JP2003265467A - Combination supply mechanism, ultrasonic combination member and combination supply member - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a combination supply mechanism capable of stably supplying a combination which is inexpensive, convenient for use and enables stable measurement, a combination supply member, and an ultrasonic combination member for holding the combination to the ultrasonic sensor surface. <P>SOLUTION: A sheet material 1 having water holding property is fixed to the tip 4 of a probe by a fixing member 2. The fixing member 2 is extended from the probe body side to the inside diameter side, and provided with a groove 22 for supplying water to the sheet material 1 from the back. The fixing member 2 may provided with a groove 24 capable of holding water by capillary phenomenon. The sheet material 1 may be shaped spherical to be projected toward the surface side. The sheet material may be held between a net material 8 fixed to the fixing member 2 and the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a combined body supply mechanism for supplying a combined body which acoustically connects an ultrasonic sensor surface and a surface of an object in a device for inspecting a structure inside an object using ultrasonic waves. And an ultrasonic coupling member that holds the coupled body with respect to the ultrasonic sensor surface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an apparatus for measuring the subcutaneous fat thickness of a human body as an example of a device for inspecting the internal structure of an object using ultrasonic waves.

In such a subcutaneous fat thickness measuring apparatus, jelly, soapy water, gel and the like are used as ultrasonic bonding materials for ultrasonically bonding the human body and the sensor tip surface.

Although jelly is widely used, the person to be measured feels uncomfortable during and after use. Many people hate the jelly sticking to their clothes. Furthermore, the time and cost required for wiping the jelly after the measurement and the paper for wiping are required, and the running cost is high.

An example of the use of soapy water is, for example, JP-A-7-29.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 4236, soap water easily flows out when the probe tip is brought into contact with the skin and the angle is adjusted, and it is necessary to reapply soap water to the sensor tip surface many times. As described above, soap water is unstable as a binder, and therefore the measurement is also unstable. In addition, it is troublesome to prepare soapy water by itself, and it is more troublesome to prepare a soap water having an appropriate concentration.

An example of the use of the gel body is, for example, JP-A-62-2.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 48538, it is likely to be damaged if it is strongly touched with a fingertip or the like during drying. In addition, since it is generally expensive and cannot be easily replaced when it becomes dirty or damaged, it is difficult to use for a subcutaneous fat thickness meter for home use.

As a binding material of a type different from these binding materials, one using a water-retaining sheet material is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
No. 1-78999, JP-A-7-163560 and JP-A-5-176927.

[0008]

In these prior arts, it is suggested to use a replaceable sheet material in consideration of hygiene. However, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-78999. If it is necessary to apply a silicon-based lubricant to the sheet material, the cost will increase accordingly. For this reason,
It is difficult to apply the conventional technology as it is to a replaceable sheet material suitable for a household device.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-78999,
A configuration is disclosed in which a cylindrical engagement frame on which a sheet material is spread is fitted to the outer circumference of a stepped portion at the tip of a cylindrical probe, but no device has been devised for stable attachment by the user. For this reason, the fit may vary when the user replaces the sheet material at home.

Further, the publication cited as the prior art does not mention a concrete means for supplying water (combined body) to the water-retaining sheet material, and it is assumed that the operation is simply to add water. In this case, the following problems may occur.

It is not possible to absorb a certain amount of water into the water retaining sheet. Therefore, the amount of water held by the water-retaining sheet varies, and the measurement is not stable.

When the sensor surface is attached to water contained in a container such as a cup, the sensor surface may come into contact with the bottom surface of the container and damage the sensor. Therefore, care must be taken so that the sensor surface does not come into contact with the container, which is inconvenient.

