Ultrasonic probe

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic probe in which a line-of-magnetic-flux generator is arranged at a position at least partially surrounded by a metal inner housing, which contributes to heat dissipation of an ultrasonic transducer.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic probe (2) includes: an ultrasonic transducer (28); a metal inner housing thermally connected with the ultrasonic transducer (28); and a line-of-magnetic-flux generator (40) arranged at a position at least partially surrounded by the inner housing and having a first pole and a second pole. The inner housing includes a line-of-magnetic-flux passage structure that allows a line of magnetic flux exiting the first pole and returning to the second pole to pass therethrough.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe, and more particularly to an ultrasonic probe having a magnetic flux line passing structure. [Background technology]

[0002] When performing an ultrasound examination, an operator can freely place an ultrasound probe on a scanning object, orient it in any direction, and perform imaging, thereby obtaining non-destructive / non-invasive ultrasound images.

[0003] When performing such an ultrasound examination, a known method is to place a transmitter that generates a magnetic field outside the ultrasound probe, while attaching a magnetic sensor to the ultrasound probe to detect the position and direction of the ultrasound probe, for the purpose of linking with images from other modalities such as an X-ray CT (X-ray Computed Tomography) device or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device (for example, Patent Document 1, Non-Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0004] This method of detecting the position and orientation of an ultrasonic probe using a magnetic sensor has the problem that detection accuracy deteriorates when the magnetic field from the transmitter is distorted by interference or when the magnetic field strength is insufficient. Magnetic sensors that use the magnetic field as a signal may have their signals obstructed and may cease to function if there are ferromagnetic materials or metal blocks that are sources of eddy currents around the magnetic sensor.

[0005] On the other hand, the ultrasonic vibrator included in the ultrasonic probe vibrates in response to an applied voltage, generating ultrasonic waves and therefore generating heat. To dissipate the heat generated by the ultrasonic vibrator, the ultrasonic probe may be provided with a metal inner housing thermally connected to the ultrasonic vibrator. The inner housing must have high thermal conductivity, so it needs to be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper.

[0006] For this reason, in the prior art, the magnetic sensor was placed outside the inner housing so that the metal inner housing would not interfere with the magnetic field from the transmitter.

[0007] Placing the magnetic sensor outside the inner housing may result in one or more of the following problems: the ultrasonic probe becomes larger, it becomes less easy for the operator to operate, hygiene management such as cleaning / sterilization takes time, the number of locations where stress concentration occurs increases, which may shorten the lifespan of the ultrasonic probe, and it becomes difficult to provide an aesthetic design. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-45943 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-140403 [Non-Patent Document 1] Ultrasound diagnosis and treatment support using the Volume Navigation System, Tomomi Fukuda et al., Kan Medical Journal, Vol. 38, No. 1, 2014 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In the above background art, the problem of arranging a magnetic sensor in an ultrasound probe has been described for the sake of easy understanding by the reader. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and it is desired to provide a metal inner housing that allows magnetic flux lines to pass inside and outside the ultrasound probe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic probe is provided. The ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic transducer, a metallic inner housing thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and a magnetic flux generator having a first pole and a second pole and disposed at a position at least partially surrounded by the inner housing. The inner housing includes a magnetic flux passage structure that allows magnetic flux lines to pass from the first pole to the second pole.

[0011] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic diagnostic device is provided that includes an ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic transducer, a metallic inner housing thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and a magnetic sensor disposed at a position at least partially surrounded by the inner housing. The inner housing includes a magnetic flux line passing structure that passes magnetic flux lines for detecting a magnetic field generated by a transmitter disposed outside the ultrasonic probe.

[0012] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides an ultrasound diagnostic device including an ultrasound probe, the ultrasound probe including the features of the first aspect or the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an ultrasound diagnostic system including an ultrasound diagnostic device and a transmitter that generates a magnetic field that is detected by a magnetic sensor, wherein the ultrasound probe of the ultrasound diagnostic device includes the features of the first aspect or the second aspect of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the external and internal structures of an ultrasonic probe. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of an ultrasonic probe. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing the main components of an ultrasound probe. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a chassis built into an ultrasound probe. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of solenoids and electronic components of a magnetic sensor. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of solenoids and electronic components of a magnetic sensor. [Figure 6C] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of solenoids and electronic components of a magnetic sensor. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the solenoid and metal parts of the magnetic sensor. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the solenoid and metal parts of the magnetic sensor. [Figure 7C] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the solenoid and metal parts of the magnetic sensor. [Figure 7D] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the solenoid and metal parts of the magnetic sensor. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing eddy currents generated in metal due to magnetism. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing eddy currents generated in metal due to magnetism. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a solenoid and an inner housing of a magnetic sensor. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 shows an inner housing in a preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, the claimed invention is not limited to the embodiments described here. In particular, in this disclosure, a medical ultrasound diagnostic system will be described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to ultrasound inspection systems, ultrasound inspection devices, and ultrasound probes for non-destructive testing of buildings, structures, various mechanical devices, etc.

