CN217853034U

CN217853034U - Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic imaging apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN217853034U
Application number: CN202221176332.1U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 彭敏康; 罗华; 欧阳波
Original assignee: Edan Instruments Inc
Current assignee: Edan Instruments Inc
Priority date: 2022-05-16
Filing date: 2022-05-16
Publication date: 2022-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2032-05-16

Abstract

The application provides an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic imaging device, and relates to the technical field of medical instruments. In the application, the sound head assembly is accommodated in the shell; the base is accommodated in the shell; the transmission mechanism is accommodated in the shell and is provided with a first transmission wheel and a second transmission wheel which are meshed with each other; the traction mechanism is accommodated in the shell, is fixedly connected with the second transmission wheel and is used for receiving power transmitted by the transmission mechanism so as to drive the sound head assembly to swing back and forth; the adjusting mechanism is arranged between the second driving wheel and the base, has a locking state fixed relative to the base and an unlocking state slidable relative to the base, and is used for adjusting the fit clearance between the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel when the adjusting mechanism is in the unlocking state. In this application through adjustment mechanism be in the unblock state and with the base when sliding adjust the fit clearance of first drive wheel and second drive wheel, and then reduce the possibility of ultrasonic probe abnormal sound, promote the quality of ultrasonic probe reciprocal scanning 3D image.

Description

Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic imaging apparatus

Technical Field

The application relates to the technical field of medical instruments, in particular to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic imaging device.

Background

A common drive for an ultrasound probe includes a gear drive. The problems that the reciprocating movement reverse clearance between the gears is large due to gear machining errors or the center distance of two matched gears cannot be adjusted, and finally the ultrasonic probe is abnormal in sound and the reciprocating scanning 3D images cannot be overlapped are caused.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

An aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides an ultrasound probe, including:

a housing;

the sound head assembly is accommodated in the shell;

the base is accommodated in the shell;

the transmission mechanism is accommodated in the shell and is provided with a first transmission wheel and a second transmission wheel which are meshed with each other;

the traction mechanism is accommodated in the shell, is fixedly connected with the second transmission wheel and is used for receiving power transmitted by the transmission mechanism so as to drive the sound head assembly to swing back and forth;

the adjusting mechanism is arranged between the second driving wheel and the base, has a locking state fixed relative to the base and an unlocking state slidable relative to the base, and is used for adjusting the fit clearance between the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel when the adjusting mechanism is in the unlocking state.

an ultrasonic host; and

the ultrasonic probe is connected to the ultrasonic host.

In this application through adjustment mechanism be in the unblock state and with the base when sliding adjust the fit clearance of first drive wheel and second drive wheel, and then reduce the possibility of ultrasonic probe abnormal sound, promote the quality of ultrasonic probe reciprocal scanning 3D image.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed to be used in the description of the embodiments are briefly introduced below, and it is obvious that the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and it is obvious for those skilled in the art to obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an ultrasound probe in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasound probe in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound host according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the base and drive assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the base body in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a second driving wheel in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the structure of the adjustment bracket of the embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the structure of the adjustment bracket of the embodiment of FIG. 4;

fig. 9 is a schematic structural view of the support frame, the steering mechanism and the traction cable in the embodiment shown in fig. 1.

Detailed Description

The present application will be described in further detail with reference to the following drawings and examples. It is to be noted that the following examples are only illustrative of the present application, and do not limit the scope of the present application. Likewise, the following examples are only some examples and not all examples of the present application, and all other examples obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without any inventive work are within the scope of the present application.

Reference in the specification to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the specification. The appearances of the phrase in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by one skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

The present application illustrates an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe can be used for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging, for example, the ultrasound probe can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to three-dimensionally image tissues of a human body. Specifically, the ultrasonic probe may be a 3D mechanical probe, a 4D mechanical probe, or the like, that is, an ultrasonic probe having a 3D/4D imaging function, which transmits an ultrasonic signal to a human tissue and receives an echo signal with information of the human tissue.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an ultrasound probe in an embodiment of the present application, and fig. 2 is a sectional view of the ultrasound probe in the embodiment shown in fig. 1. The ultrasonic probe 100 may include a housing 10 provided with an installation space 101, a base 20 disposed in the installation space 101, a driving mechanism 30 disposed on the base 20, a transmission assembly 40 disposed on the base 20 and in transmission connection with the driving mechanism 30, an installation bracket 50 disposed in the installation space 101, and a sound head assembly 60 disposed on the installation bracket 50 and in connection with the transmission assembly 40. The driving mechanism 30 serves as a power source to generate power. The applicator assembly 60 is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket 50. The transmission assembly 40 transmits the power generated by the driving mechanism 30 to the sound head assembly 60, so that the driving mechanism 30 drives the sound head assembly 60 to swing back and forth. During the oscillating process, the sound head assembly 60 can perform scanning detection. In some embodiments, please refer to fig. 3, fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an ultrasound probe 100 and an ultrasound host 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ultrasonic probe 100, such as the driving mechanism 30 and the acoustic head assembly 60, can be electrically connected with the ultrasonic host 200 in a wired or wireless manner, so as to transmit the signals collected by the acoustic head assembly 60 to the ultrasonic host 200. The ultrasound mainframe 200 may image the tissue of the human body in three dimensions. As can be appreciated. The ultrasonic main unit 200 may be electrically connected to the driving mechanism 30 and the acoustic head assembly 60 to transmit control signals to the driving mechanism 30 and the acoustic head assembly 60 to control the normal operation of the driving mechanism 30 and the acoustic head assembly 60. That is, the ultrasound probe 100 may constitute the ultrasound imaging apparatus 300 with the ultrasound mainframe 200. Of course, the ultrasound imaging apparatus 300 may not be limited to the ultrasound probe 100 and the ultrasound host 200, but may include other structures.

