CN214231370U - Locking device of scanning assembly in ultrasonic imaging device and ultrasonic imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides a locking device of scanning subassembly among ultrasonic imaging device, include: one end of the scanning component connecting device is of a ball head structure, and the other end of the scanning component connecting device is connected with the scanning component; the fixing piece is fixedly connected with the ultrasonic imaging device body and comprises a hollow cavity for accommodating the ball head structure and allowing the ball head structure to move in a certain range; the locking piece comprises a rotatable piece and a pressing piece, and the pressing piece is arranged between the rotatable piece and the ball head structure; the rotatable member is rotated in one direction to press the pressing member down on the ball head structure, so that the scanning assembly is locked. The utility model also provides an ultrasonic imaging device including above-mentioned locking device.

Description

Locking device of scanning assembly in ultrasonic imaging device and ultrasonic imaging device

Technical Field

The utility model discloses a subject relates to the ultrasonic imaging field, and more specifically relates to the locking device and the ultrasonic imaging device of scanning subassembly among the ultrasonic imaging device.

Background

Ultrasound imaging systems typically transmit ultrasound signals and receive echo signals for imaging using a scanning assembly that includes an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasonic imaging system can be used for scanning various human organs and tissues. For example, a full-field breast ultrasound imaging system is one of them, which is capable of ultrasound imaging of a breast of a subject to be scanned. Typically, a full-field breast ultrasound imaging system includes a device body having a support structure, and a scanning assembly secured to the device.

After the scanning assembly is in close proximity to the tissue to be scanned, it is often necessary for the operator to fix it for high quality ultrasound imaging. When the scanning is finished, the fixed scanning component is contacted, so that the scanning component is removed from the body of the person to be scanned. Therefore, locking and unlocking of the scanning assembly is important for the scanning process. Locking of existing scanning assemblies typically relies on complex electrical structures including motors. On the one hand, these electrical structures cause an increase in the cost of the equipment; on the other hand, excessive parts are likely to fail after long-term use, resulting in a decrease in the reliability of the apparatus.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In view of this, some embodiments of the present invention provide a locking device for a scanning assembly in an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, including: one end of the scanning component connecting device is of a ball head structure, and the other end of the scanning component connecting device is connected with the scanning component; the fixing piece is fixedly connected with the ultrasonic imaging device body and comprises a hollow cavity, and the hollow cavity contains the ball head structure and allows the ball head structure to move in a certain range; the locking piece comprises a rotatable piece and a pressing piece, and the rotatable piece is rotatably connected with the fixed piece; the pressing piece is arranged between the rotatable piece and the ball head structure; the rotatable part rotates towards a direction to press the pressing part downwards to act on the ball head structure, so that the scanning assembly is locked.

Optionally, the rotatable member is rotatably connected to the fixed member by a screw thread.

Optionally, the fixing piece comprises a protruding block fixed with the ultrasonic imaging device body and a fixing piece shell arranged outside the protruding block; the hollow cavity is formed between the lower part of the lug and the fixing piece shell.

Optionally, a gap is provided between the fixing piece housing and the ultrasonic imaging device body; the lower part of the lug is provided with an external thread structure; the rotatable member comprises an operable portion, an upright post, and a compression ring; the operable portion is located over the bump; the upright post extends from the gap to the lower portion of the projection; one end of the upright post is connected with the operable part, and the other end of the upright post is connected with the pressure ring; the pressing ring is provided with an internal thread matched with the external thread.

Optionally, at least one of a bushing and a wave spring is disposed between the rotatable member and the protrusion.

Optionally, the rotatable member is provided with a spherical plunger; the convex block is provided with a groove matched with the spherical plunger; the location of the groove is configured to: when the rotatable member is rotated to a position to lock the scanning assembly, the ball of the ball plunger falls into the recess.

Optionally, the ball plunger comprises a hollow tube, a spring, and a ball head; one end of the hollow pipe is connected with the rotatable piece, and the other end of the hollow pipe is provided with a cavity for accommodating the spring and the ball head.

Optionally, the compressing member includes opposing first and second surfaces, the first surface being in contact with the rotatable member and the second surface being in contact with the ball head structure.

