EP1054627A1 - Echography probe and accessories - Google Patents

Echography probe and accessories

Info

Publication number
EP1054627A1
EP1054627A1 EP98933741A EP98933741A EP1054627A1 EP 1054627 A1 EP1054627 A1 EP 1054627A1 EP 98933741 A EP98933741 A EP 98933741A EP 98933741 A EP98933741 A EP 98933741A EP 1054627 A1 EP1054627 A1 EP 1054627A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
acoustic
probe
probe according
window
main chamber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98933741A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Marc Gregoire
Dany Carre
Frédéric PEYRE
Jack Elasri
Léandre Pourcelot
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pierre Fabre Dermo Cosmetique SA
Original Assignee
Pierre Fabre Dermo Cosmetique SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pierre Fabre Dermo Cosmetique SA filed Critical Pierre Fabre Dermo Cosmetique SA
Publication of EP1054627A1 publication Critical patent/EP1054627A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4444—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device related to the probe
    • A61B8/4461—Features of the scanning mechanism, e.g. for moving the transducer within the housing of the probe
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/08—Detecting organic movements or changes, e.g. tumours, cysts, swellings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/18—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
    • G10K11/26—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning
    • G10K11/35—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using mechanical steering of transducers or their beams
    • G10K11/352—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using mechanical steering of transducers or their beams by moving the transducer

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a probe for noiammenl 1 cchographic exploration usable mainly in dermatology, provided with an electroacoustic monotransducleur animated back and forth in an acoustic coupling medium
  • Mechanical probes for ultrasound exploration generally comprise a tubular body can be gripped by hand, comprising a chamber in which esl installs an electroacoustic transducer To this tubular body.
  • a probe nose provided with a window for the passage of the acoustic waves emitted by the iiansducleur
  • a coupling medium such as a homogeneous liquid is placed in the chamber
  • This liquid constitutes the medium of propagation towards the window of the probe nose of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the electroacoustic transducer
  • the window of the probe nose is generally in the form of a more or less thin wall impermeable to the coupling liquid but permeable according to various degrees to the acoustic wave
  • the splitting of the probe / probe is in the form of an opening
  • the reason for this provision is that it is often in that the exploration at shallow depth requires an ultrasonic wave of a frequency ee cl that this wave is very easily attenuated by the wall of the window
  • the majority of the pathologies are located on the face in zones which can ent be angular like the ne
  • a wall for example in the form of a membrane for the constitution of the acoustic fenetry (solution, preferred by practitioners) comes up against the problem of attenuation of the wave and echoes of repetitions between the window and the acoustic sensor
  • These repetitive echoes are often the source of artefacts, masquanl l useful information and making it impossible to image interpretation
  • This problem can had solved if the acoustic beam is oblique to the window as the sign has the anterior Da ns this case.
  • the reflection echo is no longer rem ove v ers the acoustic sensor and the artefacl no longer appears on the image formed.
  • users find it difficult to position the probe piccically relative to the region to be to explore
  • the output signal must have been processed by a format change tern such tern has the venient inconv ulcnlii of the rate of .il FILING and reduce the width of the entrance window
  • the object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems by implementing a new type of water.
  • probe for ultrasound exploration aple to dcl ⁇ rcr an output signal immediately exploitable to directly form a rectangular image
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an acoustic probe whose window of the probe nose is formed by a wall and whose acoustic beam is normal to this window for easy positioning without the appearance of artefacts in the image formed.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a probe for which the attenuation of the return signal in the coupling medium is reduced
  • the probe for ultrasound exploration with low depth comprising a tubular body in which is fitted a main chamber receiving a transmission and reception assembly of an ultrasonic wave constitutes an acoustic monotransducleui. installed on a mount driven in a back and forth movement in the main chamber by a motion transmission secured to a drive motor mounted in a secondary chanibic 4i ⁇ nenagee in the tubular body and separated from the previous one by a partitioning element the main chanibic being sealed by a probe nose comprising an acoustic window made of a solid element, impermeable to the acoustic coupling liquid introduced into the main chamber and permeable to the acoustic wave emitted by the transducer in the direction of the anatomical region to explore and the return wave reflected by the anatomical region towards the acoustic monotransducteui is essentially characterized in that the movement back and forth from the set of emission and reception of the acoustic wave is a movement translation parallel to the
  • the signal at the probe output can be used so that no format change means is required for the formation of a rectangular image which can then be displayed at a high rate.
  • the distance cntie the transmission reception assembly of the acoustic wave and the acoustic window is equal or supe ⁇ euic ⁇ P ax cl / c2 where - Pmax is the maximum depth of exploration
  • - c2 is the speed of the acoustic wave in the anatomical region, ⁇ cxploier
  • the coupling medium is basically water
  • FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the probe according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view along the broken line AA of Figtiie 1
  • FIG. 3 is a half sectional partial view of a support probe
  • the probe according to the invention for example, ultrasound exploration at shallow depth, comprises a rigid tubular body 1 comprising a distal end and a proximal end extended by a probe nose 2 in the form of a concave body. determining with a partitioning element 3 arranged in the tubular body 1 at a distance from the proximal end. a sealed main chamber 4 into which is introduced an acoustic coupling liquid, for example water, and into which is arranged an emission and reception assembly 5 of an acoustic wave of a frequency which may be equal to ten MHz, twelve MHz. fifteen MHz.
  • an acoustic coupling liquid for example water
  • This transmission and reception assembly is mounted in fixation on a mount 6 itself mounted in sliding on two straight guide guides 7 mounted in the main chamber 4
  • This mount 6 is driven in the main chamber according to a reciprocating movement of readilinear translation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the acoustic beam emitted by the transmission and reception assembly 5 in the direction of an acoustic window 8 arranged in the probe nose and developing perpendicularly to the direction of the acoustic beam.
