable support portion 61 may be directly attached to the apparatus main body 20.

[0041] Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the process of eliminating the twist of the cable 13 between the probe head 11 and the cable support portion 61 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the state immediately after the probe head 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment is returned to the probe holder 51. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the twist of the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment is eliminated.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 9, when the use of the ultrasonic probe 10 ends in ultrasonic inspection, the user holds the probe head 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 in the probe holder 51 of the holder unit 50. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, when the probe head 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is returned to the probe holder 51, the cable 13 passes through the cable support portion 61, and the twist of the cable 13 that has passed through the cable support portion 61 is eliminated. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the cable 13 that has not passed through the cable support portion 61, that is, the cable 13 between the probe head 11 and the cable support portion 61, is in a twisted state.

[0043] In this state, the probe head 11 held by the probe holder 51 rotates in the R5 direction so that the twist of the cable 13 between the probe head 11 and the cable support portion 61 is eliminated. Further, as the probe head 11 rotates, the probe holder 51 that holds the probe head 11 also rotates in the R5 direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is in a twisted state and the probe head 11 is held by the probe holder 51, the probe holder 51 rotates with the probe head 11 with respect to the holder support portion 52 so that the twist of the cable 13 is eliminated. As a result, the twist of the cable 13 between the probe head 11 and the cable support portion 61 is eliminated.

[0044] As described above, in the ultrasonic probe 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, since the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 has the protruding portion 131 that extends along the longitudinal direction of the cable 13 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface OS1 of the cable 13, the user can easily recognize the twist of the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10. Thereby, the user can eliminate the twist of the cable 13 with the user's hand while recognizing that the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is twisted and the direction in which the cable 13 is twisted.

[0045] Also, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, since the probe holder 51 that detachably holds the probe head 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 and the holder support portion 52 that rotatably supports the probe holder 51 are provided, even when the probe head 11 is held by the probe holder 51 in a state where the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is twisted, the probe holder 51 rotates together with the probe head 11 with respect to the holder support portion 52. Therefore, the twist of the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 can be eliminated. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the twist of the cable 13 from occurring more than a certain level without the user himself / herself eliminating the twist, so that the labor of the user for preventing the disconnection of the cable 13 can be reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, since the cable support portion 61 is provided, the twist of the cable 13 between the connector 12 and the cable support portion 61 can be eliminated. That is, the range in which the twist of the cable 13 occurs can be limited.

[0047] 〔Second Embodiment〕 The protruding portion 131 provided on the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment described above is integrally formed with the cable 13, but the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, the protruding portion provided on the cable 13 of the ultrasonic probe 10 of the second embodiment is configured to be detachable from the cable 13. Hereinafter, the parts different from the first embodiment described above will be described.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the second embodiment, and is a figure corresponding to FIG. 2 in the above-described first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the present embodiment includes a probe head 11, a connector 12, and a cable 13a. Note that since the configurations of the ultrasonic probe 10 other than the cable 13a are the same as those in the above-described first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0049] The cable 13a is provided between the probe head 11 and the connector 12. As shown in FIG. 11, the cable 13a has a protruding portion 131a.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 11, the protruding portion 131a according to the present embodiment is configured to be detachable from the cable 13a. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 11, an attachment 134 is provided on the protruding portion 131a according to the present embodiment. Note that since the configuration of the protruding portion 131a other than that described above is the same as the configuration of the protruding portion 131 according to the above-described first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0051] The attachment 134 is configured integrally with the protruding portion 131a and is a member for attaching the protruding portion 131a to the outer peripheral surface OS1 of the cable 13a. As shown in FIG. 11, the attachment 134 has a plurality of attachment members 1341. Each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 is made of plastic such as soft plastic, and each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 has flexibility. This attachment 134 corresponds to the attachment portion in the present embodiment.

