Ultrasonic irradiation device, ultrasonic diagnostic system, thermal insulation component for the outer casing of ultrasonic irradiation device, and method for manufacturing ultrasonic irradiation device

Abstract

The rear portion of the outer casing, which is thermally connected to the heat-conducting components, is thermally isolated from the metal front portion of the outer casing. [Solution] In one embodiment, an ultrasonic irradiation device is provided. The ultrasonic irradiation device includes an ultrasonic transducer positioned in front of the ultrasonic irradiation device, an outer casing surrounding the ultrasonic transducer, and a heat conduction component that is thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer and transmits the heat generated by the ultrasonic transducer. The outer casing includes (1) a metal front portion, (2) a rear portion, and (3) a thermal insulating component positioned between the front portion and the rear portion, and the rear portion of the outer casing and the heat conduction component are thermally connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic irradiation device, and particularly to a heat insulation component for an exterior case of an ultrasonic irradiation device.

Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic irradiation devices have been used as ultrasonic diagnostic devices for collecting ultrasonic images of living bodies or structures other than living bodies, ultrasonic treatment devices for destroying tumors or calculi in living bodies, nerve stimulation devices for stimulating nerves in living bodies to release predetermined neurotransmitters, and the like.

[0003] Such ultrasonic irradiation devices may be exposed to physical impacts or high external stresses. Physical impacts or high external stresses on the ultrasonic irradiation device may be caused by the device falling onto the floor, or incorrect operations or actions by the operator or transporter. Physical impacts or high external stresses on the ultrasonic irradiation device may damage the resin exterior case that conventional ultrasonic irradiation devices generally have. Therefore, there is a need for an exterior case that does not get damaged even when physical impacts or high external stresses occur on the ultrasonic irradiation device. Also, in some cases, high durability and high impact resistance are required for the exterior case of the ultrasonic irradiation device according to the expected usage environment, such as an ultrasonic imaging diagnostic device used by military doctors on the battlefield.

[0004] Metal materials often have higher durability and higher impact resistance than the resin materials used as the exterior cases of conventional ultrasonic irradiation devices. Therefore, it is possible to consider forming the exterior case of the ultrasonic irradiation device with metal.

[0005] However, if the tip of the ultrasonic irradiation device's outer casing is made of metal, the heat capacity of the tip of the casing increases, making it impossible to use ultrasonic irradiation devices with metal casings in a variety of temperature environments. In particular, in applications where the tip of the ultrasonic irradiation device's outer casing is required to come into contact with living organisms, such as humans or other animals, the problem arises that the tip of the ultrasonic irradiation device's outer casing will give the living organism a cold sensation when it comes into contact with the living organism. In particular, when in contact with children or laboratory animals, it is important to avoid causing stress due to temperature differences. Furthermore, if the tip of the ultrasonic irradiation device's outer casing reaches below freezing point, it may stick to the skin of the living organism, making it impossible to immediately separate the two.

[0006] Conversely, the temperature of the tip of the ultrasonic irradiation device's outer casing may exceed the temperature of the body being contacted. The ultrasonic transducer in the ultrasonic irradiation device generates ultrasound through the vibration of its element, and this vibration generates heat. In addition, electronic components enclosed within the ultrasonic irradiation device's outer casing may also become heat sources. It is desirable to prevent these heat sources from raising the temperature of the tip of the ultrasonic irradiation device's outer casing to an undesirable level. If the temperature of the tip of the ultrasonic irradiation device's outer casing rises to an undesirable level, it may also cause stress to the body being contacted.

[0007] Furthermore, even when the object being contacted by the ultrasonic irradiation device is a structure other than a living organism, the temperature of the tip of the ultrasonic irradiation device's outer casing can cause problems. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the speed of ultrasound changes with temperature. If the temperature of the tip of the ultrasonic irradiation device's outer casing results in an uneven temperature distribution on the object being contacted, it can lead to the problem of uneven speed at which ultrasound travels within the object. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2023-525162 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can form the tip of the outer casing of an ultrasonic irradiation device out of metal to provide high durability and impact resistance, while eliminating or reducing the various problems caused by the temperature difference between the tip of the outer casing and the object in contact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In a first aspect of this disclosure, an ultrasonic irradiation device is provided. The ultrasonic irradiation device includes an ultrasonic transducer positioned in front of the ultrasonic irradiation device, an outer casing surrounding the ultrasonic transducer, and a heat conduction component that is thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer and transmits heat generated by the ultrasonic transducer. The outer casing includes (1) a metal front portion, (2) a rear portion, and (3) a thermal insulating component positioned between the front portion and the rear portion, wherein the rear portion of the outer casing and the heat conduction component are thermally connected.

[0011] In a second aspect of this disclosure, an ultrasound diagnostic system is provided. The ultrasound diagnostic system includes an ultrasound probe for obtaining an ultrasound image, an ultrasound irradiation device having the features of the first aspect of this disclosure, a processor that processes echo signals received from the ultrasound probe using an image generation program and generates an ultrasound image, and a non-temporary storage medium for storing the image generation program.