The ultrasound host 200 images the human tissue by processing the echo signals of the ultrasound probe 100, thereby constructing a 3D/4D image of the human tissue for medical analysis, for example, a gynecological examination using the 3D/4D mechanical probe. Of course, the ultrasound probe can also be used as other probe, for example, under the signal control of the ultrasound host 200, to send electrical stimulation to human tissue, perform physical massage, etc., which is not limited herein.

In addition, in the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly stated or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" are to be construed broadly, and may be, for example, a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; the connection can be mechanical connection, electrical connection, pipeline connection, liquid path connection and the like; they may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms herein can be understood in a specific context to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the housing 10 may include a probe handle case 11, a probe middle case 12 having one end connected to one end of the probe handle case 11, and a probe acoustic window 13 provided at the other end of the probe middle case 12. The probe handle shell 11, the probe middle shell 12 and the probe acoustic window 13 are arranged in an enclosing mode to form an installation space 101.

The probe handle shell 11 may be made of a hard material. The probe handle case 11 may be tubular or cylindrical as a whole, but may have other structures. The probe handle shell 11 may be a shell-shaped structure, and the interior of the shell is provided with an accommodating space 102, which can cooperate with the middle probe shell 12 to accommodate the structures such as the base 20, the driving mechanism 30, and the transmission assembly 40. The probe handle case 11 is provided at one end with a first mounting port 111 communicating with the accommodation space 102 to mount the middle probe case 12 at the first mounting port 111.

The mid-probe shell 12 may be made of a rigid material. The probe center housing 12 may be tubular or cylindrical in shape as a whole, although other configurations are possible. The middle probe shell 12 may be a shell-shaped structure, and the inside of the middle probe shell is provided with an accommodating space 103 to accommodate the structures such as the base 20, the driving mechanism 30, and the transmission assembly 40 in cooperation with the probe handle shell 11.

One end of the probe middle shell 12 facing the probe handle shell 11 is provided with a second mounting port 121 communicated with the accommodating space 103, so as to be connected with the probe handle shell 11 at the first mounting port 111 at the second mounting port 121, and the accommodating space 103 is communicated with the accommodating space 102. In one embodiment, the middle probe shell 12 extends from the first mounting opening 111 into the receiving space 102 at the edge of the second mounting opening 121, and is screwed with the probe handle shell 11. Of course, the matching and connection mode of the middle probe shell 12 and the probe handle shell 11 is not limited to the screw connection. In some embodiments, the middle probe shell 12 and the probe handle shell 11 can be bonded, welded, clipped, plugged, etc. at the second mounting port 121 and the first mounting port 111.

It is noted that the terms "first", "second" … …, etc. herein, as well as above and below, are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined as "first," "second," … …, etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the described features.

The probe middle shell 12 is provided with a third mounting opening 122 at the other end, which is communicated with the accommodating space 103, so that the third mounting opening 122 is connected with the probe acoustic window 13 to accommodate the mounting bracket 50, the acoustic head assembly 60 and other structures in a matching manner.

The outer surface of the probe middle shell 12 facing one end of the probe handle shell 11 is smoothly transited to the outer surface of the probe handle shell 11 so as to improve the appearance expressive force when the probe middle shell 12 is connected with the probe handle shell 11.

In some embodiments, the probe midsection housing 12 can be a unitary structure with the probe handle housing 11.

The probe acoustic window 13 may be made of a rigid material. In some embodiments, a transparent material may be used, and other materials may be used, which are not described in detail. Of course, the material of the probe acoustic window 13 can be adjusted according to the requirements of the ultrasonic probe 100. The probe acoustic window 13 may be tubular or cylindrical as a whole, but may have other structures. The probe acoustic window 13 may be a shell-shaped structure, and the interior of the probe acoustic window is provided with an accommodating space 104, which can be matched with the probe middle shell 12 to accommodate the structures of the mounting bracket 50, the acoustic head assembly 60 and the like.

The probe acoustic window 13 is provided with a fourth mounting port 131 at one end thereof, which is communicated with the accommodating space 104, so as to be connected with the middle probe shell 12 at the third mounting port 122 at the fourth mounting port 131, thereby realizing the communication between the accommodating space 104 and the accommodating space 103. In one embodiment, the probe sound window 13 extends into the receiving space 104 from the third mounting opening 122 at the edge of the fourth mounting opening 131, and is screwed with the middle probe shell 12. Of course, the matching and connection mode of the middle probe shell 12 and the probe handle shell 11 is not limited to the screw connection. In an embodiment, the middle probe shell 12 may also extend into the accommodating space 103 from the fourth mounting opening 131 at the edge of the third mounting opening 122, and is screwed with the probe acoustic window 13. In some embodiments, the middle probe shell 12 and the probe handle shell 11 can be bonded, welded, clipped, plugged, etc. at the second mounting port 121 and the first mounting port 111.

The surface of the end of the probe acoustic window 13 away from the fourth mounting opening 131 may be a hemisphere to enhance the appearance, and certainly, the surface is also for facilitating the contact between the ultrasonic probe 100 and the human body, and may also be for implementing the scanning detection of the acoustic head assembly 60.

In one embodiment, the probe acoustic window 13 may be of unitary construction with the probe center shell 12.

Referring to fig. 1, the base 20 may include a base body 21 disposed on the middle probe shell 12, a frame 22 disposed on a side of the base body 21 facing the handle shell 11 of the probe, and a support frame 23 mounted on a side of the base body 21 facing the probe acoustic window 13. The base body 21 and the support bracket 23 are matched to mount the transmission assembly 40. The frame 22 is used to mount the drive mechanism 30.

