Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic probe that can be easily adapted to miniaturization or the like, and can suppress generation of noise with a simpler structure, and to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device using the same.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic probe has an ultrasonic transducer for sending / receiving an ultrasonic wave, a housing for storing the ultrasonic transducer, and an electrically grounded filler filled in the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] An ultrasonic probe is connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or configured to be communicable with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and is used to obtain the shape and movement of a living tissue as a diagnostic image by a simple operation of applying it to the body surface or inserting it into the body.

[0003] The above diagnostic image can be obtained by irradiating the living body with ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe and receiving the ultrasonic waves reflected from the living body. Specifically, an ultrasonic transducer included in the ultrasonic probe converts an electrical signal from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus into ultrasonic waves, irradiates the living body with the ultrasonic waves, and converts the ultrasonic waves reflected from the living body into an electrical signal. Then, the converted electrical signal is input to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and processed to obtain the above diagnostic image.

[0004] The ultrasonic probe used as described above may be damaged because an external impact is transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer and the cable in the housing. In order to make these problems less likely to occur, it is known to fill the housing with a filler.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic probe in which a piezoelectric vibration unit is housed in a housing, and the housing is filled with a foamed material such as a polyurethane resin as a filler.

[0006] By the way, when the ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmit and receive electrical signals, there has been a problem that noise is generated due to the influence of electromagnetic interference between the electrical signals or the influence of unnecessary signals from the outside.

[0007] Specifically, in a plurality of cables that allow an electrical signal to pass between an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (or a communication element for wireless communication with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus), electromagnetic waves leaking from adjacent cables penetrate, causing the electrical signal to be disturbed and noise to be generated. Alternatively, electromagnetic waves from the outside penetrate into the cables, disturbing the electrical signal and generating noise. Due to these, there has been a problem that the accuracy of diagnostic images deteriorates.

[0008] To ensure the accuracy of diagnostic images, it is desirable to suppress the generation of the above noise. For example, Patent Document 2 describes an ultrasonic probe having a shield plate made of copper, aluminum, or the like for suppressing the generation of noise. In Patent Document 2, as a mold material (filling material) filled in the case, an epoxy resin or a foamed urethane resin in which a metal material for improving the thermal conductivity is mixed is used. As this metal material, a hollow one is used to reduce the density. And the above shield plate is said to also have a role of releasing the heat of the mold material to the shield wire of the cable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] However, since the ultrasonic probe described in Patent Document 2 uses a shield plate having substantially the same shape as a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), it has been difficult to reduce the probe diameter of the ultrasonic probe.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an ultrasonic probe that can suppress the generation of noise with a simpler configuration that can easily cope with miniaturization and the like, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] An ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems includes an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a housing for housing the ultrasonic transducer, and a filler filled in the housing and electrically grounded.

[0013] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems includes the above ultrasonic probe.

Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, an ultrasonic probe capable of suppressing the generation of noise and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using the same are provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0017] 1. Ultrasonic probe FIGS. 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views showing an example of the overall structure of an ultrasonic probe 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe 100 includes an ultrasonic transducer 110, a housing 120, a filler 130, and a cable 140. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 100 may further include a communication board 150 and be configured such that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the ultrasonic transducer can perform wireless communication.

[0019] 1-1. Ultrasonic transducer FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ultrasonic transducer 110. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 110 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 to 9 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and the ultrasonic transducer 110 shown in FIG. 3 shows one of the plurality.

[0020] The ultrasonic transducer 110 is a member for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic transducer 110 includes a backing material 111, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), a piezoelectric material 113, an acoustic matching layer 114, and an acoustic lens 115.

[0021] (Backing material) The backing material 111 is a member for attenuating ultrasonic waves. The piezoelectric material 113, which will be described later, oscillates ultrasonic waves not only in the direction of transmitting ultrasonic waves by volume vibration but also slightly in the direction opposite to the direction of transmitting ultrasonic waves. The backing material 111 is a member for attenuating the ultrasonic waves in the above-mentioned opposite direction emitted from the piezoelectric material 113.

[0022] In this specification, the "direction of transmitting ultrasonic waves" refers to the direction from the piezoelectric material 113 toward the acoustic lens 115 (the Z direction in FIG. 2).

[0023] In this embodiment, the backing material 111 is composed of a single layer, but the backing material 111 may be a laminate of a plurality of layers.