[0012] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a thermal insulating component for the enclosure of an ultrasonic irradiation device is provided. The ultrasonic irradiation device includes an ultrasonic transducer positioned in front of the ultrasonic irradiation device, an enclosure surrounding the ultrasonic transducer, and a thermal conductive component that is thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer and transmits the heat generated by the ultrasonic transducer. The enclosure includes (1) a metal front portion, (2) a rear portion, and (3) a thermal insulating component positioned between the front portion and the rear portion, wherein the rear portion of the enclosure and the thermal conductive component are thermally connected.

[0013] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic irradiation device having the features of the first aspect of this disclosure. The method for manufacturing an ultrasonic irradiation device comprises the steps of: manufacturing a thermal insulating component by one or more of injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, vacuum forming, compression molding, 3D printing, and machining; connecting an ultrasonic transducer to the front end of a heat conductive component; fixing the ultrasonic transducer to the front portion of an outer casing; bonding the thermal insulating component to the front portion of the outer casing with an adhesive; thermally connecting the heat conductive component to the rear portion of the outer casing; and bonding the thermal insulating component to the rear portion of the outer casing with an adhesive. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the internal structure of an ultrasonic irradiation device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the internal structure of an ultrasonic irradiation device. [Figure 4] This is a magnified view of a thermal insulation component. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of other thermal insulation components. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal insulation component. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of an ultrasound probe. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the method for manufacturing an ultrasonic probe. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described. Note that the invention claimed in the embodiments described here is not limited. In particular, in the present disclosure, a medical ultrasonic diagnostic system will be described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to ultrasonic inspection systems, ultrasonic inspection devices, and ultrasonic probes for non-destructive inspection of buildings, structures, various mechanical devices, etc. Further, the present invention can be embodied as an ultrasonic treatment device that destroys tumors and calculi in the living body, a nerve stimulation device that stimulates nerves in the living body to release a predetermined neurotransmitter, and the like.

[0016] Also, throughout this specification and the entire claims, unless the context or language indicates otherwise, the limiting components of the scope can be combined and exchanged.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic system 1.

[0018] The ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 2, a transmission beamformer 3, a transmitter 4, a receiver 5, a reception beamformer 6, a processor 7, a display unit 8, a memory 9, and a user interface 10. The ultrasonic probe 2 is an example of the ultrasonic irradiation device of the present invention.

[0019] The ultrasonic probe 2 has a plurality of vibrating elements 2a arranged in an array. The transmission beamformer 3 and the transmitter 4 drive a plurality of vibrating elements 2a arranged in the ultrasonic probe 2 via an electronic component 2b incorporating the vibrating elements 2a, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the vibrating elements 2a. The ultrasonic waves transmitted from the vibrating elements 2a are reflected in the subject, and the reflected echo is received by the vibrating elements 2a. The vibrating elements 2a convert the received echo into an electrical signal and output this electrical signal as an echo signal to the receiver 5 via the incorporated electronic component 2b. The receiver 5 executes predetermined processing on the echo signal and outputs it to the reception beamformer 6. The reception beamformer 6 executes reception beamforming on the signal received from the receiver 5 and outputs echo data.

[0020] The receiving beamformer 6 may be a hardware beamformer or a software beamformer. When the receiving beamformer 6 is a software beamformer, the receiving beamformer 6 may include one or more processors including one or more of i) a graphics processing unit (GPU), ii) a microprocessor, iii) a central processing unit (CPU), iv) a digital signal processor (DSP), and v) other types of processors capable of performing logical operations. The processor(s) constituting the receiving beamformer 6 may be constituted by a processor different from the processor 7 or may be constituted by the processor 7.

[0021] The ultrasonic probe 2 may include an electric circuit for performing all or part of transmission beamforming and / or receiving beamforming. For example, all or part of the transmission beamformer 3, the transmitter 4, the receiver 5, and the receiving beamformer 6 may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0022] When the ultrasonic irradiation device is embodied not as an ultrasonic diagnostic device for collecting ultrasonic images of a living body or a structure other than the living body, but as an ultrasonic treatment device for destroying tumors or calculi in the living body or a nerve stimulation device for stimulating nerves in the living body to release a predetermined neurotransmitter, at least the receiver 5 and the receiving beamformer 6 become unnecessary components.

[0023] Returning to the example of the ultrasound diagnostic system, the processor 7 controls the transmitting beamformer 3, transmitter 4, receiver 5, and receiving beamformer 6. The processor 7 also communicates electronically with the ultrasound probe 2. The processor 7 controls which of the vibrating elements 2a is active and the shape of the ultrasound beam transmitted from the ultrasound probe 2. The processor 7 also communicates electronically with the display unit 8. The processor 7 can process echo data to generate an ultrasound image. The term "electronic communication" can be defined to include both wired and wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the processor 7 may include a central processing unit (CPU). According to another embodiment, the processor 7 may include other electronic components or one or more processors capable of performing processing functions, such as a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or other types of processors. According to another embodiment, the processor 7 may include multiple electronic components capable of performing processing functions. For example, the processor 7 may include two or more electronic components selected from a list of electronic components, including a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array, and a graphics processing unit.

