Ultrasound intracavitary probe suitable for pelvic examinations, and ultrasound imaging device

Abstract

An ultrasound intracavitary probe suitable for pelvic examinations, and an ultrasound imaging device. The ultrasound intracavitary probe comprises a shell assembly, a drive assembly, and a transducer assembly which has a main shaft, wherein the transducer assembly comprises at least two linear array transducers, each of which comprises a plurality of array elements; a probe shell comprises an acoustic window and a connecting shell; the end of the connecting shell facing away from the acoustic window is connected to a handle shell; the at least two linear array transducers are arranged in the acoustic window and spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the main shaft; and the plurality of array elements are linearly arranged in a preset direction of the main shaft. The at least two linear array transducers, after being excited, can emit ultrasound waves to a first target area in the pelvic cavity in the radial direction of the main shaft and receive the returned ultrasound echoes, so as to obtain at least two sets of ultrasound echo data corresponding to the at least two linear array transducers, and the at least two sets of ultrasound echo data can be processed to obtain corresponding longitudinal section ultrasound images in at least two different section positions.

Description

Ultrasonic intracavitary probe and ultrasonic imager suitable for pelvic examination Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical detection equipment, and in particular to an ultrasonic intracavitary probe and an ultrasonic imager suitable for pelvic examination. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic intracavitary probes are primarily used for intracavitary ultrasonic testing. During the inspection, the motor built into the probe drives the transducer assembly on the main shaft to perform an annular scan within the cavity to obtain an ultrasonic cross-sectional image. While performing the annular scan, medical personnel must hold the probe still near the patient to obtain a clearer ultrasound image. However, holding the probe for extended periods can cause wrist pain in medical personnel and even discomfort and pain in patients. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present application provides an ultrasonic intracavitary probe and an ultrasonic imager suitable for pelvic examination, which can obtain ultrasonic cross-sectional images at at least two different longitudinal cross-sectional positions through at least two linear array transducers arranged on the main axis, shortening the time for the ultrasonic intracavitary probe to perform circular cross-sectional scanning, avoiding shaking caused by long-term holding during the scanning process, and making the ultrasonic cross-sectional image clearer.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided an ultrasonic intracavitary probe suitable for pelvic examination, comprising a housing assembly, a drive assembly, and a transducer assembly having a main shaft, wherein the housing assembly comprises a handle housing and a probe housing connected to the handle housing, the transducer assembly is disposed within the probe housing, and the drive assembly is disposed within the handle housing and is in transmission connection with the main shaft for driving the main shaft to rotate about its central axis;

[0005] Wherein, the transducer assembly includes at least two linear array transducers, each of the linear array transducers includes a plurality of array elements linearly arranged along a preset direction of the main shaft, the probe housing has an acoustic window and a connecting housing, the end of the connecting housing facing away from the acoustic window is connected to the handle housing, at least two of the linear array transducers are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the main shaft and are arranged in the acoustic window, so that the main shaft can drive at least two of the linear array transducers to rotate around the central axis of the main shaft.

[0006] After being excited, at least two of the linear array transducers can transmit ultrasonic waves toward a first target area in the pelvic cavity in the radial direction of the main axis and receive returned ultrasonic echoes, thereby obtaining at least two groups of ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the at least two linear array transducers. After processing, the at least two groups of ultrasonic echo data can obtain corresponding ultrasonic section images at at least two different longitudinal section positions.

[0007] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to an embodiment of the present application, the transducer assembly includes a first linear array transducer and a second linear array transducer, and an operating frequency range of the first linear array transducer is different from or the same as that of the second linear array transducer; and / or,

[0008] The size of the first linear array transducer is different from or the same as that of the second linear array transducer; and / or,

[0009] The distance from the front end of the first linear array transducer to the front end of the main axis is different from or the same as the distance from the front end of the second linear array transducer to the front end of the main axis.

[0010] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present application, the transducer assembly includes only a first linear array transducer and a second linear array transducer, and the first linear array transducer and the second linear array transducer are symmetrically arranged on the two side walls of the main shaft relative to a plane passing through the central axis of the main shaft.

[0011] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present application, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe also includes a convex array transducer, the main shaft includes a front end and a rear end extending axially along the main shaft, the drive assembly is transmission-connected to the rear end of the main shaft or a position of the main shaft close to the rear end, and the convex array transducer is located at the front end of the main shaft and is used to transmit ultrasonic waves to a second target area in the pelvic cavity and receive returned ultrasonic echoes.

[0012] In the ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present application, an opening is provided at the end of the acoustic window, and the convex array transducer is embedded in the opening and sealed.

[0013] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present application, the convex array transducer is mounted on the main shaft and can rotate around the central axis of the main shaft; or, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe also includes a rotating shaft that can rotate independently relative to the main shaft, and the convex array transducer is connected to the rotating shaft.

[0014] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present application, the transducer assembly includes a hinge shaft, the convex array transducer is hinged to the front end through the hinge shaft and can swing around the hinge shaft, and the axis of the hinge shaft is perpendicular to the axis of the main shaft.

[0015] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present application, the angular range of the swinging of the convex array transducer around the hinge axis is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 180°. After being excited, the convex array transducer can emit ultrasonic waves toward the second target area along the radial direction of the hinge axis and receive returned ultrasonic echoes; thereby obtaining convex array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the convex array transducer, and after processing, the convex array ultrasonic echo data at least includes an ultrasonic cross-sectional image of the tissue corresponding to the second target area at a cross-sectional position.

[0016] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present application, the shell assembly also includes a connecting seat having a main shaft rotation hole, the connecting seat is connected between the handle shell and the connecting shell, one end of the main shaft is rotatably installed in the main shaft rotation hole and is transmission-connected to the drive assembly, and the other end of the main shaft extends into the acoustic window.

[0017] In the ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present application, the transducer assembly further includes a bearing member, which is disposed in the main shaft rotation hole and the acoustic window, and the main shaft passes through the bearing member.

[0018] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present application, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe further includes a limit assembly, which is mounted on at least one of the handle housing, the probe housing, the connecting seat and the main shaft, so that the main shaft can rotate at any angle within a range of not less than 720 degrees.

[0019] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present application, the limiting assembly includes a fixing member, a limiting member and at least one connecting member, the fixing member is fixed on the shell assembly, the limiting member is fixed on the main shaft, and the connecting member is rotatably mounted on the main shaft and is arranged between the fixing member and the limiting member.

[0020] In the ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present application, the driving assembly includes a driving member and a first reducer, and the driving member is transmission-connected to the main shaft via the first reducer.

[0021] In the ultrasonic intracavitary probe of one embodiment of the present application, the driving assembly further includes an encoder, which is arranged on a side of the driving member away from the first reducer and is used to detect the rotational speed of the main shaft.

[0022] In the ultrasonic intracavity probe of one embodiment of the present application, a second reducer is connected between the encoder and the driving member, and the transmission ratio of the second reducer corresponds to the transmission ratio of the first reducer.

[0023] In an ultrasonic intracavitary probe according to an embodiment of the present application, a hollow structure is formed inside the main shaft, a conductive layer for signal transmission is provided inside the hollow structure, and at least two linear array transducers are connected to the side wall of the main shaft and to the conductive layer;

[0024] Among them, the linear array transducer includes a support frame, an acoustic lens, a backing layer and a piezoelectric layer electrically connected to the conductive layer, the acoustic lens is arranged on the outside of the piezoelectric layer, the piezoelectric layer is arranged on the support frame through the backing layer, and the support frame is connected to the side wall of the main shaft.

[0025] In the ultrasonic intracavity probe of one embodiment of the present application, the preset direction is the axial direction of the main axis.

[0026] According to the second aspect of the present application, the present application provides an ultrasonic imager, comprising a display, an ultrasonic host and the above-mentioned ultrasonic intracavity probe, wherein the ultrasonic intracavity probe is connected to the ultrasonic host for emitting ultrasonic waves and collecting ultrasonic echoes, and the display is used to display the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic host based on the ultrasonic echoes.