  • This acoustic window 8 is advantageously constituted by a wall of very small thickness, able to be constituted by a flexible thermoformable membrane. affixed to the probe nose and coming completely obturated an ectangular lumicic i practiced in the wall of the probe nose, perpendicular to the direction of the acoustic beam By the flexible membrane, the probe / ne is applied against the anatomical region explored This nose probe can be removably attached to the tubular body
  • the set of transmission and reception is constituted for example by an electroacoustic monotransducer r pe piezo-élect ⁇ que. comprising an emitting head receiving ultrasonic waves The head is located at a distance of a few millimeters from the acoustic window
  • the mount 6 is mobilized according to the movement of alternating tianslalion by a motion transmission secured to the rotary output shaft of an electric motor 9 installed in a secondary chamber 10 arranged in the lubricious body 1 behind the clcmcnt partitioning 3
  • the frame 6 is constituted by a parallelepiped block. a synthetic material with low water absorption capacity
  • the frame 6 is made of poheth lene. this material having good mechanical strength properties, whilst being of low density The low weight of the frame 6 allows to limit the effects of unbalance
  • This mount a tapping Uav ersanl axial into which is introduced in v issage the threaded shank of a tubular support receiving ant fixation the electroacoustic monotransducer
  • the mount evolves in alternating translation in a hollow through recess in a support 11 secured to the partitioning element 3
  • This support 11 is fixed by several screws to the partitioning element 3
  • F evidement trav ersant is delimited by two riv es of the support, parallel, opposite and the guides 7, mutually parallel. and to the acoustic window 8. are mounted in Ve grooves dug in the parallel banks
  • These guides are in overflow, relative to their groove, so as to be able to receive in couhss, the frame 6
  • the latter also comprises two V-shaped grooves by which it is engaged in couhss on the guides 7
  • the guides 7 made of a material capable of resisting corrosion from water, are cylindrical in shape. Preferably, these guides 7 are made of stainless steel.
  • the transmission of movement between the mount 6 and the rotary output shaft of the motor 9 is constituted by a crank pin 12 carried eccentrically by a plate 13 secured to a drive shaft 14 coupled by any known moven has the rotary output of the motor 9
  • This transmission also includes a slide 15. in the form of a groove of straight U-shaped section, formed in the mount 6 perpendicular to the guides 7
  • the crankpin i 2. of cylindrical shape, is engaged in sliding. with very little play. in the slide 15 It can therefore be seen that, by rotation of the assembly, constitutes by the shaft 14, the plate 13 and the crank pin 12.
  • the frequency of this reciprocating rectilinear movement is 10 Hz
  • the crank pin 12. is formed in the plate 13. by removal of material, a balancing flat
  • the partition element 3 consists of a cylindrical tubular sheath provided at a distance from its two ends, of a median tiansversale partition 16 This partition develops perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the element of partitioning 3
  • the external diameter of the tubular sleeve cv lindrique is very slightly less than the internal diameter of the tubular body so that the said sleeve can adjust in a sliding manner in said partitioning element 3
  • At least one annular seal 3a is interposed between the tubular feeder and the tubular body In the partition 16, a through hole is made in the middle, in which is mounted a sealed bearing 17 for guiding the rotation of the drive shaft 14
  • This ctanchc bearing is advantageously constituted by a sealed ball bearing
  • an angular position detector 20 is provided which couples to the drive shaft 14 This detector 20 is capable of delivering, in the form of an electric pulse, a signal representative of a particular angular value and corresponding to a precise, predefined position, of the set of emission and reception of the acoustic waves
  • this detector 20 is installed in the partitioning element 3 between the wall of the cover 19 and the central wall.
  • the angular position detector is of the HALL effect type and comprises a ring with magnet ( s) fixed lolation and translation on the shaft 14 and a support carrying the detector itself, the middle wall fixed Conlie the probe as described may also be used for reconstruction of three-dimensional images this purpose.
  • FIG. 3 shows a guide support according to a first embodiment
  • This guide support has a hollowed-out frame 21 forming a frame, by which it is affixed to the anatomical region to be observed
  • the frame comprises two rectilinear slide rails 22. parallel with which cooperate in guiding two guide slides 23 pourv u each perpendicular to the guide direction that defines glissicie a wedge pin 24.
  • each of the setting pins co operates in the form of a fork 25 integral with the probe nose 2 and intended to come against a flat surface 26 faith denying a recess this flat surface being parallel to the plane that defines the frame Opposite the plane suiface, the rod has a flat by which it is caused to slide on this surface
  • the two rods 25 that the probe nose 2 develops along a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the monotransducer
  • each flat is contained in a plane perpendicular to the direction of panning BASED ultrasonic by performing a map support on a map with the corresponding recess, the flat ensures the maintenance of the probe in a specific direction in which the ultrasonic founds propagation direction is normal to the plane that defines the framework according Celtic position the axis longitudinal of the probe is normal to the frame plane to one of the sliders 23 is associated with a sensor Liné position area
  • the probe With the support as described, the probe is moved manually in translation along the slides of the support frame. It is also possible to provide a support provided with motor movens ensuring the motorization of the movement of the probe.
  • These movens moleuis pouironl be constituted for example by at least one transmission mov ement constituted by two pulleys on which wound a same s belt whose upper run is secured to one of the slides one of the pulleys will be keyed on the output shaft of an electric motor drive by preferably two movement transmissions will be provided cooperating respectively with the two slides.
  • the support is always constituted by a hollow support frame.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Ultra Sonic Daignosis Equipment (AREA)
  • Transducers For Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a probe comprising a body (1) wherein is provided a main chamber (4) receiving an assembly (5) for transmitting and receiving an ultrasound wave consisting of an acoustic monotransducer mounted on a frame driven in reciprocating motion in the main chamber (4) by movement transmission integral with the driving motor (9). The chamber is closed by a probe nozzle (2) comprising an acoustic window (8) made of a liquid impermeable solid element for acoustic coupling inserted in the main chamber (4) and permeable to the acoustic wave transmitted by the transducer towards the anatomical region to be explored and to the return wave reflected by the anatomical region towards the monotransducer. The reciprocating motion of the transmitter and receiver assembly (5) is a translating movement parallel to the acoustic window (8), the ultrasound beam remaining normal at the window.

Description

SONDE D'ECHOGRAPHIE ET ACCESSOIRES. ECHOGRAPHY PROBE AND ACCESSORIES.