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An ultrasound diagnostic system 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes an ultrasound diagnostic device 1. The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 includes an ultrasound probe 2, a transmit / receive beamformer 3, an echo data processing unit 4, a display processing unit 5, a display unit 6, an operation unit 7, a control unit 8, and a storage unit 9. The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is configured as a computer.

[0017] The ultrasonic probe 2 is configured to have a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (see FIG. 4) arranged in an array, and transmits ultrasonic waves to the object to be inspected using these ultrasonic transducers, and receives the resulting echo signals.

[0018] The ultrasonic probe 2 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from the subject lying on a table (bed) 13 .

[0019] The ultrasonic probe 2 has a built-in magnetic sensor 12. This magnetic sensor 12 is also composed of, for example, a Hall element, a magnetoresistance element, a magneto-impedance element, a GSR (GHz-Spin-Rotation) element, or a Faraday element. The magnetic sensor 12 detects the magnetism generated from the transmitter 11. The transmitter 11 and the magnetic sensor 12 are provided to detect the position and inclination of the ultrasonic probe 2, as will be described later.

[0020] The detection signal from the magnetic sensor 12 is input to the display processing unit 5. The detection signal from the magnetic sensor 12 may be input to the display processing unit 5 via a cable (see FIG. 4) or wirelessly.

[0021] The transmit / receive beamformer 3 supplies electrical signals for transmitting ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe 2 under predetermined scanning conditions to the ultrasonic probe 2 based on control signals from the control unit 8. The transmit / receive beamformer 3 also performs signal processing such as A / D conversion and phasing addition processing on the echo signals received by the ultrasonic probe 2, and outputs the echo data after signal processing to the echo data processing unit 4.

[0022] The echo data processor 4 performs the following on the echo data output from the transmit / receive beamformer 3: For example, the echo data processing unit 4 performs B-mode processing such as logarithmic compression and envelope detection to generate B-mode data.

[0023] The display processing unit 5 identifies the position of the magnetic sensor 12 and the directions of three mutually orthogonal axes set in the magnetic sensor 12 based on the magnetic detection signal from the magnetic sensor 12. The display processing unit 5 also identifies the position and direction (directions relative to the three mutually orthogonal axes) of the magnetic sensor 12 in a coordinate system in a three-dimensional space with the transmitter 11 as the origin.

[0024] The display processing unit 5 scan-converts the data input from the echo data processing unit 4 using a scan converter to create ultrasound image data. For example, the display processing unit 5 scan-converts B-mode data to create B-mode image data, and displays an ultrasound image on the display unit 6 based on the ultrasound image data. The ultrasound image is, for example, a B-mode image based on the B-mode image data.

[0025] The display processing unit 5 also displays, on the display unit 6, a reference medical image of the same cross section of the object as the ultrasound image, together with the ultrasound image. Data of the reference medical image is stored in the memory unit 9. The display processing unit 5 displays the ultrasound image of the same cross section of the object and the reference medical image based on the position information of the echo signal and the coordinate transformation information specified by the coordinate transformation information. In a specific embodiment, the reference medical image is a two-dimensional image extracted from three-dimensional image data from an X-ray CT device or an MRI device.

[0026] The display unit 6 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The operation unit 7 is a device through which a user inputs instructions and information. For example, although not shown, the operation unit 7 includes a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse or trackball.

[0027] The control unit 8 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 8 reads out a program stored in the storage unit 9 and controls each unit of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1. For example, the control unit 8 reads out a program stored in the storage unit 9 and causes the transmit / receive beamformer 3, the echo data processing unit 4, and the display processing unit 5 to perform the functions according to the read out program.

[0028] The control unit 8 may execute all of the functions of the transmit / receive beamformer 3, all of the functions of the echo data processing unit 4, and all of the functions of the display processing unit 5 by a program, or may execute only some of the functions by a program. When the control unit 8 executes only some of the functions, the remaining functions may be executed by hardware such as a circuit. Note that the functions of the transmit / receive beamformer 3, the echo data processing unit 4, and the display processing unit 5 may be realized by hardware such as a circuit.

[0029] The storage unit 9 is a semiconductor memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a random access memory (RAM), or a read only memory (ROM).

[0030] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may include all of an HDD, RAM, and ROM as the storage unit 9. The storage unit 9 may also be a portable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disk) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0031] The program executed by the control unit 8 is stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a HDD or a ROM. The program may also be stored in a portable non-transitory storage medium such as a CD or a DVD.