[0027] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application may include the following beneficial effects: The present application designs an ultrasonic intracavitary probe and an ultrasonic imager suitable for pelvic examination, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe including a housing assembly, a drive assembly and a transducer assembly having a main shaft, the drive assembly being arranged in the handle housing and connected to the main shaft for driving the main shaft to rotate around its central axis, thereby driving the linear array transducer on the main shaft to rotate, so as to obtain an ultrasonic section image at the corresponding longitudinal section position.

[0028] The transducer assembly includes at least two linear array transducers, which are spaced apart along the circumference of the main axis. Each linear array transducer includes a plurality of array elements linearly arranged along a preset direction of the main axis and is capable of independently emitting ultrasonic waves and receiving returned ultrasonic echoes. When excited, the at least two linear array transducers can emit ultrasonic waves radially along the main axis toward a first target area within the pelvic cavity and receive returned ultrasonic echoes, thereby obtaining at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the at least two linear array transducers. After processing, the at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data can be used to obtain corresponding ultrasonic cross-sectional images at at least two different longitudinal cross-sectional positions. This not only increases the scanning range of the ultrasonic intracavity probe within the pelvic cavity and ensures the comprehensiveness of the ultrasonic intracavity probe's scanning, but also improves the detection efficiency of the ultrasonic intracavity probe within the pelvic cavity, shortens the time it takes to perform annular cross-sectional scanning within the pelvic cavity, avoids jitter caused by prolonged holding during the scanning process, and makes the ultrasonic cross-sectional images clearer. Furthermore, corresponding ultrasonic cross-sectional images can be selected as needed, reducing the workload of medical personnel.

[0029] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0031] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an ultrasound probe provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ultrasound probe in FIG1 ;

[0033] FIG3 is an exploded schematic diagram of the ultrasound probe in FIG1 ;

[0034] FIG4 is a partially exploded view of the ultrasound probe in FIG1 ;

[0035] FIG5 is a partial schematic diagram of the ultrasound probe in FIG1 ;

[0036] FIG6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ultrasound probe in FIG1 ;

[0037] FIG7 is a partial schematic diagram of the transducer assembly in FIG1 ;

[0038] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the position limiting assembly in FIG1 ;

[0039] FIG9 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the limit assembly in FIG1 ;

[0040] FIG10 is an exploded schematic diagram of the limit assembly in FIG1 ;

[0041] FIG11 is another schematic diagram of the limit assembly in FIG1 ;

[0042] FIG12 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the limit assembly in FIG11;

[0043] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the control assembly and the drive assembly in FIG1 ;

[0044] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of the first reducer in FIG1 ;

[0045] FIG15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first reducer in FIG1 ;

[0046] FIG16 is an exploded schematic diagram of the first reducer in FIG1 ;

[0047] FIG17 is a partial schematic diagram of the drive assembly in FIG1 ;

[0048] FIG18 is an exploded schematic diagram of the second reducer in FIG1 .

[0049] Explanation of Reference Numerals: 10. Housing assembly; 11. Handle housing; 12. Probe housing; 121. Connecting housing; 122. Acoustic window; 13. Connecting seat; 131. Spindle rotation hole; 20. Transducer assembly; 21. Linear array transducer; 211. First linear array transducer; 212. Second linear array transducer; 213. Circuit board; 22. Spindle; 222. First bearing mounting portion; 223. Second bearing mounting portion; 224. Hollow structure; 23. Bearing member; 231. First bearing member; 232. Second bearing member; 233. Third bearing member; 24. Fastening nut; 30. Drive assembly; 31. Drive member; 311. Driving gear; 32. First reducer; 321. First duplex gear; 3211. First input tooth; 3212. First output tooth; 322. Second duplex gear; 3221. Second input tooth; 3222. Second output tooth; 323. First transmission gear; 3231. First gear; 3232. Second gear; 3233. Gear shaft; 324. Output gear; 3241. Spindle fixing hole; 325. Mounting bracket; 3251. First accommodating cavity; 3252. Second accommodating cavity; 3253. First through hole; 3254. First shaft hole; 33. Encoder; 34. Second reducer; 342. Third duplex gear; 343. Fourth duplex gear; 344. Power output unit; 312. Drive gear; 40. Limiting assembly; 41. Limiting member; 41a. Third chute; 411. First blocking portion; 412. Limiting member mounting portion; 42. Fixing member; 42a. Fourth chute; 421. Second blocking portion; 422. First connecting platform; 43. Connecting member; 43a. First chute; 43b. Second chute; 431. First connecting member; 4311. First limiting portion; 4311a. First upper limiting portion; 4311b. First lower limiting portion; 432. Second connecting member; 4321. Second limiting portion; 4321b. Second upper limiting portion; 4321b. Second lower limiting portion; 4322. Second connecting platform; 44. First limiting member; 45. Second limiting member; 50. Control assembly; 51. Control board; 52. Fixing bracket. 60. Conductive layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0051] It should also be understood that the terms used in this specification of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific realities. In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0052] The following describes some embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features therein may be combined with each other.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 18, the present application provides an ultrasonic intracavitary probe suitable for pelvic examination, including a housing assembly 10, a drive assembly 30 and a transducer assembly 20 having a main shaft 22, wherein the housing assembly 10 includes a handle housing 11 and a probe housing 12 connected to the handle housing 11, the transducer assembly 20 is arranged in the probe housing 12, the drive assembly 30 is arranged in the handle housing 11 and is transmission-connected to the main shaft 22, and is used to drive the main shaft 22 to rotate, so as to drive the linear array transducer 21 on the transducer assembly 20 to rotate around the central axis of the main shaft 22, so that the rotational force generated by the drive assembly 30 is applied to the linear array transducer 21 of the transducer assembly 20 via the main shaft 22, thereby rotationally driving the linear array transducer 21 to perform a radial scanning operation to obtain a corresponding ultrasonic section image.

[0054] In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the transducer assembly 20 includes at least two linear array transducers 21, each linear array transducer 21 including a plurality of array elements, the plurality of array elements being linearly arranged along a preset direction of the main axis 22, and each array element being capable of independently transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The probe housing 12 has an acoustic window 122 and a connecting housing 121, the end of the connecting housing 121 facing away from the acoustic window 122 being connected to the handle housing 11, and the at least two linear array transducers 21 being spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the main axis 22 and disposed within the acoustic window 122, so that the main axis 22 can drive the at least two linear array transducers 21 to rotate around the central axis of the main axis 22, so that each linear array transducer 21 can scan the longitudinal section of the interior of the pelvic cavity during the rotation process, and obtain real-time ultrasonic section images at at least two different longitudinal section positions when the ultrasonic intracavitary probe scans the longitudinal section of the interior of the pelvic cavity.

[0055] It should be noted that the at least two linear array transducers 21 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the main axis 22, including but limited to at least two linear array transducers 21 having partial overlap in the radial direction of the main axis 22, or at least two linear array transducers 21 are staggered with each other in the extension direction of the main axis 22, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0056] Exemplarily, after being excited, at least two linear array transducers 21 can emit ultrasonic waves along the radial direction of the main axis 22 toward the first target area in the pelvic cavity and receive the returned ultrasonic echoes, thereby obtaining at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the at least two linear array transducers 21. After processing, the at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data can obtain corresponding ultrasonic section images at at least two different longitudinal sections. This not only increases the scanning range of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe inside the pelvic cavity and ensures the comprehensiveness of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe scanning; it also improves the detection efficiency of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe inside the pelvic cavity, shortens the time for the ultrasonic intracavitary probe to perform annular section scanning inside the pelvic cavity, avoids jitter due to long-term holding during the scanning process, and makes the ultrasonic section image clearer. At the same time, the corresponding ultrasonic section image can also be selected as needed, reducing the workload of medical staff.