Referring to fig. 1, fig. 2 and fig. 4, fig. 4 is a schematic structural view illustrating the base 20 and the transmission assembly 40 of the embodiment shown in fig. 1. The base body 21 may be made of a rigid material, and may have a substantially plate-like structure, but may have other structures such as a frame structure, a column structure, and the like. The base body 21 can be fixed in the accommodation space 103 of the probe middle shell 12. Specifically, the base body 21 is fixed at the position of the middle probe shell 12 at the second mounting port 121. In one embodiment, the base body 21 can be fixed to the middle probe shell 12 by screwing, welding, bonding, clipping, plugging, etc.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, fig. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the base body 21 in the embodiment shown in fig. 4. One side of the base body 21 facing the probe acoustic window 13 can be provided with a limiting component 211 for matching with the transmission component 40 to limit the transmission component 40. In one embodiment, the limiting assembly 211 can form a sliding track to cooperate with the driving assembly 40. In one embodiment, the limiting component 211 may include a plurality of limiting protrusions to slidably connect with a portion of the structure of the transmission component 40 to limit the transmission component 40.

The limit stop assembly 211 may include a limit stop 2111 and a limit stop 2112 disposed on a surface of the base body 21, a preload member 2113 disposed between the limit stop 2112 and the transmission assembly 40, and a limit stop 2114 disposed on the base body 21 and adapted to cooperate with the transmission assembly 40.

In one embodiment, the stop protrusion 2111, the stop protrusion 2112, the preload member 2113 and the stop runner 2114 cooperate to stop the transmission assembly 40.

In one embodiment, the drive assembly 40 may be restrained only by the restraining protrusion 2111. That is, the restricting protrusion 2112 and the restricting chute 2114 may be omitted. For example, the limiting protrusion 2111 is slidably connected to a portion of the transmission assembly 40, so as to limit the position and enable the portion of the transmission assembly 40 to slide in the extending direction of the limiting protrusion 2111. In some scenarios, the limiting protrusion 2111 may be clamped on opposite sides of the partial structure of the transmission assembly 40, so that the partial structure of the transmission assembly 40 slides in the extending direction of the limiting protrusion 2111.

In one embodiment, the retaining protrusion 2111 and the retaining protrusion 2112 may be both bump structures.

In an embodiment, the preload device 2113 can realize the pre-limiting and fixing of a part of the structure in the transmission assembly 40 when abutting against the limit protrusion 2112 and the transmission assembly 40, respectively, so as to facilitate the installation of the transmission assembly 40. In one embodiment, the preload device 2113 may be a spring, a spring plate, or other resiliently deformable structure. In one embodiment, the preload device 2113 may be omitted, with the limit tab 2112 abutting the drive assembly 40.

In one embodiment, the drive assembly 40 may be restrained only by the restraining runner 2114. That is, the

limit protrusions

2111, 2112 may be omitted. For example, a part of the structure of the transmission assembly 40 extends into the limiting sliding groove 2114 to be slidably connected with the base body 21, so as to achieve limiting, and the part of the structure of the transmission assembly 40 slides in the extending direction of the limiting sliding groove 2114.

It will be appreciated that the base body 21 may also be secured in the receiving space 102 of the probe handle shell 11 in a manner that cooperates with the probe center shell 12.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the frame 22 is used for mounting the driving mechanism 30, and the frame 22 may be made of a rigid material and may have a frame structure. In some embodiments, the frame 22 may be omitted.

Referring to fig. 1, the supporting frame 23 may be made of a rigid material, may be a frame structure, and may have other structures.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the drive mechanism 30 may be mounted on the frame 22. The drive mechanism 30 may be an electric motor, cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, etc. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism 30 may be a stepper motor. In one embodiment, the driving mechanism 30 may be directly fixed to the base body 21, instead of being disposed on the frame 22. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism 30 has an output shaft for driving connection with the transmission assembly 40.

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 4, the driving assembly 40 may include a driving mechanism 41 in driving connection with the driving mechanism 30, a pulling mechanism 42 disposed on the base 20, such as the base body 21, and connected to the driving mechanism 41, a steering mechanism 43 disposed on the base 20, such as the supporting frame 23, and a pulling cable 44 connected to the pulling mechanism 42 and the sound head assembly 60 and passing through the steering mechanism 43. The transmission mechanism 41 transmits the power generated by the drive mechanism 30 to the traction mechanism 42. The traction mechanism 42 receives power transmitted from the traction mechanism 42 to reciprocate. The steering mechanism 43 is used to steer the traction cable 44 so that the traction direction of the traction cable 44 is matched with the traction mechanism 42. The pulling cable 44 is used to pull the sound head assembly 60 and change the pulling direction by the steering mechanism 43. The traction cable 44 is connected to the traction mechanism 42 to transmit the oscillating force of the reciprocating motion of the traction mechanism 42 to the sound head assembly 60, so that the sound head assembly 60 moves.

Referring to fig. 2, the transmission mechanism 41 may include a coupling 411 disposed on an output shaft of the driving mechanism 30, a transmission shaft 412 connected to the output shaft of the driving mechanism 30 through the coupling 411 and rotatably connected to the base 20, such as the base body 21, a first transmission wheel 413 disposed on the transmission shaft 412 and coaxially disposed with the transmission shaft 412, and a second transmission wheel 414 disposed on the traction mechanism 42 and drivingly connected to the first transmission wheel 413.

The shaft 412 may extend through the base 20, such as the base body 21, and may be rotatably connected to the base 20, such as the base body 21. In some scenarios, the drive shaft 412 may be rotatably coupled with the base 20, such as the base body 21, via a bearing. In some embodiments, a seal may be provided between the drive shaft 412 and the base 20, such as the base body 21, to achieve a sealing effect. In one embodiment, the shaft 412 may not be rotatably connected to the base 20, such as the base body 21. In an embodiment, the transmission shaft 412 may be integrated with the output shaft of the driving mechanism 30, and the coupling 411 may be omitted in some scenarios. In some embodiments, the transmission shaft 412 may also be drivingly connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism 30 via other structures, such as gears, belts, and the like.

The first drive wheel 413 is located on the side of the base 20, e.g. base body 21, facing the probe acoustic window 13. The first transmission wheel 413 can transmit the power generated by the driving mechanism 30 to the second transmission wheel 414 and further to the traction mechanism 42. In an embodiment, the first driving wheel 413 may be a rotating wheel, and may also be a gear, and is connected to the second driving wheel 414 by a driving belt, a tooth engagement, or the like.

