Buffer device and ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly comprising same

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a buffer device surrounding an ultrasonic imaging apparatus having a main body and a handle unit coupled to the main body may comprise: a first buffer unit surrounding an outer circumferential portion of the main body and an outer circumferential portion of the handle unit; and a second buffer unit disposed to be spaced apart from the first buffer unit at a predetermined interval and disposed between the main body and the handle unit.

Description

Buffer device and ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a buffer device and an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly including the same.

[0002] In recent years, various medical imaging devices have been widely used in the medical field to obtain visual information about human tissues for the early diagnosis of various diseases or for surgical procedures. Representative examples of these medical imaging devices include ultrasound diagnostic devices, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

[0003] An ultrasound diagnostic device is a device that non-invasively acquires at least one image of a part inside the object (e.g., soft tissue or blood flow) by irradiating an ultrasound signal generated from a transducer of a probe to the object and receiving information on the signal reflected from the object. An ultrasound diagnostic device can be used for medical purposes such as observing the inside of the object, detecting foreign substances, and measuring injuries. These ultrasound diagnostic devices have the advantages of being highly stable compared to imaging devices that use X-rays, being able to display images in real time, and being safe because there is no radiation exposure, and are therefore widely used along with other imaging devices.

[0004] Ultrasonic diagnostic devices can be implemented in a portable form factor, depending on their intended use. Moving the ultrasonic diagnostic device increases the risk of damage to the device due to external impact.

[0005] A buffer device for protecting an ultrasonic diagnostic device from external impact and an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly including the buffer device are provided.

[0006] A buffer device having improved user convenience and an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly including the buffer device are provided in an ultrasonic diagnostic device.

[0007] According to an example, a buffer device surrounding an ultrasonic imaging device having a main body and a handle portion coupled to the main body may include a first buffer portion surrounding an outer circumference of the main body and an outer circumference of the handle portion, and a second buffer portion disposed so as to be spaced apart from the first buffer portion by a predetermined distance and disposed between the main body and the handle portion.

[0008] It may further include a connecting portion connecting the first buffer portion and the second buffer portion.

[0009] At least one of the first buffer portion, the second buffer portion, and the connecting portion may be formed integrally.

[0010] The second buffer member may include a second-first buffer member and a second-second buffer member that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along one direction.

[0011] The handle portion has a handle portion thickness along the thickness direction of the ultrasonic imaging device, and a portion of the first buffer portion arranged to face the handle portion may have a thickness less than or equal to the handle portion thickness along the thickness direction of the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0012] The main body has a main body thickness along the thickness direction of the ultrasonic imaging device, and at least one region of the first buffer portion may have a vertical buffer portion thickness exceeding the main body thickness along the thickness direction of the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0013] The second buffer portion may include a first fixing portion that supports one side of the main body and fixes the position of the main body with respect to the second buffer portion, and the first buffer portion may include a second fixing portion that supports the other side of the main body and fixes the position of the main body with respect to the first buffer portion.

[0014] A groove may be arranged on one side of the main body, the first fixing part may include a stepped part having a shape corresponding to the groove, a plurality of protrusions may be arranged on the other side of the main body, and the second fixing part may include a plurality of grooves corresponding to the plurality of protrusions.

[0015] It may further include a band fixing member arranged to cross one side of the main body and having both ends or one end detachably attached to the first buffer portion or the second buffer portion.

[0016] It may further include an intake passage part arranged to face an intake part disposed on one side of the main body with a predetermined distance therebetween, and an exhaust passage part arranged to face an exhaust part disposed on another side of the main body with a predetermined distance therebetween.

[0017] The above intake passage section may have a plurality of intake passages extending in one direction, and the above exhaust passage section may have a plurality of exhaust holes.

[0018] At least one of the first buffer portion and the second buffer portion may include an elastic material.

[0019] The elastic material may include one or more of silicone rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), fluoro elastomers, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), natural rubber (NR), chloroprene rubber (CR), expanded polyethylene (EPE), expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and plastic.

[0020] It may further include a reinforcing member positioned to be inserted into the center of the first buffer portion.

[0021] The reinforcing member may include a different material from the first buffer portion.

[0022] It may further include a plurality of shock absorbing parts arranged inside at least one of the first buffer part and the second buffer part, and having at least one of a polygonal or circular cross-section.

[0023] One or more connectors are arranged on one side of the main body, and the main body may further include a connector hole arranged at a position corresponding to the one or more connectors and a connector hole opening / closing part for opening / closing the connector hole.

[0024] A probe connected to the connector of the main body may further include a groove portion arranged therein, and a shock-absorbing step portion provided in a shape corresponding to the groove portion to support the groove portion.

[0025] The above body may further include a waterproof part having a predetermined groove portion arranged in a shape corresponding to the groove portion and inserted into the groove portion to block foreign substances entering from the outside.

[0026] An ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly according to one example may include an ultrasonic imaging device having the buffer device, a main body, a handle portion coupled to the main body, and a probe connected to the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0027] A buffer device and an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly including the buffer device according to an example can protect the ultrasonic diagnostic device from an externally applied shock.

[0028] In addition, the buffer device and the ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly including the buffer device according to one example can improve the user convenience of the ultrasonic diagnostic device when the buffer device is placed in the ultrasonic diagnostic device.

[0029] The present disclosure can be readily understood by the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals refer to structural elements.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly including a buffer device according to an example.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a buffer device and an ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an example.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a buffer device according to an example.

[0034] Figure 5 is a plan view of a buffer device according to an example.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly in which an ultrasonic imaging device is arranged in a buffer device according to an example.

[0036] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the P area shown in Figure 6.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly having an ultrasonic imaging device arranged in a buffer device according to an example.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a side view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly having an ultrasonic imaging device disposed on a buffer device according to an example.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a side view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly having an ultrasonic imaging device arranged in a buffer device according to an example.

[0040] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly cut along line AA shown in Fig. 2.

[0041] Fig. 12a is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly illustrated in Fig. 11.

[0042] Fig. 12b is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly illustrated in Fig. 11.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a plan view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly in which an ultrasonic imaging device is arranged in a buffer device according to an example.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly in which an ultrasonic imaging device is arranged in a buffer device according to an example.

[0045] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly in which an ultrasonic imaging device is arranged in a buffer device according to an example.

[0046] Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly illustrated in Fig. 15.

[0047] Fig. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly illustrated in Fig. 15.

[0048] Fig. 18a is a cross-sectional view of the buffer device taken along the line BB shown in Fig. 4.

[0049] Figure 18b is a cross-sectional view of the buffer device taken along the CC line shown in Figure 4.

[0050] Fig. 19 is a perspective projection view of a buffer device according to an example.

[0051] FIG. 20 is a side view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly having an ultrasonic imaging device arranged in a buffer device according to an example.

[0052] FIG. 21 is a side view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly having an ultrasonic imaging device disposed on a buffer device according to an example.

[0053] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly having an ultrasonic imaging device disposed in a buffer device according to an example.