[0057] After adopting the above technical solution, since at least two linear array transducers 21 are provided on the main shaft 22, and each linear array transducer 21 is provided with array elements linearly arranged along the preset direction of the main shaft 22, each array element can independently transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, so that after each linear array transducer 21 is excited, each array element on each linear array transducer 21 can transmit ultrasonic waves to the first target area in the pelvic cavity along the radial direction of the main shaft 22 and receive the returned ultrasonic echo, thereby obtaining linear array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the linear array transducer 21. After processing, the linear array ultrasonic echo data can obtain an ultrasonic section image at the corresponding longitudinal section position, and at least two linear array transducers 21 can obtain corresponding ultrasonic section images at at least two different longitudinal section positions.

[0058] When the driving component 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate around its central axis, the main shaft 22 drives at least two linear array transducers 21 to rotate around the central axis of the main shaft 22, so that each linear array transducer 21 can obtain a series of ultrasonic cross-sectional images during the process of rotating around the central axis of the main shaft 22. In this way, not only can the ultrasonic cross-sectional images of all linear array transducers 21 be synthesized to form a coordinated synthetic image, such as a three-dimensional stereo image, thereby shortening the time for the ultrasonic intracavitary probe to scan the inside of the pelvic cavity, but also avoids the jitter caused by long-term holding during the scanning process, making the ultrasonic cross-sectional image clearer; it can also simultaneously obtain the first target area through the linear array transducers 21 with different operating frequency ranges. The ultrasonic cross-sectional images of different tissue depths in the first target area can be obtained without moving or switching the ultrasonic intracavitary probe. Only one ultrasonic intracavitary probe can be used to scan tissues at different depths in the first target area. That is, multiple linear array transducers 21 with different operating frequency ranges on the main shaft 22 cooperate to transmit ultrasonic waves to the first target area in the pelvic cavity and receive returned ultrasonic echoes, so that at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data of tissues at different depths in the first target area at at least two different longitudinal sections can be obtained. This greatly shortens the scanning time of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, greatly improves the efficiency of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, and avoids jitter caused by long-term holding during the scanning process of different tissue depths, making the ultrasonic cross-sectional images clearer. In addition, medical personnel can also select the corresponding ultrasonic cross-sectional image as needed during the scanning process of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, reducing the workload of medical staff.

[0059] For example, when there are two linear array transducers 21, the two linear array transducers 21 can be symmetrically distributed on both sides of the main shaft 22 along a plane passing through the central axis of the main shaft 22. The main shaft 22 includes a front end and a rear end extending along the axial direction of the main shaft 22. The drive assembly 30 is in transmission connection with the rear end of the main shaft 22 or a position near the rear end of the main shaft 22. The two linear array transducers 21 are disposed at or near the front end of the main shaft 22. When the drive assembly 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate about its central axis, the main shaft 22 can drive the two linear array transducers 21 to rotate simultaneously. After being excited, the two linear array transducers 21 can coordinately transmit ultrasonic waves along the radial direction of the main shaft 22 toward a first target area in the pelvic cavity and receive returned ultrasonic echoes, thereby obtaining two sets of ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the two linear array transducers 21. After processing, the two sets of ultrasonic echo data can obtain real-time ultrasonic cross-sectional images at two corresponding different longitudinal sections. When the drive assembly 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate around the central axis for one circle, each linear array transducer 21 can obtain a corresponding series of ultrasonic cross-sectional images. If the operating frequency ranges of the two linear array transducers 21 are the same, the ultrasonic cross-sectional images obtained by the two linear array transducers 21 can be synthesized to form a matching synthetic image, such as a three-dimensional stereo image. Since the scanning arc length of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe in the circumferential direction is evenly divided by the two linear array transducers 21, the scanning path of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe can be reduced by half. Similarly, the scanning time of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe can also be shortened by half. Similarly, if the operating frequency ranges of the two linear array transducers 21 are different, different penetration depth requirements can be met, making it convenient for medical personnel to quickly switch according to needs; or different depth tissues at two different longitudinal section positions can be scanned at one time to obtain ultrasonic cross-sectional images of tissues at different depths, without moving or switching the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, which greatly improves the efficiency of the use of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe.

[0060] Similarly, when the number of linear array transducers 21 is n, where n is an integer greater than 2, the n linear array transducers 21 are spaced apart along the circumference of the main shaft 22 and positioned at or near the front end of the main shaft 22. When the drive assembly 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate about its central axis, the n linear array transducers 21 can rotate simultaneously with the main shaft 22 and coordinately transmit ultrasound waves toward the first target area within the pelvic cavity, and then receive the returned ultrasound echoes, thereby obtaining n sets of ultrasound echo data corresponding to the n linear array transducers 21. After processing, the n sets of ultrasound echo data can be used to obtain real-time ultrasound cross-sectional images at n different longitudinal sections. If the operating frequency range of the n linear array transducers 21 is the same, then compared to the case where only one linear array transducer 21 is positioned on the main shaft 22, the scanning path can be reduced by 1 / n, and the scanning time is also reduced by 1 / n. If the operating frequency ranges of the n linear array transducers 21 are at least partially different, it can not only shorten the scanning path and scanning time, but also meet different penetration depth requirements, greatly improving the use efficiency of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, the preset direction is the axial direction of the main shaft 22. Due to processing or assembly errors, the linear arrangement of multiple array elements along the preset direction of the main shaft 22 is allowed to deviate, which is not limited in this application.

[0062] In an optional embodiment, the transducer assembly 20 includes a first linear array transducer 211 and a second linear array transducer 212. The operating frequency range of the first linear array transducer 211 is the same as the operating frequency range of the second linear array transducer 212, so that the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 can work together to form a coordinated synthetic image, thereby reducing the scanning path of the transducer assembly 20 and shortening the scanning time of the transducer assembly 20, avoiding jitter caused by long-term holding during the scanning process, making the ultrasonic cross-sectional image clearer, and also allowing the corresponding ultrasonic cross-sectional image to be selected as needed, reducing the workload of medical staff.

[0063] In an optional embodiment, the transducer assembly 20 includes a first linear array transducer 211 and a second linear array transducer 212. The operating frequency range of the first linear array transducer 211 is different from the operating frequency range of the second linear array transducer 212, so that ultrasonic cross-sectional images of tissues at different depths can be obtained during one rotation without moving or switching the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, thereby greatly improving the utilization efficiency of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe; or the first linear array transducer 211 or the second linear array transducer 212 of different frequencies can be quickly switched according to needs to scan tissues at different depths.

[0064] It should be noted that the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 can be excited simultaneously during the rotation around the central axis of the main shaft 22, and the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 can also be excited separately during the rotation around the central axis of the main shaft 22. The specific rotation can be performed according to needs, and this application is not limited.

[0065] In an optional embodiment, the size of the first linear array transducer 211 is the same as the size of the second linear array transducer 212 , that is, linear array transducers 21 of the same size can be arranged on the main shaft 22 as required.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the size of the first linear array transducer 211 is different from the size of the second linear array transducer 212 , that is, linear array transducers 21 of different sizes can be arranged on the main shaft 22 according to requirements.

[0067] In an optional embodiment, the distance from the front end of the first linear array transducer 211 to the front end of the main shaft 22 is the same as the distance from the front end of the second linear array transducer 212 to the front end of the main shaft 22, that is, the positions of the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 on the main shaft 22 are at least ensured to be the same at the front end. If the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 are the same in size, the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 are installed in the same position on the main shaft 22. If the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 are different in size, the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 are located at different rear ends on the main shaft 22. The specific setting can be made according to design and usage requirements, and is not limited in this application.

[0068] In an optional embodiment, the distance from the front end of the first linear array transducer 211 to the front end of the main shaft 22 is different from the distance from the front end of the second linear array transducer 212 to the front end of the main shaft 22, that is, the front end positions of the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 on the main shaft 22 can be staggered. The specific setting can be based on design and usage requirements, and this application is not limited.