[0032] In addition to the above-mentioned programs, the storage unit 9 also stores data of reference medical images previously acquired of the same object under examination as the object to which ultrasound is transmitted and received. The data of the reference medical images is data of medical images previously acquired by a medical imaging device other than the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, that is, for example, data of X-ray CT images or MRI images previously acquired by an X-ray CT device or an MRI device. The data of the reference medical images is three-dimensional data (volume data).

[0033] 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the external and internal structures of the ultrasonic probe 2. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 2 is a convex type ultrasonic probe, but it may be another type of ultrasonic probe, such as a bronchial endoscope ultrasonic probe, a transesophageal ultrasonic probe, a linear type, or a sector type.

[0034] The right side of Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the external structure of the ultrasonic probe 2, and the left side of Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure with the top portion 241 of the probe case 24 of the ultrasonic probe 2 removed. As shown in Fig. 2, a lens 22 is disposed at the front end 34 of the ultrasonic probe 2, and a cable 26 is disposed at the rear end 36 of the ultrasonic probe 2. An operator of the ultrasonic probe 2 collects an ultrasound image by holding the handle 32 and bringing the lens 22 into contact with an object to be examined. The ultrasonic probe 2 has a rectangular cross section in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 37 extending from the front end 34 to the rear end 36.

[0035] In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the probe case 24 of the ultrasonic probe 2 is configured with a top portion 241 located on the near side of the paper surface of FIG. 2 and a bottom portion 242 located on the far side of the paper surface of FIG. 2 , as shown in FIG. 4 . The probe case 24 can be made of resin. As shown in FIG. 2 , the bottom portion 242 of the probe case 24 has a plurality of protrusions 54, and the top portion 241 of the probe case 24 has a plurality of holes that receive the protrusions 54, allowing for accurate alignment of the top portion 241 and the bottom portion 242. Some or all of the protrusions 54 may be located on the top portion 241, and some or all of the holes that receive them may be located on the bottom portion 242. The bottom portion 242 further has a groove 58 at its end that joins with the top portion 241 to receive the linear protrusion provided on the end of the top portion 241. The groove on the bottom surface side portion 242 and the linear protrusion on the top surface side portion 241 may have complementary shapes that allow them to be aligned with each other, and may be steps or the like that fit together.

[0036] A metal inner housing 30 is disposed inside the probe case 24 of the ultrasonic probe 2. The outer surface of the inner housing 30 has a shape that matches the inner surface of the probe case 24. The inner housing 30 can be manufactured by known techniques such as casting, additive manufacturing, CNC machining, forging, and press working. The inner surface of the probe case 24 is attached to the outer surface of the inner housing 30 with an adhesive. The top portion 241 and the bottom portion 242 (FIG. 4) of the probe case 24 are also joined to each other with an adhesive. The front end of the probe case 24 is adhesively attached to the lens 22, and the rear end of the probe case 24 is adhesively attached to the cable 26. Because the ultrasonic probe 2 may be disinfected with a disinfectant and cleaned with a cleaning solution, a water-resistant adhesive such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin adhesive or an epoxy resin adhesive is preferred. From the perspective of miniaturization, the thickness of the adhesive is preferably 5 mm or less. Furthermore, from the perspective of adhesive strength, the thickness of the adhesive is preferably 0.3 mm or more.

[0037] Returning to the description of FIG. 2 , both the top portion 301 and the bottom portion 302 of the inner housing 30 have openings 56. The openings 56 are one form of a magnetic flux passage structure and can be replaced with other structures that do not block magnetic flux. Examples of other replaceable structures include windows, slits, and non-magnetic materials. The inner housing 30 has beam members 303 and 304 extending along the sides 323 and 324 of the handle 32. The openings 56 in the inner housing 30 are at least partially defined by the beam members 303 and 304. The handle 32 is provided with one or more operation buttons 321 and 322, which are positioned at the positions of the openings 56 in the inner housing 30. Positioning the one or more operation buttons 321 and 322 at the positions of the openings 56 in the inner housing 30 allows the one or more operation buttons 321 and 322 to sink slightly when an operator operates the one or more operation buttons 321 and 322.