[0024] Furthermore, the processor 7 can generate various ultrasound images (e.g., B-mode images, color Doppler images, M-mode images, color M-mode images, spectral Doppler images, elastography images, TVI images, strain images, strain velocity images, etc.) based on the data obtained by processing by the receiving beamformer 6. Additionally, one or more modules can generate these ultrasound images.

[0025] Image beams and / or image frames are stored, and timing information indicating when the data was acquired into memory can be recorded. The module may include, for example, a scan transformation module that performs scan transformation operations to convert image frames from coordinate beam space to display space coordinates. A video processor module may also be provided that reads image frames from memory while a procedure is being performed on a subject and displays the image frames in real time. The video processor module can store image frames in image memory, and ultrasound images are read from image memory and displayed on the display unit 8.

[0026] In this specification, the term "image" can broadly refer to both visible images and data representing visible images. The term "data" may include raw data, which is ultrasound data before scan transformation, and image data, which is data after scan transformation.

[0027] Furthermore, the processing tasks described above, which are handled by processor 7, may be performed by multiple processors.

[0028] Furthermore, if the receiving beamformer 6 is a software beamformer, the processing performed by the beamformer may be carried out by a single processor or by multiple processors.

[0029] The display unit 8 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display unit, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display unit. The display unit 8 displays ultrasound images.

[0030] Memory 9 is any known data storage medium. For example, an ultrasound imaging system includes both non-transient and transient storage media as memory. An ultrasound imaging system may also include multiple memory sources. Non-transient storage media are non-volatile storage media such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and ROMs (Read Only Memory). Non-transient storage media can also include portable storage media such as CDs (Compact Disks) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks). Programs executed by processor 7 are stored in non-transient storage media. Transient storage media are volatile storage media such as RAM (Random Access Memory). Memory 9 does not need to be on-site; it can be distributed across a cloud connected via a communication network.

[0031] Memory 9 stores one or more instructions that can be executed by the processor 7. These one or more instructions cause the processor 7 to perform various operations.

[0032] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the ultrasound probe 2 shown in Figure 1, and is a front view of the inside of the ultrasound probe 2. In this embodiment, the ultrasound probe 2 is a convex-shaped ultrasound probe, but other shapes of ultrasound probes such as bronchoscopy ultrasound probes and transesophageal ultrasound probes may also be used. In the convex-shaped ultrasound probe, the longitudinal axis (y-axis) extends in the vertical direction of the paper in Figure 2, the x-axis extends in the horizontal direction of the paper in Figure 2, and the z-axis extends in the depth direction of the paper in Figure 2.

[0033] Convex-shaped ultrasound probes are commonly used in abdominal ultrasound examinations and other procedures. A convex-shaped ultrasound probe has an outer casing 20 where the width in the x-axis direction is greater than the thickness in the z-axis direction. The cross-section of the convex-shaped ultrasound probe's outer casing 20 perpendicular to the y-axis (a cross-section along the xz-plane) is roughly rectangular with rounded corners. Figure 2 shows the internal structure of an ultrasound probe 2 with the front portion of the outer casing removed, exposing the internal structure.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, an ultrasonic transducer 16 is positioned in front of the ultrasonic irradiation device. The ultrasonic transducer 16 in Figure 2 corresponds to the vibrating element 2a in Figure 1. The ultrasonic transducer 16 may contain a crystalline element that is susceptible to damage from external impacts. The ultrasonic transducer 16 generates ultrasound through vibration, and as a byproduct, it also generates heat. The heat conduction component 22 is thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer directly or via another component and transmits the heat generated by the ultrasonic transducer toward the rear end of the ultrasonic probe 2. In the example in Figure 2, the heat conduction component 22 is thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer 16 via a signal extraction / thermal connection structure 18. The signal extraction / thermal connection structure 18 is thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer 16. In the case of an ultrasonic probe 2 that acquires ultrasonic images, the ultrasonic transducer 16 rises to about 45°C during use. Contact with metal at 45°C is often expected to be too hot for the object being contacted, causing unpleasant stress. In the example shown in Figure 2, the heat conduction component 22 comprises a first heat conduction component 221 extending in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) and a second heat conduction component 223 extending in the lateral direction (x-axis direction). The first heat conduction component 221 and the second heat conduction component 223 are thermally connected to each other. When connecting the heat conduction components, in addition to fixing them together with fasteners or welding, the contact area between them can also be increased by applying a known thermal conductive grease containing metal particles.

[0035] The outer casing 20 includes a front portion 201, a rear portion 203, and a thermal insulation component 24 positioned between the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203. The rear portion 203 includes a handle portion for the operator of the ultrasonic probe 2 to hold the ultrasonic probe 2. In this example, the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20 is made of metal and surrounds the ultrasonic transducer 16. The metal material of the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20 has higher durability and impact resistance than the resin material that has been used as the outer casing of conventional ultrasonic irradiation devices. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the tip of the probe or the internal crystal element due to accidental dropping or impact of the ultrasonic probe 2 is greatly reduced. The front end of the ultrasonic transducer 16 is covered by a resin acoustic lens 12. The front portion 201 of the outer casing 20 can provide a greater degree of protection for the ultrasonic transducer 16 and the acoustic lens 12 from external impacts and stresses than conventional resin outer casings. The front portion 201 of the outer casing 20 can be made of stainless steel, titanium, aluminum alloy, etc. The first heat conduction component 221 and the second heat conduction component 223 can be made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, etc., which have high thermal conductivity. The heat conduction component 22 can be processed to enhance its thermal conductivity, for example, by applying a copper coating. An adhesive is applied between the front portion 201 of the metal outer casing 20 and the ultrasonic transducer 16. The front portion 201 of the metal outer casing 20 and the ultrasonic transducer 16 are thermally insulated by the adhesive or a combination of the adhesive and the acoustic lens 12. The adhesive used here can be, for example, an epoxy resin adhesive or a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) adhesive. When assembling the ultrasonic probe, epoxy resin adhesives or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) adhesives can also be used for other parts.