[0069] In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the transducer assembly 20 only includes a first linear array transducer 211 and a second linear array transducer 212. The first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 are symmetrically arranged on the two side walls of the main shaft 22 relative to the plane passing through the central axis of the main shaft 22, so that the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 can transmit ultrasonic waves and receive returned ultrasonic echoes along the radial direction of the main shaft 22 to two opposite longitudinal section positions, thereby obtaining two sets of ultrasonic echo data at two opposite longitudinal section positions. After processing, the two sets of ultrasonic echo data can obtain ultrasonic section images at two opposite longitudinal section positions. After the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 rotate around the central axis of the main shaft 22 for one circle, the first linear array transducer 211 and the second linear array transducer 212 can both obtain a corresponding series of ultrasonic cross-sectional images. These ultrasonic cross-sectional images can not only be used together for three-dimensional reconstruction, but also the corresponding ultrasonic cross-sectional images can be selected as needed, thereby reducing the workload of medical staff; it can even scan tissues at different depths to obtain ultrasonic cross-sectional images of tissues at corresponding depths, without moving or switching the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, thereby greatly improving the efficiency of using the ultrasonic intracavitary probe.

[0070] In an optional embodiment, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe also includes a convex array transducer, which is located at the front end of the main shaft 22 and is used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the second target area in the pelvic cavity and receive the returned ultrasonic echoes, thereby obtaining a set of convex array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the convex array transducer. After processing, the convex array ultrasonic echo data can obtain an ultrasonic section image at the corresponding cross-sectional position, that is, the ultrasonic echo data of the front end area of ​​the ultrasonic intracavitary probe can be collected by the convex array transducer to form an ultrasonic section image of the area, so as to improve the detection angle range of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe and make the inspection effect of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe better.

[0071] For example, the linear array transducer 21 can rotate around the central axis of the main shaft 22 and transmit and receive ultrasonic waves in the radial direction of the main shaft 22, thereby obtaining linear array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the linear array transducer 21. After processing, the linear array ultrasonic echo data can obtain an ultrasonic cross-sectional image at the corresponding longitudinal section position; while the convex array transducer can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves toward the front area of ​​the front end of the main shaft 22 to obtain convex array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the convex array transducer. After processing, the convex array ultrasonic echo data can obtain an ultrasonic cross-sectional image at the corresponding transverse section position. When the linear array transducer 21 and the convex array transducer operate simultaneously, scanning detection of different areas can be achieved, and a coordinated composite image can be formed, thereby improving the detection range of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe.

[0072] It should be noted that the convex array transducer can also be driven by the main shaft 22 to rotate, thereby detecting different sections of the front area of ​​the front end, further increasing its detection range. At the same time, the convex array transducer and the linear array transducer 21 can also work independently to scan two different areas separately, and this application is not limited to this.

[0073] In an optional embodiment, an opening is provided at the end of the acoustic window 122, and the convex array transducer is embedded in the opening and sealed so that the outer surface of the convex array transducer can be flush with the outer surface of the acoustic window 122, and the joint between the convex array transducer and the acoustic window 122 can be sealed.

[0074] It should be noted that when using an ultrasonic intracavitary probe to examine the pelvic cavity, the main shaft 22 needs to be inserted into the pelvic cavity. Therefore, in order to improve the comfort of the examination and reduce the patient's pain, the shape of the pelvic cavity can be set to a cylindrical shape, and the front end of the main shaft 22 is designed to be arc-shaped, which smoothly transitions with the rod body of the main shaft 22, that is, the outer surface of the main shaft 22 does not have sharp structures such as edges and corners, and the patient's comfort is higher during the insertion process.

[0075] In an optional embodiment, the convex array transducer is mounted on the main shaft 22 and can rotate around the central axis of the main shaft 22, so that different sections of the front area of ​​the front end can be detected when the main shaft 22 rotates, thereby improving the detection range of the convex array transducer. Only one driving component 30 is needed to drive the convex array transducer linear array transducer 21 on the main shaft 22 to rotate, which can achieve structural simplification and control strategy simplification, easy production and assembly, and easy cost control.

[0076] In an optional embodiment, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe also includes a rotating shaft that can rotate independently relative to the main shaft 22. The convex array transducer is connected to the rotating shaft, so that the convex array transducer can rotate relative to the main shaft 22. Therefore, it is not necessary to rotate simultaneously with the linear array transducer 21. They can rotate separately as needed to expand the detection angle of the convex array transducer.

[0077] In an optional embodiment, the transducer assembly 20 includes a hinge shaft, and the convex array transducer is hinged on the front end through the hinge shaft and can swing around the hinge shaft. The axis of the hinge shaft is perpendicular to the axis of the main shaft 22, so that the convex array transducer can swing around the hinge shaft, that is, the convex array transducer can be driven to swing around the hinge shaft in an appropriate manner, thereby improving the detection range of the convex array transducer.

[0078] In an optional embodiment, the angular range of the convex array transducer's swing around the hinge axis is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 180°. After the convex array transducer is excited, the convex array transducer can transmit ultrasonic waves to the second target area along the radial direction of the hinge axis and receive the returned ultrasonic echo, thereby obtaining convex array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the convex array transducer. After processing, the convex array ultrasonic echo data at least includes an ultrasonic cross-sectional image of the tissue corresponding to the second target area at the cross-sectional position, further improving the detection range of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, reducing the number of scans of the ultrasonic intracavitary probe in the pelvic cavity, and eliminating the need to move or replace the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, thereby improving work efficiency, reducing detection errors caused by moving or replacing the ultrasonic intracavitary probe, and making the detection results more accurate.

[0079] In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 to 9, the housing assembly 10 further includes a connection base 13 having a spindle rotation hole 131. The connection base 13 is connected between the handle housing 11 and the probe housing 12. One end of the spindle 22 is rotatably mounted in the spindle rotation hole 131 and is transmission-connected to the drive assembly 30. The other end of the spindle 22 extends into the acoustic window 122. The linear array transducer 21 and the convex array transducer are both disposed within the acoustic window 122 to focus the ultrasonic beams emitted by the linear array transducer 21 and the convex array transducer. The acoustic window 122 can be made of various materials suitable for making acoustic lenses, such as polyethylene synthetic resin.

[0080] In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the transducer assembly 20 further includes a bearing member 23, which is disposed in the main shaft rotation hole 131 and the acoustic window 122, and the main shaft 22 is passed through the bearing member 23 to ensure smooth rotation of the main shaft 22.

[0081] Exemplarily, the transducer assembly 20 further includes a fastening nut 24. The bearing component 23 includes a first bearing component 231, a second bearing component 232, and a third bearing component 233. The main shaft 22 is provided with a first bearing mounting portion 222 and a second bearing mounting portion 223. The inner rings of the first bearing component 231 and the second bearing component 232 are connected to the first bearing mounting portion 222, and the outer rings of the first bearing component 231 and the second bearing component 232 are connected to the inner wall of the main shaft rotation hole 131. The fastening nut 24 is locked on the outer side of the second bearing component 232 and is used to fix the second bearing component 232 to the main shaft 22. The inner ring of the third bearing component 233 is connected to the second bearing mounting portion 223, and the outer ring of the third bearing component 233 is fixed within the acoustic window 122.

[0082] It should be noted that the connecting seat 13 can be integrally formed with the handle housing 11 or the probe housing 12, or the connecting seat 13 can be separately formed from the handle housing 11 or the probe housing 12 and then fixed together by assembly, which is not limited in this application.

[0083] In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 to 12, the ultrasound probe also includes a limit assembly 40, which is installed on at least one of the handle housing 11, the probe housing 12, the connecting seat 13 and the main shaft 22, so that the main shaft 22 can rotate at any angle within a range of not less than 720 degrees.