La présente invention à pour objet une sonde pour noiammenl 1 exploration cchographique utilisable principalement en dermatologie, pourvue d'un monotransducleur electroacoustique animé d'un mouvement de va et vient dans un milieu de couplage acoustique Les sondes mécaniques pour exploration échographique comprennent généralement un corps tubulaire pouvant être saisi à la main, comportant une chambre dans laquelle esl installe un transducteur électroacoustique A ce corps tubulaire. dans le prolongement de la chambre est associe un nez de sonde pourvu d'une fenêtre de passage des ondes acoustiques émises pai le iiansducleur Enfin un milieu de couplage tel un liquide homogène est placé dans la chambre Ce liquide constitue le milieu de propagation vers la fenêtre du nez de sonde des ondes ultrasonores émises par le transducteur electroacoustique La fenêtre du nez de sonde se présente généralement sous la forme d'une paroi plus ou moins fine imperméable au liquide de couplage mais perméable selon des degrés divers à l'onde acoustique Dans d'autres appareils, notamment ceu\ spécifiquement conçus pour une cxploiation de la peau et plus généralement pour une exploration à faible profondeur la fendre du ne/ de sonde se présente sous la forme d'une ouverture La raison de cette disposition réside poui l'csscnuel dans le fait que l'exploration a faible profondeur exige une onde ultrasonore d'une fréquence ee cl que cette onde est très facilement atténuée par la paroi de la fenêtre Cependant il faut savoir que la plupart des pathologies se situent sur le visage dans des zones qui peuv ent être anguleuses comme le ne/ cl le lobe des oreilles Pour cette raison, l'utilisation d'une sonde à fenêtre acoustique ouv erte peut poser de nombreux problèmes comme celui de maintenir constante la quantité de liquide de couplage acoustique dans la sonde L'utilisation d'une paroi par exemple sous forme de membrane pour la constitution de la fenetie acoustique (solution, préférée des praticiens) se heurte au problème de l'atténuation de l'onde et des échos de îepetitions entre la fenêtre et le capteur acoustique Ces échos de répétition sont souv ent a l'origine d'artefacts, masquanl l'information utile et rendant impossible l'interprétation des images Ce problème peut eue résolu si le faisceau acoustique est oblique par rapport à la fenêtre comme l'enseigne l'ait antérieur Dans ce cas. l'écho de réflexion n'est plus rem ove v ers le capteur acoustique et l'artefacl n'apparaît plus sur l'image formée En corollaire, les utilisateurs éprouvent quelques difficultés pour positionner de manicie piccise la sonde par rapport à la région à explorerThe present invention relates to a probe for noiammenl 1 cchographic exploration usable mainly in dermatology, provided with an electroacoustic monotransducleur animated back and forth in an acoustic coupling medium Mechanical probes for ultrasound exploration generally comprise a tubular body can be gripped by hand, comprising a chamber in which esl installs an electroacoustic transducer To this tubular body. in the extension of the chamber is associated a probe nose provided with a window for the passage of the acoustic waves emitted by the iiansducleur Finally a coupling medium such as a homogeneous liquid is placed in the chamber This liquid constitutes the medium of propagation towards the window of the probe nose of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the electroacoustic transducer The window of the probe nose is generally in the form of a more or less thin wall impermeable to the coupling liquid but permeable according to various degrees to the acoustic wave In d other devices, especially those specifically designed for skin use and more generally for shallow exploration, the splitting of the probe / probe is in the form of an opening The reason for this provision is that it is often in that the exploration at shallow depth requires an ultrasonic wave of a frequency ee cl that this wave is very easily attenuated by the wall of the window However it should be known that the majority of the pathologies are located on the face in zones which can ent be angular like the ne / cl the lobe of the ears For this reason, the use of a probe with an open acoustic window can pose numerous problems, such as that of keeping the quantity of acoustic coupling liquid in the probe constant. The use of a wall, for example in the form of a membrane for the constitution of the acoustic fenetry (solution, preferred by practitioners) comes up against the problem of attenuation of the wave and echoes of repetitions between the window and the acoustic sensor These repetitive echoes are often the source of artefacts, masquanl l useful information and making it impossible to image interpretation This problem can had solved if the acoustic beam is oblique to the window as the sign has the anterior Da ns this case. the reflection echo is no longer rem ove v ers the acoustic sensor and the artefacl no longer appears on the image formed. As a corollary, users find it difficult to position the probe piccically relative to the region to be to explore
Il est important que le signal en sortie de sonde soit dπcctcmcnl exploitable tu raison du mouvement pendulaire du monotransducteur, le signal de sortie doit eue traite par un s\ sterne de changement de format Un tel sterne présente l'inconv énient de ulcnlii la cadence d'.il fichage et de réduire la largeur de la fenêtre d'entréeIt is important that the signal at the probe output is dπcctcmcnl usable because of the pendulum movement of the monotransducer, the output signal must have been processed by a format change tern such tern has the énient inconv ulcnlii of the rate of .il FILING and reduce the width of the entrance window
Enfin, en raison de leurs fréquences élev ées les signaux de iclour sont facilement dégradés par les différentes zones traversées et notamment par le milieu de couplage La présente invention a pour objet de résoudre les problèmes sus cv oques en mettant en oeuv re un nouv eau type de sonde pour exploration échographique aple a dclπ rcr un signal de sortie immédiatement exploitable pour former directement une image rectangulaire Un autre but de la présente invention est de proposer une sonde acoustique dont la fenêtre du nez de sonde est constituée par une paroi et dont le faisceau acoustique est normal a cette fenêtre pour un positionnement aisé sans que puissent apparaître des artefacts dans l'image forméeFinally, due to their high frequencies, the iclour signals are easily degraded by the various zones crossed and in particular by the coupling medium. The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems by implementing a new type of water. probe for ultrasound exploration aple to dclπ rcr an output signal immediately exploitable to directly form a rectangular image Another object of the present invention is to provide an acoustic probe whose window of the probe nose is formed by a wall and whose acoustic beam is normal to this window for easy positioning without the appearance of artefacts in the image formed.