[0038] The chassis 38 is positioned in the opening 56 of the inner housing 30. A flexible printed circuit board 46 on which the magnetic sensor 40 and electronic components 50 are mounted is fixed to the chassis 38. The chassis 38 is fixed to the inner housing 30 with fasteners such as bolts to prevent the components fixed thereto from moving easily and from moving from their predetermined positions in the ultrasound probe 2. The fasteners such as bolts used to fix the chassis 38 may be made of a non-magnetic material such as fine ceramics. The magnetic sensor 40 corresponds to the magnetic sensor 12 in FIG. 1. The electronic components 50 may be an integrated circuit that processes signals and environmental information. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the rear end of the printed circuit board 46 is detachably connected to the cable 26 via a connector 48 (FIG. 5), and the front end of the printed circuit board 46 is detachably connected to the transducer module 28 via a connector (not shown). The chassis 38 is detachably fixed to the inner housing 30 with fasteners such as bolts. In the event of a malfunction or the like occurring in the magnetic sensor 40 and / or the electronic component 50, the chassis 38 including the printed circuit board 46 can be replaced with a new chassis through the opening 56 in the inner housing 30. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the chassis 38 is made of a non-magnetic material such as resin.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the inner housing 30 of the ultrasound probe 2, with a top portion 301 (FIG. 4) and a portion of the lens 22 removed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the inner housing 30 of the ultrasound probe 2 is composed of a top portion 301 located on the near side of the paper in FIG. 3 and a bottom portion 302 located on the far side of the paper in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom portion 302 of the inner housing 30 has multiple protrusions 52, and the top portion 301 of the inner housing 30 has multiple holes to receive the multiple protrusions 52, allowing for accurate alignment of the top portion 301 and the bottom portion 302. Some or all of the multiple protrusions 52 may be located on the top portion 301, and some or all of the multiple holes to receive them may be located on the bottom portion 302. The bottom portion 302 may further have a groove at the end that joins with the top portion 301, configured to receive a linear protrusion provided at the end of the top portion 301. The groove on the bottom surface side portion 302 and the linear protrusion on the top surface side portion 301 may have complementary shapes that allow them to be aligned with each other, and may be steps or the like that fit together.

[0040] The multiple protrusions 52 of the inner housing 30 can be replaced with fasteners such as bolts and nuts. The top portion 301 and the bottom portion 302 of the inner housing 30 are also bonded to each other with an adhesive. The front end of the inner housing 30 is bonded to the transducer module 28, and the rear end of the inner housing 30 is bonded to the cable 26. Because the ultrasonic probe 2 may be disinfected with a disinfectant and cleaned with a cleaning solution, a water-resistant adhesive such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin adhesive or an epoxy resin adhesive is preferred. The top portion 301 and the bottom portion 302 of the inner housing 30 can be bonded by other methods, such as welding. While the inner housing 30 is a rigid body made of metal, the cable 26 is flexible and relatively susceptible to liquid penetration. In a specific embodiment, the cable 26 and the inner housing 30 are provided with one or more complementary annular grooves and one or more complementary annular protrusions to prevent liquid from penetrating the interior of the ultrasonic probe 2. Air and water tightness can also be improved by placing one or more rubber O-rings in one or more annular grooves.

[0041] FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing the main components of the ultrasonic probe 2, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the chassis 38 built into the ultrasonic probe 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the rear end of the printed circuit board 46 of the chassis 38 is connected to the connector 48 of the cable 26. The front end of the printed circuit board 46 of the chassis 38 is connected to the transducer module 28. An inner lens 44 is attached to the transducer module 28, followed by a hard-shell lens 42. Next, the top portion 301 and the bottom portion 302 of the inner housing 30 are joined to each other so as to enclose or sandwich these components. Next, the top portion 241 and the bottom portion 242 of the probe case 24 are joined to each other so as to enclose or sandwich these components. The assembly method described in the embodiment of FIG. 4 can be implemented with various modifications. For example, the inner housing 30 can be manufactured as a single structure by additive manufacturing or casting, rather than being divided into the top portion 301 and the bottom portion 302. The inner housing 30 can also be made by joining parts that are divided in the front-rear or left-right direction. The probe case 24 can also be made by joining parts that are divided in the front-rear or left-right direction.

[0042] 5, in a specific embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic sensor 40 is disposed on the front end side of the printed circuit board 46 of the chassis 38, and the electronic component 50 is disposed on the rear end side thereof. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic sensor 40 has a built-in solenoid 60.

[0043] 6A to 6C are diagrams showing the arrangement of the solenoid 60 of the magnetic sensor 40 built into the ultrasonic probe 2 and the integrated circuit (electronic component) 50 built into the ultrasonic probe 2. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 40 supplies power from the cable 26 to the solenoid 60, causing the solenoid 60 to generate multiple magnetic flux lines 62. The solenoid 60 is an example of a magnetic flux line generator having a first pole and a second pole. The magnetic sensor 40 determines the position and direction of the solenoid 60 of the magnetic sensor 40 using changes in the signal of the magnetic flux lines due to the influence of the magnetic field of the transmitter 11.