[0084] Exemplarily, the limit assembly 40 includes a fixing member 42, a limit member 41 and at least one connecting member 43, the fixing member 42 is fixed on the housing assembly 10, the limit member 41 is fixed on the main shaft 22, and the connecting member 43 is rotatably installed on the main shaft 22 and is arranged between the fixing member 42 and the limit member 41, and is used to form a limiting fit with the fixing member 42 and the limit member 41 to limit the main shaft 22 to rotate within a stroke angle of not less than 720 degrees, so that any stroke angle can be limited, and is used to realize the adjustment of various angular positions when the drive assembly 30 drives the transducer assembly 20 to rotate, solving the technical problem that the rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20 exceeds 720 degrees, and at the same time, it can also protect the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 during the torsion process, preventing electrical connection components similar to flexible circuit boards from playing a protective role during the rotation of the main shaft 22, thereby improving the service life of the electrical connection part.

[0085] It should be noted that the transducer assembly 20 rotates within a travel angle of not less than 720 degrees, which means that the transducer assembly 20 can rotate more than two turns or equal to two turns in either the counterclockwise or clockwise direction around its central axis, or it can also mean that the total travel angle of the transducer assembly 20 rotating counterclockwise and clockwise around its central axis is not less than 720 degrees, which is determined according to design requirements, such as rotation within 0 to 720 degrees, rotation between -360 and +360 degrees, or rotation within 0 to 810 degrees, or even rotation within a range exceeding 810 degrees, etc. Among them, 0 degrees can be the starting rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20, the above-mentioned 720 degrees and 810 degrees can be the terminal rotation angles of the transducer assembly 20 rotating in one direction, and the above-mentioned -360 and +360 degrees can be the terminal rotation angles of the transducer assembly 20 rotating in the counterclockwise direction and the terminal rotation angles of the transducer assembly 20 rotating in the clockwise direction. The starting rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20 may also be -180 degrees, -360 degrees, etc.; accordingly, the ending rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20 is the difference between the travel angle of the transducer assembly 20 and the starting rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20 .

[0086] Exemplarily, the rotation of the main shaft 22 within a stroke angle of not less than 720 degrees includes rotation from a first stroke angle to a second stroke angle, the first stroke angle being the starting rotation angle or the reverse ending rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20, the second stroke angle being the positive ending rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20, the positive direction being one of the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, and the reverse direction being the other of the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction.

[0087] After adopting the above technical solution, since the transducer assembly 20 can be limited to a preset rotation angle between the first stroke angle and the second stroke angle under the cooperation of the fixing member 42, the limiting member 41 and the at least one connecting member 43, this not only prevents the transducer assembly 20 from exceeding the limit position during rotation, causing damage to the internal electrical connection components; it also ensures that the rotation angle of the transducer assembly 20 is greater than 720 degrees and imaging is performed within the effective motion range of 720 degrees. Compared with the combination of the number of motor pulses and the return to zero control, the reliability of this application is stronger, especially if there is a problem with the program for controlling the number of motor pulses and the return to zero control, which can easily cause damage to the internal electrical connection components of the transducer assembly 20, thereby causing the transducer assembly 20 to fail.

[0088] For example, when the first stroke angle is 0 degrees and the second stroke angle is 720 degrees, the drive assembly 30 can only drive the main shaft 22 to rotate between 0 degrees and 720 degrees to protect the electrical connection components in the main shaft 22, thereby preventing the electrical connection components from affecting the transmission effect of the transducer assembly 20 when twisted or squeezed. Alternatively, when the first stroke angle is 0 degrees and the second stroke angle is greater than 720 degrees, the drive assembly 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate within any angle range between 0 degrees and greater than 720 degrees to achieve a large angle selection of the transducer assembly 20, thereby meeting various angle requirements of the transducer assembly 20 and improving the scanning efficiency of the transducer assembly 20. At the same time, it can also protect the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22, which may affect the transmission effect of the transducer assembly 20 when twisted or squeezed, or even cause damage to the electrical connection components. Alternatively, when the first stroke angle is -360 degrees and the second stroke angle is +360 degrees, the drive component 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate within any angle range between -360 degrees and +360 degrees to achieve free forward and reverse angle selection of the transducer component 20, thereby meeting various angle requirements of the transducer component 20.

[0089] In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the connecting member 43 has a first end face and a second end face that are opposite each other. A first limiting member 44 is connected between the first end face and the limiting member 41, and a second limiting member 45 is connected between the second end face and the fixing member 42. The first limiting member 44 and the second limiting member 45 rotate about the axis of the main shaft 22 relative to the connecting block, the limiting member 41, and the fixing member 42. When the driving assembly 30 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate, because the limiting member 41 is fixed to the main shaft 22 and the fixing member 42 is fixed to the housing assembly 10, the connecting member 43 is sleeved on the main shaft 22 and can rotate relative to the main shaft 22. Therefore, the main shaft 22 drives the limiting member 41 to rotate. When the limiting member 41 moves to the first limiting member 44 and the first limiting member 44 contacts the limiting end face of the limiting member 41, the limiting member 41 drives the first limiting member 44 to rotate around the axis of the main shaft 22 and when the first limiting member 44 contacts the limiting end face of the connecting member 43 on the first end face, the limiting member 41 drives the connecting member 43 to rotate relative to the fixing member 42 through the first limiting member 44; when the limiting end face of the connecting member 43 on the second end face contacts the second limiting member 45, the connecting member 43 drives the second limiting member 45 to rotate around the axis of the main shaft 22 until the second limiting member 45 contacts the limiting end face on the fixing member 42. When the end faces of the second limit member 45 come into contact, the movement of the second limit member 45 will be blocked by the limit end face on the fixing member 42, thereby preventing the connecting member 43 from continuing to rotate relative to the fixing member 42, and then preventing the limit member 41 from continuing to rotate through the connecting member 43 and the first limit member 44, playing the role of mechanical limiting, solving the technical problem of the transducer assembly 20 with a rotation angle of more than 720 degrees, and protecting the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 during the torsion of the main shaft 22, not only can the number of pulses of the driving assembly 30 be controlled; but also the mechanical limiting of the main shaft 22 during the rotation process can be achieved through the limit assembly 40, with a simple structure and reliable operation.

[0090] In an optional embodiment, a first slide groove 43a is provided on the first end surface, a second slide groove 43b is provided on the second end surface, a third slide groove 41a is provided on the limiting member 41, and a fourth slide groove 42a is provided on the fixing member 42. The first limiting member 44 is slidably installed between the first slide groove 43a and the third slide groove 41a, and the second limiting member 45 is slidably installed between the second slide groove 43b and the fourth slide groove 42a, so that the limiting member 41 and the connecting member 43 can be mechanically limited by the first limiting member 44 connected between the first slide groove 43a and the third slide groove 41a, and the connecting member 43 and the fixing member 42 can be mechanically limited by the second limiting member 45 connected between the second slide groove 43b and the fourth slide groove 42a. Among them, the limiting angle between the limiting member 41 and the connecting member 43 is jointly determined by the curvature of the first slide groove 43a and the curvature of the third slide groove 41a, and the limiting angle between the connecting member 43 and the fixing member 42 is jointly determined by the curvature of the second slide groove 43b and the curvature of the fourth slide groove 42a, that is, the mechanical limiting angle of the limiting assembly 40 is jointly determined by the rotation angle of the connecting member 43 relative to the main shaft 22 and the curvature of the first slide groove 43a, the second slide groove 43b, the third slide groove 41a and the fourth slide groove 42a.