In an embodiment, the first transmission wheel 413 may be omitted, and the transmission shaft 412 and the second transmission wheel 414 are in transmission connection through other structures. In some embodiments, the drive shaft 412 may be directly connected to the second drive wheel 414.

In one embodiment, the first driving wheel 413 is a synchronizing wheel.

Referring to fig. 1, fig. 2 and fig. 6, fig. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the second driving wheel 414 in the embodiment shown in fig. 2. A second drive wheel 414 is mounted on the traction mechanism 42 and is drivingly connected to the first drive wheel 413. The second transmission wheel 414 is located on the side of the base 20, e.g. the base body 21, facing the probe acoustic window 13. The second transmission wheel 414 can be connected with the first transmission wheel 413 by means of gear engagement, or can be connected by means of a transmission belt or the like, so as to realize power transmission between the second transmission wheel 414 and the first transmission wheel 413. The second transmission wheel 414 can be a rotating wheel, a gear, or even a synchronous wheel.

The second transmission wheel 414 is provided with a limiting groove 4141 at a side facing the base 20, for example, the base body 21, to cooperate with the traction mechanism 42 to limit the rotation angle of the second transmission wheel 414. In an embodiment, the position of the limiting groove 4141 may be changed as long as it can cooperate with the traction mechanism 42 to limit the rotation angle of the second transmission wheel 414. For example, the catching groove 4141 may be provided on the traction mechanism 42. In one embodiment, the limiting grooves 4141 are disposed in an arc shape to be distributed on the second driving wheel 414.

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 4, the drawing mechanism 42 may include an adjusting mechanism 421 disposed on the base 20, such as the base body 21, a drawing shaft 422 disposed on the adjusting mechanism 421 and in interference fit with the transmission mechanism 41, such as the second transmission wheel 414, and a drawing wheel 423 fixedly connected to the drawing shaft 422. The traction wheel 423 is arranged coaxially with the transmission mechanism 41, for example the second transmission wheel 414. The traction wheel 423 is connected with the traction cable 44 to transmit power to the traction cable 44.

The adjustment mechanism 421 has a locked state fixed relative to the base 20 such as the base body 21 and an unlocked state slidable relative to the base 20 such as the base body 21.

The adjustment mechanism 421 is located on the side of the base 20, e.g., the base body 21, facing the probe acoustic window 13. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 421 is disposed between the transmission mechanism 41, such as the second transmission wheel 414, and the base 20, such as the base body 21.

Referring to fig. 1 and 4, the adjusting mechanism 421 can include an adjusting bracket 4211 which is in interference fit with the transmission mechanism 41, such as the second transmission wheel 414, and can be mounted on the base 20, such as the base body 21, and a locking member 4212 for locking the adjusting bracket 4211 when the adjusting mechanism 421 is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state.

The adjustment bracket 4211 may be made of a hard material. In one embodiment, the adjustment bracket 4211 may be retained by the retaining assembly 211. In one embodiment, the adjusting bracket 4211 can be caught between the two limiting protrusions 2111 to move in the extending direction of the limiting protrusions 2111 toward or away from the transmission mechanism 41, for example, the side of the first transmission wheel 413, to adjust the fit gap between the first transmission wheel 413 and the second transmission wheel 414. That is, the two limit protrusions 2111 may constitute a slide rail to be slidably coupled with the adjustment bracket 4211. In an embodiment, please refer to fig. 7, and fig. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an adjusting bracket 4211 in the embodiment shown in fig. 4. The adjusting bracket 4211 may be provided with a limit sliding groove 4213 at a side facing the base 20, for example, the base body 21, to receive the limit protrusion 2111, and to realize that the limit protrusion 2111 moves toward or away from the transmission mechanism 41, for example, the side of the first transmission wheel 413, in the extending direction of the limit sliding groove 4213, so as to adjust the fit gap between the first transmission wheel 413 and the second transmission wheel 414. It can be understood that, in the scheme that the fit clearance between the first transmission wheel 413 and the second transmission wheel 414 is adjusted in the unlocked state that the adjusting mechanism 421 is slidable relative to the base 20, for example, the base body 21, the distance between the axial center of the first transmission wheel 413 and the axial center of the second transmission wheel 414 can be adjusted, so that the probability of abnormal noise generated by the mechanical transmission between the first transmission wheel 413 and the second transmission wheel 414 is reduced during the use of the ultrasonic probe 100.

In some embodiments, referring to fig. 8, fig. 8 is a schematic structural view of an adjusting bracket 4211 in the embodiment shown in fig. 4. The adjusting bracket 4211 may be provided with a limit slider 4214 at a side facing the base 20, for example, the base body 21, so as to extend into the limit sliding slot 2114 on the base body 21, thereby achieving a sliding connection between the adjusting bracket 4211 and the base body 21, and enabling the limit slider 4214 to move towards or away from the transmission mechanism 41, for example, the side of the first transmission wheel 413 in the extending direction of the limit sliding slot 2114, so as to adjust a fit gap between the first transmission wheel 413 and the second transmission wheel 414, thereby reducing the possibility of abnormal noise generated by the mechanical transmission between the first transmission wheel 413 and the second transmission wheel 414 during the use of the ultrasound probe 100.

In one embodiment, a side of the adjusting bracket 4211 away from the transmission mechanism 41, such as the first transmission wheel 413, can be abutted against an end of the preload piece 2113 to engage with the preload piece 2113 in an unlocked state where the adjusting mechanism 421 is slidable relative to the base 20, such as the base body 21, so as to achieve a tight engagement of the first transmission wheel 413 and the second transmission wheel 414, and further fixing of the adjusting bracket 4211 relative to the base 20, such as the base body 21, can be performed to enable the adjusting mechanism 421 to be in a locked state.

In an embodiment, the adjustment bracket 4211 may be disposed directly in contact with the stop protrusion 2112.

Referring to fig. 4, the locking member 4212 may be a screw or bolt. It will be appreciated that the retaining member 4212 may be other structures such as a snap-fit structure, etc.