Un autre but de la présente invention est de proposer une sonde pour laquelle est diminuée l'atténuation du signal de retour dans le milieu de couplageAnother object of the present invention is to provide a probe for which the attenuation of the return signal in the coupling medium is reduced
A cet effet la sonde pour exploration échographique a faible piofondeur. comportant un corps tubulaire dans lequel est aménagée une chambre principale recev nt un ensemble d'émission et de réception d'une onde ultrasonore constitue d'un monotransducleui acoustique . installe sur une monture entraînée selon un mouvement de va et vient dans la chambre principale par une transmission de mouvement solidaire d'un moteur d'entraînement monte dans une chanibic secondaire 4iιnenagee dans le corps tubulaire et séparée de la précédente par un élément de cloisonnement la chanibic principale étant obturée de manière étanche par un nez de sonde comportant une fenêtre acoustique réalisée en un élément plein, imperméable au liquide de couplage acoustique introduit dans la chambre principale et perméable à l'onde acoustique émise par le transducteur en direction de la région anatomique a explorer et à l'onde de retour réfléchie par la région anatomique en direction du monotransducteui acoustique se caractérise essentiellement en ce que le mouvement de v a et v ient de l'ensemble d'émission et de réception de l'onde acoustique est un mouvement de translation parallèle a la fenêtre acoustique du ne/ de sonde, le faisceau ultrasonique demeurant normal à la fenêtre du nez de sondeFor this purpose the probe for ultrasound exploration with low depth. comprising a tubular body in which is fitted a main chamber receiving a transmission and reception assembly of an ultrasonic wave constitutes an acoustic monotransducleui. installed on a mount driven in a back and forth movement in the main chamber by a motion transmission secured to a drive motor mounted in a secondary chanibic 4iιnenagee in the tubular body and separated from the previous one by a partitioning element the main chanibic being sealed by a probe nose comprising an acoustic window made of a solid element, impermeable to the acoustic coupling liquid introduced into the main chamber and permeable to the acoustic wave emitted by the transducer in the direction of the anatomical region to explore and the return wave reflected by the anatomical region towards the acoustic monotransducteui is essentially characterized in that the movement back and forth from the set of emission and reception of the acoustic wave is a movement translation parallel to the acoustic window of the ne / probe, the ultrasonic beam e remaining normal at the window of the probe nose
De par cette disposition le signal en sortie de sonde est dπcctcmeni exploitable si bien qu'aucun moyen de changement de format n'est requis pour la formation d'une image rectangulaire qui pourra alors être affichée selon une cadence élev éeDue to this arrangement, the signal at the probe output can be used so that no format change means is required for the formation of a rectangular image which can then be displayed at a high rate.
Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la distance cntie l'ensemble d'émission réception de l'onde acoustique et la fenêtre acoustique est égale ou supeπeuic <ι P ax cl/c2 où - Pmax est la profondeur maximale d'explorationAccording to another characteristic of the invention, the distance cntie the transmission reception assembly of the acoustic wave and the acoustic window is equal or supeπeuic <ι P ax cl / c2 where - Pmax is the maximum depth of exploration
- cl est la vitesse de l'onde acoustique dans le milieu de couplage- cl is the speed of the acoustic wave in the coupling medium
- c2 est la vitesse de l'onde acoustique dans la région anatomique ,ι cxploier- c2 is the speed of the acoustic wave in the anatomical region, ι cxploier
Cette disposition particulièrement avantageuse de l'invention écarte tout risque d'artefact dans l'image formée et est garante d'une bonne distinction de la stnicturc du derme et de l'epiderme Selon une autre caractéristique de l'in ention le milieu de couplage est essentiellement de l'eauThis particularly advantageous arrangement of the invention eliminates any risk of artifact in the image formed and guarantees a good distinction between the stenicturc of the dermis and the epidermis. According to another characteristic of the ent ention the coupling medium. is basically water
Cette disposition écarte le risque d'une trop grande atténuation du signal D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention appaïaitiont a la lcctuic de la description d'une forme préférée de réalisation en se référant aux dessins annexes en lesquelsThis provision eliminates the risk of too much attenuation of the signal. Other advantages and characteristics of the invention appear when reading the description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
- la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de la sonde selon l'in ention - la figure 2 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne brisée AA de la figtiie 1- Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the probe according to the invention - Figure 2 is a sectional view along the broken line AA of Figtiie 1
- la figure 3 est une demie vue partielle en coupe d'un support pour sonde- Figure 3 is a half sectional partial view of a support probe
- la figure 4 est une demie vue partielle en coupe d'un autre tvpc de support pour sonde Telle que représentée, la sonde selon l'invention, pour par exemple, exploration échographique à faible profondeur, comporte un corps tubulaire 1 rigide comportant une extrémité distale et une extrémité proximale prolongée par un nez de sonde 2 sous forme de corps concav e. déterminant av ec un élément de cloisonnement 3 dispose dans le corps tubulaire 1 à distance de l'extrémité proximale. une chambre principale 4 étanche dans laquelle est introduit un liquide de couplage acoustique, par exemple de l'eau, et dans laquelle est dispose un ensemble d'émission et de réception 5 d'une onde acoustique d'une fréquence qui peut être égale à dix MHz, douze MHz. quinze MHz. v ingt Mh/ et plus II v a de soi que ces v aleurs ne sont données qu'à titre purement indicatif et que la v aleur de la fréquence utilisée pourra être inférieure à dix MHz. ou bien se situer entre les valeurs précédemment év oquées Cet ensemble d'émission et de réception est monte en fixation sur une monture 6 elle même montée en coulisscincnt sur deux guides rectihgnes de guidage 7 montés dans la chambre principale 4 Cette montuie 6 est entraînée dans la