[0044] FIG. 6A shows the case where the electronic component 50 is placed above the north pole of the solenoid 60, FIG. 6B shows the case where the electronic component 50 is placed to the side of the solenoid 60, and FIG. 6C shows the case where the electronic component 50 is placed diagonally above the north pole of the solenoid 60.

[0045] 6A to 6C, the inventors of the present application have confirmed that the magnetic flux lines of the solenoid 12 of the magnetic sensor 40 do not adversely affect the signal processing of the shielded electronic component 50, and that the presence of the electronic component 50 does not adversely affect the signal of the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic sensor 40. The inventors of the present application have confirmed that the electronic component 50 can be arranged in any orientation relative to the solenoid 60, such as vertically, horizontally, or twisted.

[0046] 7A to 7D are diagrams showing the arrangement of the solenoid 60 of the magnetic sensor 40 built into the ultrasonic probe 2 and the metal material of the inner housing 30 built into the ultrasonic probe 2. In this embodiment as well, the magnetic sensor 40 generates a plurality of magnetic flux lines 62 from the solenoid 60, and the magnetic sensor 40 determines the position and direction of the solenoid 60 of the magnetic sensor 40 based on changes in the signal of the magnetic flux lines.

[0047] As described above, the ultrasonic vibrator included in the ultrasonic probe vibrates in response to an applied voltage, generating heat as a component that generates ultrasonic waves. To dissipate the heat generated by the ultrasonic vibrator, the ultrasonic probe may include a metal inner housing 30 thermally connected to the ultrasonic vibrator. The inner housing 30 must have high thermal conductivity and be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper. From the perspective of weight reduction, aluminum is preferable to copper. Furthermore, a thin inner housing 30 prevents heat from building up around the ultrasonic vibrator and reduces its heat transfer ability, so a thickness of 1 mm or more is required. On the other hand, if the inner housing 30 is too thick, although its heat transfer ability improves, it becomes less easy to process and the ultrasonic probe's weight cannot be reduced; therefore, a thickness of 5 mm or less is required. More preferably, the inner housing 30 has a thickness of 2 to 4 mm.

[0048] Figure 7A shows the case where the metal of the inner housing 30 is placed above the N pole of the solenoid 60, Figure 7B shows the case where the metal of the inner housing 30 is placed to the side of the solenoid 60, Figure 7C shows the case where the metal of the inner housing 30 is placed diagonally above the N pole of the solenoid 60, and Figure 7D shows the case where the area above the N pole of the solenoid 60 is slightly open, while the area above and to the side of the N pole of the solenoid 60 is surrounded by the metal of the inner housing 30.

[0049] The inventors of the present invention have discovered that when the metal of the inner housing 30 blocks many of the magnetic flux line loops, as in Figures 7A and 7D, the magnetic sensor 40 will not function, whereas when the metal of the inner housing 30 does not block many of the magnetic flux line loops, as in Figures 7B and 7C, the magnetic sensor 40 will function sufficiently (or to the minimum extent necessary).

[0050] That is, when the metal is placed perpendicular to the magnetic flux direction as shown in Figure 7A, all of the magnetic flux emanating from the solenoid penetrates the metal and cannot be detected as a signal. When the metal is placed parallel to the metal as shown in Figure 7B, some of the magnetic flux penetrates the metal, but the remaining magnetic flux can be used as a signal (the magnetic flux on the right side of Figure 7B). When the metal is placed between perpendicular and parallel as shown in Figure 7C, the magnetic sensor 40 can function because only some of the magnetic flux penetrates the metal, just like in Figure 7B. However, when the arrangements of Figures 7B and 7C are combined as shown in Figure 7D, the amount of magnetic flux that does not penetrate the metal is reduced, resulting in a decrease in signal strength. In other words, the amount of magnetic flux density penetrating the metal has a significant impact on signal strength.

[0051] When the metal of the inner housing 30 interrupts many of the magnetic flux line loops, as shown in Figure 7D, the magnetic flux lines generate eddy currents in the metal of the inner housing 30. This means that magnetic energy is converted into electrical energy and lost. As a result, the magnetic sensor 40 is unable to detect changes in the magnetic flux line signal, causing the magnetic sensor 40 to lose its functionality. Eddy currents can generate magnetic forces, which can cause noise. While quantitative generalization is difficult because it depends on the intensity of the magnetic flux emitted from the solenoid 60 and the sensitivity of the receiving circuit, adopting a design in which the metal is positioned so that it does not penetrate the magnetic flux 62 emanating from the solenoid 60 and verifying the functionality of the magnetic sensor 40 can determine the placement of the metal so as not to significantly impair the functionality of the magnetic sensor 40.