[0024] The material of the backing material 111 is not particularly limited, and for example, it is an epoxy resin or a urethane resin. The backing material 111 may contain organic particles such as silicone rubber particles in order to adjust the function of attenuating ultrasonic waves.

[0025] (Flexible printed circuit board) The flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as FPC) 112 is a member for transmitting signals to the piezoelectric material 113 via the signal electrodes 116a and 116b or receiving signals from the piezoelectric material 113 via the signal electrodes 116a and 116b. In this embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board 112 is disposed between the backing material 111 and the piezoelectric material 113 and is electrically connected to an external power source, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, etc. via a cable 140. Note that a rigid substrate may be used instead of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0026] (Piezoelectric material) The piezoelectric material 113 is a member for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, which is arranged to be electrically connected to the FPC 112.

[0027] Examples of the piezoelectric material 113a include piezoelectric ceramics such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT); piezoelectric single crystals such as lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate solid solution (PMN-PT) and lead zinc niobate-lead titanate solid solution (PZN-PT); and composite piezoelectric materials obtained by combining these materials with polymer materials.

[0028] In addition, the plurality of signal electrodes 116a and 116b disposed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric material 113 are electrodes for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric material 113. The signal electrodes 116a and 116b are not particularly limited as long as they are electrically connected to the above-described FPC 112 and can sufficiently transmit and receive signals to and from the piezoelectric material 113, and for example, can be layers made of gold, silver, copper, or the like.

[0029] (Acoustic matching layer) The acoustic matching layer 114 is a member for adjusting the acoustic impedance between the piezoelectric material 113 and the acoustic lens 115. In the present embodiment, the acoustic matching layer 114 is disposed between the piezoelectric material 113 and the acoustic lens 115. The acoustic matching layer 114 may be composed of a single layer or may be composed of a plurality of layers having different acoustic impedances.

[0030] The acoustic matching layer 114 preferably contains a resin. Thereby, it is easy to adjust the density of the acoustic matching layer 114, and it is possible to easily adjust the acoustic impedance. Examples of the resin contained in the acoustic matching layer 114 include epoxy resin, urethane resin, silicone resin, and polystyrene resin. Further, the acoustic matching layer 114 may contain a curing agent for curing these resins.

[0031] The acoustic impedance of the acoustic matching layer 114 can be appropriately adjusted by changing the types and amounts of the components constituting each layer.

[0032] (Acoustic lens) The acoustic lens 115 is a member for focusing the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the piezoelectric material 113. As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the acoustic lens 115 is a cylindrical acoustic lens protruding in the Z direction of FIG. 2. Further, in the acoustic lens 115, the ultrasonic waves oscillated by the piezoelectric material 113 are focused in the Z direction and emitted outside the ultrasonic transducer 110.

[0033] The acoustic lens 115 is made of a material having acoustic characteristics suitable for an object to be inspected, for example, a living body. For example, the acoustic lens 115 is preferably made of a material having a relatively close acoustic impedance to the object to be inspected, such as silicone rubber.

[0034] 1-2. Housing The housing 120 is a member for housing the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the filler 130.

[0035] The housing 120 has an opening 121 at an end in the direction of transmitting ultrasonic waves for exposing the acoustic lens 115 of the ultrasonic transducer 110. Further, when the ultrasonic probe 100 has the cable 140, the housing 120 may have an insertion hole 122 for inserting the cable 140 at an end in the direction opposite to the above direction. In the present embodiment, the housing 120 houses a part of the cable 140 inserted into the insertion hole 122.

[0036] The shape of the housing 120 is not particularly limited as long as it can house the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the filler 130. Further, the size of the housing 120 is appropriately set according to the size of the ultrasonic probe.

[0037] The material of the housing 120 is not particularly limited, but for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ABS resin, polycarbonate, polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate. Among these, from the viewpoint of chemical resistance, polyphenylene ether and polybutylene terephthalate are preferable.

[0038] 1-3. Filler The filler 130 is filled in the housing 120 and is electrically grounded.

[0039] As described above, it was difficult to reduce the probe diameter of the ultrasonic probe described in Patent Document 2.

[0040] Therefore, the inventor considered a method of suppressing noise generation without using a shield plate as in Patent Document 2 so as to cope with miniaturization of the ultrasonic probe. Further, the inventor considered that it was necessary to remove electromagnetic waves that disturb electrical signals in the cable from around the cable in order to suppress noise generation.

