JP2000000240A - Ultrasonic wave probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic wave probe for easily setting probe machine kind information and making the change of the probe machine kind information difficult for a third party other than manufacturing/sales companies. SOLUTION: This ultrasonic wave probe is connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic device body capable of connecting the ultrasonic wave probes of plural machine kinds and switching the various kinds of setting information corresponding to machine kind information supplied from the connected ultrasonic wave probe. The ultrasonic wave probe is provided with a sensor part 70 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a connector part 50 to be connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device body and a cable part 60 for connecting the sensor part and the connector part, and a probe machine kind information setting means 7 for setting the machine kind information is provided in the sensor part of the ultrasonic wave probe. The third party other than the manufacturing/sales companies can not easily change the probe machine kind information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, and in particular, can easily set model information indicating a model of an ultrasonic probe at the time of manufacture. It cannot be changed easily.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic probe includes a sensor section for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a connector section for connecting to a main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a cable section for connecting the sensor section and the connector section. Become. There are many types of ultrasonic probes, and each ultrasonic probe has
Model information indicating the model is set.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-280673 describes an ultrasonic probe configured to set this model information in a main body connection connector section. As shown in FIG. 8, the ultrasonic probe includes a main body connection connector 304 for electrically connecting to the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a main body connection connector housing 301 for accommodating the same, and a piezoelectric transmitting and receiving ultrasonic wave. A sensor unit 330 having an element, and a cable that bundles signal lines between the main body connection connector 304 and the sensor unit 330
The printed circuit board 303 of the main body connection connector 304 includes a rotary analog switch 305 as model information setting means, and the main body connection connector housing 301 includes the rotary analog switch 305. An ID setting hole 306 for inserting a driver for adjusting the ID is provided.

[0004] The main body connection connector 304 is connected to the printed circuit board 3.
Connected to each terminal of the rotary analog switch 305 through the wiring of 03, the binary code is set by electrical opening (0) or short circuit (1) of the other terminals with respect to the common terminal of the rotary analog switch 305 And recorded as probe model information.

[0005] The ID of the connector housing 301 for the main body connection
By inserting a flathead screwdriver through the setting hole 306 and switching the rotary analog switch 305, it is possible to set and change the probe model information without opening the main body connector housing 301.

[0006]

However, in this conventional ultrasonic probe, an ID
Since the setting hole 306 is open, a third party other than the manufacturing and sales company, for example, a user, can easily change the probe model information, and as a result, incorrect model information may be set. is there. In addition, a foreign substance may enter the inside of the main body connection connector housing 301 from this hole, and may damage the signal line and the printed circuit board.

Further, since this hole is large enough to receive a flathead screwdriver, it is difficult to visually and confirm the switch position when switching the rotary analog switch 305 with a flathead screwdriver, making setting work difficult. There's a problem.

The present invention solves such a conventional problem, in which setting of probe model information is easy,
It is another object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic probe in which it is difficult for a third party other than the manufacturing and sales company to change the probe model information, and that no foreign matter enters the inside of the main body connector housing. .

[0009]

Therefore, in the ultrasonic probe of the present invention, probe model information setting means for setting probe model information is provided in the probe housing of the sensor section or the like.

When the ultrasonic probe is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, the probe model information setting means is electrically connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a connector and a signal line. The probe model information setting means is constituted by a plurality of analog switches and the like, and the common terminal and each probe model information terminal are short-circuited (1) or opened (0). Such a binary code is set as probe model information.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus recognizes the probe model information of the binary code recorded in the probe model information setting means, determines the connected ultrasonic probe model, and reads the connected model from the memory in the main body. Call the operating condition of

The model information of the ultrasonic probe can be easily set at the time of manufacturing, but cannot be easily changed by a third party other than the manufacturing and sales company. In addition, there is no possibility that foreign matter enters the inside of the connector housing.