Referring to fig. 2, a limiting member 4215 is disposed on a side of the adjusting bracket 4211 facing the probe sound window 13 to cooperate with the transmission mechanism 41, such as the second transmission wheel 414, for limiting, so as to adjust a rotation angle (also referred to as a deflection angle) of the second transmission wheel 414. In an embodiment, the limiting member 4215 extends into the limiting groove 4141 to slide in the extending direction of the limiting groove 4141, so as to adjust the rotation angle of the second driving wheel 414. In one embodiment, the position-limiting member 4215 may be a slider. It is understood that, when the adjusting bracket 4211 is engaged with the transmission mechanism 41, such as the second transmission wheel 414 for limiting, the engagement relationship between the limiting member 4215 and the limiting groove 4141 may be other. The positions of the stopper 4215 and the stopper groove 4141 may be interchanged.

In an embodiment, adjustment mechanism 421 may not be part of traction mechanism 42.

Referring to fig. 2, the drawing shaft 422 is located on the side of the base 20, such as the base body 21, facing the probe acoustic window 13. The traction shaft 422 may be coupled, e.g., fixedly coupled, rotatably coupled, to the adjustment bracket 4211.

The traction shaft 422 may pass through the second drive wheel 414 and may be coaxially disposed. In some embodiments, traction shaft 422 may be fixedly coupled with second drive wheel 414 in an interference fit. In some embodiments, traction shaft 422 may be directly rotatably coupled to second drive wheel 414.

In one embodiment, the traction shaft 422 may be directly fixed to the adjustment bracket 4211. In one embodiment, the traction shaft 422 may also be rotatably coupled to the adjustment bracket 4211. For example, the traction shaft 422 may be rotatably coupled to the adjustment bracket 4211 via bearings.

The axis of the traction shaft 422 is parallel to the axis of the transmission mechanism 41 such as the transmission shaft 412.

The traction wheel 423 is coaxially disposed with the traction shaft 422, and is rotatably connected with the traction shaft 422. In some embodiments, the traction wheel 423 may be coupled with the traction shaft 422 via bearings.

The traction wheel 423 can be coaxially disposed with the second transmission wheel 414, so that the second transmission wheel 414 is sleeved on the traction wheel 423, and further, the second transmission wheel 414 is indirectly rotatably connected with the traction shaft 422. In one embodiment, the traction wheel 423 may be fixedly coupled to the second transmission wheel 414 to rotate together with respect to the traction shaft 422. In one embodiment, the traction wheel 423 may be fixedly coupled to the second transmission wheel 414 and the traction shaft 422 for rotation therewith relative to the adjustment bracket 4211.

In an embodiment, at least two of the second transmission wheel 414, the traction shaft 422 and the traction wheel 423 may be an integral structure. I.e. the traction shaft 422 may be part of the traction sheave 423.

It should be understood that the limiting member 4215 and the limiting groove 4141 are not limited to be disposed on the adjusting bracket 4211 and the second transmission wheel 414, and may be disposed on any two of the base body 21, the adjusting bracket 4211, the second transmission wheel 414, the traction shaft 422 and the traction wheel 423 which rotate relatively. For example, the limiting member 4215 is disposed on the adjusting bracket 4211, the second transmission wheel 414 is disposed on the traction shaft 422, the second transmission wheel 414, the traction shaft 422 and the traction wheel 423 are fixed together, and the traction shaft 422 is rotatably connected with the adjusting bracket 4211. For example, the stopper 4215 is provided on the traction shaft 422, and the second transmission wheel 414 is provided on the traction wheel 423.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the traction wheel 423 can be rotatably connected to the traction shaft 422 and fixedly connected to the second transmission wheel 414. The traction wheel 423 is coaxially disposed with the traction shaft 422, and is rotatably connected with the traction shaft 422. In some embodiments, the traction wheel 423 may be coupled with the traction shaft 422 via bearings.

In some embodiments, the traction wheel 423 can be coaxially disposed with the second transmission wheel 414, such that the second transmission wheel 414 is disposed on the traction wheel 423, and the second transmission wheel 414 is indirectly rotatably connected to the traction shaft 422.

In one embodiment, at least two of the second transmission wheel 414, the traction shaft 422 and the traction wheel 423 may be a unitary structure, such that the second transmission wheel 414 and the traction wheel 423 rotate together relative to the base 20.

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 4, the traction wheel 423 can be rotatably connected to the traction shaft 422 and fixedly connected to the second transmission wheel 414. The traction wheel 423 may be provided with a groove to wind the traction cable 44. The traction wheel 423 is provided with a fixing member 4231 for fixing the traction cable 44. In one embodiment, the fixing member 4231 may be a screw, a clamping structure, a pressing mechanism, or the like. In one embodiment, the traction wheel 423 can also be welded, clamped, glued, plugged, etc. to secure the traction cable 44. The fixing member 4231 is provided to reduce the possibility of mutual slip of the traction cable 44 and the traction wheel 423 when the traction wheel 423 swings.

Referring to fig. 2, 4 and 9, fig. 9 is a schematic structural view of the support frame 23, the steering mechanism 43 and the traction cable 44 in the embodiment shown in fig. 1. The steering mechanism 43 is mounted on the support frame 23 to wind the traction cable 44 and effect a change in direction of traction. The steering mechanism 43 can also ensure the tension of the traction cable 44, and can also play a role in buffering to avoid the traction cable 44 from being stretched.

The steering mechanism 43 may include a limit wheel set 431, a steering assembly 432, and a tension wheel set 433 mounted on the support frame 23. The limiting wheel set 431, the steering assembly 432 and the tensioning wheel set 433 are used for winding the traction cable 44, so that the traction cable 44 is connected with the sound head assembly 60, passes through the steering assembly 432 and the tensioning wheel set 433 (the traction cable 44 can not sequentially pass through the steering assembly 432 and the tensioning wheel set 433), and then passes through the limiting wheel set 431 and is connected with the traction wheel 423. The steering assembly 432 is used to effect a change in the direction of traction (also called the drive direction) of the traction cable 44. The tension wheel set 433 is used for adjusting the tension of the traction cable 44, ensuring the tension of the traction cable 44, and playing a role in buffering to avoid the traction cable 44 from being stretched.