[0054] Figure 23 is a side view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly with a probe coupled thereto according to an example.

[0055] Figure 24 is a side view of an ultrasound diagnostic device assembly with a probe separated according to an example.

[0056] Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a buffer device according to an example.

[0057] Fig. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly according to an example.

[0058] This disclosure clarifies the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and explains the principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure and discloses embodiments thereof so that those skilled in the art can practice the embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms.

[0059] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components. This specification does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and any content that is general in the technical field to which the present invention pertains or that overlaps between the embodiments is omitted. The term 'module' or 'unit' used in the specification may be implemented by one or a combination of two or more of software, hardware, or firmware, and depending on the embodiments, multiple 'modules' or 'units' may be implemented as a single element, or a single 'module' or 'unit' may include multiple elements.

[0060] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0061] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0062] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0063] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0064] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0065] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0066] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0067] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0068] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic device according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are assigned similar drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0069] In the present disclosure, the image may include a medical image acquired by a medical imaging device such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, an ultrasound imaging device, or an X-ray imaging device.

[0070] In the present disclosure, an 'object' refers to a subject to be photographed, and may include a human, an animal, or a part thereof. For example, the object may include a part of the body (such as an organ or system) or a phantom.

[0071] In the present disclosure, 'ultrasonic image' means an image of an object generated or processed based on an ultrasonic signal transmitted to the object and reflected from the object.

[0072] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0073] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 1, an ultrasonic diagnostic device (100) according to an example may include a probe (20) and an ultrasonic imaging device (40). The probe (20) according to an example may include a display (112), a transmission module (113), a battery (114), a transducer (115), a charging module (116), a reception module (117), an input interface (109), a processor (118), and a communication module (119). In FIG. 1, the probe (20) is illustrated as including both the transmission module (113) and the reception module (117), but depending on the implementation form, the probe (20) may include only a part of the configuration of the transmission module (113) and the reception module (117), and a part of the configuration of the transmission module (113) and the reception module (117) may be included in the ultrasonic imaging device (40). In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the probe (20) may further include an image processor (130).

[0075] The transducer (115) may include a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers may be arranged in a predetermined arrangement to be implemented as a transducer array. The transducer array may correspond to a one-dimensional (1D) array or a two-dimensional (2D) array. The plurality of transducers may transmit ultrasonic signals to the target object (10) according to a transmission signal applied from the transmission module (113). In addition, the plurality of transducers may receive ultrasonic signals reflected from the target object (10) and form or generate electrical reception signals.

[0076] The charging module (116) can charge the battery (114). The charging module (116) can receive power from an external source. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the charging module (116) can receive power wirelessly. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the charging module (116) can also receive power wired. The charging module (116) can transmit the received power to the battery (114).

[0077] The processor (118) controls the transmission module (113) to generate or form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers, taking into account the positions and focus points of the plurality of transducers.

[0078] The processor (118) controls the receiving module (117) to generate ultrasound data by converting an analog-to-digital reception signal received from the transducer (115) and adding the digitally converted reception signals by taking into account the positions and focal points of a plurality of transducers. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the probe (20) includes an image processor (130), an ultrasound image can be generated using the generated ultrasound data.

[0079] When the probe (20) is implemented as a two-dimensional probe, the processor (118) can calculate a time delay value for digital beamforming for each sub-array of a plurality of sub-arrays included in the two-dimensional transducer array. In addition, the processor (118) can calculate a time delay value for analog beamforming for each transducer included in any one of the plurality of sub-arrays. The processor (118) can control the analog beamformer and the digital beamformer to form a transmission signal to be applied to each of the plurality of transducers according to the time delay value for analog beamforming and the time delay value for digital beamforming. In addition, the processor (118) can control the analog beamformer to add up signals received from the plurality of transducers for each sub-array according to the time delay value for analog beamforming. In addition, the processor (118) can control the ultrasound transmission / reception module (110) to convert the signal added up for each sub-array into analog-to-digital. Additionally, the processor (118) can control the digital beamformer to generate ultrasound data by adding digitally converted signals according to a time delay value for digital beamforming.

[0080] The processor (118) controls the overall operation of the probe (20) and can control the operation of components of the probe (20). The processor (118) can perform or control various operations or functions of the probe (20) by executing programs or instructions stored in the memory (111). In addition, the processor (118) can receive a control signal from the input interface (109) of the probe (20) or an external device (e.g., an ultrasonic imaging device (40)) and control the operation of the probe (20). In addition, the processor (118) can receive a control signal from the input interface (109) or an external device and control the operation of the probe (20). The input interface (109) can receive a user's input for controlling the probe (20). For example, user input may include, but is not limited to, input from manipulating buttons, keypads, mice, trackballs, jog switches, knobs, etc., input from touching a touchpad or touchscreen, voice input, motion input, biometric input (e.g., iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.), etc.

[0081] The display (112) can display an ultrasonic image generated by the probe (20), an ultrasonic image generated by processing ultrasonic data generated by the probe (20), an ultrasonic image received from an ultrasonic imaging device (40), or various information processed by the ultrasonic diagnostic device (100). In addition, the display (112) can further display status information of the probe (20). The status information of the probe (20) can include at least one of device information of the probe (20), battery status information of the probe (20), frequency band information of the probe (20), output information of the probe (20), abnormality information of the probe (20), setting information of the probe (20), or temperature information of the probe (20).

[0082] The probe (20) may include one or more displays (112) depending on the implementation form. In addition, the display (112) may include a touch panel or a touch screen. In addition, the display (112) may include a flexible display.

[0083] The communication module (119) can wirelessly transmit generated ultrasound data or ultrasound images to an ultrasound imaging device (40) via a wireless network. In addition, the communication module (119) can receive control signals and data from the ultrasound imaging device (40).

[0084] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can receive ultrasonic data or ultrasonic images from the probe (20).

[0085] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the probe (20) includes an image processor (130) capable of generating an ultrasound image using ultrasound data, the probe (20) can transmit the ultrasound data or the ultrasound image generated by the image processor (130) to the ultrasound imaging device (40).

[0086] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the probe (20) does not include an image processor (130) capable of generating an ultrasound image using ultrasound data, the probe (20) may transmit the ultrasound data to an ultrasound imaging device (40). The ultrasound data may include ultrasound raw data, and the ultrasound image may mean ultrasound image data.

[0087] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) may include a processor (120), an image processor (130), a display (140), a memory (150), a communication module (160), and an input interface (170).

[0088] The image processor (130) generates or processes an ultrasonic image using ultrasonic data received from the probe (20).

[0089] The display (140) can display an ultrasound image received from the probe (20), an ultrasound image generated by processing ultrasound data received from the probe (20), or various information processed in the ultrasound diagnostic device (100). The ultrasound imaging device (40) may include one or more displays (140) depending on the implementation type. In addition, the display (140) may include a touch panel or a touch screen. In addition, the display (140) may include a flexible display.