[0013]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes can be connected, and various kinds of setting information are switched according to the type information provided from the connected ultrasonic probes. An ultrasonic probe connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, the ultrasonic probe transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, a sensor unit, a connector unit connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, a sensor unit and And a cable section for connecting the connector section, and a probe model information setting means for setting model information in the sensor section of the ultrasonic probe. It cannot be changed easily.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a probe model information setting means for setting model information outside the housing of the connector portion of the ultrasonic probe. Probe model information can be set and changed without touching the printed circuit board.
Further, it is possible to set or change the probe model information without opening the connector housing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a recess for arranging probe model information setting means is provided outside the housing of the connector portion, and the recess is sealed with a lid. If you cannot open it, you cannot change the model information.
A third party other than the manufacturing and sales company cannot easily change the probe model information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, probe model information setting means for setting model information by opening the housing is provided inside the housing of the connector portion of the ultrasonic probe.
Since the model information cannot be set or changed without opening the connector housing, a third party other than the manufacturing and sales company cannot easily change the model information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the probe model information setting means is constituted by one or a plurality of slide type dip switches, so that the operation of setting and changing the probe model information is easy. , You can check the work content.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the probe type information setting means comprises one or a plurality of rotary type dip switches, and a decimal number displayed according to the rotor position of the rotary type dip switch. Or 1
The hexadecimal position number is converted to a binary number, and the binary code is set as model information. Since the display is a decimal number or a hexadecimal number, the number of digits of the setting information is smaller than that of the binary number, so that setting and checking of the probe model information becomes easy.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the probe model information setting means comprises one or a plurality of set switches. The set switch comprising a dip type IC socket and a digit pin corresponds to the probe model. Digit pins are dip-shaped I
By inserting it into the C socket, model information can be easily set. In addition, a third party other than a manufacturing and sales company having no digit pin cannot change the model information.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the probe type information setting means includes a card type printed board on which a wiring pattern corresponding to the probe type information is formed, and a card edge type connector into which the card type printed board is inserted. When a card-type printed circuit board is inserted into a card-edge-type connector, a specific terminal of the card-edge-type connector is short-circuited with another terminal according to the wiring pattern of the card-type printed circuit board (1). Or open (0),
Probe model information is set. Therefore, the setting of the probe model information is easy, and a third party other than the manufacturing and sales company having no card-type printed circuit board cannot change the model information.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a wiring pattern for setting model information is provided on a printed circuit board in a sensor section of an ultrasonic probe, and when a cable section and a sensor section are combined, Since the probe model information is automatically set, there is no need to manually set the probe model information. Further, a third party other than the manufacturing and sales company cannot change the probe model information, and there is no possibility that foreign matter may enter the inside of the connector housing.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a bar code label for designating model information by a bar code is provided in the connector portion of the ultrasonic probe, and the probe model information is held in a small area of the bar code label. In addition to the model information, various management information such as a serial number, a manufacturing date, a specification change history number, and the like can be recorded. In addition, it is possible to set model information only by attaching a label.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a bar code recognition device is provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, and a bar code is read from a bar code label provided on a connector portion of an ultrasonic probe to be connected. Yes, when an ultrasonic probe is set on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, information represented by a bar code is automatically given to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. Based on the information, the main body can manage the ultrasonic probe.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a bar code recognition device is provided in the sensor section, and bar code information read from a bar code label attached to the connector section is transmitted to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body to be connected. The bar code information is transmitted to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body as an electric signal.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

(First Embodiment) The ultrasonic probe of the first embodiment has a probe type information setting means in the sensor section.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe comprises a main body connection connector section 50, a cable section 60, and a sensor section 70.
Reference numeral 50 denotes a main body connection connector 1 electrically connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, a connector printed circuit board 2, and a sensor unit.
It comprises a signal line 3 for transmitting signals to and from the connector 70, and a main body connector housing 4 for protecting them from the external environment.