In still other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasound imaging device, which may include any of the above-described locking devices.

Optionally, the ultrasound imaging apparatus body comprises a host, a display and an adjustable arm; the locking device is connected to one end of the adjustable arm; and the scanning assembly includes an ultrasound transducer.

It should be understood that the brief description above is provided to introduce in simplified form some concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any section of this disclosure.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic view of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a schematic view of a locking device of a scanning assembly in an ultrasound imaging device according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a perspective view of a locking device of a scanning assembly in an ultrasound imaging device according to further embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view of the locking device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line A of FIG. 3;

fig. 6 is a perspective view of a locking device after removal of a fastener housing according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the region B in fig. 4.

Detailed Description

In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, it is noted that in the detailed description of the embodiments, all the features of the actual embodiments may not be described in detail in order to make the description concise and concise. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions are made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be further appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another.

Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in the claims and the specification shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "first," "second," and the like do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms "a" or "an," and the like, do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one. The word "comprise" or "comprises", and the like, means that the element or item listed before "comprises" or "comprising" covers the element or item listed after "comprising" or "comprises" and its equivalent, and does not exclude other elements or items. The terms "connected" or "coupled" and the like are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections, nor are they restricted to direct or indirect connections.

Referring to fig. 1, which illustrates a schematic view of an ultrasound imaging device 102 (hereinafter also referred to as imaging device 102) of some embodiments of the imaging device of the present invention, the imaging device 102 includes a frame 104, an ultrasound processor housing 105 containing an ultrasound processor, an adjustable arm 106 including a hinge joint 114, a scanning assembly 108 connected to an end 120 of the adjustable arm 106 by a scanning assembly locking device 200 (hereinafter also referred to as locking device 200), and a display 110 connected to the frame 104. Wherein the scanning assembly 108 includes an ultrasound transducer. A display 110 is connected to the frame 104 at the interface where the adjustable arm 106 enters the frame 104. Because of the direct connection to the frame 104 rather than the adjustable arm 106, the display 110 does not affect the weight of the adjustable arm 106 and the balance mechanism of the adjustable arm 106. It should be noted that fig. 1 shows only certain configurations and relative positions of the components by reference, but these configurations and relative positions are not exclusive. For example, the position of the display 110 is arbitrary, and may be provided on the ultrasonic processor housing 105, or may be arbitrarily provided independently of the frame 104 or the housing 105, for example. The shape of the adjustable arm 106 is not necessarily curved as shown in fig. 1, but may be a structure with a broken line shape or even a structure with a straight line shape, and the adjustable arm 106 may not include the hinge joint 114 but may be integrally formed or any other type of arrangement without affecting the implementation of the various embodiments of the present invention. Wherein, the locking device 200 may have a structure similar to a ball joint, for example, so as to ensure that the scanning assembly 108 can move in a certain degree of freedom in an unlocked state, and when a scanner needs to lock the scanning assembly, the scanner can be locked by controlling the corresponding locking device 200. The structure of the locking device 200 will be described in detail below.

Referring to fig. 2, a schematic diagram of a locking device for a scanning assembly in an ultrasound imaging device is shown in some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the locking device may include a scanning assembly attachment device, a securing member, and a locking member.

In particular, the scanning assembly may be connected to the scanning assembly connection means. For example, one end of the scanning component connecting device is of a ball head structure, and the other end of the scanning component connecting device can be connected with the scanning component. The connection means may be a fixed connection. The arrangement of the ball head structure can ensure that the scanning component has certain movable freedom degree in the non-locking state.

The fixing member may be configured to be fixedly attached to the ultrasound imaging apparatus body. The fixing connection may be formed by integrally forming the fixing member on the ultrasound imaging apparatus body, or may be a connection made by means of, for example, screws, welding, or the like. The fixing part can also comprise a hollow cavity, so that the ball head structure can be accommodated and can move within a certain range, and a certain degree of freedom for moving the scanning assembly in an unlocked state is ensured.