Further, when the water absorption operation of attaching the sensor surface to water contained in a container such as a cup is repeated for each measurement, if the distance between the installation location of the container and the subcutaneous fat thickness measurement point is large, water absorption will occur. It is preferable to carry out the measurement with the container held in the hand, because the measurement may be impossible or unstable due to the subsequent water dripping or drying. However, if the container is held in one hand and the probe is held in the other hand for measurement, water easily spills from the container, which is not convenient.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the problems of the prior art, and its object is to stabilize a bonded body which is inexpensive, easy to use and capable of stable measurement. An object of the present invention is to provide a combined body supply mechanism and a combined body supply member that can be supplied, and an ultrasonic coupling member that holds this combined body against an ultrasonic sensor surface.

[0015]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an ultrasonic sensor surface for transmitting an ultrasonic wave toward an object and a reflected ultrasonic wave, and a surface of the object. An ultrasonic coupling member for holding a coupling body for acoustically coupling the object and the ultrasonic sensor surface with respect to the ultrasonic sensor surface, the ultrasonic coupling member being interposed between the ultrasonic sensor surface and the ultrasonic wave. An ultrasonic coupling member having a sheet material holding means for holding the sheet material, which is interposed between the sensor surface and the surface of the object and holds the combined body, with respect to the ultrasonic sensor surface,
A combined body supply mechanism including an ultrasonic sensor supporting member having the ultrasonic sensor surface, for supplying a combined body to the sheet material, wherein at least one of the sheet material holding means and the ultrasonic sensor supporting member. Is a combined body supply mechanism including a combined body flow path that guides the combined body in a region between the sheet material and the ultrasonic sensor surface.

With this configuration, even when the combined material is supplied from the object side to the sheet material and held by the sheet material, the area between the combined material flow path and the sheet material and the ultrasonic sensor surface is also provided. A combination is provided. Therefore, since the binding material is supplied from both sides of the sheet material, stable inspection and measurement can be performed more quickly.

Here, the combined body is a member that is interposed between the ultrasonic sensor surface for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the object and the object, and acoustically couples them. is there.

The combined body flow path provided in at least one of the sheet material holding means and the ultrasonic sensor supporting member may have a function of holding the combined body. Such a function can be realized, for example, by appropriately setting the cross-sectional area of the combined body channel and holding it by a capillary phenomenon. By doing so, not only the sheet material but also the combined body can be held in the combined body flow path, so that a larger amount of the combined material can be supplied by one supply operation.

The ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor surface to the object is reflected on the surface and inside of the object, and the reflected wave is received by the ultrasonic sensor surface. By analyzing this reflected wave (echo), it is possible to inspect the internal structure of the object, measure the object, and so on. The present invention, together with the invention described below, can be applied to machines and devices that perform inspections and measurements using such ultrasonic waves, and is limited to applications for measuring subcutaneous fat thickness described below. Not something.

Further, according to the present invention, a liquid state is interposed between an ultrasonic sensor surface for transmitting an ultrasonic wave toward an object and receiving a reflected ultrasonic wave and the surface of the object, and the object is An ultrasonic coupling member for holding a coupling body for acoustically coupling an object and the ultrasonic sensor surface to the ultrasonic sensor surface, the ultrasonic coupling member being between the ultrasonic sensor surface and the surface of the object. A sheet material that holds the combined body interposed, an ultrasonic coupling member having a sheet material holding means for holding the ultrasonic sensor surface, and an ultrasonic sensor support member having the ultrasonic sensor surface, A combined body supply mechanism for supplying a combined body to the sheet material, wherein the sheet material is moved relative to the ultrasonic sensor surface, and the volume of a region between the sheet material and the ultrasonic sensor surface is changed. A combined body equipped with relative moving means It is a mechanism.

With this configuration, the volume of the region between the sheet material and the ultrasonic sensor surface changes due to the relative movement of the sheet material with respect to the ultrasonic sensor surface, so that the sheet material and the ultrasonic sensor surface like a piston. The bonded body is surely supplied to the region between them, which enables stable inspection and measurement.