[0052] In addition to the magnitude of the magnetic flux density penetrating the metal, the size and shape of the metal 30 also affect the signal strength of the magnetic sensor 40. This is because when the magnetic sensor 40 moves while magnetic flux is penetrating the metal 30, eddy currents 72 are generated within the metal 30. These eddy currents 72 generate an induced magnetic field 70 through electromagnetic induction, resulting in signal interference. The smaller the resistance of the metal and the larger the size, the larger the eddy currents 72 generated, and the greater the strength of the interfering magnetic field 70. The inner housing 30 is required to have high thermal conductivity, but metals with high thermal conductivity generally have low electrical resistance. To avoid these eddy currents 72, the metal 30 must be kept below a certain volume, while a large volume is required to dissipate heat. To solve the problem of eddy currents 72, it is effective to create slits or windows in the metal of the inner housing 30 to reduce the loop of the eddy currents 72. The slits or windows reduce the eddy current loop area, which reduces the magnetic flux of the induced magnetic field 70 generated according to Faraday's law and reduces the interference signal. Here, a slit refers to an open loop that starts from one end of a metal and ends on another end or within the metal, while a window refers to a closed loop that starts within the metal and ends within the metal. Windows and slits in the inner housing 30 are different from openings for fastening or other purposes; they remain free of fasteners even during operation of the ultrasonic probe 2. Windows and slits can be reinforced by filling them with a non-magnetic material. The thermal conductivity of the inner housing 30 can also be increased by filling them with a non-magnetic material with high thermal conductivity, such as thermally conductive nylon resin. Using a resin with high thermal conductivity improves the rigidity and thermal conductivity of the inner housing 30, allowing for an increase in the area and / or volume of the magnetic flux line passage structure. While the thermal conductivity of typical nylon is approximately 0.2 W / m·K, a highly thermally conductive resin has a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m·K or higher. Furthermore, in areas where eddy currents need to be prevented in the inner housing 30, for example, silicon can be added to the metal of the inner housing 30 to increase electrical resistance, or a laminated structure can be partially introduced to reduce eddy currents.

[0053] 8A shows eddy currents 72 generated in metal 30 without slits 68, and Fig. 8B shows eddy currents 72 generated in metal 30 with slits 68. When slits 68 are provided, as shown in Fig. 8B, the large loop eddy currents 72 generated in Fig. 8A do not occur, but small loop eddy currents 72 separated by slits 68 occur. As described above, a qualitative design rule can be established whereby slits 68 are inserted into metal 30 to prevent the generation of large eddy currents 72 when the metal has a volume equal to or greater than a certain level. However, because the allowable metal size and other factors are determined by the magnetic flux 62 emanating from solenoid 60 and the sensitivity of the receiving circuit, quantitative generalization is not necessarily easy.

[0054] 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an inner housing 30 that does not significantly affect the magnetic flux lines 62 of the solenoid 60. As shown in the figure, the N pole of the solenoid 60 is arranged at the top (toward the front end 34 of the ultrasonic probe 2). The N pole of the solenoid 60 may also be arranged at the bottom (toward the rear end 36 of the ultrasonic probe 2). However, orienting the N pole of the solenoid 60 horizontally is not preferable because the magnetic flux lines 62 are blocked by the beam members 303 and 304 of the inner housing 30. The beam members 303 and 304 of the inner housing 30 extend along both side portions 323 and 324 of the ultrasonic probe 2 and are located in the handle 32 where the operator holds the ultrasonic probe 2. Since the beam members 303 and 304 need to provide the rigidity of the ultrasonic probe 2, it is not easy to provide slits 68 in the beam members 303 and 304.

[0055] The inner housing 30 must be in contact as evenly as possible with the ultrasonic transducer 28, which is located at the front end 34 of the ultrasonic probe 2 and dissipate heat toward the rear end 36. Therefore, the front end 305 of the inner housing 30 preferably extends across the entire width of the ultrasonic probe 2. To simultaneously satisfy the requirements of heat conduction, not blocking magnetic flux lines, and not generating large loop eddy currents, the inner housing 30 shown in FIG. 9 includes a first window 64 and a second window 66 at the front end 305 that allow magnetic flux lines to pass through. The first window 64 and the second window 66 can be replaced by other magnetic flux-passing structures, such as by disposing a non-metallic material. The first window 64 and the second window 66 are positioned and sized to allow passage of a detectable amount of magnetic flux from the transmitter 11.

[0056] 10 is a diagram showing the shape of the inner housing 30 and the positions of the magnetic sensor 40 and electronic components 50 disposed within the inner housing 30. In FIG. 10, the inner housing 30 is connected to the cable 26 and has a built-in chassis 38. A printed circuit board 46 on which the magnetic sensor 40 and electronic components 50 are disposed is fixed to the chassis 38. The chassis 38 also limits movement of the magnetic sensor 40 due to electromagnetic induction. The chassis 38 is accessible through an opening 56 in the inner housing 30, facilitating assembly of the ultrasound probe 2 and replacement of the chassis 38.