[0090] The processor (120) controls the overall operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and can control the operation of components of the ultrasonic imaging device (40). The processor (120) can execute a program or application stored in the memory (150) to perform or control various operations or functions of the ultrasonic imaging device (40). In addition, the processor (120) can receive a control signal from an input interface (170) or an external device and control the operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0091] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) includes a communication module (160) and can be connected to and communicate with an external device (e.g., a probe (20), a server, a medical device, a portable device (smartphone, tablet PC, wearable device, etc.)) through the communication module (160).

[0092] The communication module (160) may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device. The communication module (160) may include, for example, at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, or a wireless communication module.

[0093] The communication module (160) of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the communication module (119) of the probe (20) may communicate using a network or a short-range wireless communication method. For example, the communication module (160) of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the communication module (119) of the probe (20) may communicate using any one of wireless data communication methods including Wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth LowEnergy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless Broadband Internet (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP), Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig), RF communication, or 60GHz millimeter wave (mm Wave) short-range communication.

[0094] To this end, the communication module (160) of the ultrasound imaging device (40) and the communication module (119) of the probe (20) may include at least one of a wireless LAN communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, a zigbee communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association) module, a BLE (Bluetooth LowEnergy) communication module, an NFC (Near Field Communication) communication module, a Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet, Wibro) communication module, a WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX) communication module, a SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol) communication module, a WiGig (Wireless Gigabit Alliance, WiGig) communication module, an RF communication module, or a 60GHz millimeter wave (mm Wave) short-range communication module.

[0095] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the probe (20) transmits device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe (20) to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE) and can be wirelessly paired with the ultrasonic imaging device (40). In addition, the probe (20) can transmit ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images to the paired ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0096] The device information of the probe (20) may include various information related to the serial number, model name, or battery status of the probe (20).

[0097] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can receive device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe (20) from the probe (20) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE) and can be wirelessly paired with the probe (20). In addition, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) can transmit an activation signal to the paired probe (20) and receive ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images from the probe (20). At this time, the activation signal can include a signal for controlling the operation of the probe (20).

[0098] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the probe (20) transmits device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe (20) to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE) and can be wirelessly paired with the ultrasonic imaging device (40). In addition, the probe (20) can transmit ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) paired by the first communication method using a second communication method (e.g., 60 GHz millimeter wave, Wi-Fi).

[0099] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can receive device information (e.g., ID information) of the probe (20) from the probe (20) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE) and can be wirelessly paired with the probe (20). In addition, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) can transmit an activation signal to the paired probe (20) and receive ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images from the probe (20) using a second communication method (e.g., 60 GHz millimeter wave, Wi-Fi).

[0100] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first communication method used to pair the probe (20) and the ultrasonic imaging device (40) with each other may have a lower frequency band than the frequency band of the second communication method used to transmit ultrasonic data and / or ultrasonic images from the probe (20) to the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0101] The display (140) of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) can display UIs (User Interfaces) indicating device information of the probe (20). For example, the display (140) can display identification information of the wireless ultrasonic probe (20), a pairing method indicating a pairing method with the probe (20), a data communication status between the probe (20) and the ultrasonic imaging device (40), a method of performing data communication with the ultrasonic imaging device (40), or a UI indicating the battery status of the probe (20).

[0102] When the probe (20) includes a display (112), the display (112) of the probe (20) can display a UI indicating device information of the probe (20). For example, the display (112) can display identification information of the wireless ultrasound probe (20), a pairing method indicating a pairing method with the probe (20), a data communication status between the probe (20) and the ultrasound imaging device (40), a method of performing data communication with the ultrasound imaging device (40), or a UI indicating a battery status of the probe (20).

[0103] The communication module (160) can receive control signals or data from an external device. The processor (120) can control the operation of the ultrasonic imaging device (40) according to the control signal received through the communication module (160).

[0104] Additionally, it is also possible for the processor (120) to transmit a control signal to an external device through a communication module (160), thereby controlling the external device according to the transmitted control signal. The external device may operate according to a control signal received from the ultrasonic imaging device (40) or process data received from the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0105] An external device can receive or download a program or application related to an ultrasound imaging device (40) from an ultrasound imaging device (40), a probe (20), or a server, and install and execute the program or application on the external device. The ultrasound imaging device (40), a probe (20), or a server that provides the program or application may include a recording medium that stores instructions, commands, installation files, executable files, or related data of the program or application. The external device may also be sold with the program or application installed.

[0106] The memory (150) can store various data or programs for driving and controlling the ultrasonic imaging device (40), input / output ultrasonic data, ultrasonic images, etc.

[0107] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly including a buffer device according to an example. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a buffer device and an ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an example.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly (1) according to an example may include an ultrasonic diagnostic device (100) including a probe (20) and an ultrasonic imaging device (40), and a buffer device (1000) surrounding the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0109] An ultrasound imaging device (40) according to an example may also be implemented as a portable device. Examples of a portable ultrasound imaging device (40) include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, laptop computer, PDA, or tablet PC including a probe and an application.

[0110] As an example, a portable ultrasound imaging device (40) may include a main body (41) and a handle portion (42) coupled to the main body (41). The handle portion (42) may include a grip portion (420) arranged to be spaced apart from the main body (41) by a predetermined distance, and grip portion connecting portions (421) arranged at both ends of the grip portion (420) and connecting the grip portion (420) and the main body (41). A hollow area (422) in which a user's finger is placed may be formed in the space arranged between the main body (41) and the grip portion (420). Since the handle portion (42) is arranged to be coupled to the main body (41) and the user can easily grip the main body (41), user convenience may be improved.

[0111] As an example, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the probe (20) may be interconnected using connectors. As an example, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) may have one or more connectors (470: see FIG. 20), and the probe (20) may have a connector (210) that is coupled to one or more connectors (470) provided in the ultrasonic imaging device (40). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the probe (20) may establish communication or be paired using short-range wireless communication. For example, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) and the probe (20) may communicate using Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi Direct.

[0112] The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can execute a program or application related to the probe (20), control the probe (20), and output information related to the probe (20). The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can communicate with a predetermined server and perform operations related to the probe (20). The probe (20) can be registered with the ultrasonic imaging device (40) or registered with a predetermined server. The ultrasonic imaging device (40) can communicate with the registered probe (20) and perform operations related to the probe (20).

[0113] Additionally, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) may include various types of input / output interfaces, such as speakers, LEDs, and vibration devices. For example, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) may output various information in the form of graphics, sounds, or vibrations through the input / output interface. Additionally, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) may output various notifications or data through the input / output interface.

[0114] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasound imaging device (40) can process an ultrasound image or obtain additional information from an ultrasound image using an artificial intelligence (AI) model. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasound imaging device (40) can generate an ultrasound image or perform processing such as correction, image quality improvement, encoding, or decoding on an ultrasound image using an AI model. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasound imaging device (40) can perform processing such as baseline definition, anatomical information acquisition, lesion information acquisition, surface extraction, boundary definition, length measurement, area measurement, volume measurement, or annotation generation from an ultrasound image using an AI model.