[0091] Illustratively, the first chute 43a has two opposing first limiting end surfaces, and the first limiting member 44 can rotate from one of the first limiting end surfaces to the other first limiting end surface around the axis of the main shaft 22. Similarly, the third chute 41a has two opposing third limiting end surfaces, and the first limiting member 44 can rotate from one of the third limiting end surfaces to the other third limiting end surface around the axis of the main shaft 22. When the first limiting member 44 is restrained by both the first and third limiting end surfaces, the limiting member 41 can drive the connecting member 43 to rotate relative to the main shaft 22 via the first limiting member 44. Similarly, the second slide groove 43b has two opposite second limiting end faces, and the second limiting member 45 can rotate from one of the second limiting end faces to the other second limiting end face around the axis of the main shaft 22; the fourth slide groove 42a has two opposite fourth limiting end faces, and the second limiting member 45 can rotate from one of the fourth limiting end faces to the other fourth limiting end face around the axis of the main shaft 22. When the limiting member 41 drives the connecting member 43 to rotate through the first limiting member 44, the second limiting member 45 can rotate relative to the second slide groove 43b until the second limiting member 45 is blocked by the second limiting end face, and the second limiting member 45 is It will rotate along with the connecting member 43 around the axis of the main shaft 22 until the second limiting member 45 is blocked by the fourth limiting end face. Since the fixing member 42 is fixed on the shell component 10, that is, the fourth limiting end face is fixed relative to the shell component 10, the rotation angle of the second limiting member 45 can be limited, and the second limiting member 45 can limit the rotation angle of the connecting member 43 through the second limiting end face, the connecting member 43 can limit the rotation angle of the first limiting member 44 through the first limiting end face, and the first limiting member 44 can limit the rotation angle of the limiting member 41 through the third limiting end face.

[0092] In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 to 10, the connecting member 43 includes a first connecting member 431 and a second connecting member 432 that forms a limiting fit with the first connecting member 431. The first connecting member 431 forms a limiting fit with the limiting member 41 to limit the rotation angle of the connecting member 43; the second connecting member 432 forms a limiting fit with the fixing member 42 to limit the rotation angle of the connecting member 43, so that the main shaft 22 can achieve three-level mechanical limitation through the limiting fit between the limiting member 41 and the first connecting member 431, the limiting fit between the first connecting member 431 and the second connecting member 432, and the limiting fit between the second connecting member 432 and the fixing member 42, thereby solving the technical problem of the transducer assembly 20 with a rotation angle exceeding 720 degrees, and protecting the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 during the torsion of the main shaft 22. It can not only control the number of pulses of the driving assembly 30, but also realize mechanical limitation of the main shaft 22 during rotation through the limiting assembly 40. It has a simple structure and reliable operation.

[0093] It should be noted that the relative rotation angle between the limit member 41 and the first connecting member 431 can be between 0 degrees and 360 degrees, such as 240 degrees; the relative rotation angle between the first connecting member 431 and the second connecting member 432 can also be set between 0 degrees and 360 degrees, such as 240 degrees. Similarly, the relative rotation angle between the second connecting member 432 and the fixing member 42 can also be set between 0 degrees and 360 degrees, such as 240 degrees. Therefore, the limiting angle of the entire limit assembly 40 can be 720 degrees or even greater than 720 degrees, and this application is not limited to this.

[0094] In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, first limiting portions 4311 are respectively provided on the opposite ends of the first connecting member 431, and second limiting portions 4321 are respectively provided on the opposite ends of the second connecting member 432, one of the first limiting portions 4311 forms a limiting fit with one of the second limiting portions 4321, the other first limiting portion 4311 forms a limiting fit with the limiting member 41, and the other second limiting portion 4321 forms a limiting fit with the fixing member 42, so that the first connecting member 431 and the second connecting member 432 can jointly limit the limiting portion and the fixing member 42, and at the same time solve the technical difficulties of the transducer assembly 20 with a rotation angle of more than 720 degrees, so as to meet the transducer assembly 20 with various large-angle rotation requirements, and at the same time avoid the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 from being damaged during the torsion of the main shaft 22.

[0095] Illustratively, the first limiting portion 4311 includes a first upper limiting portion 4311a toward the limiting member 41 and a first lower limiting portion 4311b toward the second connecting member 432, and the second limiting portion 4321 includes a second upper limiting portion 4321b toward the first connecting member 431 and a second lower limiting portion 4321b toward the fixing member 42. Among them, the first upper limit portion 4311a is used to form a limiting cooperation with the limiting member 41 to prevent the limiting member 41 from rotating or the limiting member 41 drives the first connecting member 431 to rotate through the first upper limit portion 4311a; the first lower limit portion 4311b is used to form a limiting cooperation with the second upper limit portion 4321b to prevent the first connecting member 431 from rotating or the first connecting member 431 drives the second connecting member 432 to rotate through the cooperation between the first lower limit portion 4311b and the second upper limit portion 4321b; the second lower limit portion 4321b is used to form a limiting cooperation with the fixing member 42 to prevent the second connecting member 432 from rotating.

[0096] In an optional embodiment, a first blocking portion 411 is provided on the limiting member 41, and the first blocking portion 411 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the limiting member 41, and is used to form a limiting cooperation with the first limiting portion 4311 arranged on the limiting member 41, so that the limiting member 41 can form a mechanical limit with the first limiting portion 4311 through the first blocking portion 411. At the same time, the first blocking portion 411 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the limiting member 41, which facilitates the molding and processing of the first blocking portion 411.

[0097] In an optional embodiment, the inner side surface of the first limiting portion 4311 contacts the outer peripheral side of the limiting member 41, so that the limiting member 41 can rotate in contact with the inner side surface of the first limiting portion 4311 to ensure the stability of the first connecting member 431 when rotating around the axis of the main shaft 22.

[0098] In an optional embodiment, a first connecting platform 422 and a second blocking portion 421 arranged on one side of the first connecting platform 422 are provided on the fixing member 42, and the inner side surface of the second limiting portion 4321 contacts the outer peripheral side of the first connecting platform 422, and is used to form a limiting fit with the second blocking portion 421; at the same time, the stability of the second connecting member 432 during rotation can be ensured by the fitting contact between the second limiting portion 4321 and the first connecting platform 422.

[0099] In an optional embodiment, the second connecting member 432 is provided with a second connecting platform 4322 on the side facing the first connecting member 431, and the second limiting portion 4321 is connected to the outer peripheral side of the second connecting platform 4322, and the inner side surface is in contact with the outer peripheral side of the second connecting platform 4322, so that the first connecting member 431 can be rotated by adhering to the outer peripheral side of the second connecting platform 4322 through the first limiting portion 4311, and then form a limiting fit with the second limiting portion 4321, which not only ensures the stability between the first connecting member 431 and the second connecting member 432, but also facilitates the processing and forming of the second connecting platform 4322 and the second limiting portion 4321.

[0100] In an optional embodiment, a limiter mounting portion 412 is provided on the limiter 41 , and the limiter mounting portion 412 is used to fix the limiter 41 on the main shaft 22 .

[0101] Exemplarily, the limiter 41 includes a limiter 41 body and a limiter 41 fixing screw. A screw fixing hole is provided on the limiter 41 body, and the limiter 41 fixing screw is threadedly connected in the screw fixing hole to achieve a fixed connection between the limiter 41 body and the main shaft 22.

[0102] In an optional embodiment, the fixing member 42 is installed on the connecting seat 13 , and the limiting member 41 is fixed to one end of the main shaft 22 extending out of the connecting seat 13 .

[0103] In an optional embodiment, the drive assembly 30 includes a drive member 31 and a first reducer 32. The drive member 31 is connected to the main shaft 22 through the first reducer 32, so that the drive assembly 30 can gradually reduce the output speed of the drive member 31 through the transmission gear on the first reducer 32, thereby increasing the rotational force transmitted by the drive member 31 to the main shaft 22, so that the control accuracy of the ultrasonic transducer 21 can be greatly improved, and at the same time, it can also ensure that the ultrasonic transducer 21 has a sufficiently large output torque to overcome the resistance of the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 during the torsion of the main shaft 22 or the resistance of the transducer assembly 20 to the tissue in the body cavity during the detection process.