[0052] Further, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the width W1 of each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 is designed to be narrow within a range where the protruding portion 131a can be attached to the cable 13a. Also, each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 is provided at a predetermined interval with respect to the protruding portion 131a along the longitudinal direction of the protruding portion 131. In this way, by designing the width W1 of each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 to be narrow and providing each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 at a predetermined interval with respect to the protruding portion 131a, it is possible to minimize the decrease in the operability of the cable 13a due to attaching the protruding portion 131a to the cable 13a via the attachment 134.

[0053] Note that each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 according to the present embodiment is made of plastic, but the material of each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 is not limited to this. That is, the material of each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 is arbitrary and may be metal or may be made of a resin other than plastic.

[0054] With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the configuration of the cable 13a, the protruding portion 131a, and the attachment 134 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 12(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 12(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a view showing the protruding portion 131a and the attachment 134 removed from the cable 13a according to the second embodiment.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the cable 13a according to the present embodiment has a protruding portion 131a having a three-dimensional shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 131a is substantially rectangular, similar to the first embodiment described above. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 131a is substantially rectangular, but the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 131a is not limited to this. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 131a is arbitrary and may be, for example, substantially semi-circular or substantially triangular.

[0056] In addition, the configurations of the cable 13a and the protrusion 131a other than those described above in FIGS. 12 and 13 are equivalent to the configurations of the cable 13 and the protrusion 131 in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0057] Also, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the shape of each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 in the attachment 134 according to this embodiment is substantially C-shaped, and the cable 13a is fitted into the space between the C-shaped portions. As described above, since each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 has flexibility, each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 is attached to the outer peripheral surface OS1 of the cable 13a when each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 bends. More specifically, when attaching the protrusion 131a to the cable 13a, the cable 13a is pressed toward the attachment 134 by pressing against the outer peripheral surface OS1 of the cable 13a in the gap between the C-shaped portions of each of the plurality of attachment members 1341. As a result, each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 bends, the space between the C-shaped portions of each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 expands, and the cable 13a enters the space between the C-shaped portions of each of the plurality of attachment members 1341. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 is attached to the cable 13a, and the cable 13a has the protrusion 131a.

[0058] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the cable 13a of the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the second embodiment is twisted, and corresponds to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment described above. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the cable 13a of the ultrasonic probe 10 is twisted 45° in the R6 direction with respect to one end of the cable 13a on the probe head 11 side. Further, as the cable 13a is twisted, the protruding portion 131a attached to the cable 13a is also twisted 45° in the R6 direction with respect to one end of the cable 13a on the probe head 11 side. That is, also in the example shown in this FIG. 14, similar to the ultrasonic probe 10 according to the first embodiment described above, the cable 13a according to the present embodiment has the three-dimensional protruding piece 1311 by attaching the protruding portion 131a, so that the degree of twisting of the cable 13a can be easily grasped three-dimensionally. That is, the user can easily recognize the twist of the cable 13a.

[0059] As described above, in the ultrasonic probe 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the protruding portion 131a is detachably attached to the cable 13a of the ultrasonic probe 10 via the attachment 134. Therefore, since the cable 13a has the protruding portion 131a, the user can easily recognize the twist of the cable 13a of the ultrasonic probe 10. Thus, similar to the first embodiment described above, the user can eliminate the twist of the cable 13a with the user's hand while recognizing that the cable 13a of the ultrasonic probe 10 is twisted and the direction in which the cable 13a is twisted.

[0060] In the second embodiment described above, the shape of each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 in the attachment 134 is assumed to be a substantially C-shaped, but the shape of each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 is not limited to a substantially C-shaped. That is, the shape of each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a ring shape or the like. Further, when the shape of the plurality of attachment members 1341 is a ring shape, the material of each of the plurality of attachment members 1341 may be an elastic material such as rubber.

[0061] 〔Modification Example 1 of the First and Second Embodiments〕 In the above-described first and second embodiments, it is also possible to attach a color or a pattern to the protruding portions 131 and 131a. Hereinafter, the case where this modification example is applied to the first embodiment is taken as modification example 1, and the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. However, this modification example can be similarly applied to the second embodiment.