The limiting wheel set 431 may include a first limiting wheel 4311 and a second limiting wheel 4312 disposed oppositely and respectively rotatably connected to the supporting frame 23. In one embodiment, the rotation axis of the first limiting wheel 4311 and the rotation axis of the second limiting wheel 4312 are parallel to each other and can be parallel to the rotation axis of the traction wheel 423. In one embodiment, the rotation axis of the first limiting wheel 4311 and the rotation axis of the second limiting wheel 4312 form an included angle. In one embodiment, the rotation axis of the first limiting wheel 4311 and the rotation axis of the second limiting wheel 4312 are perpendicular to or form an angle with the rotation axis of the traction wheel 423.

The first limiting wheel 4311 and the second limiting wheel 4312 are used for winding the traction cable 44 to ensure that the traction cable 44 and the traction wheel 423 are matched to realize linear transmission of power. In one embodiment, both the side of the first limiting wheel 4311 close to the second limiting wheel 4312 and the side of the second limiting wheel 4312 close to the first limiting wheel 4311 can be abutted against the traction cable 44, so as to realize the winding of the traction cable 44 on the first limiting wheel 4311 and the second limiting wheel 4312. In some scenarios, the first limiting wheel 4311 and the second limiting wheel 4312 press the traction cable 44 against each other to ensure the tension of the traction cable 44.

The steering assembly 432 may include a first steering wheel set 4321 and a second steering wheel set 4322 mounted on the support bracket 23. The first steering wheel set 4321 and the second steering wheel set 4322 are disposed at an interval, so that the pulling cable 44 passes through the limiting wheel set 431, the first steering wheel set 4321, the tensioning wheel set 433 and the second steering wheel set 4322 in sequence and then is connected to the sound head assembly 60.

The first steering wheel set 4321 may include a support shaft 4323 mounted on the support frame 23, a first steering wheel 4324 and a second steering wheel 4325 mounted on the support shaft 4323.

The support shaft 4323 may be fixedly connected to the support frame 23, or may be rotatably connected to the support frame 23. In one embodiment, the supporting shaft 4323 may be an integral structure with the supporting frame 23.

The rotation axis direction of the supporting shaft 4323 may be the same as the rotation axis direction of the first limiting wheel 4311 and the second limiting wheel 4312, or may form an angle with the rotation axis direction of the limiting wheel set 431, for example, form an angle of 90 °. In one embodiment, the rotation axis of the support shaft 4323 may be perpendicular to the rotation axis of the traction wheel 423.

The first steering wheel 4324 and the second steering wheel 4325 are spaced apart from each other and are coaxially disposed with the support shaft 4323 to rotate on the axis of the support shaft 4323, respectively. In some embodiments, the first steering wheel group 4321 and the second steering wheel group 4322 rotate relative to the support shaft 4323, respectively.

The second steering wheel group 4322 may include a support shaft 4326 mounted on the support frame 23, a first steering wheel 4327 and a second steering wheel 4328 mounted on the support shaft 4326.

The support shaft 4326 may be fixedly connected to the support frame 23, or may be rotatably connected to the support frame 23. In one embodiment, the supporting shaft 4326 may be an integral structure with the supporting frame 23.

The rotation axis direction of the support shaft 4326 may be the same as the rotation axis direction of the support shaft 4323.

The first steering wheel 4327 and the second steering wheel 4328 are disposed at an interval and coaxially with the support shaft 4326 to rotate on the axis of the support shaft 4326. In some embodiments, the first steering wheel 4327 and the second steering wheel 4328 rotate relative to the support shaft 4326, respectively.

The tension pulley group 433 may include a tension adjusting base 434 rotatably connected with the support shaft 4323, a tension pulley 435 installed on the tension adjusting base 434, and a force applying member 436 for applying a tension adjusting force to the tension adjusting base 434. The tension pulley 435 serves to wind the traction cable 44 such that the traction cable 44 passes through the first steering wheel set 4321, the tension pulley 435, and the second steering wheel set 4322 in sequence. The force application member 436 drives the tension adjustment base 434 to rotate around the axis of the support shaft 4323, so as to drive the tension wheel 435 to move together, and further pull the traction cable 44, so that the tension degree of the traction cable 44 is adjusted.

The tension adjustment seat 434 may be a frame structure, but may be other types of structures.

In one embodiment, the tension wheel 435 can include a first tension wheel 4351 and a second tension wheel 4352 disposed at intervals.

Referring to fig. 4 again, a portion of the traction cable 44 on one side passes through the first limiting wheel 4311, the first steering wheel 4324, the first tensioning wheel 4351 and the first steering wheel 4327 in sequence. The portion of the pulling cable 44 on the other side sequentially passes through the second limiting wheel 4312, the second steering wheel 4325, the second tensioning wheel 4352 and the second steering wheel 4328.

In one embodiment, the force applying member 436 may be an elastic member for driving the tension adjusting seat 434 to rotate relative to the supporting shaft 4323 under elastic deformation to tension the traction cable 44.

In some embodiments, the force applying element 436 may be a torsion spring, which may be sleeved on the supporting shaft 4323, and one end of the torsion spring abuts against the supporting shaft 4323 or the base 20, and the other end of the torsion spring abuts against the tension adjusting seat 434, so that the tension adjusting seat 434 rotates relative to the supporting shaft 4323 by the force of the torsion elastic deformation of the torsion spring.

It is understood that the force applying member 436 may be disposed on the tension adjusting seat 434, one end of which abuts against the supporting shaft 4323 and the other end of which abuts against the tension adjusting seat 434, so that the tension adjusting seat 434 can rotate relative to the supporting shaft 4323 by the force of the force applying member 436 being elastically deformed.