[0115] The AI ​​model may be installed on the ultrasound imaging device (40) or on a server. The AI ​​model may be implemented using various artificial neural network models or deep neural network models. In addition, the AI ​​model may be trained and generated using various machine learning algorithms or deep learning algorithms. For example, the AI ​​model may be implemented using models such as a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a generative adversarial network (GAN), or a long short-term memory (LSTM).

[0116] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a buffer device according to an example. Fig. 5 is a plan view of a buffer device according to an example. Fig. 6 is a plan view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly in which an ultrasonic imaging device is disposed in a buffer device according to an example. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of area P illustrated in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a bottom view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly in which an ultrasonic imaging device is disposed in a buffer device according to an example.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a buffer device (1000) is arranged to surround an ultrasonic imaging device (40) to prevent the ultrasonic imaging device (40) from being damaged by external impact. As described above, when the ultrasonic imaging device (40) is provided as a portable device, a user can move around while carrying the ultrasonic imaging device (40). At this time, the user may drop the ultrasonic imaging device (40) or collide it with an external structure, which may cause the ultrasonic imaging device (40) to be damaged. The buffer device (1000) can prevent the ultrasonic imaging device (40) from being damaged by external impact by absorbing impact that may be applied to the ultrasonic imaging device (40) in advance.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, according to an example, a buffer device (1000) may include a first buffer part (1100) surrounding an outer circumference of a main body (41) and an outer circumference of a handle part (42), a second buffer part (1200) disposed so as to be spaced apart from the first buffer part (1100) by a predetermined distance and disposed between the main body (41) and the handle part (42), and a connecting part (1300) connecting the first buffer part (1100) and the second buffer part (1200).

[0119] According to one example, the main body (41) may include a main body case (410) forming the outer shape of the main body (41). For example, the main body case (410) may be provided in a rectangular parallelepiped shape as illustrated in FIG. 3. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the main body case (410) may include different shapes depending on the intended use and the environment of use. Hereinafter, based on the fact that the main body case (410) is in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the width direction of the main body case (410) is described as a first direction (X direction), the length direction of the main body case (410) is described as a second direction (Y direction), and the thickness direction of the main body case (410) is described as a third direction (Z direction).

[0120] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the handle portion (42) may include a grip portion (420) that is positioned to be spaced apart from the main body (41) by a predetermined interval along one direction, for example, the second direction (Y direction), and a grip portion connecting portion (421) that connects the grip portion (420) and the main body (41). At this time, the outer circumference of the handle portion (42) may be formed to extend from the main body case (410) along one plane (XY plane). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the shape of the handle portion (42) may include any shape that allows a predetermined hollow area (422) to be formed between the grip portion (420) and the main body (41) depending on the user's gripping method and the purpose of use. As an example, since the outer periphery of the handle portion (42) is formed to extend from the main body case (410) along one plane (XY plane), the outer periphery of the main body case (410), the outer periphery of the grip portion (420), and the outer periphery of the grip portion connecting portion (421) can have a shape substantially similar to a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0121] Referring again to FIGS. 4 to 8, the first buffer portion (1100) may be arranged to surround the outer circumference of the main body (41) and the outer circumference of the handle portion (42). For example, when the outer circumference of the main body (41) and the outer circumference of the handle portion (42) have a shape similar to a rectangular parallelepiped that connects the outer circumference of the main body case (410), the outer circumference of the grip portion (420), and the outer circumference of the grip portion connection portion (421) as described above, the first buffer portion (1100) may include a side buffer portion (1110) for protecting the side of the main body case (410), a vertical buffer portion (1120) for protecting the upper and lower plates of the main body case (410) from vertical impact, and a handle buffer portion (1130) for protecting the side of the handle portion (42).

[0122] The side buffer (1110) can protect at least one side of the outer periphery of the main body (41). According to an example, the side buffer (1110) can have a shape corresponding to the side shape of the main body (41). The side buffer (1110) is arranged on the outer periphery of the side of the main body (41) and can protect the side of the main body (41) from an external impact applied along a direction of one plane (XY plane).

[0123] As an example, when the main body case (410) includes a shape similar to a rectangular parallelepiped, the side buffer portion (1110) may include a first side buffer portion (1111) arranged to extend along the outer circumference of a first side surface (411) of the main body case (410), a second side buffer portion (1112) arranged to extend along the outer circumference of a second side surface (412) of the main body case (410), and a third side buffer portion (1113) arranged to extend along the outer circumference of a third side surface (413) of the main body case (410).

[0124] As an example, the first side buffer (1111) and the third side buffer (1113) can be directly supported on the first side (411) of the main body case (410) and the third side (413) of the main body case (410) to protect the first side (411) and the third side (413) of the main body case (410) from external impact applied along a plane (XY plane) direction.

[0125] In addition, the second side buffer portion (1112) can be supported on the second side (412) of the main body case (410) to protect the second side of the main body case (410) from an external impact applied along a plane (XY plane). At this time, a stopper support portion (1150) can be arranged on the lower portion of the second side (412) of the main body case (410) as illustrated in FIG. 8. The stopper support portions (1150) may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. For example, the stopper support portions (1150) may extend along the second direction (Y direction), and may be arranged such that one end is supported on the second side (412) of the main body case (410) and the other end is supported on the second side buffer portion (1112). Accordingly, the second side buffer (1112) and the stopper support (1150) are supported on the second side (412) of the main body case (410) to protect the second side of the main body case (410) from an external impact applied along a plane (XY plane) direction.

[0126] The vertical buffer unit (1120) can protect the upper and lower plates of the main body case (410) from vertical impact. The vertical buffer unit (1120) according to an example may be arranged in one or more areas. For example, the vertical buffer unit (1120) may be provided in multiple units and arranged between the first side buffer unit (1111) to the third side buffer unit (1113) and the handle buffer unit (1130) to be described later. In other words, the multiple vertical buffer units (1120) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in four corner areas formed by the outer periphery of the main body case (410) and the outer periphery of the handle unit (42). In addition, the vertical buffer unit (1120) according to an example may have a thickness that exceeds the thickness of the main body (41) along the thickness direction of the ultrasonic imaging device (40), for example, the third direction (Z direction).

[0127] As an example, when the vertical buffer member (1120) has a thickness exceeding the thickness of the main body (41) along the third direction (Z direction), the vertical buffer member (1120) can protect the upper or lower portion of the main body case (410) from an external impact applied along the vertical direction (Z direction). Matters related to the thickness of the vertical buffer member (1120) and the thickness of the main body (41) will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0128] The handle buffer (1130) can protect at least one side surface of the outer periphery of the handle portion (42). According to an example, the handle buffer (1130) can have a shape corresponding to the side surface shape of the handle portion (42). In this case, the handle buffer (1130) is arranged on the outer periphery of the side surface of the handle portion (42) to protect the side surface of the handle portion (42) from an external impact applied along a direction of one plane (XY plane).

[0129] As an example, when the grip portion (420) is formed to extend along one direction, for example, a first direction (X direction), the handle buffer portion (1130) may include a shape extending along the outer periphery of the side surface of the grip portion (420). The handle buffer portion (1130) may protect the side surface of the grip portion (420) from an external impact applied along a direction of one plane (XY plane).