The connector 1 for connecting the main body is a plastic or metal square multicore connector of 60 to 260 cores made by ITT Cannon, which is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body.
The connector part printed circuit board 2 is a printed circuit board electrically connected to each connector terminal of the connector 1 for body connection.
Also, it is electrically connected to the signal line 3. The signal line 3 electrically connects the connector printed circuit board 2 to the head printed circuit board 6 of the sensor unit 70, and transmits an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal. The connector housing 4 for main body connection is fixed to a housing made of a plastic or metal material that can be divided into two parts with screws or an adhesive.

The cable section 60 bundles a plurality of signal wires 3 and covers the sheath from an insulating material such as silicone rubber or vinyl chloride to protect it from the external environment.

The sensor section 70 includes a head section 80 including a piezoelectric element 5, a head section printed board 6 electrically connected to one electrode thereof, and a probe model setting means 7 provided on the head section printed board. , Head section 80 and signal line 3
And a probe housing 8 for protecting the probe from the external environment. The piezoelectric element 5 is a piezoelectric element that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves using a piezoelectric ceramic such as PZT, a single crystal, or a polymer such as PVDF. The head printed circuit board 6 is electrically connected to one electrode of the piezoelectric element 5 by a conductive adhesive or solder.
Are electrically connected to the signal line 3. The probe model information setting means 7 sets 4 to 20 for a specific signal line serving as a reference.
It is a circuit that can set the electrical open (0) or short (1) of the bit. As means for this, although not shown, one or a plurality of slide dip switches, rotary dip switches, and set switches It is desirable to use.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body to which the main body connection connector 1 is electrically connected is capable of connecting a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes, and recognizes the type of the connected ultrasonic probe and transmits various setting information. You can switch.

The operation of the ultrasonic probe thus configured will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body according to the first embodiment.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200 includes an ultrasonic probe model information recognition circuit 120 for identifying a model of a probe to be connected, and a sensor control circuit 110 for controlling application of a signal to the sensor head unit 80. Ultrasonic probe model information recognition circuit 120, the ultrasonic probe is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body 200
Is electrically connected to the probe model information setting means 7 of the sensor unit 70 through the connector 1 for connecting the main body of the ultrasonic probe 100, the connector printed circuit board 2, the signal line 3, and the head printed circuit board 6. I do.

The probe model information setting means 7 of the sensor section 70 includes a switch for short-circuiting or opening between the common terminal 9 and the plurality of probe model information terminals 10, and the switch is short-circuited (1) or opened (0). ), The probe model information is represented by a binary code, for example, 4-bit information such as (0101).

The common terminal 9 of the probe model information setting means 7 and the plurality of probe model information terminals 10 are connected to the ultrasonic probe model information recognition circuit 120 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200. By discriminating the corresponding probe model from the binary number information and calling the operating conditions of the connected ultrasonic probe from the internal memory, it becomes possible to operate different models.

In the first embodiment, 4 bits 2
Probe model information is set by the base number information.
, That is, 16 possible combinations,
At present, when there are many probe models, and in the future where the number of probe models is expected to increase, it is desirable to set the probe model information in 8 to 20 bits (256 to 1048576 patterns). This can be realized by inserting a digit pin into one or a plurality of slide type dip switches, rotary type dip switches, or dip type IC sockets, and combining a set switch capable of setting probe model information according to the shape of the digit pin.

However, the shape of the probe housing 8 differs depending on the type of the ultrasonic probe, and the size of the ultrasonic probe model information recognition circuit 120 increases due to the increase in the number of bits. Diagnostic device
Depending on the number of ultrasonic probes 100 connected to 200,
It is better to incorporate a probe model information setting circuit having an optimum number of bits.

The signal line 3 of the cable section 60 and the connector 1 for connecting to the main body may be electrically connected without the intermediary of the connector printed circuit board 2. When the interior of the probe housing 8 is sealed, it is desirable to use epoxy resin, silicone rubber, or urethane rubber.

In the perspective view of FIG. 1, the head section 80 of the sensor section 70, the signal line 3, and the probe housing 8 are integrated, but the probe housing 8 is connected to the cable section side and the probe model information setting. The means 7 may be divided into two parts, one with the built-in sensor head and the other with the sensor head according to the type of probe.