[0104] Specifically, during the examination process, the ultrasound probe is inserted into the body cavity to perform a complete circumferential scan in order to obtain data on the portion being examined, such as a pelvic examination. When the ultrasound probe is scanning within the body cavity, the drive member 31 drives the main shaft 22 to rotate within the body cavity. The body cavity wall on the outer circumference of the main shaft 22 generates a resistance force in the opposite direction to the main shaft 22 to prevent the main shaft 22 from rotating. This resistance force not only reduces the rotation speed of the main shaft 22 but may even force the main shaft 22 to stop rotating. Furthermore, to improve the control accuracy of the ultrasound probe, the rotation speed of the main shaft 22 within the body cavity cannot be too fast. Furthermore, due to the limited internal space size of the ultrasound probe, the stepper motor is generally only transmitted to the main shaft 22 through a single-stage transmission spur gear, which cannot meet the driving force required by the main shaft 22. Therefore, in this application, while meeting the size requirements, the first reducer 32 is connected between the driving member 31 and the main shaft 22, which can not only meet the driving force required by the main shaft 22 through the principle of deceleration and torque increase, but also realize the normal acceleration, uniform speed and deceleration movement of the main shaft 22 through the driving member 31, so that the control accuracy of the ultrasonic transducer 21 can be greatly improved.

[0105] In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 to 16, the first reducer 32 includes a mounting bracket 325, an output gear 324, and multiple transmission gears disposed within the mounting bracket 325. The driving member 31 includes a motor and a driving gear 311 connected to the motor shaft. The main shaft 22 is connected to the output gear 324. The multiple transmission gears mesh sequentially from the driving gear 311 to the output gear 324, allowing the driving member 31 to drive the output gear 324 to rotate the main shaft 22 after gradually reducing speed through each transmission gear, thereby achieving a deceleration and torque increase effect. This not only ensures the driving force required by the main shaft 22, but also significantly improves the control accuracy of the ultrasonic transducer 21.

[0106] After adopting the above technical solution, when the ultrasound probe rotates within the body cavity, the body cavity wall will respond to the resistance of the ultrasonic transducer 21 inserted into the body cavity and rotating to resist further rotation of the main shaft 22; if the resistance exceeds the rotational resistance of the motor, the motor will stop working. Therefore, the present application uses multiple transmission gears to gradually reduce and increase the rotational torque of the main shaft 22, so that the torque transmitted to the main shaft 22 by the motor through the first reducer 32 is much greater than the original output torque of the motor, thereby overcoming the resistance of the body cavity wall during the rotation of the main shaft 22 and the resistance generated by the electrical connection components inside the main shaft 22 during the torsion process.

[0107] It should be noted that the rotation speed of the main shaft 22 can be controlled by the motor, and the original output torque of the motor is generally difficult to exceed the resistance encountered by the main shaft 22 during rotation in the body cavity, that is, the design torque or original output torque of the motor cannot meet the driving force required by the main shaft 22.

[0108] In an optional embodiment, the mounting bracket 325 includes a frame and a partition disposed within the frame, which divides the frame into a first accommodating chamber 3251 and a second accommodating chamber 3252. The driving gear 311 meshes with the transmission gear disposed within the first accommodating chamber 3251, and the output gear 324 meshes with the transmission gear disposed within the second accommodating chamber 3252. While satisfying the deceleration function of the first reducer 32, this also makes the structure more compact and the layout more rational, effectively reducing the volume of the first reducer 32 and saving manufacturing costs. In an optional embodiment, the transmission gear includes a first transmission gear 323, and the transmission gear includes a first gear 3231, a gear shaft 3233 and a second gear 3232; wherein, a first shaft hole 3254 is provided on the partition plate, and the gear shaft 3233 is rotatably installed in the first shaft hole 3254, and the first gear 3231 and the second gear 3232 are respectively arranged on the two ends of the gear shaft 3233 located in the first accommodating cavity 3251 and the second accommodating cavity 3252, the output gear 324 is meshed with the second gear 3232, and the driving gear 311 is transmission-connected with the first gear 3231 to realize the transmission connection of the transmission gear between the first accommodating cavity 3251 and the second accommodating cavity 3252, so that the driving gear 311 can transmit the output torque of the motor to the gear shaft 3233 through the first gear 3231, and then transmit the output torque of the gear shaft 3233 to the main shaft 22 through the meshing between the second gear 3232 and the output gear 324 to drive the main shaft 22 to rotate. In the present application, the diameter of the second gear 3232 is greater than the diameter of the first gear 3231 .

[0109] In an optional embodiment, the transmission gear further includes a first duplex gear 321, which includes a first input tooth 3211 and a first output tooth 3212. The first input tooth 3211 is meshedly connected to the driving gear 311, and the first output tooth 3212 is transmission-connected to the first gear 3231. The diameter of the first input tooth 3211 is greater than the diameter of the first output tooth 3212. The integrated duplex gear design structure not only ensures that the first duplex gear 321 can increase the reduction ratio of the first reducer 32 and improve the output torque of the first reducer 32 within the allowable strength of the first reducer 32, but also reduces the volume and weight of the first reducer 32, making the interior of the first reducer 32 more compact and reducing the manufacturing cost of the first reducer 32.

[0110] In an optional embodiment, the transmission gear further includes a second duplex gear 322, which includes a second input tooth 3221 and a second output tooth 3222. The second input tooth 3221 is meshed with the first output tooth 3212, and the second output tooth 3222 is meshed with the first gear 3231. The diameter of the second input tooth 3221 is greater than the diameter of the second output tooth 3222. The use of the duplex gears not only makes the structure of the first reducer 32 more compact and smaller in overall size, but also facilitates installation of the first reducer 32 and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0111] In an optional embodiment, the first duplex gear 321 and the second duplex gear 322 are both arranged in the first accommodating cavity 3251, and a first through hole 3253 is provided on the frame. The driving gear 311 passes through the first through hole 3253 and engages with the first input tooth 3211 to transmit the output torque of the motor to the first input tooth 3211 of the gear shaft 3233, and then the output torque on the first duplex gear 321 is transmitted to the second duplex gear 322 through the engagement of the first output tooth 3212 with the second input tooth 3221, and then the output torque on the second duplex gear 322 is transmitted to the first transmission gear 323 through the engagement of the second output tooth 3222 with the first gear 3231, and finally the output torque on the first transmission gear 323 is transmitted to the main shaft 22 through the engagement of the second gear 3232 with the output gear 324, thereby driving the ultrasonic transducer 21 on the main shaft 22 to rotate to perform a scanning operation in the body cavity so that a corresponding ultrasonic image can be obtained.

[0112] In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figures 13, 17 and 18, the drive assembly 30 further includes an encoder 33, which is disposed on a side of the motor away from the first reducer 32 and is used to detect the rotational speed of the main shaft 22 to improve the control accuracy of the ultrasonic probe.

[0113] In an optional embodiment, a second reducer 34 is connected between the encoder 33 and the motor. The transmission ratio of the second reducer 34 corresponds to the transmission ratio of the first reducer 32, so that the encoder 33 can match the output speed of the main shaft 22, greatly improving the control accuracy of the ultrasonic probe; at the same time, it can also make the motor operation more stable and less vibrating.

[0114] In an optional embodiment, the second reducer 34 includes a third double gear 342, a fourth double gear 343 and a power output part 344, wherein the motor is provided with a driving gear 312 at the end away from the first reducer 32, and the driving gear 312 is connected to the power output part 344 through the third double gear 342 and the fourth double gear 343. The power output part 344 is connected to the encoder 33, so that the motor operation status is transmitted to the control component 50 of the ultrasound probe through the encoder 33 at any time, so that the control component 50 can analyze the operation of the motor, record the speed and position of the motor and make appropriate feedback, thereby maintaining the high precision of the motor at high and low torques.

[0115] In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figures 4, 6, and 16, one end of the main shaft 22 is rotatably mounted in the main shaft rotation hole 131 and connected to the output gear 324, and the mounting bracket 325 is fixed to the connecting seat 13. In this embodiment, the output gear 324 is provided with a main shaft fixing hole 3241, and the inner diameter of the main shaft fixing hole 3241 is adapted to the outer diameter of the main shaft 22, so that the main shaft 22 can be fixed in the main shaft fixing hole 3241. In an optional embodiment, the ultrasound probe further includes a control assembly 50, which is disposed in the handle housing 11. The transducer assembly 20 and the drive assembly 30 are both electrically connected to the control assembly 50, so that the control assembly 50 can control the operation of the drive assembly 30 and the control assembly 50.