The lock may be configured to perform operations of locking and unlocking the scanning assembly. In particular, the locking member may comprise a rotatable member as shown in fig. 2 and a pressing member. The rotatable part is rotatably connected with the fixed part, and the pressing part is arranged between the rotatable part and the ball head structure, so that the pressing part can press the ball head under the pressure of the rotatable part to lock the scanning assembly. In particular, the rotatable member may be manually rotated. When rotated towards a certain angle (e.g., clockwise), the rotatable member may undergo a certain change, such as a downward displacement, thereby depressing the hold down member and acting on the ball head structure, thereby effecting locking of the scanning assembly. Conversely, when the rotatable member is rotated toward another angle (e.g., counterclockwise), the rotatable member may undergo a change opposite to that described above, such as an upward displacement. At this time, the pressing down of the rotatable member to the pressing member is released, thereby unlocking the scanning assembly. It should be noted that the rotatable member may be rotatably connected to the stationary member in any manner, such as, for example, by a threaded connection.

The configuration mode avoids the introduction of a complex mechanical structure and improves the reliability of the locking device. And the user only needs to rotate the rotatable piece in the locking device to realize the locking and unlocking of the scanning assembly in the use process, and the use process is convenient and quick.

Referring to fig. 3-5, there is shown a schematic illustration of a locking device 200 in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. Wherein fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a locking device in some embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional axial view of the locking device of FIG. 3; fig. 5 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of fig. 3 along section line a.

Reference is first made to fig. 3. Which may include a locking member 210, a fixing member 220, and a scanning assembly connecting means 230. Wherein the fixing member 220 is fixedly connected with the ultrasound imaging apparatus body (e.g., fixedly connected with the end 120 of the adjustable arm). A portion of the locking member 210 is exposed outside the fixing member 220 for user operation, for example, it may be partially sleeved on the end 120 of the adjustable arm as shown in fig. 3 and can rotate in the direction of the arrow shown in fig. 3. One end of the scanning assembly connecting device 230 is of a ball head structure (not fully shown in fig. 3), and the other end is connected with a scanning assembly (not shown in the figure). The specific internal structure of the locking member 210, the fixing member 220 and the scanning assembly connecting device 230 will be described in detail below.

Refer again to fig. 4. Wherein, one end of the scanning assembly connecting device 230 may include a ball head structure 231, and the other end 232 is used for connecting the scanning assembly (not shown in fig. 4). The fixing member 220 may include a protrusion 221 and a fixing member housing 222 disposed outside the protrusion 221. The protrusion 221 is fixedly disposed with the ultrasound imaging apparatus body (e.g., the adjustable arm end 120). The fixing arrangement mode can be as described above, by means of bolt connection, welding, or the like, or can be integrally formed with the ultrasonic imaging device body. The protrusion 221 is externally provided with a fixing member housing 222. A gap is provided between the holder housing 222 and the ultrasound imaging apparatus body to accommodate a portion of the locking member 210, the specific structure of which will be described below. In addition, a hollow cavity 224 is formed between the lower portion of the protrusion 221 and the fixing piece housing 222. The hollow cavity 224 may serve to house the scanning assembly attachment means 230. For example, the lower portion of the hollow cavity 224 may include an opening structure having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the scan assembly connecting means 230 passing through the opening portion, so that the scan assembly connecting means 230 can be freely moved within a certain angle range. In addition, the opening diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the ball structure 231 in the scanning assembly connection device 230, thereby ensuring that the scanning assembly connection device 230 cannot be disengaged from the fixture housing 222.

Continuing with fig. 4 and 5. In some embodiments, the bumps 221 are not arranged continuously, and may be two bumps 221 arranged symmetrically as shown in fig. 5. The protrusion 221 may be detachably connected to the fixture housing 222 by means of a screw or the like. Thus, in portions where the two tabs 221 are discontinuous, the fastener housing 222 may be provided with a gap 225 between the ultrasound imaging device body (the end 120 of the adjustable arm).

Accordingly, the locking member 210 may include a rotatable member and a pressing member 213. In some embodiments, the rotatable member may include an operable portion 211 and a pressure ring 212. The pressing member 213 is disposed between the rotatable member and the ball head structure 231, for example, in the hollow cavity 224. This arrangement allows the rotatable member to be rotated in one direction to depress the hold down member 213 and thereby act on the ball structure 231, thereby locking the scanning assembly.