[0130] The second buffer part (1200) is arranged between the main body (41) and the handle part (42) to prevent damage that may occur between the main body (41) and the handle part (42). According to one example, the second buffer part (1200) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first buffer part (1100) by a predetermined distance. At this time, the handle part (42) may be seated in the space formed between the first buffer part (1100) and the second buffer part (1200). Therefore, the space (H) formed between the first buffer part (1100) and the second buffer part (1200) may be substantially equal to the width of the handle part (42). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when at least one of the first buffer portion (1100) or the second buffer portion (1200) includes an elastic material that can be deformed by external pressure, the gap (H) formed between the first buffer portion (1100) and the second buffer portion (1200) may be formed smaller than the width of the handle portion (42). In this case, the handle portion (42) may be fitted between the first buffer portion (1100) and the second buffer portion (1200).

[0131] According to an example, a plurality of second buffer units (1200) may be provided. At this time, the plurality of second buffer units (1200) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other with a predetermined interval in one direction. As an example, the plurality of second buffer units (1200) may include a 2-1 buffer unit (1210) and a 2-2 buffer unit (1220). The 2-1 buffer unit (1210) and the 2-2 buffer unit (1220) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X direction). At this time, the space spaced between the 2-1 buffer unit (1210) and the 2-2 buffer unit (1220) may be arranged to overlap with a hollow region (422) provided in the handle unit (42). Accordingly, the user's finger is placed in the space between the 2-1 buffer part (1210) and the 2-2 buffer part (1220) and the hollow area (422) provided in the handle part (42), so that the user can more easily hold the ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly (1) including the buffer device (1000).

[0132] The connecting portion (1300) may be disposed between the first buffer portion (1100) and the second buffer portion (1200) to interconnect the first buffer portion (1100) and the second buffer portion (1200). For example, the connecting portion (1300) may be disposed between the lower portions of the first buffer portion (1100) and the second buffer portion (1200). In addition, the connecting portion (1300) may extend to a length equal to the spacing (H) formed between the first buffer portion (1100) and the second buffer portion (1200). Accordingly, a predetermined seating portion (1350) having a groove shape, on which the handle portion (42) may be seated, may be formed along the first buffer portion (1100), the connecting portion (1300), and the second buffer portion (1200).

[0133] In the case where a plurality of second buffer units (1200) are provided according to an example, a plurality of connecting units (1300) may also be provided. For example, in the case where a plurality of second buffer units (1200) include a second-first buffer unit (1210) and a second-second buffer unit (1220), a plurality of connecting units (1300) may be provided and include a first connecting unit (1310) and a second connecting unit (1320). In this case, the space spaced between the first connecting unit (1310) and the second connecting unit (1320) may be arranged to overlap with a hollow region (422) provided in the handle unit (42).

[0134] According to an example, at least one of the first buffer part (1100), the second buffer part (1200), and the connection part (1300) may be formed integrally. For example, the first buffer part (1100), the second buffer part (1200), and the connection part (1300) may be formed integrally, thereby improving manufacturing convenience. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that the first buffer part (1100), the second buffer part (1200), and the connection part (1300) may each be provided separately and then connected to each other.

[0135] In addition, at least one of the first buffer portion (1100), the second buffer portion (1200), and the connection portion (1300) according to an example may include an elastic material. For example, the elastic material may include at least one of silicone rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM rubber), fluoro elastomers, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR rubber), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR rubber), natural rubber (NR rubber), chloroprene rubber (CR rubber), expandable polyethylene (EPE), expandable polypropylene (EPP), expandable polystyrene (EPS), and plastic. As an example, at least one of the first buffer portion (1100) and the second buffer portion (1200) may include an elastic material. Accordingly, at least one of the first buffer part (1100) and the second buffer part (1200) can absorb shock applied from the outside and shock applied between the main body (41) and the handle part (42).

[0136] Fig. 9 is a side view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly having an ultrasonic imaging device disposed on a buffer device according to an example. Fig. 10 is a side view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly having an ultrasonic imaging device disposed on a buffer device according to an example.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a main body (41) according to an example may have a main body thickness (h1) along a thickness direction of an ultrasonic imaging device, for example, a third direction (Z direction). A side buffer portion (1110) for protecting a side surface of the main body (41), for example, a first side surface (411) of a main body case (410) to a third side surface (413) of the main body case (410), for example, the first side buffer portion (1111) to the third side buffer portion (1113) may have a side buffer portion thickness (h2) smaller than the main body thickness (h1) along the third direction (Z direction). When the side buffer thickness (h2) is smaller than the main body thickness (h1), it is impossible to prevent a third direction (Z direction) impact applied to the main body (41), for example, an impact that may be applied to the upper surface (415) or lower surface (416) of the main body (41) when the main body (41) is dropped.

[0138] According to one example, one or more areas of the first buffer portion (1100), for example, the vertical buffer portion (1120), may have a vertical buffer portion thickness (h3) that exceeds the body thickness (h1) along the thickness direction of the ultrasound imaging device, for example, the third direction (Z direction). For example, the vertical buffer portions (1120) may be provided in multiple pieces and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in four corner areas formed by the outer periphery of the body case (410) and the outer periphery of the handle portion (42). For example, the vertical buffer portions (1120) may be provided in four pieces and may include the first vertical buffer portion (1121) to the fourth vertical buffer portion (1124). At this time, the first vertical buffer portion (1121) to the fourth vertical buffer portion (1124) may have a vertical buffer portion thickness (h3) that exceeds the body thickness (h1) along the third direction (Z direction). Accordingly, the first vertical buffer portion (1121) to the fourth vertical buffer portion (1124) can protect the upper surface (415) or the lower surface (416) of the main body case (410) from external impact applied along the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0139] According to an example, the handle portion (42) may have a handle portion thickness (h4) along the thickness direction of the ultrasonic imaging device, for example, the third direction (Z direction). As an example, the handle portion thickness (h4) may be formed to be smaller than the main body thickness (h1). Accordingly, the user may more easily grip the handle portion (42). A portion of the first buffer portion (1100) arranged to face the handle portion (42), for example, the handle buffer portion (1130), may have a handle buffer portion thickness (h5) less than or equal to the handle portion thickness (h4) along the thickness direction of the ultrasonic imaging device, for example, the third direction (Z direction).

[0140] As an example, the handle buffer thickness (h5) of the handle buffer portion (1130) may be formed to be substantially the same as the handle portion thickness (h4) of the handle portion (42). Accordingly, the handle buffer portion (1130) can not only protect the side of the handle portion (42) from external impact applied to the side of the handle portion (42) along a plane (XY plane) direction, but also improve user convenience by minimizing the thickness of the grip portion so that the user can easily grip the handle portion (42).

[0141] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly taken along line AA illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 12a is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly illustrated in Fig. 11. Fig. 12b is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly illustrated in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a plan view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly in which an ultrasonic imaging device is arranged on a buffer device according to an example.