As described above, in the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment, since the probe unit information setting means is provided in the sensor unit, it is possible to easily set or change the ultrasonic probe model information at the time of manufacture. A third party other than the manufacturing and sales company cannot easily change the probe model information. In addition, since the connector housing 4 for body connection and the probe housing 8 do not have a hole through which foreign matter enters, there is no risk of foreign matter entering the inside. When a rotary type dip switch is used as probe model information setting means, the indication of the rotor is a decimal number or a hexadecimal number,
Since the number of digits of the setting information is smaller than the binary number, setting and checking of the probe model information can be easily performed.

(Second Embodiment) In an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment, probe model information setting means is provided in a main body connector housing.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic probe is provided with probe model information setting means 15 on a part outside the connector housing 14 for connecting the main body. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment (FIG. 1).

The probe type information setting means 15 inserts a digit pin into one or a plurality of rotary type dip switches, slide type dip switches, or dip type IC sockets, and sets probe type information according to the shape of the digit pin. It consists of a set switch, etc., and has a terminal hole 17
Has a terminal 16 inserted therethrough. By inserting each terminal 16 into the terminal hole 17, the probe model information setting means 15 is electrically connected to the connector part printed circuit board 13.

Although not shown, the probe model information setting means 15 is covered with a box made of a plastic or metal material and is fixed to the main body connector housing 14 for protection from an external environment. .

Although not shown, a recess for accommodating the probe model information setting means 15 is provided in a part of the connector housing 14 for body connection in order to smooth the surface shape of the connector housing 14 for body connection. A lid made of a plastic or a metal material may be provided on the upper part. The lid is fixed by screws or by combining a projection provided on the lid with a recess of the connector housing 14 for main body connection. Further, a label having a size completely covering the upper part of the lid, in which the probe model and the serial number are described, may be attached to improve the smoothness of the main body connector housing 14 and close the gap. .

The probe model information is set by setting the probe model information according to the combined sensor section 70 when the ultrasonic probe is configured by combining the main body connection connector section 50, the cable section 60, and the sensor section 70. I do. At this time, in the case where the lid is provided, first, the lid for closing the dent is removed, and if the probe model information setting means 15 is composed of, for example, a plurality of slide switches, each slide knob is operated to operate each of the slide knobs. Short (1) or open (0) the probe model information terminal, thereby (0100
Probe model information of a binary code such as 1010) is set. After completing the setting, close the lid again.

As described above, in this ultrasonic probe, the lid is provided on the connector housing 14 for connecting the main body, and the probe model information setting means 15 is stored in the housing. Since it is fixed to the connector housing, a third party other than the manufacturing and sales company may inadvertently touch the probe model information setting means, or a foreign substance may enter the inside of the connector housing 14 for body connection. Can be prevented.

In this ultrasonic probe, probe model information can be set and changed without opening the connector housing 14 for connecting the main body.

Although not shown, the connector housing 14 for main body connection is provided with a hole for passing the connector printed circuit board 13 in place of the terminal hole 17, and the connector printed circuit board 13 protruding from this hole is connected to the probe model. The information setting means 15 may be electrically connected.

(Third Embodiment) In the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment, probe model information is set using a card type printed circuit board on which a wiring pattern corresponding to the probe model information is formed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic probe comprises a probe model information setting means by a card edge type printed board 19 for setting the probe model information and a card edge type connector 18 provided on the connector section printed board 20. Is composed.

The card edge type connector 18 has 4 to 20 pole terminals. In addition, the card type printed circuit board 19 includes
The wiring pattern according to the probe model is formed,
When this is inserted into the card edge type connector 18, the common terminal of the card edge type connector 18 and the other probe information setting terminals are short-circuited (1) or opened (0), and a binary number represented by a combination thereof. The probe model information of the code is transmitted to the connector part printed circuit board 20 through the terminals of the card edge type connector 18.