In addition, in some scenarios, the force application member 436 may be a spring, an elastic sheet, or other elastically deformable structures. The manner of installation of the biasing member 436 is not limited to the above-described installation manner, and may be installed on the support bracket 23 or on another structure of the base 20. The tensioning adjustment seat 434 may be driven to rotate, or the tensioning adjustment seat 434 may be driven to slide relative to the support frame 23.

Further, in some embodiments, the tension wheel set 433 may also be mounted on the support shaft 4326.

Referring to fig. 2, 4 and 9, the traction cable 44 may be a rope, chain, belt, etc. The pull cord 44 may be wrapped around the acoustic head assembly 60. The traction cable 44 may also be wrapped around the drive assembly 40, such as traction wheel 423, and may be wrapped around the steering mechanism 43 to effect the power transmission of the traction cable 44.

The traction cable 44 may be a ring structure or a strip structure. The pulling cable 44 can abut against a side of the second steering wheel set 4322, such as the first steering wheel 4327 and the second steering wheel 4328, facing the pulling wheel 423, abut against a side of the tensioning wheel set 433, such as the first tensioning wheel 4351 and the second tensioning wheel 4352, away from the pulling wheel 423, abut against a side of the first steering wheel set 4321, such as the first steering wheel 4324 and the second steering wheel 4325, away from the pulling wheel 423, and abut against a side of the first limiting wheel 4311, which is close to the second limiting wheel 4312, and a side of the second limiting wheel 4312, which is close to the first limiting wheel 4311. It will be appreciated that the pull cable 44 may be wound around the steering mechanism 43 in other manners, which will not be described in detail.

In some embodiments, the pull cable 44 may include a first cable 441 having one end coupled to the sound head assembly 60 and the other end coupled to the pull wheel 423, e.g., the anchor 4231, and a second cable 442 having one end coupled to the sound head assembly 60 and the other end coupled to the pull wheel 423, e.g., the anchor 4231.

The first rope 441 can be abutted against one side of the second steering wheel set 4322, such as the first steering wheel 4327, facing the traction wheel 423, one side of the tensioning wheel set 433, such as the first tensioning wheel 4351, far away from the traction wheel 423, one side of the first steering wheel set 4321, such as the first steering wheel 4324, far away from the traction wheel 423, and one side of the first limiting wheel 4311, close to the second limiting wheel 4312.

The second rope 442 may abut against a side of the second turning wheel set 4322, e.g., the second turning wheel 4328, facing the traction wheel 423, abut against a side of the tensioning wheel set 433, e.g., the second tensioning wheel 4352, away from the traction wheel 423, abut against a side of the first turning wheel set 4321, e.g., the second turning wheel 4325, away from the traction wheel 423, and abut against a side of the second limiting wheel 4312, close to the first limiting wheel 4311.

In some embodiments, the end of the first cord 441 distal from the sound head assembly 60 is secured to the end of the second cord 442 distal from the sound head assembly 60. In some embodiments, the end of the first cord 441 connected to the sound head assembly 60 is fixedly connected to the end of the second cord 442 connected to the sound head assembly 60. Thereby allowing the pull cord 44 to wrap around the sound head assembly 60 in some scenarios. It will be appreciated that the first cord 441 may be wound around the steering mechanism 43 in other manners, which will not be described in detail. The second rope 442 may be wound around the steering mechanism 43 in other manners, which will not be described in detail.

In an embodiment, the first limiting wheel 4311 is configured to press the first rope 441 to one side of the second limiting wheel 4312, and the second limiting wheel 4312 is configured to press the second rope 442 to one side of the first limiting wheel 4311, so that the first rope 441 and the second rope 442 approach each other.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the mounting bracket 50 may be made of a rigid material or a material compatible with the probe handle shell 11, the probe middle shell 12, or the probe acoustic window 13. The mounting bracket 50 may be secured within the receiving space 103 of the probe center housing 12. Specifically, the mounting bracket 50 is fixed in position in the middle probe shell 12 at the third mounting port 122. In one embodiment, mounting bracket 50 may be secured to middle probe shell 12 by screwing, welding, bonding, snapping, plugging, or the like.

It will be appreciated that the mounting bracket 50 may also be secured in the receptacle 104 of the probe acoustic window 13 in a manner that mates with the probe center housing 12.

Additionally, in some scenarios, the mounting bracket 50 may be part of the housing 10. The mounting bracket 50 may also be of unitary construction with the housing 10.

Furthermore, the receiving space 104 may be defined by the mounting bracket 50 and the probe sound window 13.

Referring to fig. 2, the acoustic head assembly 60 may include a rotating bracket 61 disposed on the mounting bracket 50 and a transducer 62 disposed on a side of the rotating bracket 61 away from the mounting bracket 50. The rotating bracket 61 may be rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 50 through a rotating shaft, and further may rotate relative to the mounting bracket 50. The transducer 62 is rotatable with the rotating bracket 61 relative to the mounting bracket 50. The rotating bracket 61 may be wrapped around the pull cable 44. In one embodiment, the rotating bracket 61 may be sleeved with the pulling cable 44, or in some cases, may be connected to one end of the first rope 441.

Referring to fig. 1, 2, 4 and 9, the driving mechanism 30 can drive the first driving wheel 413 to rotate, so that the second driving wheel 414 and the pulling wheel 423 rotate synchronously to wind one end of the pulling cable 44, and release the other end of the pulling cable 44, so that the pulling cable 44 drives the sonic head assembly 60 to rotate relative to the mounting bracket 50, thereby realizing the reciprocating swinging motion of the sonic head assembly 60.

The steering mechanism 43, such as the limit pulley set 431, the steering assembly 432 and the tension pulley set 433, realizes the steering of the traction cable 44 and the linear transmission of the traction cable 44. In addition, the tension of the traction cable 44 is adjusted through the tension wheel set 433. It can be understood that the adjustment of the distance between the first limiting wheel 4311 and the second limiting wheel 4312 of the limiting wheel set 431 can ensure the linear transmission capability of the traction cable 44.