[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in order to protect the ultrasonic imaging device (40) from external impact, the ultrasonic imaging device (40) must be coupled to a buffer device (1000). In the case of a portable ultrasonic imaging device (40), since the ultrasonic imaging device (40) can be moved after being coupled to the buffer device (1000), the ultrasonic imaging device (40) must be coupled so as to be fixed to the buffer device (1000).

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 12B, a first fixing part (1910) and a second fixing part (1920) according to an example can fix an ultrasonic imaging device (40) to a buffer device (1000). As an example, four sides of the main body (41) can be supported by the first buffer part (1100) and the second buffer part (1200). For example, the first side (411) to the third side (413) of the main body case (410) can be supported by the first buffer part (1100), and the fourth side (414) can be supported by the second buffer part (1200). The first fixing member (1910) and the second fixing member (1920) for fixing the ultrasonic imaging device (40) to the buffer device (1000) may be placed in at least one of the first buffer member (1100) or the second buffer member (1200).

[0144] According to one example, the first fixing member (1910) can be arranged on the second buffer member (1200) to support one side of the main body (41), thereby fixing the position of the main body (41) with respect to the second buffer member (1200). For example, when the fourth side (414) of the main body case (410) is supported by the second buffer member (1200), the first fixing member (1910) included in the second buffer member (1200) can fix the position of the fourth side (414) of the main body case (410) with respect to the second buffer member (1200).

[0145] As an example, a groove (430) may be arranged on one side of the main body (41), for example, the fourth side (414) of the main body case (410). The first fixing part (1910) may include a stepped shape corresponding to the groove (430). According to one example, the first fixing part (1910) of the stepped shape and the groove (430) may be mutually coupled to fix the position of the main body (41) with respect to the second buffer part (1200). At this time, since the first fixing part (1910) included in the second buffer part (1200) may include an elastic material, the first fixing part (1910) may be mutually coupled to the groove (430) in a fitted form.

[0146] According to one example, the second fixing member (1920) can be arranged on the first buffer member (1100) to support another side of the main body (41), thereby fixing the position of the main body (41) with respect to the first buffer member (1100). For example, when the second side (412) of the main body case (410) is supported by the first buffer member (1100), the second fixing member (1920) included in the first buffer member (1100) can fix the position of the second side (412) of the main body case (410) with respect to the first buffer member (1100).

[0147] As an example, a plurality of protrusions (440) may be arranged on another side of the main body (41), for example, a second side (412) of the main body case (410). The second fixing portion (1920) may include a plurality of groove shapes corresponding to the shapes of the plurality of protrusions (440). According to an example, the second fixing portion (1920) having a plurality of groove shapes and the plurality of protrusions (440) may be mutually coupled to fix the position of the main body (41) with respect to the first buffer portion (1100). At this time, since the second fixing portion (1920) included in the first buffer portion (1100) may include an elastic material, the second fixing portion (1920) may be mutually coupled with the plurality of protrusions (440) in a fitted form.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 13, a band fixing member (1500) according to an example can fix an ultrasonic imaging device (40) to a buffer device (1000). As an example, an upper surface or a lower surface of a main body (41) can be supported by the band fixing member (1500). For example, an upper surface (415) or a lower surface (416) of a main body case (410) can be supported by a band fixing member (1500) arranged to cross the upper surface (415) or the lower surface (416) of the main body case (410). The band fixing member (1500) for fixing an ultrasonic imaging device (40) to a buffer device (1000) can be arranged on at least one of the upper surface (415) or the lower surface (416) of the main body case (410).

[0149] According to one example, a plurality of band fixing parts (1500) may be provided to support the upper surface (415) of the main body case (410). For example, the band fixing part (1500) may include a first band fixing part (1510) and a second band fixing part (1520). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the band fixing part (1500) may be provided in a single unit.

[0150] The first band fixing part (1510) may be arranged to cross the upper surface (415) of the main body case (410) along the first direction (X direction). At this time, both ends of the first band fixing part (1510) may be arranged to be detachably attached to the first buffer part (1100). For example, when the main body (41) is arranged in the buffer device (1000), both ends or one end of the first band fixing part (1510) may be separated from the first buffer part (1100). When the main body (41) is coupled to the buffer device (1000), both ends of the first band fixing part (1510) may be coupled to be fixed to the first buffer part (1100).

[0151] The second band fixing part (1520) may be arranged to cross the upper surface (415) of the main body case (410) along the second direction (Y direction). At this time, one end of the second band fixing part (1520) may be arranged to be detachably attached to the first buffer part (1100). For example, when the main body (41) is arranged in the buffer device (1000), one end of the second band fixing part (1520) may be separated from the first buffer part (1100). When the main body (41) is coupled to the buffer device (1000), both ends of the second band fixing part (1520) may be coupled to be fixed to the first buffer part (1100).

[0152] In the above-described example, both ends or one end of the first band fixing portion (1510) or the second band fixing portion (1520) are described as being detachable from the first buffer portion (1100), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the relative positions of the second buffer portion (1200) and the band fixing portion (1500), both ends or one end of the band fixing portion (1500) may be arranged to be detachable from the second buffer portion (1200).

[0153] Fig. 14 is a bottom view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly in which an ultrasonic imaging device is disposed on a buffer device according to an example. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly in which an ultrasonic imaging device is disposed on a buffer device according to an example. Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly illustrated in Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly illustrated in Fig. 15.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 17, an ultrasonic imaging device (40) according to an example may include an intake part (450) through which outside air is introduced into the interior, and an exhaust part (460) through which the air introduced into the interior is discharged to the exterior. As an example, the intake part (450) may be disposed on one side of the main body (41), and the exhaust part (460) may be disposed on the other side of the main body (41). For example, the intake part (450) may be disposed on the fourth side (414) of the main body case (410), and the exhaust part (460) may be disposed on the second side (412) of the main body case (410) opposite to the fourth side (414) of the main body case (410). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the intake part (450) and the exhaust part (460) may be disposed on opposite sides of the main body (41) other than the opposite sides.

[0155] According to an example, the intake passage part (1610) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the intake part (450) by a predetermined distance. For example, the intake passage part (1610) may be arranged on the second buffer part (1200) facing the intake part (450) so as to be spaced apart from the intake part (450) by a predetermined distance along the second direction (Y direction). As illustrated in FIG. 16, the space formed between the intake part (450) and the intake passage part (1610) may form a passage through which external air may be introduced. As an example, the intake passage part (1610) may include a plurality of intake passages (1611) extending in one direction as a passage guide through which external air may be introduced. At this time, each of the plurality of intake passages (1611) can be arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of intake holes (451) provided in the intake section (450).

[0156] According to an example, the exhaust path part (1620) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the exhaust part (460) by a predetermined distance. For example, the exhaust path part (1620) may be arranged on the first buffer part (1100) facing the exhaust part (460) and may be arranged to be spaced apart from the exhaust part (460) by a predetermined distance along the second direction (Y direction). As illustrated in FIG. 17, the space formed between the exhaust part (460) and the exhaust path part (1620) may form a path through which external air may be introduced. As an example, the exhaust path part (1620) may include a plurality of first exhaust holes (1621) as a path guide through which external air may be introduced. At this time, each of the plurality of first exhaust holes (1621) may be arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of second exhaust holes (461) provided in the exhaust part (460).