[0062] With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the configuration of the cable of the ultrasonic probe 10 according to this modification example will be described. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the ultrasonic probe 10 according to modification example 1, and corresponds to FIG. 2 in the above-described first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D shown in FIG. 15, and corresponds to FIG. 3 in the above-described first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the ultrasonic probe 10 according to this modification example is denoted as cable 13b because the configuration of the cable is different from that of the above-described first embodiment. The configuration other than this cable 13b is the same as that in FIG. 1 of the above-described first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] The cable 13b is provided between the probe head 11 and the connector 12. As shown in FIG. 15, the cable 13b has a protruding portion 131b. The protruding portion 131b according to this modification example has at least a first surface and a second surface different from the first surface.

[0064] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the cable 13b according to this modified example has a protruding portion 131b with a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, similar to the protruding portion 131 shown in FIG. 3. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the protruding portion 131b according to this modified example has a first surface S1, a second surface S2, and a third surface S3. The first surface S1 of this protruding portion 131b is a surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the cable 13b. The second surface S2 of the protruding portion 131b is a surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the cable 13b and is a surface different from the first surface S1. The second surface S2 according to this modified example is a surface parallel to the first surface S1. The third surface S3 of the protruding portion 131b is a surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the cable 13b and is a surface different from the first surface S1 and the second surface S2. The third surface S3 according to this modified example is a surface perpendicular to the first surface S1 and the second surface S2. Note that the configurations other than the above-described cable 13b and protruding portion 131b are the same as those of the cable 13 and protruding portion 131 in the above-described first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0065] Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the specific configurations of the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the protruding portion 131b according to this modified example will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the first surface S1 of the protruding portion 131b according to Modified Example 1. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the second surface S2 of the protruding portion 131b according to Modified Example 1. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the first surface S1 of the protruding portion 131b and the second surface S2 of the protruding portion 131b according to this modified example have different colors from each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the first surface S1 of the protruding portion 131b has a dark gray color, and as shown in FIG. 18, the second surface S2 of the protruding portion 131b has a light gray color.

[0066] In this modified example, the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the protruding portion 131b are set to have different colors, namely, dark gray and light gray. However, the combination of colors that each of the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the protruding portion 131b has is not limited to this. That is, the combination of different colors is arbitrary. For example, a combination such as orange and green may be used. Note that the combination of different colors includes cases where one surface has the color of the material forming the protruding portion 131b and the other surface has a color different from the color of the material forming the protruding portion 131b.

[0067] Also, in this modified example, the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the protruding portion 131b are set to have different colors, but this is not limiting. For example, the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the protruding portion 131b may have different patterns. Note that the combination of different patterns includes cases where one surface is plain and the other surface has a pattern.

[0068] Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the appearance of the protruding portion 131b in a state where the cable 13b according to this modified example is twisted will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a state where the cable 13b according to the first modified example is twisted, and corresponds to FIG. 4 in the first modified example described above. Further, FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of a state where the cable 13b according to the first modified example is twisted.

[0069] In the example shown in FIG. 19, the cable 13b of the ultrasonic probe 10 is twisted by 45° in the R7 direction with respect to one end of the cable 13b on the probe head 11 side. Further, as the cable 13b is twisted, the protruding portion 131b formed integrally with the cable 13b is also twisted by 45° in the R7 direction with respect to one end of the cable 13 on the probe head 11 side. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the cable 13b of the ultrasonic probe 10 is twisted by 45° in the R8 direction with respect to one end of the cable 13b on the probe head 11 side. Further, as the cable 13b is twisted, the protruding portion 131b formed integrally with the cable 13b is also twisted by 45° in the R8 direction with respect to one end of the cable 13 on the probe head 11 side. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, when the protruding portion 131b is twisted, the appearance of the color of the first surface S1 and / or the second surface S2 of the protruding portion 131b is different. Therefore, compared with the case of the protruding portion 131 having only a three-dimensional shape, the degree of twist of the cable 13b is easier to grasp. That is, the user can more easily recognize the twist of the cable 13b.