[0041] As a result of research, the inventor considered that by allowing electromagnetic waves that disturb electrical signals to escape to the outside through the filler filled in the housing, it is easy to cope with miniaturization of the ultrasonic probe and noise generation can be suppressed. Then, the inventor found that by electrically grounding the filler, the above electromagnetic waves can be allowed to escape to the outside through the filler to suppress noise generation.

[0042] By allowing the above electromagnetic waves to escape to the outside through the filler, noise generation can be suppressed without using a shield plate as in Patent Document 2. As a result, by filling the housing with the filler and simply electrically grounding the filler, noise generation can be suppressed, so that miniaturization of the ultrasonic probe can be coped with and a simpler configuration can be achieved.

[0043] Further, since the filler is filled in the housing and covers around the cable, electromagnetic waves from the outside are allowed to escape to the outside of the probe through the filler existing around the cable, and it is possible to suppress the electrical signals in the cable from being disturbed by the above electromagnetic waves and suppress noise generation.

[0044] The grounding method is not particularly limited. For example, by providing a shield wire connected to an external ground wire and electrically connecting the filler and the shield wire, electromagnetic waves that disrupt electrical signals can be discharged from the filler to the ground wire, thereby suppressing the generation of noise. Also, in an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives electrical signals by wireless communication without using a cable that connects the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic device, by electrically grounding the filler, the above electromagnetic waves can be discharged to the outside to suppress the generation of the above noise.

[0045] From the viewpoint of further suppressing the generation of noise due to grounding, the filler 130 preferably has conductivity. In this specification, "having conductivity" means that the electrical resistivity of the filler 130 is 1000 μΩ·m or less.

[0046] The electrical resistivity of the filler 130 is preferably 1000 μΩ·m or less, and more preferably 100 μΩ·m or less. When the above electrical resistivity is 1000 μΩ·m or less, the conductivity of the filler 130 can be further increased, making it easier for electromagnetic waves that disrupt the above electrical signals to escape from around the cable to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 100, and further suppressing the generation of noise. The lower limit value of the above electrical resistivity is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 μΩ·m or more. The above electrical resistivity can be measured, for example, by a method according to JIS R 7609:2007.

[0047] The filler 130 preferably has a compressive strength of 0.1 MPa or more, and more preferably 20 MPa or more. When the above compressive strength is 0.1 MPa or more, the mechanical strength of the filler 130 can be further improved, and the impact resistance against impacts from the outside of the ultrasonic probe 100 can be further improved. The upper limit value of the above compressive strength is not particularly limited, but is preferably 200 MPa or less. The above compressive strength can be measured by a method according to JIS K 7076:1991.

[0048] The density of the filler 130 is 4.5 g / cm 3It is preferably the following, 1.5 g / cm 3 It is more preferably the following. Further, when it is 4.5 g / cm 3 or less, the ultrasonic probe 100 can be made lighter, and the operability of the ultrasonic probe 100 can be further improved. The lower limit value of the above density is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 0.1 g / cm 3 or more. The above density can be measured according to JIS Z 8807:2012.

[0049] From the viewpoint of further suppressing the generation of noise, enhancing the impact resistance of the ultrasonic probe 100, and making the ultrasonic probe 100 lighter, the filler 130 preferably contains porous graphite or foamed carbon. These may be included in the filler 130 alone, or may be combined and included in the filler 130. From the viewpoint of further suppressing the generation of noise, it is more preferable that the filler 130 contains porous graphite.

[0050] The above porous graphite is manufactured by subjecting solid graphite (carbon) to an activation treatment. Specifically, it is manufactured by reacting solid graphite (carbon) with carbon dioxide or water vapor so that the solid carbon is gasified and pores are formed as if the carbon surface is eaten away.

[0051] On the other hand, foamed carbon is a conductive foam obtained by foaming a resin mixed with graphite, or a foam of a phenol resin or a polyurethane resin fired in an environment where air (oxygen) is blocked.

[0052] Examples of the resin mixed with the above graphite include polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, urethane resin, and the like.