Further, according to the present invention, a liquid state is interposed between an ultrasonic sensor surface for transmitting an ultrasonic wave toward an object and a reflected ultrasonic wave and the surface of the object, and the object is An ultrasonic coupling member for holding a coupling body for acoustically coupling an object and the ultrasonic sensor surface to the ultrasonic sensor surface, the ultrasonic coupling member being between the ultrasonic sensor surface and the surface of the object. A sheet material that holds the combined body interposed, an ultrasonic coupling member having a sheet material holding means for holding the ultrasonic sensor surface, and an ultrasonic sensor support member having the ultrasonic sensor surface, A combined body supply mechanism for supplying a combined body to the sheet material, wherein the sheet material holding means has a multi-opening member having a large number of openings, and the multi-opening member and the ultrasonic sensor surface provide the multi-opening member. Combined body feeding mechanism for sandwiching sheet materials A.

Here, the multi-aperture member is not limited to one in which the openings are regularly arranged like a mesh, but also one in which the openings are randomly arranged.

In this way, only the sheet material needs to be exchanged at the time of use, so running can be suppressed. Further, since the multi-opening member is present between the object and the object, the life of the sheet material is extended. Furthermore, if the combination can be held in the opening, it is possible to perform the inspection and measurement several times by supplying the binding material once to the sheet material and the multi-opening member.

Further, according to the present invention, a liquid state is interposed between an ultrasonic sensor surface for transmitting an ultrasonic wave toward an object and receiving a reflected ultrasonic wave and the surface of the object. An ultrasonic coupling member for holding a coupling body for acoustically coupling an object and the ultrasonic sensor surface to the ultrasonic sensor surface, the ultrasonic coupling member being between the ultrasonic sensor surface and the surface of the object. An ultrasonic coupling member having a sheet material holding means for holding a sheet material for interposing the combined body with respect to the ultrasonic sensor surface, an ultrasonic sensor support member having the ultrasonic sensor surface, and the sheet An opening for receiving the ultrasonic sensor supporting member holding the sheet material between the surface of the object and a surface of the object by a material holding means, and a combined body absorbing member provided in the opening and absorbing and holding a combined body And a combined supply having And a combined material supplying mechanism for supplying a combined material to the sheet material, wherein the combined material absorbing member receives a pressing force from the ultrasonic sensor surface and releases the held combined material. And a combined body supply mechanism for supplying a combined body to the sheet material.

In this way, the combined body is absorbed and held by the combined body absorbing member, so that it does not flow out. Further, there is no risk of the ultrasonic sensor surface colliding with the combined body supply member.

It is preferable that at least one of the ultrasonic coupling member and the ultrasonic sensor support member is provided with a combined body absorbing member that absorbs the combined body.

[0028] With this structure, even if the excess combined body overflows or hangs from the sheet material or the like, it can be absorbed by the combined body absorbing member.

It is preferable to provide posture holding means for holding the sheet material in parallel with the surface of the ultrasonic sensor.

By doing so, it is possible to perform stable inspection and measurement without variations in the inspection and measurement results depending on the holding state of the sheet material.

It is preferable that a distance holding means for holding the sheet material at a predetermined distance from the ultrasonic sensor surface is provided.

In this way, since the combined body can be held between the ultrasonic sensor surface and the sheet material, the combined body can be supplied to the sheet material from the ultrasonic sensor side.

Further, according to the present invention, a liquid state is interposed between an ultrasonic sensor surface for transmitting an ultrasonic wave toward an object and a reflected ultrasonic wave and the surface of the object, and the object is An ultrasonic coupling member for holding a coupling body for acoustically coupling an object and the ultrasonic sensor surface to the ultrasonic sensor surface, the ultrasonic coupling member being between the ultrasonic sensor surface and the surface of the object. A sheet material that holds the combined body interposed is provided with a sheet material holding means that holds the ultrasonic sensor surface, and the sheet material holding means is provided between the ultrasonic sensor surface and the surface of the object. It is an ultrasonic coupling member provided with a coupling body flow path which guides the coupling body to a region between them.

It is preferable that the combined body channel has a function of holding the combined body.