[0070] Note that although the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 131b of the cable 13b according to the above-described Modification 1 is a rectangular shape, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 131b is not limited to a rectangular shape. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 131b is arbitrary, and for example, it may be a triangular shape or a semi-circular shape. When the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 131b is a triangular shape, the protruding portion 131b may have a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 extending along the longitudinal direction, and the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 may have different colors or patterns from each other. Also, when the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 131b is a semi-circular shape, the protruding portion 131b has a first surface S1 extending along the longitudinal direction of the cable 13b, and each of the two regions into which the first surface S1 is divided in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable 13b may have different colors or patterns from each other.

[0071] [Other Modifications of the First and Second Embodiments] In the first and second embodiments described above, the cables 13, 13a, and 13b are assumed to have one protrusion 131, 131a, 131b each. However, the number of protrusions 131, 131a, 131b that the cables 13, 13a, and 13b have is not limited to one. That is, the number of protrusions 131, 131a, 131b that the cables 13, 13a, and 13b have is arbitrary. For example, the cables 13, 13a, and 13b may have a plurality of protrusions 131, 131a, 131b.

[0072] Also, in the first and second embodiments described above, the notch 5121 and the notch 521 are formed in the side surface 512 of the probe holder 51 and the holder support portion 52, respectively. However, the notch 5121 and the notch 521 do not necessarily have to be formed in the side surface 512 of the probe holder 51 and the holder support portion 52, respectively. In this case, when using the ultrasonic probe 10, the user may pull out the cables 13, 13a, 13b of the ultrasonic probe 10 from the notch 5111 in the bottom surface 511 of the probe holder 51 and the cable support jig 60, and take out the ultrasonic probe 10 from the holder unit 50.

[0073] Also, in the first and second embodiments described above, one notch 5121 is formed in the side surface 512 of the probe holder 51. However, the number of notches 5121 formed in the side surface 512 of the probe holder 51 is not limited to one. That is, the number of notches 5121 formed in the side surface 512 of the probe holder 51 is arbitrary, and a plurality of notches 5121 may be formed.

[0074] As described above, several embodiments have been explained. However, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel devices and methods described in this specification can be implemented in various other forms. Also, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the forms of the devices and methods described in this specification without departing from the gist of the invention. The appended claims and the equivalents thereof are intended to include such forms and modifications within the scope and gist of the invention.

Description of Symbols

[0075] 1…Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 10…Ultrasonic probe, 11…Probe head, 12…Connector, 13, 13a, 13b…Cables, 20…Apparatus main body, 30…Display, 40…Input interface, 50…Holder unit, 51…Probe holder, 52…Holder support portion, 60…Cable support jig, 61…Cable support portion, 62…Attachment arm, 131, 131a, 131b…Protrusions, 132…Wiring, 133…Outer skin tube, 134…Attachment, 1341…Attachment member, 611…Insertion hole, 612…Engagement groove

Claims

1. A probe head including at least a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, A connector for electrically connecting the probe head and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, A cable provided between the probe head and the connector, extending along the longitudinal direction of the cable, and having a protruding portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the cable, An ultrasonic probe comprising:

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is integrally formed with the cable.

3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is configured to be detachable from the cable.

4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, wherein the protruding portion is provided with an attachment portion configured integrally with the protruding portion for detachably attaching the protruding portion to the outer peripheral surface of the cable.

5. The protruding portion has at least a first surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the cable and a second surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the cable and different from the first surface, The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface have different colors or patterns.

6. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the cable has a plurality of the protruding portions.

7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion continuously extends from one end to the other end of the cable along the longitudinal direction of the cable.

8. An ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A probe holder for detachably holding the probe head of the ultrasonic probe, A holder support portion for rotatably supporting the probe holder, An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

9. When the probe head is held by the probe holder with the cable of the ultrasonic probe being twisted, the probe holder rotates with the probe head with respect to the holder support portion so as to eliminate the twist of the cable. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a cable support portion for slidably supporting the cable of the ultrasonic probe, The cable support portion is formed with an insertion hole for inserting the cable and an engagement groove for engaging with the protruding portion of the cable.

Images