The card-type printed circuit board 19 is formed by forming a wiring pattern corresponding to different probe model information not only on one side but also on a plurality of sides so that one board can be used for a plurality of probe models. The corresponding side may be inserted into the card edge type connector 18 according to the model.

FIG. 4 shows a card edge type connector.
Although the probe model information setting means including the 18 and the card edge type printed circuit board 19 is provided on the connector section printed circuit board 20, it may be provided in the sensor section as in the first embodiment, or may be provided in the second embodiment. It may be provided on a part of the outside of the main body connector housing 13 as in the embodiment.

Further, if the model name is described in advance on the card edge type printed circuit board, the probe model can be confirmed without looking at the wiring pattern correspondence table or the like.

As described above, in the ultrasonic probe according to the third embodiment, at the time of manufacture, the card type printed circuit board 19 to be inserted into the card edge type connector 18 is selected, so that setting and changing of the ultrasonic probe model information can be easily performed. Can do it. On the other hand, a third party other than the manufacturing and sales company cannot easily change the probe model information.

(Fourth Embodiment) In an ultrasonic probe according to a fourth embodiment, probe model information setting means is provided on a connector part printed circuit board.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic probe is provided with a probe model information setting means 22 on a connector printed circuit board 21 arranged inside the connector housing 4 for main body connection.
have. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

The probe model information setting means is constituted by one or a plurality of dip switches.

In this ultrasonic probe, after constructing an ultrasonic probe by combining the main body connection connector section 50, the cable section 60, and the sensor section 70, probe model information is set according to the combined sensor section 70. You. First,
After assembling the main body connection connector part 50, the cable part 60, and the sensor part 70, a screw fixing the main body connection connector housing 4 is removed with a screwdriver, and the main body connection connector housing 4 is removed. Then, each switch of the probe model information setting means 22 including one or a plurality of dip switches is switched according to the probe model, and after setting the probe model information, the screws of the connector housing 4 for main body connection are tightened and fixed. .

In the drawing, the probe model information setting means 22 is installed at the end of the connector printed circuit board, but it is desirable to determine the position as necessary.

As described above, in the ultrasonic probe according to the fourth embodiment, the probe model information setting means is provided on the connector printed circuit board inside the connector housing for main body connection. You cannot set or change the probe model information without opening it. Therefore, at the time of manufacture, the setting and change of the ultrasonic probe model information can be easily performed, but a third party other than the manufacturing and sales company cannot easily change the probe model information.

Note that a rotary type dip switch or a slide type dip switch can be used as the probe model information setting means. Further, in addition to the dip switch, a set switch or a probe information setting unit using a card type printed circuit board described in the third embodiment may be used.

(Fifth Embodiment) An ultrasonic probe according to a fifth embodiment is assembled using a head printed circuit board on which a pattern representing probe model information is formed.

In this ultrasonic probe, as shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the wiring pattern for electrically connecting the electrodes of the piezoelectric element 5 and the signal lines 3 to the head printed circuit board 23, the probe model information is supported. The probe model pattern 24 is formed.

The head printed circuit board 23 is manufactured individually according to the specifications of the model (nominal frequency, channel pitch, number of channels).
23, a probe model pattern corresponding to the probe model 24
Are formed in advance, the sensor section 70 is assembled using the head section printed board 23, and the ultrasonic probe 100 is manufactured by combining the cable section 60 and the connector section 50 for connecting the main body.

When the cable section 60 and the sensor section 70 are connected in this way, the probe model information of the ultrasonic probe is automatically set.

In this ultrasonic probe, the setting operation of the probe model information by the switch means is unnecessary, and
As in the first to fourth embodiments, probe model information can be automatically set without using switch components such as a dip switch, a set switch, a card edge type connector and a card edge type printed circuit board. In addition, since a different printed circuit board is used for the head unit printed circuit board for each probe model, there is no possibility of setting error in the probe model information.