chambre principale selon un mouvement alternatif de translation lectiligne dans une direction perpendiculaire à la direction du faisceau acoustique émis par l'ensemble d'émission et de réception 5 en direction d'une fenêtre acoustique 8 aménagée dans le nez de sonde et se dev eloppant de manière perpendiculaire à la direction du faisceau acoustique Cette fenêtre acoustique 8 est av antageusement constituée par une paroi de très faible épaisseur, pouv ant être constituée par une membrane souple thermoformable. apposée sur le nez de sonde et venant obturci totalement une lumicic i ectangulaire pratiquée dans la paroi du nez de sonde, perpendiculairement a la direction du faisceau acoustique Par la membrane souple, le ne/ de sonde est applique contre la région anatomique a explorei Ce nez de sonde pourra être fixé de manière amov îble au corps tubulaire- Figure 4 is a half sectional partial view of another support for probe TVPC As shown, the probe according to the invention, for example, ultrasound exploration at shallow depth, comprises a rigid tubular body 1 comprising a distal end and a proximal end extended by a probe nose 2 in the form of a concave body. determining with a partitioning element 3 arranged in the tubular body 1 at a distance from the proximal end. a sealed main chamber 4 into which is introduced an acoustic coupling liquid, for example water, and into which is arranged an emission and reception assembly 5 of an acoustic wave of a frequency which may be equal to ten MHz, twelve MHz. fifteen MHz. v ingt Mh / et plus It goes without saying that these values are given for information only and that the value of the frequency used may be less than ten MHz. or else be between the values previously mentioned This transmission and reception assembly is mounted in fixation on a mount 6 itself mounted in sliding on two straight guide guides 7 mounted in the main chamber 4 This mount 6 is driven in the main chamber according to a reciprocating movement of readilinear translation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the acoustic beam emitted by the transmission and reception assembly 5 in the direction of an acoustic window 8 arranged in the probe nose and developing perpendicularly to the direction of the acoustic beam. This acoustic window 8 is advantageously constituted by a wall of very small thickness, able to be constituted by a flexible thermoformable membrane. affixed to the probe nose and coming completely obturated an ectangular lumicic i practiced in the wall of the probe nose, perpendicular to the direction of the acoustic beam By the flexible membrane, the probe / ne is applied against the anatomical region explored This nose probe can be removably attached to the tubular body
L'ensemble d'émission et de réception est constitué par exemple par un monotransducteur electroacoustique du r pe piezo-électπque. comportant une tête emettπce réceptrice d ondes ultrasonores La tête se situe a une distance de quelques millimètres de la fenêtre acoustique The set of transmission and reception is constituted for example by an electroacoustic monotransducer r pe piezo-électπque. comprising an emitting head receiving ultrasonic waves The head is located at a distance of a few millimeters from the acoustic window
La monture 6 est mobilisée selon le mouv ement de tianslalion alternativ e par une transmission de mouvement solidaire de l'arbre de sortie rotatif d'un moteur électrique 9 installé dans une chambre secondaire 10 aménagée dans le corps lubulaire 1 en arrière de l'clcmcnt de cloisonnement 3The mount 6 is mobilized according to the movement of alternating tianslalion by a motion transmission secured to the rotary output shaft of an electric motor 9 installed in a secondary chamber 10 arranged in the lubricious body 1 behind the clcmcnt partitioning 3
Dans la forme préférée de réalisation, la monture 6 est constituée par un bloc parallélépipédique. d'une matière s nthétique a faible pouvoir d'absorption de l'eauIn the preferred embodiment, the frame 6 is constituted by a parallelepiped block. a synthetic material with low water absorption capacity
Av antageusement la monture 6 est réalisée en poheth lene. cette matière présentant de bonnes propriétés de résistance mécanique, tout en étant de faible densité Le faible poids de la monture 6 permet de limiter les effets de balourd La monture présente un taraudage Uav ersanl axial dans lequel est introduit en v issage le fût fileté d'un support tubulairc recev ant en fixation le monotransducteur electroacoustiqueAdvantageously, the frame 6 is made of poheth lene. this material having good mechanical strength properties, whilst being of low density The low weight of the frame 6 allows to limit the effects of unbalance This mount a tapping Uav ersanl axial into which is introduced in v issage the threaded shank of a tubular support receiving ant fixation the electroacoustic monotransducer
Dans la forme préférée de réalisation, la monture év olue en translation alternati e dans un év idement traversant creuse dans un support 11 solidaire de l'élément de cloisonnement 3 Ce support 11 est fixe par plusieurs v is à l'élément de cloisonnement 3 Selon la forme préférée de réalisation, F ev idement trav ersant est délimite par deux riv es du support, parallèles, opposées et les guides 7, parallèles entre eux. et à la fenêtre acoustique 8. sont montes dans des gorges en Ve creusées dans les rives parallèles Ces guides sont en débordement, par rapport a leur gorge, de façon a pouvoir recevoir en couhssement, la monture 6 Cette dernière comporte également deux rainures en Vé par lesquelles elle est engagée en couhssement sur les guides 7In the preferred embodiment, the mount evolves in alternating translation in a hollow through recess in a support 11 secured to the partitioning element 3 This support 11 is fixed by several screws to the partitioning element 3 According to the preferred embodiment, F evidement trav ersant is delimited by two riv es of the support, parallel, opposite and the guides 7, mutually parallel. and to the acoustic window 8. are mounted in Ve grooves dug in the parallel banks These guides are in overflow, relative to their groove, so as to be able to receive in couhss, the frame 6 The latter also comprises two V-shaped grooves by which it is engaged in couhss on the guides 7
Les guides 7. réalisés en une matière susceptible de résister a la corrosion de l'eau, sont de forme cylindrique De préférence, ces guides 7 sont en acier inoxydableThe guides 7. made of a material capable of resisting corrosion from water, are cylindrical in shape. Preferably, these guides 7 are made of stainless steel.