In this way, not only the sheet material,
Since the combined body can be held also in the combined body flow path, 1
More binder can be supplied in one supply operation. For example, by appropriately setting the cross-sectional area of the combined body channel, the combined body can be held by the capillary phenomenon.

The sheet material may have a curved surface shape that is convex toward the object side.

In this way, bubbles between the sheet material and the surface of the object can be eliminated outward along the curved surface shape, and the accuracy of inspection and measurement can be improved.

A combined body absorbing member that absorbs the combined body may be provided.

The sheet material may have a region facing the ultrasonic sensor surface and a region located on the outer peripheral side of the region.

In this way, even if the extra binding material overflows or spills out, the sheet material located on the outer peripheral side of the area facing the sensor surface can be held.

Further, according to the present invention, an opening for receiving an ultrasonic sensor support member having an ultrasonic sensor surface for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to an object and receiving a reflected ultrasonic wave, and an opening provided in the opening. A combined body absorbing member that absorbs and holds a combined body that acoustically connects the object and the ultrasonic sensor surface, wherein the combined body absorbing member is It is a combined body supply member which receives the pressing force by the acoustic wave sensor surface and releases the held combined body.

In the combined body absorbing member, a portion facing the ultrasonic sensor surface may have an uneven shape.

By doing so, the surface area of the portion of the combined body absorbing member facing the ultrasonic sensor surface increases, so that the binding material can be quickly absorbed.

It is preferable that the combined body absorbing member has an opening having a shape corresponding to the shape of the ultrasonic sensor surface.

With this configuration, the combined body pressed by the ultrasonic sensor surface and released from the combined body absorbing member is stored in the opening, so that the combined body can be easily supplied to the ultrasonic sensor surface. .

The combined body absorbing member has layers that are different in hardness and overlap each other in the direction in which the ultrasonic sensor surface receives a pressing force, and the hardness of the layer facing the ultrasonic sensor surface is the hardness of the adjacent layer. It may be higher than.

In this way, the ultrasonic sensor surfaces are in parallel and uniform contact over the entire surface of the combined body absorbing member, so that the combined body can be instantaneously and reliably supplied to the entire surface of the sheet material.

A plate-shaped member having a through hole may be provided on the side of the combined body absorbing member facing the ultrasonic sensor surface.

In this way, by pressing the plate-shaped member, the combined body absorbed by the combined body absorbing member can be easily discharged.

It is preferable that the plate member is provided with position regulating means for regulating the relative position of the ultrasonic sensor surface with respect to the through hole.

By doing so, the ultrasonic sensor surface can be surely brought into contact with the combined body absorbing member.

It is preferable to provide a pressing position regulating means for regulating the relative position of the ultrasonic sensor surface with respect to the combined body absorbing member in the pressing direction of the ultrasonic wave sensor surface against the combined body absorbing member.

By doing so, the amount of pressing of the combined body absorbing member is limited, and it is possible to prevent the combined body from being excessively supplied.

A mounting means for removably mounting the combined body supply member to the user's body may be provided.

By doing so, it is possible to easily supply the conjugate.

It is preferable to provide a sensor surface protection means for covering the ultrasonic sensor surface and protecting the ultrasonic sensor surface.

The ultrasonic coupling member is detachably attached to the ultrasonic sensor surface, covers the ultrasonic sensor surface with the ultrasonic coupling member removed, and protects the ultrasonic sensor surface. You may make it provide a surface protection means.

In this way, the replacement of the sheet material can be promoted, and there is no risk of continuing to use the sheet while it is deteriorated.

[0059]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an operation of mounting a fixing member for holding a sheet material on the tip of a probe having an ultrasonic sensor built therein. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a fixing member and a probe before mounting.
(B) is a perspective view showing a fixing member and a probe at the time of mounting. 2A is a perspective view of the fixing member from above, FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the state in which the fixing member is fixed to the tip of the probe seen from the tip side, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a view showing a tip end portion of a probe having the fixing member of FIG. 2B mounted thereon by a cross section parallel to the axis of the probe.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing member 2 holding the sheet material 1 is attached to the columnar tip portion 4 of the probe 10. An ultrasonic sensor is supported on the probe 10,
The end surface of the probe tip 4 serves as an ultrasonic sensor surface 4a for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a to the object such as the skin due to the boundary surface between the fat layer and the muscle is received, and the subcutaneous fat thickness and the like are measured. Here, the probe 10 or the probe tip portion 4 corresponds to an ultrasonic sensor support member.