[0057] In the example of FIG. 10 , the front end 305 of the inner housing 30 includes a slit 681 in the center of the front end 305 of the inner housing 30, extending from the edge of the front end 305 to the opening 56 and completely dividing the front end 305 into left and right halves, and T-shaped slits 682 and 683 located on the left and right sides of the slit 681. The slit 681 extends along the longitudinal axis 37. To uniformly distribute heat generated in the transducer module 28 and promote heat conduction to the rear end 305, the width of the slit 681 is set to 1 to 5 mm, preferably 2 to 4 mm, and more preferably 2.5 to 3.5 mm. The widths of the other slits 682, 683, and 684 shown in FIG. 10 are set similarly. The rear end 306 of the inner housing 30 includes a T-shaped slit 684 extending from the opening 56 toward the cable 26. The left and right portions of the front end 305 are supported by the rear end 306, which is not completely divided. A window (not shown) may be provided in each of the left and right portions of the front end 305. A window 385 may be provided in the left beam member 303, and a window 386 may be provided in the right beam member 304.

[0058] The bottom portion (bottom half) 302 of the inner housing 30, located at the back of the page in FIG. 10 , can also have slits and windows in exactly the same positions and shapes as the top portion 301 of the inner housing 30. Because the inner housing 30 accounts for a large proportion of the total weight of the ultrasonic probe 2, making the slits and windows symmetrical on both the left and right sides and on the top and bottom can provide a weight balance that is easy for the operator to operate. That is, the ultrasonic probe 2 can be symmetrical in terms of shape and weight, and on the top and bottom. Furthermore, by adjusting the size and number of slits and windows provided in the front end 305 and rear end 306 of the inner housing 30, the front-to-back weight balance of the ultrasonic probe 2 can be adjusted. In the example of FIG. 10 , the front end 34 of the ultrasonic probe 2 is heavier than the rear end 36. This weight balance makes it easy to immerse the ultrasonic probe 2 in a disinfectant or cleaning solution with the front end 34 facing downwards.

[0059] The shape of the inner housing 30 and the arrangement of the magnetic sensor 40 and electronic component 50 shown in Figure 10 allows the inner housing 30 to perform the required heat dissipation function (ensuring continuous operation), the magnetic sensor 40 to perform the function of detecting the position and direction of the ultrasonic probe 2, and the electronic component 50 to perform the required signal processing and environmental information acquisition functions without signal interference caused by the induced magnetic field 70 generated by electromagnetic induction from the eddy current 72 generated in the inner housing 30.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the magnetic sensor 40 supplies power from the cable 26 to the solenoid 60, which generates multiple magnetic flux lines 62. The magnetic sensor 40 determines the position and direction of the solenoid 60 based on changes in the magnetic flux line signals caused by the influence of the magnetic field of the transmitter 11. However, the present invention can also be applied to magnetic sensors that use Hall elements, magnetoresistance elements, magneto-impedance elements, GSR (GHz-Spin-Rotation) elements, Faraday elements, or other types of magnetic sensors as the magnetic sensor 40. That is, a magnetic flux line passage structure, such as a slit, window, or non-magnetic material, provided in the inner housing 30 allows the magnetic flux lines of the transmitter 11 outside the ultrasound probe 2 to reach the inside of the inner housing 30, and the magnetic sensor 40 located inside the inner housing 30 can detect the magnetic flux lines from the transmitter 11.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the magnetic sensor 40 is described as being placed inside the ultrasonic probe 2. However, instead of this embodiment, the transmitter 11 may be placed inside the ultrasonic probe 2, and one or more magnetic sensors placed outside the ultrasonic probe 2 may detect the magnetic field from inside the ultrasonic probe 2, thereby enabling the position and direction of the ultrasonic probe 2 to be identified.

[0062] Furthermore, components related to magnetic force can be disposed inside the ultrasonic probe 2 regardless of detection of the position and / or orientation of the ultrasonic probe 2. In other words, it is sufficient that a magnetic field generating element and / or a magnetic field receiving element are present inside the ultrasonic probe 2. With regard to the magnetic field generating element, for example, an electromagnet can be disposed inside the ultrasonic probe 2, and when the electromagnet is turned on, movable magnetic objects present inside the imaging target can be attracted by magnetic force to obtain an image of the interior of the imaging target, and when the electromagnet is turned off, an image of the interior of the imaging target can be obtained without attracting the movable magnetic objects present inside the imaging target. In such cases, the magnetic flux line passage structure provided in the inner housing 30 functions effectively.