Selon la forme préférée de réalisation, la transmission de mouvement entre la monture 6 et l'arbre de sortie rotatif du moteur 9 est constituée par un maneton 12 porté de manière excentrée par un plateau 13 solidaire d'un arbre d'entraînement 14 accouplé par tout moven connu a l'aibre de sortie rotatif du moteur 9 Cette transmission comporte également une glissière 15. sous forme de rainure de section droite en U, formée dans la monture 6 perpendiculairement aux guides 7 Le maneton i 2. de fonne cylindrique, est engagé en coulissement. avec très peu de jeu. dans la glissière 15 On conçoit donc, que par rotation de l'ensemble, constitue par l'arbre 14, le plateau 13 et le maneton 12. est obtenu le déplacement alternatif de la monture 6 Selon la forme préférée de réalisation, la fréquence de ce mouvement rectiligne alternatif est de 10Hz Pour év iter tout effet de balourd, dû a la présence du maneton 12. est forme dans le plateau 13. par enlèvement de matière, un méplat d'équilibrageAccording to the preferred embodiment, the transmission of movement between the mount 6 and the rotary output shaft of the motor 9 is constituted by a crank pin 12 carried eccentrically by a plate 13 secured to a drive shaft 14 coupled by any known moven has the rotary output of the motor 9 This transmission also includes a slide 15. in the form of a groove of straight U-shaped section, formed in the mount 6 perpendicular to the guides 7 The crankpin i 2. of cylindrical shape, is engaged in sliding. with very little play. in the slide 15 It can therefore be seen that, by rotation of the assembly, constitutes by the shaft 14, the plate 13 and the crank pin 12. the reciprocating displacement of the frame 6 is obtained According to the preferred form embodiment, the frequency of this reciprocating rectilinear movement is 10 Hz To avoid any unbalance effect, due to the presence of the crank pin 12. is formed in the plate 13. by removal of material, a balancing flat
Dans la forme préférée de réalisation, l'élément de cloisonnement 3 est constitué d'un fourreau tubulaire cylindrique doté à distance de ses deux extrémités, d'une cloison tiansversale médiane 16 Cette cloison se développe perpendiculairement à l'axe longitudinal de l'clcment de cloisonnement 3 Le diamètre externe du fourreau tubulaire cv lindrique est très légèrement inférieur au diamètre interne du corps tubulaire de façon que le dit fourreau puisse s'ajuster de manieie glissante dans ledit élément de cloisonnement 3 Au moins un joint d'étanchéité annulaire 3a est interpose entre le foui reau tubulaire et le corps tubulaire Dans la cloison 16 est pratiqué un alésage médian traversant, dans lequel est monté un palier étanche 17 de guidage en rotation de l'arbre d'entraînement 14 Ce palier ctanchc est av antageusement constitué par un roulement à billes étancheIn the preferred embodiment, the partition element 3 consists of a cylindrical tubular sheath provided at a distance from its two ends, of a median tiansversale partition 16 This partition develops perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the element of partitioning 3 The external diameter of the tubular sleeve cv lindrique is very slightly less than the internal diameter of the tubular body so that the said sleeve can adjust in a sliding manner in said partitioning element 3 At least one annular seal 3a is interposed between the tubular feeder and the tubular body In the partition 16, a through hole is made in the middle, in which is mounted a sealed bearing 17 for guiding the rotation of the drive shaft 14 This ctanchc bearing is advantageously constituted by a sealed ball bearing
Le palier étanche 17. en combinaison avec la cloison transversale 16 de l'élément de cloisonnement 3 et le joint d'étanchéité 3a assure l'étanchéite de la chambre principale ce qui écarte le risque d'écoulement d'eau v ers la chambre secondaireThe sealed bearing 17. in combination with the transverse partition 16 of the partitioning element 3 and the seal 3a ensures the sealing of the main chamber which eliminates the risk of water flow towards the secondary chamber.
A distance du palier étanche 16 l'arbre d'entraînement est monte en rotation d.ins un alésage cvlindrique de guidage, traversant, pratiqué dans une bague 18 installée dans le perçage traversant d'une paroi de couvercle 19 montée en fixation contre la partie arrière de l'élément de cloisonnement 3 Avantageusement, dans le but de synchroniser la position de l'ensemble d'émission et de réception avec les tirs, est prévu un détecteur de position angulaire 20 accouple à l'arbie d'entraînement 14 Ce détecteur 20 est apte à délivrer, sous forme d'une impulsion électrique, un signal représentatif d'une valeur angulaire particulière et correspondant a une position précise, prédéfinie, de l'ensemble d'émission et de réception des ondes acoustiquesAt a distance from the sealed bearing 16, the drive shaft is rotatably mounted in a transverse guide bore, formed in a ring 18 installed in the through bore of a cover wall 19 mounted as a fixing against the part rear of the partitioning element 3 Advantageously, in order to synchronize the position of the transmission and reception assembly with the shots, an angular position detector 20 is provided which couples to the drive shaft 14 This detector 20 is capable of delivering, in the form of an electric pulse, a signal representative of a particular angular value and corresponding to a precise, predefined position, of the set of emission and reception of the acoustic waves
A partir de ce signal sera déclenché le tir. c'est a dire 1 émission d un tram d onde ultrasonore De préférence, ce détecteur 20 est installé dans l'élément de cloisonnement 3 entre la paroi du couvercle 19 et la paroi médiane A titre d'exemple purement indicatif le détecteur de position angulaire est du type à effet HALL et comprend une bague avec aιmant(s) fixée en lolation et translation sur l'arbre 14 et un support portant le détecteur proprement dit, fixe conlie la paroi médiane La sonde telle que décrite peut être aussi être utilisée pour reconstitution d'images en trois dimensions Dans ce but. à la sonde selon l'invention, peut être associe un support de guidage assurant son guidage soit selon un mouvement de translation selon une direction perpendiculaire à la direction du mouvement alternatif du monotransducteur, soit selon un mouv ement de pivotement selon un axe parallèle à la direction du mouv ement du monotransducteur On a représenté en figure 3 un support de guidage selon une première forme de réalisation Ce support de guidage présente un cadre 21 evidé formant bâti, pai lequel il est appose stu la région anatomique a observer Selon deux côtes opposes, le cadre comporte deux glissières rectilignes 22. parallèles, avec lesquelles coopèrent en guidage deux coulisseaux de guidage 23 pourv u chacun, perpendiculairement a la direction de guidage que définit la glissicie d'un pion de calage 24. de section droite polygonale Les pions de calage se développent 1 un veis 1 autre parallèlement au plan que définit le cadre Avec chacun des pions de calage coopère en emboîtement de forme une fourche 25 solidaire du nez de sonde 2 et destinée à venir contre une surface plane 26 foi niant un décrochement cette surface plane étant parallèle au plan que définit le cadre En regard de la suiface plane, la fouiche présente un méplat par lequel elle est amenée à glisser sur cette surface Les deux fouiches 25 que piesente le nez de sonde 2 se développent selon une direction parallèle a la direction du mouvement du