[0157] Fig. 18a is a cross-sectional view of the buffer device taken along the line BB shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 18b is a cross-sectional view of the buffer device taken along the line CC shown in Fig. 4.

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, a first buffer portion (1100) according to an example can protect an outer circumference of a side surface of a main body (41) and an outer circumference of a side surface of a handle portion (42). For example, the side buffer portion (1110) can protect at least one side surface of the outer circumference of the main body (41). The side buffer portion (1110) is disposed on the outer circumference of the side surface of the main body (41) to protect the side surface of the main body (41) from an external impact applied along a direction of one plane (XY plane). In addition, the handle buffer portion (1130) can protect at least one side surface of the outer circumference of the handle portion (42). The handle buffer portion (1130) is disposed on the outer circumference of the side surface of the handle portion (42) to protect the side surface of the handle portion (42) from an external impact applied along a direction of one plane (XY plane).

[0159] As described above, the first buffer part (1100) according to an example may include an elastic material. Accordingly, the first buffer part (1100) may absorb an impact applied from the outside and an impact applied to the main body (41) and the handle part (42). However, the amount of impact applied to the main body (41) and the handle part (42) may increase depending on the shape and weight of the main body (41) and the handle part (42). In order to protect the main body (41) and the handle part (42) from the increased amount of impact, a reinforcing member (1400) may be additionally placed on the first buffer part (1100).

[0160] According to an example, a reinforcing member (1400) may be positioned to be inserted into the center of the first buffer portion (1100). At this time, the reinforcing member (1400) may include a different material from the first buffer portion (1100). For example, when the first buffer portion (1100) includes an elastic material, the reinforcing member (1400) may include a material having a different elastic modulus from the elastic material. For example, the first buffer portion (1100) may include a rigid material such as a metal material or a plastic material.

[0161] According to an example, a reinforcing member (1400) may include a first reinforcing member (1410) and a third reinforcing member (1430) arranged at the center of a first side buffer portion (1111) and a third side buffer portion (1113), as illustrated in FIG. 18A. In other words, the reinforcing member (1400) may include a first reinforcing member (1410) and a third reinforcing member (1430) arranged to be surrounded by the first side buffer portion (1111) and the third side buffer portion (1113), respectively. At this time, the first reinforcing member (1410) and the third reinforcing member (1430) may be arranged to extend in one direction, for example, in the second direction (Y direction), like the first side buffer portion (1111) and the third side buffer portion (1113).

[0162] In addition, the reinforcing member (1400) according to an example may include a second reinforcing member (1420) and a fourth reinforcing member (1440) arranged at the center of the second side buffer portion (1112) and the handle buffer portion (1130), as illustrated in FIG. 18B. In other words, the reinforcing member (1400) may include the second reinforcing member (1420) and the fourth reinforcing member (1440) arranged to be surrounded by the second side buffer portion (1112) and the handle buffer portion (1130), respectively. At this time, the second reinforcing member (1420) and the fourth reinforcing member (1440) may be arranged to extend in one direction, for example, along the first direction (X direction), like the second side buffer portion (1112) and the handle buffer portion (1130).

[0163] Although not shown in the above-described example, the first reinforcing member (1410) and the second reinforcing member (1420) included in the reinforcing member (1400) may be provided in an integral shape in which they are interconnected, the second reinforcing member (1420) and the third reinforcing member (1430) are interconnected, the third reinforcing member (1430) and the fourth reinforcing member (1440) are interconnected, and the fourth reinforcing member (1440) and the first reinforcing member (1410) are interconnected. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first reinforcing member (1410) and the second reinforcing member (1420) may be formed individually and arranged to be interconnected.

[0164] Fig. 19 is a perspective projection view of a buffer device according to an example.

[0165] Referring to Fig. 19, the first buffer part (1100) and the second buffer part (1200) according to an example can protect the main body (41) and the handle part (42) from external impact. Depending on the shape and weight of the main body (41) and the handle part (42), the amount of impact applied to the main body (41) and the handle part (42) can increase. In order to protect the main body (41) and the handle part (42) from the increased amount of impact, a plurality of shock absorbing parts (1600) can be additionally arranged in the first buffer part (1100) and the second buffer part (1200).

[0166] According to an example, a plurality of shock absorbing members (1600) may be arranged inside at least one of the first buffer member (1100) and the second buffer member (1200). As an example, the plurality of shock absorbing members (1600) may have at least one of a polygonal or circular cross-section. Since the plurality of shock absorbing members (1600) have at least one of a polygonal or circular cross-section, the structural rigidity of the shape having the polygonal or circular cross-section can prevent an impact applied from the outside from being applied to the main body (41) or the handle member (42).

[0167] As an example, the plurality of shock absorbing members (1600) may include the same or different material as the first buffer member (1100) and the second buffer member (1200). As an example, when the first buffer member (1100) and the second buffer member (1200) include an elastic material, the plurality of shock absorbing members (1600) may include a material having an elastic modulus that is the same or different from the elastic material of the first buffer member (1100) and the second buffer member (1200). In an example, when the plurality of shock absorbing members (1600) include the same material as the first buffer member (1100) and the second buffer member (1200), the plurality of shock absorbing members (1600) may be formed integrally with the first buffer member (1100) and the second buffer member (1200). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a plurality of shock absorbing parts (1600) may be formed separately and combined inside the first buffer part (1100) and the second buffer part (1200).

[0168] FIG. 20 is a side view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly having an ultrasonic imaging device disposed on a buffer device according to an example. FIG. 21 is a side view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly having an ultrasonic imaging device disposed on a buffer device according to an example. FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly having an ultrasonic imaging device disposed on a buffer device according to an example.

[0169] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 22, an ultrasound imaging device (40) according to an example may include one or more connectors (470) to which a probe (20) may be connected. As an example, one or more connectors (470) may be disposed on one side of a main body (41). For example, one or more connectors (470) may be disposed on one side of a main body case (410). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and one or more connectors (470) may be disposed in any area of ​​the main body case (410).

[0170] According to an example, a connector hole (1710) may be arranged at a position corresponding to one or more connectors (470) described above. As an example, the connector hole (1710) may be provided in an opening shape through which one or more connectors (470) may be exposed to the outside. For example, when one or more connectors (470) are arranged on a first side (411) of a main body case (410), the connector hole (1710) may be arranged on a first side buffer portion (1111) corresponding to the first side (411). Since one or more connectors (470) may be exposed to the outside, a foreign substance arranged on the outside may be inserted into one or more connectors (470).

[0171] According to an example, the connector hole opening / closing part (1720) can open / close the connector hole (1710) to prevent foreign substances placed externally from being inserted into one or more connectors (470). In other words, the connector hole opening / closing part (1720) can be a dustproof member and a waterproof member that prevent foreign substances placed externally from being inserted into one or more connectors (470).