[0116] In an optional embodiment, the control component 50 includes a control board 51 and a fixed bracket 52. The control board 51 is fixed to the outside of the motor through the fixed bracket 52. A cable is connected between the control board 51 and the transducer assembly 20 and the drive assembly 30 for controlling the operation of the transducer assembly 20 and the drive assembly 30.

[0117] In an optional embodiment, a hollow structure 224 is formed inside the main shaft 22. A conductive layer 60 for signal transmission is provided inside the hollow structure 224. At least two linear array transducers 21 are connected to the sidewalls of the main shaft 22 and to the conductive layer 60. The linear array transducer 21 includes a support frame, an acoustic lens, a backing layer, and a piezoelectric layer electrically connected to the conductive layer 60. The acoustic lens is disposed outside the piezoelectric layer, and the piezoelectric layer is disposed on the support frame via the backing layer. The support frame is connected to the sidewalls of the main shaft 22.

[0118] In an optional embodiment, a circuit board 213 is connected between at least two ultrasonic transducers 21. The circuit board 213 is disposed on the side of the support frame facing away from the backing layer. The piezoelectric layer is electrically connected to the circuit board 213, and the circuit board 213 is connected to the conductive layer 60. The circuit board 213 includes, but is not limited to, a flexible FPC board.

[0119] In an optional embodiment, the support frame is provided with a first connector on the side facing away from the backing layer, and a second connector is provided on the circuit board 213. The first connector is connected to the second connector to achieve quick plug-in and electrical connection between the piezoelectric layer and the circuit board 213.

[0120] As shown in Figures 1 to 18, according to the second aspect of the present application, the present application provides an ultrasonic imager, including a display, an ultrasonic host and the above-mentioned ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe is connected to the ultrasonic host to transmit ultrasonic signals and collect echo signals, and the display is used to display the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic host according to the echo signal.

[0121] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections. They can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections. They can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. They can refer to internal communication between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0122] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0123] The disclosure above provides many different embodiments or examples for realizing the different structures of the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present application, the components and settings of specific examples are described above. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present application. In addition, the present application may repeat reference numerals and / or reference letters in different examples, and such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present application provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0124] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic intracavitary probe suitable for pelvic examination, comprising a housing assembly, a drive assembly and a transducer assembly having a main shaft, wherein the housing assembly comprises a handle housing and a probe housing connected to the handle housing, the transducer assembly is arranged in the probe housing, the drive assembly is arranged in the handle housing and is in driving connection with the main shaft, and is used to drive the main shaft to rotate around its central axis; in, The transducer assembly includes at least two linear array transducers, each of which includes a plurality of array elements linearly arranged along a preset direction of the main shaft, the probe housing has an acoustic window and a connecting housing, one end of the connecting housing facing away from the acoustic window is connected to the handle housing, and at least two linear array transducers are spaced apart and arranged in the acoustic window along the circumferential direction of the main shaft, so that the main shaft can drive at least two linear array transducers to rotate around the central axis of the main shaft; After being excited, at least two of the linear array transducers can transmit ultrasonic waves to a first target area in the pelvic cavity along the radial direction of the main axis and receive returned ultrasonic echoes, thereby obtaining at least two groups of ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the at least two linear array transducers. After processing, the at least two groups of ultrasonic echo data can obtain corresponding ultrasonic section images at at least two different longitudinal section positions.

2. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 1, wherein: The transducer assembly comprises a first linear array transducer and a second linear array transducer, wherein an operating frequency range of the first linear array transducer is different from or the same as an operating frequency range of the second linear array transducer; and / or, The size of the first linear array transducer is different from or the same as the size of the second linear array transducer; and / or, The distance from the front end of the first linear array transducer to the front end of the main axis is different from or the same as the distance from the front end of the second linear array transducer to the front end of the main axis.

3. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 1, wherein: The transducer assembly only includes a first linear array transducer and a second linear array transducer, and the first linear array transducer and the second linear array transducer are symmetrically arranged on two side walls of the main shaft relative to a plane passing through the central axis of the main shaft.

4. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 1, wherein: The ultrasonic intracavitary probe also includes a convex array transducer, the main shaft includes a front end and a rear end extending axially along the main shaft, the drive assembly is transmission-connected to the rear end of the main shaft or a position of the main shaft close to the rear end, and the convex array transducer is located at the front end of the main shaft and is used to transmit ultrasonic waves to a second target area in the pelvic cavity and receive returned ultrasonic echoes.

5. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 4, wherein: An opening is arranged at the end of the acoustic window, and the convex array transducer is embedded in the opening and sealed.

6. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 4, wherein: The convex array transducer is mounted on the main shaft and can rotate around the central axis of the main shaft; or, the ultrasonic intracavitary probe also includes a rotating shaft that can rotate independently relative to the main shaft, and the convex array transducer is connected to the rotating shaft.

7. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 4, wherein: The transducer assembly comprises a hinge shaft, the convex array transducer is hinged on the front end via the hinge shaft and can swing around the hinge shaft, and the axis of the hinge shaft is perpendicular to the axis of the main shaft.

8. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 7, wherein: The convex array transducer swings around the hinge axis in an angle range greater than 0° and less than or equal to 180°. After being excited, the convex array transducer can emit ultrasonic waves toward the second target area along the radial direction of the hinge axis and receive returned ultrasonic echoes; thereby obtaining convex array ultrasonic echo data corresponding to the convex array transducer. After processing, the convex array ultrasonic echo data at least includes an ultrasonic section image of the tissue corresponding to the second target area at a cross-sectional position.

9. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 1, wherein: The housing assembly also includes a connecting seat having a main shaft rotation hole, the connecting seat is connected between the handle housing and the connecting housing, one end of the main shaft is rotatably installed in the main shaft rotation hole and is transmission-connected to the driving assembly, and the other end of the main shaft extends into the sound window.

10. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 9, wherein: The transducer assembly further comprises a bearing component, wherein the bearing component is arranged in the main shaft rotation hole and the acoustic window, and the main shaft passes through the bearing component.

11. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 9, wherein: The ultrasonic intracavitary probe also includes a limit assembly, which is installed on at least one of the handle housing, the probe housing, the connecting seat and the main shaft, so that the main shaft can rotate at any angle within a range of not less than 720 degrees.

12. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 11, wherein: The limiting component includes a fixing member, a limiting member and at least one connecting member, the fixing member is fixed on the housing component, the limiting member is fixed on the main shaft, and the connecting member is rotatably mounted on the main shaft and arranged between the fixing member and the limiting member.

13. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 1, wherein: The driving assembly includes a driving member and a first reducer, and the driving member is drivingly connected to the main shaft via the first reducer.

14. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 13, wherein: The driving assembly further includes an encoder, which is disposed on a side of the driving member away from the first reducer and is used to detect a rotation speed of the spindle.

15. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 14, wherein: A second reducer is connected between the encoder and the driving member, and a transmission ratio of the second reducer corresponds to the transmission ratio of the first reducer.

16. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 1, wherein: A hollow structure is formed inside the main shaft, a conductive layer for signal transmission is provided inside the hollow structure, and at least two of the linear array transducers are connected to the side wall of the main shaft and connected to the conductive layer; Among them, the linear array transducer includes a support frame, an acoustic lens, a backing layer and a piezoelectric layer electrically connected to the conductive layer, the acoustic lens is arranged on the outside of the piezoelectric layer, the piezoelectric layer is arranged on the support frame through the backing layer, and the support frame is connected to the side wall of the main shaft.

17. The ultrasonic intracavity probe according to claim 1, wherein: The preset direction is the axial direction of the main shaft.

18. An ultrasonic imager, comprising a display, an ultrasonic host and an ultrasonic intracavity probe as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the ultrasonic intracavity probe is connected to the ultrasonic host to emit ultrasonic waves and collect ultrasonic echoes, and the display is used to display an ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic host according to the ultrasonic echoes.

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