[0063] The invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1: Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 2: Ultrasonic probe 3: Transmit / receive beamformer 4: Echo data processing section 5: Display processing section 6: Display section 7:Operation unit 8: Control unit 9: Storage part 11:Transmitter 12: Magnetic sensor 13: Table 22: Lens 24: Probe case 241:Top side part 242: Bottom side part 26: Cable 28: Vibrator module 30: Inner housing 301:Top side part 302: Bottom side part 303, 304: Girder members 305: Front end 306: Rear end 32: Handle 321, 322: Operation buttons 323, 324: Side 34: Front end 36: Rear end 37: Longitudinal axis 38: Chassis 40: Magnetic sensor 42: Hard shell lens 44: Inner lens 46: Printed circuit board 48: Connector 50: Electronic Components / Integrated Circuits 52: Protrusion 54: Protrusion 56: Opening 58: Groove 60: Solenoid 62: Magnetic flux lines 64: First Window 66: Second Window 68: Slit 681, 682, 683, 684: Slits 685, 686: Windows 70: Induced magnetic field 72: Eddy current 100: Ultrasound diagnostic system

Claims

1. An ultrasound probe, An ultrasonic vibrator; a metallic inner housing thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer; a magnetic flux generator disposed at a position at least partially surrounded by the inner housing and having a first pole and a second pole; Equipped with The ultrasonic probe, wherein the inner housing includes a flux line passing structure for passing magnetic flux lines emanating from the first pole and returning to the second pole.

2. the magnetic flux generator is included in a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic field of a transmitter disposed outside the ultrasonic probe; The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the magnetic flux line passing structure has a position and size that allows passage of a detectable amount of magnetic flux of the magnetic field of the transmitter.

3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 , wherein the magnetic flux line passing structure includes one or more of a slit, a window, and a non-metallic material.

4. The ultrasound probe according to claim 2 , wherein the magnetic sensor detects a position and / or an orientation of the ultrasound probe.

5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 , wherein the magnetic flux generator includes a solenoid that generates a magnetic force when supplied with power.

6. The ultrasonic probe of claim 5 , further comprising a cable disposed at the rear end of the ultrasonic probe and supplying the power to the solenoid.

7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 , further comprising a chassis that fixes the magnetic sensor at a predetermined position within the inner housing, the chassis being made of a resin material.

8. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 , further comprising a probe case that houses the inner housing therein.

9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 8 , wherein the probe case is adhered to the inner housing by an adhesive.

10. the probe case includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second side surfaces connected to the top surface and the bottom surface; The inner housing (30) includes a first beam member (303) extending along a first side of the probe case and a second beam member (304) extending along a second side of the probe case; the magnetic sensor is disposed between the first beam member and the second beam member; 9. The ultrasonic probe of claim 8, wherein the first pole and the second pole are disposed along a longitudinal axis (37) extending from a front end of the ultrasonic probe to a rear end of the ultrasonic probe.

11. 11. The ultrasonic probe of claim 10, wherein the ultrasonic probe includes at least one operation button on the top surface of the probe case, the at least one operation button being positioned between the first beam member and the second beam member.

12. The shape of the outer surface of the inner housing is configured to correspond to the shape of the inner surface of the probe case; 9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 8, wherein a gap formed between the probe case and the inner housing is 5 mm or less.

13. 11. The ultrasonic probe of claim 10, wherein the probe case is made of resin, and the inner housing provides a main rigidity of the ultrasonic probe.

14. 14. The ultrasonic probe of claim 13, wherein the ultrasonic probe has a rectangular cross section in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (37) extending from its front end to its rear end.

15. the ultrasonic transducer is disposed at a front end of the ultrasonic probe; the inner housing extends from the front end to the rear end of the ultrasonic probe; the front end of the inner housing has a first front end and a second front end completely separated by a first slit; 3. The ultrasonic probe of claim 2, wherein the first front end and the second front end are supported by a partially unsplit rear end of the inner housing.

16. The ultrasound probe of claim 15 , wherein the first front end and / or the second front end comprises one or more windows.

17. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 , wherein the inner housing has a thickness of 1 to 5 mm.

18. An ultrasound probe, An ultrasonic vibrator; a metallic inner housing thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer; a magnetic sensor disposed at a position at least partially surrounded by the inner housing; Equipped with The ultrasonic probe, wherein the inner housing has a magnetic flux line passing structure that passes magnetic flux lines for detecting a magnetic field generated by a transmitter disposed outside the ultrasonic probe.

19. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising the ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. an ultrasonic diagnostic device comprising the ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 2 to 18; the transmitter generating a magnetic field that is detected by the magnetic sensor; An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising:

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