[0053] When the filler 130 contains porous graphite, the porosity of the porous graphite is preferably 30% or more and 90% or less, and more preferably 70% or more and 90% or less. When the above porosity is 30% or more, the density of the filler 130 can be made lower, and the ultrasonic probe 100 can be made lighter. Also, when it is 90% or less, it is possible to suppress an excessive decrease in the compressive strength of the filler 130 and further enhance the impact resistance of the ultrasonic probe 100. The above porosity can be obtained, for example, by the following formula (1). In formula (1), ρ bulk represents the density of the porous graphite, and ρ particle represents the density of graphite of the same volume assuming no voids. (1 - ρ bulk / ρ particle ) × 100 (1)

[0054] The average pore diameter of the porous graphite is preferably 0.3 μm or more and 4.0 μm or less. When the above average pore diameter is 0.3 μm or more, it is possible to increase the porosity of the filler 130 and easily reduce the weight of the ultrasonic probe 100. Also, when it is 4.0 μm or less, it is possible to further enhance the impact resistance of the ultrasonic probe 100 without excessive increase in porosity. The above average pore diameter can be obtained by averaging the diameters of the pores present in an observation range of 100 μm × 100 μm using a microscope by the number of pores.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the porous graphite may be filled in a particulate state, or may be filled in a bulk state formed into the shape of the region where the filler 130 is filled. From the viewpoint of further suppressing the generation of noise, it is preferable that the filler 130 is filled in a bulk state.

[0056] When the porous graphite is filled in a particulate state, the particle size of the particles is preferably 400 μm or less, and more preferably 30 μm or less. By being 400 μm or less, more porous graphite can be filled in the housing 120, and the impact resistance of the ultrasonic probe 100 can be further enhanced. The preferable lower limit value of the above particle size is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 1 μm or more.

[0057] Examples of commercially available products of porous graphite include Porous Carbon (low permeability), Porous Carbon (high permeability) (both manufactured by Tanken Seal Co., Ltd.), carbon porous body (manufactured by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.), and the like.

[0058] When foamed carbon is used as the filler 130, the porosity of the foamed carbon is preferably 30% or more and 90% or less, and more preferably 70% or more and 90% or less. When the porosity is 30% or more, the density of the filler 130 can be made lower, and the ultrasonic probe 100 can be made lighter. Also, when it is 90% or less, it is possible to suppress an excessive decrease in the compressive strength of the filler 130 and further enhance the impact resistance of the ultrasonic probe 100. The above porosity can be determined in the same manner as the porosity of porous graphite.

[0059] Examples of commercially available products of foamed carbon include Grafoam FPA-30 (manufactured by Graftech).

[0060] In the present embodiment, the filler 130 is connected to the ground wire of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and electrically grounded via the shield wire 143 included in the cable 140 described later. When the ultrasonic probe 100 does not have the cable 140 and performs wireless communication between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a communication board 150 described later, the ground portion (described later) of the communication board 150 and the filler 130 can be electrically connected, and the ground portion and the ground wire can be connected to perform grounding.

[0061] Note that the filler 130 may be electrically connected to the ground portion (not shown) of the ultrasonic transducer 110.

[0062] 1-4. Cable In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 100 may have a cable 140 for connecting the ultrasonic transducer 110 and an external device (ultrasonic diagnostic device).

[0063] Cable 140 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer and is a member for transmitting an electrical signal from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to the ultrasonic transducer or for transmitting a signal from the ultrasonic transducer to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In the present embodiment, cable 140 is inserted into insertion hole 122 of housing 120, and a part thereof is housed inside housing 120. Further, in the present embodiment, one end of cable 140 is connected to ultrasonic transducer 110, and the other end is connected to an external ultrasonic diagnostic device.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, cable 140 includes a plurality of signal lines 141, a resin material 142 that covers the periphery of signal lines 141, a shield wire 143 that covers the outer periphery of resin material 142, and a covering material 144.

[0065] Signal lines 141 are wirings for transmitting and receiving electrical signals to and from ultrasonic transducer 110. Resin material 142 is a member for electrically separating a plurality of signal lines 141 from each other.

[0066] Shield wire 143 is electrically connected to conductive filler 130 and is connected to the ground wire of the ultrasonic diagnostic device. Thereby, electromagnetic waves that disrupt electrical signals can be released to the outside of ultrasonic probe 100, and generation of noise can be suppressed. The material of shield wire 143 is, for example, copper, aluminum, or the like.

[0067] Although it is known that a shield wire is used to protect signal lines from electromagnetic waves as described above, according to the study by the present inventor, generation of noise could not be sufficiently suppressed only by using a shield wire.

[0068] In the present embodiment, by using filler 130 and electrically connecting it to shield wire 143 to ground, electromagnetic waves that disrupt electrical signals can be easily released to the outside of ultrasonic probe 100.