[0036] In the example in Figure 2, the front end of the first heat conduction component 221 is thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer 16 via the signal extraction / thermal connection structure 18. The rear end of the first heat conduction component 221 is thermally connected to the central part of the second heat conduction component 223. Both ends of the second heat conduction component 223 are thermally connected to the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20. As previously mentioned, the rear portion 203 may include a handle portion for the operator of the ultrasonic probe 2 to hold the ultrasonic probe 2, and in certain embodiments, the second heat conduction component 223 is thermally connected to the handle portion of the rear portion 203. As previously mentioned, in the case of the ultrasonic probe 2 that acquires ultrasonic images, the ultrasonic transducer 16 rises to about 45°C during use. Contact with metal at 45°C is often expected to be too hot for the object being contacted and cause uncomfortable stress. However, due to heat conduction from the heat conduction component 22 to the handle portion, the temperature is often reduced to a temperature that is comfortable rather than too hot for the operator.

[0037] The rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 can be made of stainless steel, titanium, aluminum alloy, etc., similar to the front portion 201. The rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 is thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer 16 via a first heat conduction component 221 and a second heat conduction component 223, thereby enabling heat generated by the ultrasonic transducer 16 to be dissipated from the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20. The multiple arrows shown in Figure 2 illustrate the heat conduction path 225 and the heat dissipation process. The rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 may be made of the same metal as the front portion 201, or it may be made of a different metal. In other embodiments, the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 is made of a resin material. In other embodiments, the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 is made of a combination of resin and metal materials. When the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 is made of a combination of resin and metal materials, the part where the operator of the ultrasonic probe 2 is expected to hold the ultrasonic probe 2 can be made of resin, and the other parts can be made of metal. When the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 is made of resin where the operator of the ultrasonic probe 2 holds the ultrasonic probe 2, and the other parts can be made of metal, there is an advantage in that it prevents heat from the heat conduction component 22 from being directly transferred to the operator, while promoting heat dissipation from the metal part of the rear portion 203. Various coatings can be applied to the metal parts of the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203, making it possible to increase resistance to corrosion by acid and to make it feel good to the touch. When the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 is made of metal only, the heat dissipation performance can be improved compared to when resin is included. The metal part of the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 becomes a heat dissipation section 2037 that is thermally connected to the heat conduction component 22.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 2, the heat conduction component 22 is composed of a first heat conduction component 221 and a second heat conduction component 223 combined in an inverted T-shape, but the heat conduction component 22 can also be a single component formed in an inverted T-shape. Furthermore, various shapes defined by straight lines and curves, such as an inverted Y-shape, inverted V-shape, inverted U-shape, X-shape, and O-shape, can be adopted. The heat conduction component 22 does not need to be planar; for example, it can be a three-dimensional shape such as a trumpet shape or a bamboo broom shape, and the heat conduction component 22 can be connected not only to the lateral portion of the rear portion 203, but also to the front portion and rear portion of the rear portion 203. This increases the heat dissipation path and enhances the heat dissipation effect. In a particular embodiment, the heat conduction component 22 is connected to the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 at a position other than the position where the operator is expected to hold the ultrasonic probe assembly. This prevents the heat transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer 16 from being directly transferred to the operator's hand.

[0039] A thermal insulation component 24 positioned between the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 thermally insulates the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203. The thermal insulation component 24 is made of a resin with a thermal conductivity of 0.38 W / m·K or less. Specifically, the resin can be made of polyphenylene sulfide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyamide-imide, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PET), etc. Since the resin used to make the thermal insulation component 24 becomes part of the outer casing 20, it is required not only to have low thermal conductivity but also, in principle, to have high water resistance, chemical resistance, and impact resistance. The ultrasonic probe 2 contains electronic components connected to the ultrasonic transducer 16 inside the outer casing 20. The electronic components are vulnerable to moisture and / or chemicals that are expected to come into contact with the outer casing 20. The thermal insulation component 24 is required to have water resistance and chemical resistance so as not to become a pathway for moisture or chemicals to penetrate. However, although Bakelite is a water-absorbing material, for example, it can be used as a thermal insulation component 24 by applying a waterproofing treatment to the thermal insulation component 24 itself or to the electronic component 2b that is embedded in it. The thermal insulation component 24 can be manufactured by one or more of the following methods: injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, vacuum forming, compression molding, 3D printing, or machining.