(Sixth Embodiment) The ultrasonic probe according to the sixth embodiment has a barcode indicating probe model information.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the ultrasonic probe comprises a sensor 70, a cable 60, and a connector 50 for connecting the main body.
A bar code label 30 on which probe model information is recorded is provided near the body connection connector 1. on the other hand,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200 is, as shown in FIG.
The probe connection connector section 210 includes a barcode recognition device 31 that reads a barcode in proximity to the probe connection connector 32.

The bar code label 30 is obtained by transferring a bar code on which probe model information is recorded on a sticker. When the ultrasonic probe is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200, the bar code label 30 It is attached to the place located in.

The barcode recognition device 31 reads the barcode described on the barcode label 30 when the ultrasonic probe is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 200, and reads the barcode stored in the memory in the main body. The connected ultrasonic probe is determined by comparing the table with the table indicating the relationship with the probe model information, and the operating condition of the connected ultrasonic probe is called from the memory in the main body. The operation of the barcode recognition device 31 causes the ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 200 to operate.
Can operate different models.

It should be noted that, in addition to the probe model information, management information such as various specification information and production information is incorporated into the barcode, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200 that reads the information manages the ultrasonic probe. You may do it.

FIG. 7A shows a bar code label.
Although the position of 30 is on the main body connection surface of the main body connection connector section 50, the barcode label 30 is provided on the outer side surface of the main body connection connector section 50 of the ultrasonic probe, and the ultrasonic probe is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. Barcode label 3 when connected to
The barcode recognition device 31 may be installed at a location located in front of the zero.

Here, the bar code recognition device 3 is connected to the probe connection connector section 210 for connecting the ultrasonic probe.
1 has been described, but FIG.
As shown in (b), the bar code label 30 is provided on the sensor head section 80 in the probe housing 8 of the sensor section 70 of the ultrasonic probe, and the probe of the sensor section 70 of the ultrasonic probe is provided. By the barcode recognition device 31 provided in the housing 8,
The same effect can be obtained by reading the barcode information and sending the read barcode information to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200.

As described above, in the ultrasonic probe according to the sixth embodiment, probe information and other management information can be recorded on a barcode label having a small area, and a large space is not required as probe model information setting means. . Also, a third party other than the manufacturing and sales company cannot easily change the probe model information. In addition, there is no possibility that foreign matter enters the inside of the main body connection connector section 50.

[0076]

As is clear from the above description, the ultrasonic probe of the present invention has the following effects.

In the case where the probe type information setting means is provided on the sensor part of the ultrasonic probe or on a part of the connector part for connecting the main body outside the housing, it is easy to set and change the ultrasonic probe type information at the time of manufacturing. In addition, a third party other than the manufacturing and sales company cannot easily change the probe model information. In addition, there is no possibility that foreign matter enters the inside of the connector housing for body connection.

As the probe model information setting means,
In an ultrasonic probe using a dip switch or a set switch, model information can be set with a small number of parts, and a large installation space is not required. Further, the status of the setting and changing work of the model information can be visually checked, and these works are easy.

In the case of an ultrasonic probe in which probe model information is set using a card edge type printed circuit board and a card edge type connector, the probe model can be set in a short working time for inserting the card edge type printed circuit board into the card edge type connector. If the probe model name is described in advance on the card edge type printed circuit board, the probe model can be easily confirmed without looking at the pattern correspondence table or the like.

In the case of an ultrasonic probe provided with probe model information setting means on the connector printed circuit board, the probe model information cannot be set or changed without opening the connector housing for main body connection. It is possible to prevent the third party from changing the probe model information. In addition, there is no possibility that foreign matter enters the inside of the connector housing for body connection.

In the case of an ultrasonic probe in which a wiring pattern corresponding to a probe model is formed on a printed circuit board of a sensor section in a head section, probe model information is automatically set when a cable section and a sensor section are connected. So
There is no need to manually set probe model information.