[0069] The covering material 144 is a member for protecting the shield wire 143. The material of the covering material 144 is, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or the like.

[0070] 1-5. Communication substrate As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 100 may have a communication substrate 150 for performing wireless communication with an external ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0071] The communication substrate 150 includes a communication element (not shown) that receives an electrical signal from an external ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and transmits an electrical signal from the ultrasonic transducer to the external ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the communication substrate 150 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 110 via a connection cable 151. Thereby, an electrical signal received from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer 110, and an electrical signal from the ultrasonic transducer 110 can be transmitted to the communication element. The configuration of the connection cable 151 can be the same as that of the cable 140.

[0073] The communication substrate 150 includes a ground portion (not shown). The ground portion is a portion having a reference potential in a circuit through which current flows in the communication substrate 150 and has conductivity.

[0074] In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the filling material 130 is electrically connected to the ground portion. Then, when the ground portion is connected to a ground wire, the filling material 130 is electrically grounded. Thereby, electromagnetic waves that disturb electrical signals can be released to the outside, and the generation of noise can be suppressed.

[0075] 1-6. Size of ultrasonic probe The probe diameter (arrow A in Fig. 1) of the ultrasonic probe 100 is preferably 30 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm or less, from the viewpoint of making the ultrasonic probe smaller. When the probe diameter is 30 mm or less, it becomes easier to insert the ultrasonic probe 100 into the body. The lower limit value of the probe diameter is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 1 mm or more. In this specification, the "probe diameter of the ultrasonic probe" refers to the maximum width on the surface of the most downstream side of the ultrasonic probe in the direction of transmitting ultrasonic waves.

[0076] [Modification Example 1] Figs. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views showing an example of the overall structure of the ultrasonic probe 100 according to Modification Example 1 of the present embodiment.

[0077] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 100 may have a first reinforcing member 170 disposed between the filling material 130 and the inner wall of the housing 120. Thereby, the mechanical strength of the ultrasonic probe can be further improved, and the impact resistance can be further enhanced.

[0078] The first reinforcing member 170 may be disposed along the entire inner surface of the housing 120 as shown in Fig. 5, or may be disposed along a part of the inner wall surface as shown in Fig. 6. Further, the first reinforcing member 170 may be disposed such that the filling material 130 further exists between the first reinforcing member 170 and the inner wall of the housing 120.

[0079] The material of the first reinforcing member 170 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include resins such as urethane resin and epoxy resin, and metals such as copper and aluminum. Among these, from the viewpoint of further improving the mechanical strength of the ultrasonic probe 100, the above material is preferably a metal such as copper or aluminum.

[0080] Conventionally, in order to improve the mechanical strength of an ultrasonic probe, when a reinforcing member made of a conductor such as metal is disposed in a housing, the reinforcing member itself receives unnecessary electromagnetic waves from the outside and generates noise. Therefore, it has been necessary to perform insulation treatment on the reinforcing member to suppress the reception of the electromagnetic waves, or to electrically ground the reinforcing member to release the electromagnetic waves to the outside.

[0081] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, even if the first reinforcing member 170 is a conductor, the first reinforcing member 170 can be electrically connected to the conductive filler 130. Since the filler 130 is electrically grounded, electromagnetic waves from the outside can be released to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 100 through the filler 130, and the generation of noise can be suppressed.

[0082] The shape and size of the first reinforcing member 170 can be appropriately adjusted according to the shape and size of the ultrasonic probe 100.

[0083] [Modification 2] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the overall structure of the ultrasonic probe 100 according to Modification 2 of the present embodiment.

[0084] The ultrasonic probe 100 may have a second reinforcing member 180 disposed on the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 110 housed in the housing 120.

[0085] The second reinforcing member 180 is a member for improving the durability of the ultrasonic transducer 110.

[0086] The material of the second reinforcing member 180 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include resins such as urethane resin and epoxy resin, and metals such as copper and aluminum. Among these, from the viewpoint of further improving the mechanical strength of the ultrasonic transducer 110, the material is preferably a metal such as copper or aluminum.

[0087] As described above, when a reinforcing member made of a conductor such as metal is disposed inside the housing, the reinforcing member itself may receive unnecessary electromagnetic waves from the outside. Therefore, it is necessary to subject the reinforcing member to insulation treatment or electrically ground the reinforcing member.