[0040] The thermal insulation component 24 can be a solid member formed from the resin described above. In another embodiment, the thermal insulation component 24 can be a hollow member formed from the resin described above. The internal cavity of the hollow member can be filled with air or an inert gas. The internal cavity of the hollow member can be reinforced with, for example, a honeycomb structure to prevent deformation due to stress generated by the use of the ultrasonic probe 2. In another embodiment, a vacuum insulation panel (VIP) can be used for the thermal insulation component 24. A vacuum insulation panel (VIP) can be made by placing an insulating core material such as glass fiber or foamed urethane into an outer bag made of a composite film with gas barrier properties, and then creating a vacuum inside. Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) are used as insulation panels for refrigerators, etc.

[0041] The thermal insulation component 24 in Figure 2 can be replaced, for example, with one of the shape shown in Figure 3. The thermal insulation component 24 shown in Figure 3 includes a cylindrical member 249. The cylindrical member 249 includes an inner surface 2495, a first outer surface 2491 facing the inner surface of the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20, and a second outer surface 2493 facing the inner surface of the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20. The first surface 241 and the second surface 243 of the thermal insulation component 24 extend from the cylindrical member 249 to the outer surface of the outer casing 20. The flange member of the thermal insulation component 24 is defined by the first surface 241 and the second surface 243. The cylindrical member 249 and the flange member of the thermal insulation component 24 are manufactured as a single, integrally formed component. In other embodiments, the cylindrical member 249 and the flange member of the thermal insulation component 24 are manufactured as separate components and bonded to each other. Both can be made from different materials or from the same material. The first outer surface 2491 and the second outer surface 2493 of the cylindrical member 249 can be joined to the inner surface of the front portion 201 and the inner surface of the rear portion 203, respectively, with adhesive. When the first outer surface 2491 and the second outer surface 2493 of the cylindrical member 249 are joined to the inner surface of the front portion 201 and the inner surface of the rear portion 203, respectively, with adhesive, the strength against shear force acting in a direction perpendicular to the y-axis can be increased.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a heater 26 can optionally be placed on the inner wall of the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20. The heater 26 is thermally connected to the front portion 201 and can raise the temperature of the front portion 201. The heater 26 may consist of a heating wire extending around the entire circumference of the inner wall of the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20. The heating wire can also be replaced with a heating film that provides surface heating. The heater 26 is configured to generate heat to 30°C to 70°C, more preferably 40°C to 60°C, and even more preferably 45°C to 55°C. The heater 26 can be positioned to cover areas that a patient, the object of contact, may come into contact with. The heater 26 receives power from a power line 28 that transmits power from a cable 30 (described later) to the heater 26 and generates heat.

[0043] The heater 26 can be automatically turned on and off according to a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20. The temperature sensor can be a mechanical thermostat switch with a built-in bimetallic strip. Alternatively, the temperature sensor can be an electrical sensor using a thermistor or thermocouple.

[0044] In other embodiments, the heater 26 can be turned on and off by a manual switch located in the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 of the ultrasonic probe 2. The on / off control of the heater 26 can also be performed by operator input via the user interface 10 (Figure 1). The operator of the ultrasonic probe 2 can check the temperature of the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20 by touching it and turn the heater 26 on and off with the manual switch. In certain embodiments, the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20 includes a portion to which a thermopigment that changes color with temperature or a temperature-sensitive paint has been applied. The operator of the ultrasonic probe 2 can check the temperature of the front portion 201 by visually inspecting the portion to which the thermopigment or temperature-sensitive paint has been applied and turn the heater 26 on and off with the manual switch.

[0045] In an ultrasonic probe 2 having a front portion 201 of a metal outer casing 20, a thermal insulating component 24 thermally separates the front portion 201 that comes into contact with the patient from the rear portion 203 that contributes to heat dissipation. In addition, a heater 26 adjusts the front portion 201 to an appropriate temperature before use of the ultrasonic probe 2, thereby reducing the risk of causing temperature discomfort to the patient while maintaining heat dissipation performance.

[0046] Returning to Figure 1 and continuing the explanation, the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 includes a probe holder 11 that houses at least the tip of the probe 2 inside. The probe holder 11 can be positioned in a location easily accessible to the operator, such as next to the keyboard of the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 or on the headboard of the examination table where the patient lies. The probe holder 11 is equipped with a heater 11a. The heater 11a of the probe holder 11 can be called an external heater 11a because it is located outside the probe 2. The probe holder 11 can activate the heater 11a when it detects that the probe 2 is inserted into the probe holder 11 while the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 is operating. The probe holder 11 can also turn off the heater 11a when it detects that the probe 2 has been removed from the probe holder 11. The presence of the probe 2 in the probe holder 11 can be detected by known detection techniques such as contact sensors, magnetic sensors, and optical sensors. The operating status of the heater 11a of the probe holder 11 can be indicated to the operator by an indicator 11b provided on the probe holder 11. The indicator 11b of the probe holder 11 can also indicate whether or not the probe 2 is correctly set in the probe holder 11. The probe holder 11 can be installed alongside a bottle holder that holds a bottle of ultrasound diagnostic gel. The bottle holder can be equipped with a heater that heats the ultrasound diagnostic gel to a temperature close to body temperature. When the probe holder 11 is installed alongside a bottle holder, the heater of the bottle holder can also be used to heat the probe 2 held inside the probe holder 11. When the probe holder 11 heats the tip of the probe 2, the heater 26 and power lines 28 built into the outer casing 20, as shown in Figure 2, can be made unnecessary components.