Further, in the case of an ultrasonic probe having a bar code label representing probe model information, probe information can be recorded using a small area. Can be prevented from being changed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an essential part perspective view showing a main body connection connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic probe according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic probe according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a block diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic probe according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a conventional ultrasonic probe.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Connector for body connection 2, 13, 20, 21 Connector printed circuit board 3 Signal line 4, 14 Connector housing for body connection 5 Piezoelectric element 6, 12, 23 Printed board for head 7, 15, 22 Probe model information setting means 8 Probe housing 9 Common terminal 10 Probe model information terminal 11 Reference signal line 16 Terminal 17 Terminal hole 18 Card edge connector 19 Card edge type printed circuit board for probe model information setting 24 Probe model pattern 30 Barcode label 31 Barcode recognition Device 32 Connector for probe connection 50 Connector for main body connection 60 Cable unit 79 Sensor unit 80 Sensor head unit 100 Ultrasonic probe 110 Sensor control circuit 120 Ultrasonic probe model information recognition circuit 200 Ultrasonic diagnostic device main unit 210 Connector unit for probe connection 300 Ultrasonic probe 301 Connector housing for main body connection 302 Signal line 303 Printed circuit board 3 04 Connector for body connection 305 Probe model information setting circuit 306 Hole for ID setting 310 Connector for body connection 320 Cable section 330 Sensor section

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takayoshi Saito 4-3-1 Tsunashima Higashi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture F-term (reference) 2G047 EA11 EA16 4C301 EE12 EE17 GA20

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic probe connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body to which a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes can be connected and various setting information can be switched in accordance with model information given from the connected ultrasonic probes. A probe, comprising: a sensor unit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a connector unit for connecting to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body; and a cable unit for connecting the sensor unit and the connector unit; and setting the model information in the sensor unit. An ultrasonic probe, comprising: a probe model information setting unit that performs the operation. 2. An ultrasonic probe connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body to which a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes can be connected and which can switch various kinds of setting information according to model information given from the connected ultrasonic probes. A probe, comprising: a sensor unit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a connector unit for connecting to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body; and a cable unit for connecting the sensor unit and the connector unit. An ultrasonic probe comprising a probe model information setting means for setting the model information. 3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein a recess for arranging the probe model information setting means is provided outside the housing of the connector section, and the recess is sealed with a lid. 4. An ultrasonic wave connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body to which a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes can be connected and which can switch various kinds of setting information in accordance with model information given from the connected ultrasonic probe. A probe, comprising: a sensor unit that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves; a connector unit that connects to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body; and a cable unit that connects the sensor unit and the connector unit. An ultrasonic probe, comprising: probe model information setting means for setting the model information by opening the housing. 5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein said probe model information setting means comprises one or a plurality of slide type dip switches. 6. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein said probe model information setting means comprises one or a plurality of rotary type dip switches. 7. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein said probe model information setting means comprises one or a plurality of set switches. 8. The probe type information setting means comprises a card type printed board on which a wiring pattern corresponding to the probe type information is formed, and a card edge type connector into which the card type printed board is inserted. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein 9. An ultrasonic wave connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body to which a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes can be connected and which can switch various setting information in accordance with model information given from the connected ultrasonic probe. A probe, comprising: a sensor unit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a connector unit for connecting to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body; and a cable unit for connecting the sensor unit and the connector unit. An ultrasonic probe having a wiring pattern for setting model information. 10. An ultrasonic probe connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body to which a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes can be connected and various setting information can be switched according to model information given from the connected ultrasonic probe. A probe, comprising: a sensor unit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a connector unit for connecting to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body; and a cable unit for connecting the sensor unit and the connector unit.
An ultrasonic probe comprising a barcode label that specifies the model information by a barcode. 11. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a barcode recognition device, and reads a barcode from a barcode label provided on the connector of the ultrasonic probe to be connected. An ultrasonic probe as described. 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit includes a barcode recognition device, and transmits barcode information read from a barcode label provided on the connector unit to a connected ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. Item 11. An ultrasonic probe according to item 10.