[0088] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the filler 130 is electrically grounded, even if the second reinforcing member 180 is a conductor, the filler 130 electrically connected thereto allows the electromagnetic waves to escape to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 100, thereby suppressing the generation of noise.

[0089] The second reinforcing member 180 is not particularly limited as long as it is disposed on the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 110 housed in the housing 120. In the present embodiment, the second reinforcing member 180 is disposed on the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 110 on the side where the cable 140 is disposed.

[0090] The shape and size of the second reinforcing member 180 can be appropriately adjusted according to the shape and size of the ultrasonic probe 100.

[0091] [Modification 3] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the overall structure of the ultrasonic probe 100 according to Modification 3 of the present embodiment.

[0092] The ultrasonic probe 100 may have a connection board 190 disposed between the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the cable 140 for electrically connecting the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the cable 140.

[0093] The connection board 190 has terminals (not shown) for connecting the signal lines 141 of the cable 140 (or the connection cable 151) and wirings (not shown) for connecting to the flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 112. Thereby, the ultrasonic transducer 110 and the cable 140 can be electrically connected.

[0094] In addition, the connection substrate 190 has a ground portion (GND) (not shown). The ground portion is a portion having a reference potential in a circuit through which current flows and has conductivity. Thereby, the ground portion (GND) can be electrically connected to the filler 130 that is electrically grounded, and electromagnetic waves that disrupt electrical signals in the cable can be released to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 100, further suppressing the generation of noise.

[0095] The shape and size of the connection substrate 190 can be appropriately adjusted according to the shape and size of the ultrasonic probe 100.

[0096] 2. Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 9, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 includes an ultrasonic probe 100, a main body portion 210, a connector portion 220, and a display 230. The ultrasonic probe 100 and the main body portion 210 are connected via a cable 140 and a connector portion 220. The ultrasonic probe 100 in FIG. 8 is shown with a scale change for convenience of explanation compared to the ultrasonic probes 100 in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 to 8.

[0098] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 only needs to include the ultrasonic probe 100, and may be configured to be capable of wireless communication with the ultrasonic transducer 110 of the ultrasonic probe 100 without being connected to the ultrasonic probe 100 by the cable 140.

[0099] An electrical signal (transmission signal) from the main body portion 210 is transmitted to the piezoelectric material of the ultrasonic probe 100 through the cable 140. This transmission signal is converted into ultrasonic waves by the piezoelectric material and transmitted into the object to be inspected. The transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected within the object to be inspected. Then, a part of the reflected wave is received by the piezoelectric material, converted into an electrical signal (reception signal), and transmitted to the main body portion 210. The reception signal is converted into image data in the main body portion 210 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 and displayed on the display 230.

[0100] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 has a ground wire (not shown), and the ground wire is electrically connected to the filler 130 of the ultrasonic probe 100 via the shield wire 143 of the cable 140. As a result, electromagnetic waves that disrupt electrical signals can be released to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 100, and the generation of noise can be suppressed. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform more accurate diagnosis using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200.

Industrial Applicability

[0101] The ultrasonic probe according to the present invention can cope with miniaturization, has a simpler configuration, and can suppress the generation of noise. Therefore, it is useful for performing more diverse and accurate diagnoses in the field of ultrasonic diagnosis and the like.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0102] 100 Ultrasonic probe 110 Ultrasonic transducer 111 Backing material 112 Flexible printed circuit board 113 Piezoelectric material 114 Acoustic matching layer 114a First acoustic matching layer 114b Second acoustic matching layer 114c Third acoustic matching layer 114d Fourth acoustic matching layer 115 Acoustic lens 116a, 116b Signal electrodes 120 Housing 130 Filler 140 Cable 200 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 210 Main body part 220 Connector part 230 Display

Claims

1. An ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a housing for housing the ultrasonic transducer, a filler filled in the housing and electrically grounded, and an ultrasonic probe having the above.

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the filler contains porous graphite.

3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filler contains foamed carbon.

4. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first reinforcing member disposed between the filler and the inner wall of the housing.

5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, wherein the first reinforcing member is a conductor and is electrically connected to the filler.

6. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second reinforcing member disposed on the surface of the ultrasonic transducer housed in the housing.

7. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a cable for connecting the ultrasonic transducer and an external device.

8. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, further comprising a connection board disposed between the ultrasonic transducer and the cable for electrically connecting the ultrasonic transducer and the cable.

9. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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