[0047] The explanation continues with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Whether the probe holder 11 heats the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20 of the probe 2, or whether the heater 26 built into the outer casing 20 heats it, a smaller volume of the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20 allows the temperature of the front portion 201 to rise more quickly to the desired temperature. On the other hand, if the volume of the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20 is too small, it may become impossible to secure an area for the heater 26, or the protection of the ultrasonic transducer 16 may be insufficient. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal insulation component 24 is positioned such that the volume of the front portion 201 is 5-30% of the total volume of the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203. More preferably, the thermal insulation component 24 is positioned such that the volume of the front portion 201 is 8-20% of the total volume of the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203. When using a heating wire for the heater 26, the heating wire has the advantage of not requiring a wide area along the longitudinal axis.

[0048] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the thermal insulation component 24 shown in Figure 2. The thermal insulation component 24 comprises a first surface 241 that is bonded to the end face 2015 of the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20, and a second surface 243 that is bonded to the end face 2035 of the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20. Therefore, the completed outer casing will have a first adhesive layer between the front portion 201 and the first surface 241, and a second adhesive layer between the rear portion 203 and the second surface 243. In the example in Figure 3, the first surface 241 and the second surface 243 are parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (y-axis) of the ultrasonic probe 2. In other embodiments, the first surface 241 and the second surface 243 are not parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (y-axis) of the ultrasonic probe 2, but extend in a direction inclined with respect to such a plane. If the first surface 241 and / or the second surface 243 extend in a direction inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (y-axis), the strength against shear forces acting perpendicular to the y-axis can be increased.

[0049] The thickness H1 of the thermal insulation component 24 along its longitudinal axis (y-axis) must be sufficient to provide adequate thermal resistance between the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203. The thickness H1 is 1 mm or more, and may be between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 7 mm.

[0050] The width W1 of the thermal insulation component 24 can be the same as the width of the end faces 2015 and 2035 of the outer casing 20. The inner surface of the thermal insulation component 24 can be formed to coincide with the inner surfaces of the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203, and the outer surface of the thermal insulation component 24 can be formed to coincide with the outer surfaces of the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203. In other embodiments, the inner surface of the thermal insulation component 24 can be misaligned with the inner surfaces of the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203, and the inner surface of the thermal insulation component 24 can be formed to be inward from the inner surfaces of the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203. Alternatively, the outer surface of the thermal insulation component 24 can be misaligned with the outer surfaces of the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203, and the outer surface of the thermal insulation component 24 can be formed to be outward from the outer surfaces of the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203.

[0051] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of an alternative example of the thermal insulation component 24 shown in Figure 2. Similar to the thermal insulation component 24 in Figure 4, the thermal insulation component 24 comprises a first surface 241 that is bonded to the end face 2015 of the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20, and a second surface 243 that is bonded to the end face 2035 of the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20. In the example in Figure 5, in addition to these, the first surface 241 has a first projection 245 that protrudes toward the front portion 201, and the second surface 243 has a second projection 247 that protrudes toward the rear portion 203. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the thermal insulation component 24 shown in Figure 5 cut off. In this example, the front portion 201 has a groove to receive the first projection 245, and the rear portion 203 also has a groove to receive the second projection 247. If the front portion 201 has a groove for receiving the first projection 245 and the rear portion 203 has a groove for receiving the second projection 247, the strength against shear forces acting perpendicular to the y-axis can be increased. In the examples in Figures 5 and 6, both the first projection 245 and the second projection 247 have a roughly rectangular cross-section, but it is possible to change them to other shapes, including triangles. Dovetail joints can also be used to connect the first projection 245 and the second projection 247 to their corresponding grooves. The first projection 245 and the second projection 247 can be inserted into their corresponding grooves when they are in a flexible state. By using dovetail joints, resistance to tensile stress along the y-axis can be increased. In the example shown in Figure 5, the first projection 245 and the second projection 247 are formed around the entire circumference of the thermal insulating component 24. However, they do not need to be formed around the entire circumference; the first projection 245 and the second projection 247 can be formed in limited positions, such as only at the four corners or only at the center of the four sides.

[0052] In the above explanation, we have often used the example that the ultrasound irradiation device is an ultrasound probe 2 for acquiring ultrasound images. The ultrasound probe 2 for acquiring ultrasound images generally emits light at an output intensity of 0.1 to 720 mW / cm2 and a frequency of 2 to 18 MHz. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, higher frequencies yield more detailed images, but penetration into tissue decreases. Lower frequencies allow for deeper penetration, but the resolution decreases.