[0172] As an example, the connector hole opening / closing part (1720) may include a shape corresponding to the connector hole (1710). In addition, the connector hole opening / closing part (1720) may be coupled to the first buffer part (1100) so as to open / close the connector hole (1710). For example, the connector hole opening / closing part (1720) may be arranged to be rotatable around one axis on the first buffer part (1100). Accordingly, when the probe (20) is coupled to the connector (470), the connector hole opening / closing part (1720) may open the connector hole (1710) as illustrated in FIG. 21. In addition, when the probe (20) is not coupled to the connector (470), the connector hole opening / closing part (1720) may rotate around one axis to seal the connector hole (1710).

[0173] Fig. 23 is a side view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly with a probe attached according to an example. Fig. 24 is a side view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly with a probe detached according to an example.

[0174] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, an ultrasonic imaging device (40) according to an example may include one or more connectors (470) to which a probe (20) can be connected. The probe (20) may include a groove (220) arranged in a region other than the connector (210). When the connector (210) provided in the probe (20) is connected to one or more connectors (470) provided in the ultrasonic imaging device (40), the groove (220) provided in the probe (20) may be arranged in a state spaced apart from the ultrasonic imaging device (40). When the groove (220) provided in the probe (20) is arranged in a state spaced apart from the ultrasonic imaging device (40), an impact applied from the outside may be transmitted to the connector (210) provided in the probe (20).

[0175] According to an example, the shock-absorbing step (1730) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the groove (220) provided in the probe (20) and may support the groove (220). As an example, the shock-absorbing step (1730) may be arranged at one end of the connector hole (1710). At this time, the shock-absorbing step (1730) may be provided integrally with the first buffer (1100) and may include an elastic material. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the shock-absorbing step (1730) may be provided separately and arranged to be coupled to one end of the connector hole (1710). As described above, since the shock-absorbing step (1730) supports the groove (220) provided in the probe (20), the shock-absorbing step (1730) can prevent shock from being applied from the outside to the connector (210) provided in the probe (20).

[0176] Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a buffer device according to an example. Fig. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly according to an example.

[0177] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the main body (41) according to an example may include a groove portion (480) having a predetermined groove shape. As an example, the groove portion (480) provided in the main body (41) may be a joint or a connecting portion between different components. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the groove portion (480) may include any opening shape through which a foreign substance placed externally may be in fluid communication with a component placed internally of the main body case (410) provided in the ultrasonic imaging device (40).

[0178] According to an example, the waterproofing part (1800) may include a shape corresponding to the groove (480) provided in the main body (41). For example, the waterproofing part (1800) may include a protrusion shape corresponding to the groove (480). According to an example, the waterproofing part (1800) may be arranged in at least one of the first buffering part (1100) and the second buffering part (1200). For example, the waterproofing part (1800) may be arranged on the inner surface of at least one of the first buffering part (1100) and the second buffering part (1200). At this time, the waterproofing part (1800) may be arranged to extend along the circumference of at least one of the first buffering part (1100) and the second buffering part (1200).

[0179] In addition, the waterproofing unit (1800) may be formed integrally with at least one of the first buffering unit (1100) or the second buffering unit (1200). At this time, the waterproofing unit (1800) may include the same material as at least one of the first buffering unit (1100) or the second buffering unit (1200), for example, an elastic material. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the waterproofing unit (1800) may be provided separately and coupled to at least one of the first buffering unit (1100) or the second buffering unit (1200). At this time, the waterproofing unit (1800) may also include a different material from at least one of the first buffering unit (1100) or the second buffering unit (1200).

[0180] According to one example, the waterproofing part (1800) may be positioned to be inserted into the groove (480) to block foreign substances from entering from the outside. As an example, when the waterproofing part (1800) includes an elastic material, the waterproofing part (1800) provided in the shape of a protrusion may be positioned to be inserted into the groove (480) in a fitting manner to block foreign substances from entering from the outside.

[0181] Many other embodiments beyond those described above exist within the scope of the claims of the present invention. The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A buffer device surrounding an ultrasonic imaging device having a main body and a handle portion coupled to the main body, A first buffer portion surrounding the outer circumference of the main body and the outer circumference of the handle portion; and A second buffer part is disposed between the main body and the handle part, and is spaced apart from the first buffer part by a predetermined distance; shock.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a connecting portion connecting the first buffer portion and the second buffer portion; shock.

3. In paragraph 1, The second buffer portion includes a second-first buffer member and a second-second buffer member which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along one direction. shock.

4. In paragraph 1, The above handle portion has a handle portion thickness along the thickness direction of the ultrasonic imaging device, A portion of the first buffer portion arranged to face the handle portion has a thickness less than or equal to the thickness of the handle portion along the thickness direction of the ultrasonic imaging device. shock.

5. In paragraph 1, The above body has a body thickness along the thickness direction of the above ultrasonic imaging device, At least one region of the first buffer portion has a vertical buffer portion thickness exceeding the thickness of the main body along the thickness direction of the ultrasonic imaging device, shock.

6. In paragraph 1, The second buffer portion includes a first fixing portion that supports one side of the main body and fixes the position of the main body with respect to the second buffer portion, The first buffer portion includes a second fixing portion that supports another side of the main body and fixes the position of the main body with respect to the first buffer portion. shock.

7. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a band fixing member arranged to cross one side of the main body and having both ends or one end detachably attached to the first buffer portion or the second buffer portion; shock.

8. In paragraph 1, An intake section arranged on one side of the main body and an intake passage section arranged to face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween; and It further includes an exhaust passage part arranged to face the exhaust part arranged on the other side of the main body with a predetermined gap therebetween; The above intake passage section has a plurality of intake passages extending in one direction, The above exhaust passage section has a plurality of exhaust holes, shock.

9. In paragraph 1, At least one of the first buffer portion and the second buffer portion comprises an elastic material. shock.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a reinforcing member positioned to be inserted into the center of the first buffer portion, shock.

11. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a plurality of shock absorbing parts arranged inside at least one of the first buffer part and the second buffer part, and having at least one of a polygonal or circular cross-section, shock.

12. In paragraph 1, One or more connectors are arranged on one side of the main body, and a connector hole is arranged at a position corresponding to the one or more connectors; and Further comprising a connector hole opening / closing part for opening / closing the connector hole; shock.

13. In paragraph 12, A predetermined groove is placed on the probe connected to the connector of the above body, Further comprising a shock-absorbing step portion that is formed in a shape corresponding to the groove portion and supports the groove portion; shock.

14. In paragraph 1, A predetermined home portion is arranged in the above body, It further includes a waterproof part which is provided in a shape corresponding to the above-mentioned home part and is inserted into the home part to block foreign substances from entering from the outside. shock.

15. A buffer device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 14; An ultrasonic diagnostic device comprising a main body, an ultrasonic imaging device having a handle portion coupled to the main body, and a probe connected to the ultrasonic imaging device; Ultrasonic diagnostic device assembly.

Images