In some embodiments, the rotatable piece may include an operable portion 211, a post 214, and a compression ring 212. In the assembled state of the locking device, the operable portion 211 is exposed to the outside of the device to facilitate manual operation such as rotation by a user's hand. The operable portion 211 may be located above the protrusion 221, such that the protrusion 221 may function as a limit for the operable portion 211. The post 214 may be received in the gap 225 and extend from the gap 225 to a lower portion of the tab 221. As shown in fig. 5, the lateral width of the pillar is smaller than the width of the gap 225, which ensures that the operable portion 211 is rotatable within a certain angle. For example, the angle of rotation is the angular interval between two projections 221 of fig. 5. It should be noted that the location and number of the protrusions 211 and the posts 214 may be adjustable. The post 214 can function to connect the operable portion 211 and the pressing ring 212. For example, the post 214 may be connected to the operable portion 211 at one end and to the collar 212 at the other end. Thus, when the user rotates the operable portion 211, the pressing ring 212 at the other end of the upright 213 can be rotated by the upright 213.

As shown in fig. 4, the lower portion of the protrusion 211 is provided with an external thread 223; correspondingly, an internal thread is provided in the ring of the pressure ring 212, which internal thread matches the external thread 223. This enables the pressure ring 212 to be screwed onto the external thread 223. When the user uses the device, the user can manually rotate the operable portion 211, so that the upright posts 214 rotate the pressing ring 212. Since the external thread 223 is fixed to the ultrasonic imaging apparatus body, the rotation of the pressing ring 212 causes the pressing member 210 to move down or up as a whole, thereby pressing or decompressing the pressing member 213.

The pressing member 213 may include a first surface and a second surface that are oppositely disposed. Wherein the first surface is in contact with the rotatable member 210. In particular, it may be in contact with the pressure ring 212 of the rotatable member 210, which may be a substantially planar structure, thereby ensuring a smooth connection with the pressure ring 212. In addition, the second surface is in contact with the ball head structure 231 as shown in fig. 4. The second plane is used to apply pressure to the ball head structure 231. To ensure that the ball structure 231 can freely rotate in the uncompressed state and can be securely locked in the compressed state, the second plane can be configured to have a concave arc, and the curvature of the arc can match the ball structure 231.

For a clearer understanding of the relationship between the locking member 210, the fixing member 220 and the scanning assembly connecting device 230, please refer to fig. 6. Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the locking device after removal of the fastener housing 222 in some embodiments of the invention. As shown in fig. 6, the operable member 211 is connected to one end of the upright 214; the compression ring 212 is connected to the other end of the post 214 (e.g., by a screw); the protrusion 221 can act as a stop for the upright 214, thereby controlling the stroke of the operable element 211. Further, the pressing ring 212 is connected to the pressing member 213, and the pressing member 213 is fixedly connected to the ball structure 231. The components are simple in structure, and the scanning assembly can be conveniently and quickly locked or unlocked according to the needs of a user.

Locking or unlocking of the scanning assembly relies on the locking member 210 being displaced relative to the mounting member 220. This may require a certain amount of activity space between the two. In order to ensure that the components are as tightly connected as possible during the displacement of the locking member 210 relative to the fixing member 220. Some embodiments of the present invention provide some fastening devices. Referring to fig. 7, a partial enlarged view of the region B in fig. 4 is shown. A rotatable member, such as the operable portion 211 in the rotatable member) and the projection 221 may be provided with at least one of a bushing and a wave spring therebetween. For example, the boss 711 may be provided where both contact to reduce friction as much as possible and fill an excessive gap when the operable portion 211 is rotated. In addition, a wave spring 712 may be provided to provide a resilient force to the gap between the rotatable member and the projection 221, ensuring that the rotatable member is in close contact with the projection 221 regardless of whether the rotatable member moves up or down. It should be noted that the locations and number of the bushings 711 and wave springs 712 are not fixed as shown in fig. 7, and may be located at other locations in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention also provide means for reducing friction during rotation of the rotatable member and improving user feedback experience. With continued reference to fig. 7, the present invention may also include a spherical plunger structure. Is disposed between the operable portion 211 and the bump 221. The ball plunger may include a hollow tube 721, a spring 722, and a ball head 723. Wherein, one end of the hollow tube 721 is connected with the rotatable member (such as the operable portion 211). The connection may be any, such as a threaded connection or otherwise. The other end of the hollow tube 721 is provided with a cavity that houses a spring 722 and a ball head 723. The spring 722 may provide a spring force to the ball 723. Wherein the cavity depth is substantially less than the sum of the length of said spring 722 and the diameter of said ball 723 to ensure that ball 723 can at least partially expose the said other end surface of hollow tube 721 to contact with projection 221 after assembly. The ball 723 may implement rolling friction during rotation of the rotatable part to reduce friction. In addition, the protrusion 221 may be provided with a groove 724 matching with the ball plunger. The location of the recess 724 may be specifically designed, for example, such that when the rotatable member is rotated to a position to lock the scanning assembly, the ball 723 of the ball plunger drops into the recess 724. Thus, on the one hand, it can play a role of locking, and on the other hand, more importantly, the ball 723 will make a click or even a certain vibration when falling into the groove 724, which is beneficial for providing operational feedback to the user to let the user know that the scanning assembly is locked in the current state.