[0053] In contrast, if the ultrasound irradiation device is an ultrasound therapy device that destroys tumors in the body, the ultrasound transducer 16 typically emits ultrasound at an output intensity of 100 to 10,000 W / cm2 and a frequency of 0.8 to 3 MHz. The emitted ultrasound is focused on a specific area, concentrating high energy to heat or destroy the tissue in that area. If the target is tumor cells, the tumor cells can be destroyed by thermal energy. Also, if the ultrasound irradiation device is a nerve stimulator that stimulates nerves in the body to release specific neurotransmitters, the ultrasound transducer 16 typically emits ultrasound at an output intensity of 1 to 100 mW / cm2 and a frequency of 0.2 to 1 MHz. Nerve stimulators are used in fields such as diabetes treatment. In either case, it is expected that a higher temperature will be generated than that of the ultrasound transducer 16 of the ultrasound probe 2 used to acquire ultrasound images. Therefore, in the case of ultrasonic therapy devices and nerve stimulators, the thickness of the thermal insulating component 24 must be greater than that of the ultrasonic probe 2, and it must be thick enough to provide sufficient thermal resistance between the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203.

[0054] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the ultrasound probe 2. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the method for manufacturing the ultrasound probe 2. The method for manufacturing the ultrasound probe 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Here, the explanation will use the ultrasound probe 2, which is used to acquire ultrasound images, as an example of an ultrasound irradiation device, but the same method can be used for ultrasound therapy devices, nerve stimulators, etc. The steps and their order described are provided for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that in practice, specific actions may be performed in a different order or in parallel with each other. In fact, the steps and their order described are provided for illustrative purposes only and represent an example of a real-world implementation, and should not be considered limiting.

[0055] In step 701, the components constituting the ultrasonic probe 2 are prepared. Step 701 includes the step of fabricating the thermal insulation component. The thermal insulation component can be fabricated using known methods such as injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, vacuum forming, compression molding, 3D printing, and machining. In step 703, the ultrasonic transducer 16 and the front end of the first heat conduction component 221 are connected. The connection between the ultrasonic transducer 16 and the first heat conduction component 221 can be made directly or via other components such as the signal extraction / thermal connection structure 18. The components can be connected to each other using welding, brazing, fasteners such as screws, adhesives, etc.

[0056] In step 705, the acoustic lens 12 is attached to the ultrasonic transducer 16. In certain embodiments, adhesive is used to attach the acoustic lens 12 to the ultrasonic transducer 16. This step may be unnecessary if the ultrasonic transducer is pre-fabricated to include the function of the acoustic lens. In step 707, the ultrasonic transducer 16 (with the acoustic lens 12 attached) is fixed to the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20. The ultrasonic transducer 16 can be fixed to the front portion 201 of the outer casing 20 by adhesive bonding between the acoustic lens 12 and the front portion 201, and / or by adhesive bonding between the ultrasonic transducer 16 and the front portion 201. The front portion 201 of the outer casing 20 can also be assembled by dividing it into a front portion 2011 and a rear portion 2013, as shown in Figure 7. The front portion 2011 and the rear portion 2013 of the front portion 201 can be connected by welding, brazing, fasteners such as screws, adhesive, etc.

[0057] In step 709, the thermal insulation component 24 is joined to the front portion 201. The joining can be done with adhesive. In step 711, the signal lines and power lines on the front portion 201 side are connected to the signal lines and power lines on the rear portion 203 side. In step 713, the thermal conduction component 22 and the rear portion 203 of the outer casing 20 are thermally connected. As shown in Figure 7, if the rear portion 203 is divided into a front portion 2031 and a rear portion 2033, the connection between the thermal conduction component 22 and the rear portion 203 can be done using welding, brazing, fasteners such as screws, adhesive, etc. If the rear portion 203 is divided into a front portion 2031 and a rear portion 2033, the front portion 2031 and the rear portion 2033 can be joined last and bonded to the thermal insulation component 24 after all the steps in Figure 8 are completed. Regardless of whether the rear section 203 is divided into a front section 2031 and a rear section 2033, the connection between the heat conduction component 22 and the rear section 203 can be made, for example, by inserting the heat conduction component 22 into a slot provided in the rear section 203 where heat conduction grease is placed. Alternatively, by making the heat conduction component 22 a link mechanism that can extend and retract in the y-axis direction, such as a train pantograph or a toy's grabber arm, the heat conduction component 22 can be joined to the separate front section 201 and rear section 203, and then brought close to each other while maintaining the heat conduction path, and the two can be joined via a thermal insulation component 24. In step 715, the thermal insulation component 24 is joined to the rear section 203. The joining can be done with adhesive.

[0058] The invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. This specification is described with examples to disclose the subject matter, including the best mode, and to enable a person skilled in the art to carry out the subject matter, including the manufacture and use of any device or system, and the execution of a method incorporating it. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims and may include other examples that a person skilled in the art may conceive. Such other examples are intended to be included in the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are substantially different from the language of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1: Ultrasound diagnostic system 2: Ultrasound probe 2a: Vibration element 2b: Electronic components 3: Transmit beamformer 4: Transmitter 5: Receiver 6: Receiving beamformer 7: Processor 8: Display section 9: Memory 10: User Interface 11: Probe holder 11a: External heater 11b: Indicator 12: Acoustic Lens 16: Ultrasonic transducer 18: Signal extraction / thermal connection structure 20: Outer case 201: Front part 2011: Front part 2013: Back part 2015: Edge 203: Rear part 2031: Front part 2033: Back part 2035: End face 2037: Heat radiation part 22: Heat conduction components 221: First heat conduction component 223: Second heat conduction component 225: Heat conduction pathways 24: Thermal insulation components 241: First side 243: The second side 245: First projection 247: Second projection 249: Cylindrical member 2491: First outer surface 2493: Second exterior 2495: Inner self 26: Heater 28: Power lines 30: Cable