The limit piece 4215 and the limit groove 4141 are matched to limit the rotation angle of the traction wheel 423, so that the adjustment of the swing angle of the sound head assembly 60 is realized.

The adjusting bracket 4211 slides to a side close to or far from the first driving wheel 413 in the extending direction of the limiting protrusion 2111, so that the matching gap between the first driving wheel 413 and the second driving wheel 414 can be adjusted, the rotation angle of the traction wheel 423 can be adjusted, and the tension of the traction cable 44 can be adjusted.

It can be understood that the tension adjusting base 434 rotates around the supporting shaft 4323, so that the first tension wheel 4351 and the second tension wheel 4352 rotate away from or close to the limiting wheel set 431, and the distance between each of the first tension wheel 4351 and the limiting wheel set 431 and the distance between each of the second tension wheel 4352 and the limiting wheel set 431 are adjusted, and those skilled in the art can understand that the distance between each of the first tension wheel 4351 and the limiting wheel set 431 and the distance between the rotating shaft of each of the second tension wheel 4352 and the rotating shaft of the limiting wheel set 431 and the distance between the rotating shaft of each of the first tension wheel 4351 and the rotating shaft of the limiting wheel set 431 can be the distance.

The first tensioning wheel 4351 and the force applying member 436 cooperate to adjust the length of the traction cable 44 between the steering assemblies 432 to ensure tensioning of the traction cable 44. Even if the adjusting bracket 4211 slides on the stopper assembly 211, the tension of the traction cable 44 can be ensured.

In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed method and apparatus may be implemented in other manners. For example, the above-described apparatus embodiments are merely illustrative, and for example, a division of modules or units is merely a logical division, and an actual implementation may have another division, for example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted, or not executed.

Units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts displayed as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one place, or may be distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment.

In addition, functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each of the units may exist alone physically, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be realized in a form of hardware, and can also be realized in a form of a software functional unit.

The above description is only an example of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application, and all modifications of equivalent structures and equivalent processes, which are made by the contents of the specification and the drawings, or which are directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are intended to be included within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An ultrasound probe, comprising:

a housing;

the sound head assembly is accommodated in the shell;

the base is accommodated in the shell;

2. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises:

the adjusting bracket is connected with the second driving wheel and can slide relative to the base when the adjusting mechanism is in the unlocking state so as to drive the second driving wheel to slide synchronously; and

a locking member for locking the adjustment bracket when the adjustment mechanism is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state.

3. The ultrasonic probe of claim 2, wherein a limiting protrusion is provided on a surface of the base adjacent to the adjusting bracket for limiting the adjusting bracket.

4. The ultrasonic probe of claim 3, wherein the number of the limiting protrusions is at least two, at least two limiting protrusions are arranged at intervals, and the adjusting bracket is arranged between at least two limiting protrusions; or

The number of the limiting protrusions is one, and one limiting protrusion is in contact with the adjusting support.

5. The ultrasonic probe of claim 3, wherein a preload member is further disposed between the limiting protrusion and the adjusting bracket to keep the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel engaged.

6. The ultrasonic probe of claim 2, wherein one of the base and the adjusting bracket is provided with a limiting sliding groove, and the other of the base and the adjusting bracket is provided with a limiting sliding piece which is slidably connected with the limiting sliding groove, so that the adjusting bracket can slide relative to the base in an unlocking state.

7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein one of the second transmission wheel and the adjusting bracket is provided with a limiting groove, and the other of the second transmission wheel and the adjusting bracket is provided with a limiting member cooperatively connected with the limiting groove, so as to adjust a rotation angle of the traction mechanism relative to the adjusting bracket.

8. The ultrasound probe of any of claims 1-7, further comprising:

the traction rope is accommodated in the shell and is connected with the sound head assembly;

wherein, the drive mechanism includes:

the traction wheel is arranged on the base and is in interference fit with the second transmission wheel, so that the traction wheel can rotate relative to the base under the driving of the transmission mechanism and is used for winding the traction cable, and the sound head assembly is driven to swing through the traction cable.

9. The ultrasound probe of claim 8, wherein the traction wheel comprises:

the traction wheel main body is arranged on the base, can rotate relative to the adjusting mechanism and is used for winding the traction rope; and

and the traction shaft extends out of the traction wheel main body and is inserted into the adjusting mechanism.

10. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, further comprising:

the driving mechanism is accommodated in the shell and is connected with the transmission mechanism, and the driving mechanism is provided with an output shaft;

wherein, drive mechanism still includes:

the transmission shaft is connected with an output shaft of the driving mechanism and can rotate relative to the base under the driving of the driving mechanism;

the first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel are gears;

the first transmission wheel is sleeved on the transmission shaft and rotates along with the rotation of the transmission shaft;

the second driving wheel is in interference fit with the traction mechanism.

11. The ultrasound probe of claim 1, further comprising:

the steering assembly comprises at least two steering wheel sets which are arranged on the base and arranged along the extending path of the traction cable, wherein the traction cable sequentially bypasses the two steering wheel sets so as to change the transmission direction under the action of the two steering wheel sets; and

and the tensioning wheel set is arranged on the extension path of the traction cable and is used for applying force to the traction cable so as to enable the traction cable to be in a tensioning state.

12. The ultrasound probe of claim 11, further comprising a support shaft connected to the housing, the tension wheel set comprising:

the tensioning adjusting seat is rotatably connected with the supporting shaft;

the tensioning wheel is rotationally connected with the tensioning adjusting seat, and the traction rope is wound on the periphery of the tensioning wheel; and

and the force application member is used for applying tension adjustment force to the tension adjustment seat so as to enable the tension adjustment seat to rotate around the support shaft, and applying force to the traction cable through the tension wheel so as to enable the traction cable to be in a tension state.

13. An ultrasound imaging apparatus, comprising:

an ultrasonic host; and

the ultrasound probe of any of claims 1-12, connected to the ultrasound mainframe.