The utility model discloses still provide an ultrasonic imaging device in some other embodiments. The ultrasound imaging apparatus may be as shown in fig. 1 and include the scanning assembly locking apparatus disclosed in any of the embodiments described above.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims (10)

1. A locking device for a scan module in an ultrasound imaging apparatus, comprising:

one end of the scanning component connecting device is of a ball head structure, and the other end of the scanning component connecting device is connected with the scanning component;

the fixing piece is fixedly connected with the ultrasonic imaging device body and comprises a hollow cavity, and the hollow cavity contains the ball head structure and allows the ball head structure to move in a certain range; and

the locking piece comprises a rotatable piece and a pressing piece, and the rotatable piece is rotatably connected with the fixed piece; the pressing piece is arranged between the rotatable piece and the ball head structure; the rotatable part rotates towards a direction to press the pressing part downwards to act on the ball head structure, so that the scanning assembly is locked.

2. The locking device of the scanning component in the ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that:

the rotatable member is rotatably connected with the fixed member through threads.

3. The locking device of the scanning component in the ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that:

the fixing piece comprises a convex block fixed with the ultrasonic imaging device body and a fixing piece shell arranged outside the convex block; the hollow cavity is formed between the lower part of the lug and the fixing piece shell.

4. The locking device of the scanning assembly in the ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 3, characterized in that:

a gap is arranged between the fixing piece shell and the ultrasonic imaging device body; the lower part of the lug is provided with an external thread structure;

the rotatable member comprises an operable portion, an upright post, and a compression ring; the operable portion is located over the bump; the upright post extends from the gap to the lower portion of the projection; one end of the upright post is connected with the operable part, and the other end of the upright post is connected with the pressure ring; the pressing ring is provided with an internal thread matched with the external thread.

5. The locking device of the scanning assembly in the ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that:

at least one of a shaft sleeve and a wave spring is arranged between the rotatable piece and the convex block.

6. The locking device of the scanning assembly in the ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that:

the rotatable member is provided with a spherical plunger; the convex block is provided with a groove matched with the spherical plunger; the location of the groove is configured to: when the rotatable member is rotated to a position to lock the scanning assembly, the ball of the ball plunger falls into the recess.

7. The locking device of the scanning assembly in the ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that:

the spherical plunger comprises a hollow tube, a spring and a ball head; one end of the hollow pipe is connected with the rotatable piece, and the other end of the hollow pipe is provided with a cavity for accommodating the spring and the ball head.

8. The locking device of the scanning assembly in the ultrasonic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:

the pressing piece comprises a first surface and a second surface which are opposite, the first surface is in contact with the rotatable piece, and the second surface is in contact with the ball head structure.

9. An ultrasound imaging apparatus characterized by: comprising a locking device according to any of the preceding claims.

10. The ultrasound imaging apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that:

the ultrasonic imaging device body comprises a host, a display and an adjustable arm; the locking device is connected to one end of the adjustable arm; and is

The scanning assembly includes an ultrasound transducer.

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