monotransducteur Par ailleurs, chaque méplat est contenu dans un plan perpendiculaire a la direction de piopagation de Fonde ultrasonore En réalisant un appui plan sur plan avec le décrochement correspondant, le méplat assure le maintien de la sonde dans une direction déterminée selon laquelle la direction de propagation de Fonde ultrasonore est normale au plan que définit le cadre Selon celte position l'axe longitudinal de la sonde est normal au plan du cadre A l'un des coulisseaux 23 est associe un capteur linéaire de positionFrom this signal will be fired. that is to say one issuing an ultrasonic wave tram Preferably, this detector 20 is installed in the partitioning element 3 between the wall of the cover 19 and the central wall. As a purely indicative example, the angular position detector is of the HALL effect type and comprises a ring with magnet ( s) fixed lolation and translation on the shaft 14 and a support carrying the detector itself, the middle wall fixed Conlie the probe as described may also be used for reconstruction of three-dimensional images this purpose. the probe according to the invention can be associated with a guide support ensuring its guidance either in a translational movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the reciprocating movement of the monotransducer, or in a pivoting movement along an axis parallel to the direction of movement of the monotransducer FIG. 3 shows a guide support according to a first embodiment This guide support has a hollowed-out frame 21 forming a frame, by which it is affixed to the anatomical region to be observed According to two opposite ribs, the frame comprises two rectilinear slide rails 22. parallel with which cooperate in guiding two guide slides 23 pourv u each perpendicular to the guide direction that defines glissicie a wedge pin 24. the polygonal cross section wedging pieces 1 develop a veis 1 other parallel to the plane defined by the frame With each of the setting pins co operates in the form of a fork 25 integral with the probe nose 2 and intended to come against a flat surface 26 faith denying a recess this flat surface being parallel to the plane that defines the frame Opposite the plane suiface, the rod has a flat by which it is caused to slide on this surface The two rods 25 that the probe nose 2 develops along a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the monotransducer Furthermore, each flat is contained in a plane perpendicular to the direction of panning BASED ultrasonic by performing a map support on a map with the corresponding recess, the flat ensures the maintenance of the probe in a specific direction in which the ultrasonic founds propagation direction is normal to the plane that defines the framework according Celtic position the axis longitudinal of the probe is normal to the frame plane to one of the sliders 23 is associated with a sensor Liné position area
27 délivrant sous forme de signal électrique, une information repicsenlali c de la position de la sonde le long des glissières27 delivering, in the form of an electrical signal, repicsenlali c information of the position of the probe along the slides
Avec le support tel que décrit, la sonde est déplacée manuellement en translation- le long des glissières du cadre support On pourra prév oir également un support dote de movens moteurs assurant la motorisation du déplacement de la sonde Ces movens moleuis pouironl être constitues par exemple par au moins une transmission de mouv ement constituée par deux poulies sur lesquelles s enroulent une même courroie dont le brin supérieur est fixé a l'un des coulisseaux L une des poulies sera calée sur l'arbre de sortie d'un moteur électrique d entraînement De préférence seront prev ues deux transmissions de mouvement coopérant respectivement avec les deux coulisseaux Selon une autre forme de réalisation, le support est constitue touiours par un cadre support evideWith the support as described, the probe is moved manually in translation along the slides of the support frame. It is also possible to provide a support provided with motor movens ensuring the motorization of the movement of the probe. These movens moleuis pouironl be constituted for example by at least one transmission mov ement constituted by two pulleys on which wound a same s belt whose upper run is secured to one of the slides one of the pulleys will be keyed on the output shaft of an electric motor drive by preferably two movement transmissions will be provided cooperating respectively with the two slides. According to another embodiment, the support is always constituted by a hollow support frame.
28 comportant selon deux côtés opposés deux paliers 29 sous foi me de fourche dans lesquels s'engagent deux tourillons 30 radialement opposes solidaires du nez de sonde 2 et se développant selon une direction commune parallèle à l'axe du mouvement du monotransduetcur A 1 un des tourillons est accouplé un capteur angulaire 31. Le support, par le cadre, est apposé contre la région anatomique à explorer. La sonde peut basculer autour de l'axe que définit les deux tourillons 30.28 having along two opposite sides of two bearings 29 in faith me fork in which s' engage two pins 30 radially opposed integral with the nose of probe 2 and extending in a common direction parallel to the axis of movement of monotransduetcur A 1 a journals is coupled a angular sensor 31. The support, by the frame, is affixed against the anatomical region to be explored. The probe is pivotable about the axis that defines the two trunnions 30.
Il va de soi que la présente invention peut recevoir tous aménagements et variantes du domaine des équivalents techniques sans pour autant sortir du cadre du présent brevet. It goes without saying that the present invention can receive all arrangements and variants in the field of technical equivalents without departing from the scope of this patent.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS.CLAIMS.
1/ Sonde d'échograplue. comportant un corps tubulaire (1) dans lequel est aménagée une chambre principale (4) recevant un ensemble (5) d'émission et de réception d'une onde ultrasonore constitué d'un monotransducteur acoustique installé sur une monture entraînée selon un mouvement de va et vient dans la chambre principale (4) par une transmission de mou ement solidaire d'un moteur d'entraînement (9) monté dans une chambre secondaire ( 10) aménagée dans le corps tubulaire (1) et séparée de la précédente par un élément de cloisonnement (3). la chambre pnncipale (4) étant obturée de manière étanche par un nez de sonde (2) comportant une fenêtre acoustique (8) réalisée en un élément plein imperméable au liquide de couplage acoustique introduit dans la chambre principale (4) et perméable à l'onde acoustique émise par le transducteur en direction de la région anatomique à explorer et à l'onde de retour réfléchie par la région anatomique en direction du monotransducteur caractérisée en ce que le mouvement de va et ient de l'ensemble d'émission et de réception (5) de l'onde acoustique est un mouvement de translation parallèle a la fenêtre acoustique du nez de sonde le faisceau ultrasonique demeurant normal à la fenêtre du nez de sonde 2/ Sonde selon la revendication 1, caracténsee en ce que la distance entre l'ensemble (5) d'émission réception de l'onde acoustique et la fenêtre acoustique (8) est égale ou supeticure à Pma cl /c2 où1 / Ultrasound probe. comprising a tubular body (1) in which is fitted a main chamber (4) receiving an assembly (5) for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave consisting of an acoustic monotransducer installed on a mount driven in a reciprocating motion and comes into the main chamber (4) by a transmission of movement integral with a drive motor (9) mounted in a secondary chamber (10) arranged in the tubular body (1) and separated from the previous one by an element partitioning (3). the main chamber (4) being sealed off by a probe nose (2) comprising an acoustic window (8) made of a solid element impermeable to the acoustic coupling liquid introduced into the main chamber (4) and permeable to acoustic wave emitted by the transducer in the direction of the anatomical region to be explored and in the return wave reflected by the anatomical region in the direction of the monotransducer characterized in that the back and forth movement of the transmission and reception assembly (5) of the acoustic wave is a translational movement parallel to the acoustic window of the probe nose, the ultrasonic beam remaining normal to the window of the probe nose 2 / probe according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between l assembly (5) emission reception of the acoustic wave and the acoustic window (8) is equal or supeticure to Pma cl / c2 where
Pmax est la profondeur maximale d'exploration cl est la vitesse de l'onde acoustique dans le milieu de couplage c2 est la v itesse de l'onde acoustique dans la région anatomique a explorerPmax is the maximum exploration depth cl is the speed of the acoustic wave in the coupling medium c2 is the speed of the acoustic wave in the anatomical region to be explored
3/ Sonde selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 a 3 caiactéπsee en ce que le milieu de couplage est constitué par de l'eau3 / A probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3 caiactéπsee in that the coupling medium consists of water
4/ Sonde selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 a 3 caiactensee en ce que la monture (6) de l'ensemble (5) d'émission et de réception de l'onde acoustique est montée en coulisscinent sur deux guides rectilignes (7) parallèles entre eux et à la fenêtre acoustique (8)4 / A probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3 caiactensee in that the mount (6) of the assembly (5) for transmitting and receiving the acoustic wave is slidably mounted on two straight guides (7 ) parallel to each other and to the acoustic window (8)
5/ Sonde selon la revendication 4. caractérisée en ce que la transmission de mouvement du mécanisme moteur est constitué par un maneton (12) porté de manière excentrée par un plateau (13) solidaire d'un arbre d'entraînement ( 14) accouple a l'arbre de sortie lolatif de l'organe moteur (9) et par une glissière (15) formée dans la monture (6) perpendiculauemenl aux guides (7) le maneton (12) étant engage en couhssement dans la glissicie (15)5 / A probe according to claim 4. characterized in that the movement transmission of the motor mechanism consists of a crank pin (12) carried eccentrically by a plate (13) secured to a drive shaft (14) coupled to the output shaft of the drive member (9) and by a slide (15) formed in the mount (6) perpendicular to the guides (7) the crank pin (12) being engaged in couhssement in the slide (15)
6/ Sonde selon la revendication 5 caractérisée en ce que le plateau est dote d'un méplat d'équilibrage6 / A probe according to claim 5 characterized in that the plate is provided with a balancing flat
7/ Sonde selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 a 6 caractérisée en ce que la monture (6) est montée dans un évidement traversant creusé dans un support (1 1 ) solidaire de l'élément de cloisonnement (3) ledit évidement étant délimité notamment par deux ri es parallèles opposées et que les guides (7) sont montés dans deux gorges en Ve creusées dans les deux mes parallèles la monture (6) comportant également deux gorges en Vé par lesquelles elle est engagée en couhssement sur les deux guides rectilignes (7)7 / A probe according to any one of claims 4 to 6 characterized in that the frame (6) is mounted in a through recess hollowed out in a support (1 1) integral with the partitioning element (3) said recess being delimited in particular by two opposite parallel laughs and that the guides (7) are mounted in two V-shaped grooves dug in the two parallel mesures the frame (6) also comprising two V-shaped grooves by which it is engaged in couhss on the two rectilinear guides (7)
8/ Sonde selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 8. caractérisée en ce que l'évidement de cloisonnement (3) est constitué d'un fourreau tubulaire doté d'une cloison transversale médiane (17) pourvue d'un alésage traversant, central, dans lequel est monté un palier étanche de guidage en rotation de l'arbre de transmission (14)8 / A probe according to any one of claims 5 to 8. characterized in that the partition recess (3) consists of a tubular sheath provided with a median transverse partition (17) provided with a through bore, central, in which is mounted a sealed bearing for guiding the rotation of the drive shaft (14)
9/ Sonde selon la revendication 8. caracténsee en ce que l'aibie d'entraînement (14) à distance du palier étanche (16) est monte en rotation dans l'alésage de guidage d'une bague ( 18) installée dans le perçage traversant d'une paroi de couvercle (19) montée en fixation contre la partie arrière de l'élément de cloisonnement (3)9 / A probe according to claim 8. characterized in that the drive shaft (14) remote from the sealed bearing (16) is rotatably mounted in the guide bore of a ring (18) installed in the bore through a cover wall (19) fixedly mounted against the rear part of the partition element (3)
10/ Sonde selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 a 9 caractérisée par un détecteur (20) de position angulaire accouplé à l'arbre d'entraînement (14)10 / A probe according to any one of claims 5 to 9 characterized by a detector (20) of angular position coupled to the drive shaft (14)
11/ Sonde selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes caractérisée par un support de guidage assurant son guidage soit selon un mouvement de translation selon une direction perpendiculaire à la direction du mouvement alternatif du monotransducteur. soit selon un mouvement de pivotement selon un axe parallèle à la direction du mouvement du monotransductcui 11 / A probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a guide support or guiding it in a translational movement along a direction perpendicular to the direction of reciprocation of monotransducer. either according to a pivoting movement along an axis parallel to the direction of movement of the monotransductcui
EP98933741A 1998-01-14 1998-06-26 Echography probe and accessories Withdrawn EP1054627A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9800314A FR2773460B1 (en) 1998-01-14 1998-01-14 ECHOGRAPHY PROBE AND ACCESSORIES
FR9800314 1998-01-14
PCT/FR1998/001371 WO1999035969A1 (en) 1998-01-14 1998-06-26 Echography probe and accessories

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EP1054627A1 true EP1054627A1 (en) 2000-11-29

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JP (1) JP2002508983A (en)
AU (1) AU8345498A (en)
FR (1) FR2773460B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999035969A1 (en)

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WO1999035969A1 (en) 1999-07-22
FR2773460B1 (en) 2000-06-09
FR2773460A1 (en) 1999-07-16
AU8345498A (en) 1999-08-02
JP2002508983A (en) 2002-03-26
US6468220B1 (en) 2002-10-22

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