Claims

1. An ultrasonic irradiation device, An ultrasonic transducer positioned in front of the ultrasonic irradiation device, The outer casing surrounding the ultrasonic transducer, A heat conduction component is thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer and transmits the heat generated by the ultrasonic transducer, Includes, An ultrasonic irradiation device wherein the outer casing includes (1) a metal front portion, (2) a rear portion, and (3) a thermal insulating component disposed between the front portion and the rear portion, and the rear portion of the outer casing and the thermal conductive component are thermally connected.

2. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a heater thermally connected to the front portion of the outer casing.

3. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rear portion of the outer casing includes a metal material.

4. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the thermal insulating component is made of a resin having a thermal conductivity of 0.38 W / m·K or less.

5. The ultrasonic irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the thermal insulating component has a first surface formed to contact the end face of the front portion and a second surface formed to contact the end face of the rear portion, the space between the first surface and the second surface has a thickness that ensures thermal insulation, and the first surface and / or the second surface extend in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic irradiation device or in a direction inclined with respect to said plane.

6. The aforementioned thermal insulating component includes a cylindrical member, The cylindrical member includes a first outer surface facing the inner surface of the front portion of the outer case and a second outer surface facing the inner surface of the rear portion of the outer case. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first surface and the second surface extend from the cylindrical member to the outer surface of the outer case.

7. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the space between the first surface and the second surface has a hollow or solid thickness.

8. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer casing includes a first adhesive layer between the front portion of the outer casing and the thermal insulating component, and a second adhesive layer between the rear portion of the outer casing and the thermal insulating component.

9. The rear portion of the outer casing includes a handle portion for the operator of the ultrasonic irradiation device to hold the ultrasonic irradiation device, The heat conduction component includes an axial portion extending along the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic irradiation device and a lateral portion extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lateral portion of the heat conduction component is thermally connected to the axial portion and the handle portion of the outer casing.

10. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an acoustic lens surrounding the ultrasonic irradiation surface of the ultrasonic transducer.

11. A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the front portion of the outer casing, A heater control unit that operates the heater according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 2, including the following:

12. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the heater includes an electric heating wire extending around the entire circumference of the inner wall of the front portion of the outer casing.

13. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rear portion of the outer casing includes a heat dissipation section that is thermally connected to the heat conduction component.

14. The invention further includes an electronic component connected to the ultrasonic transducer, The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic component is vulnerable to moisture and / or chemicals that are expected to come into contact with the outer casing.

15. The ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermal insulating component has a thickness in the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic irradiation apparatus such that the front portion and the rear portion are separated by a distance of 1 mm or more.

16. The ultrasonic irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the ultrasonic irradiation device is an ultrasonic probe for capturing an ultrasonic image, irradiating with an output intensity of 0.1 to 720 mW / cm2 and a frequency of 2 to 18 MHz.

17. The ultrasonic irradiation device is It uses ultrasound waves with an output intensity of 100 to 10000 W / cm² and a frequency of 0.8 to 3 MHz to destroy tumors in the body. or Ultrasound waves with an output intensity of 1 to 100 mW / cm² and a frequency of 0.2 to 1 MHz are irradiated to stimulate nerves in the body and cause the release of specific neurotransmitters. The ultrasonic irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. An ultrasonic irradiation apparatus according to claim 16, which is an ultrasonic probe for obtaining an ultrasonic image, A probe holder for housing the tip of the ultrasonic probe, wherein the probe holder is equipped with a heater for warming the tip of the ultrasonic probe, A processor that processes echo signals received from the ultrasound probe using an image generation program and generates an ultrasound image, A non-temporary storage medium for storing the image generation program, Ultrasound diagnostic systems, including...

19. A thermal insulating component for the outer casing of an ultrasonic irradiation device, The ultrasonic irradiation device is An ultrasonic transducer positioned in front of the ultrasonic irradiation device, The outer casing surrounding the ultrasonic transducer, A heat conduction component is thermally connected to the ultrasonic transducer and transmits the heat generated by the ultrasonic transducer, Includes, The exterior case includes (1) a metal front portion, (2) a rear portion, and (3) a thermal insulating component disposed between the front portion and the rear portion, wherein the rear portion of the exterior case and the thermal conductive component are thermally connected.

20. A method for manufacturing an ultrasonic irradiation device according to claim 16, A step of manufacturing the thermal insulating component by one or more of the following methods: injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, vacuum forming, compression molding, 3D printing, and machining. The steps include connecting the ultrasonic transducer and the front end of the heat conduction component, The steps include fixing the ultrasonic transducer to the front portion of the outer casing, The steps include: joining the thermal insulating component to the front portion of the outer casing with an adhesive; The steps include thermally connecting the heat conductive component and the rear portion of the outer casing, The steps include: joining the thermal insulating component to the rear portion of the outer casing with an adhesive; Methods that include...

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