In this embodiment, water is used as the binding material, and the sheet material 1 having water absorbability and water retention is used as the ultrasonic coupling member for holding the binding material. The sheet material 1 is a paper such as a filter paper or a degreasing paper, and a woven fabric made of a chemical fiber such as nylon or polyester having a cross-sectional shape with a large surface area to obtain a high water supply effect and a water retention effect. Can be used. The sheet material 1 includes wood pulp and non-wood pulp (kenaf,
Non-woven fabrics made of chemical fibers (polyester, rayon, etc.) or cotton fabrics can be used, but not limited to these. The use of chemical fibers for the sheet material 1 is less likely to cause mold, and is preferable in terms of hygiene.

By using the sheet material 1 having the water absorbing property and the water retaining property as described above, it is only necessary to add water at the time of measurement, and the running cost can be suppressed. Further, the sheet material 1 can be easily replaced, which is advantageous in hygiene.

The thickness of the sheet material 1 is preferably λ / 4, where λ is the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves to be transmitted.

The fixing member 2 has a cylindrical shape which is short in the axial direction. An annular fitting groove 20 is formed over the entire circumference on the end surface 2a on the tip side of the fixing member 2. The fitting groove 20 extends from the tip end side in parallel with the axis of the fixing member 2. Fixed member 2
On the end surface 2b of the probe main body 10 side, radial grooves (combined body channels) 22 are formed at four locations in the circumferential direction. The groove 22 is formed from the outer peripheral surface 2c to the inner peripheral surface 2d of the fixing member 2, and extends from the end surface 2b side on the probe body 10 side through the curved surface to the inner peripheral surface 2d side and further to the end surface 2a on the tip side. . FIG. 2C shows a cross section passing through this groove. Further, on the end surface 2b of the fixing member 2 on the probe 10 side, an opening 23 communicating with the inside of the fitting groove 20 is formed at a position sandwiched between the groove 22 and the groove 22.

An annular fixing member 5 having an annular shape is fitted into the fitting groove 20 of the fixing member 2.

The outer peripheral edge portion of the sheet material 1 formed in a substantially circular shape has an annular fixing member 5 and a fixing member 2 inside the fitting groove.
Fixed between and. In this way, the sheet material 1 is stretched over the opening of the fixing member 2 on the front end side. By doing so, the sheet member 1 can be easily replaced by disassembling the fixing member 2 and the annular fixing member 5. Here, the fixing member 2 and the annular fixing member 5 constitute a sheet material holding means and an ultrasonic coupling member.

When the fixing member 2 holding the sheet material 1 is attached to the tip portion 4 of the probe 10, as shown in FIG. 2C, the ultrasonic sensor in which the sheet material 1 is supported by the probe tip portion 4 is used. Cover the surface 4a. At this time, the sheet material 1 is held parallel to the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a of the probe tip portion 4. Ultrasonic sensor surface 4 of sheet material 1 and probe tip 4
If there is a variation in the distance from a, it becomes difficult for water to be retained in a portion with a large distance, and the water retention capacity of the sheet material 1 also varies, which is not preferable. It is preferable to hold parallel to the sensor surface 4a.

Water is supplied to the sheet material 1 by immersing the probe tip portion 4 in a container such as a water supply cup described later with the fixing member 2 attached. The probe-side end surface 2 of the fixing member 2 is immersed in water from the probe tip portion 4.
The water that has flown around b flows through the groove 22. Groove 22
The water that has flowed into the sheet flows into the gap between the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a and the sheet material 1. Therefore, the sheet material 1 is supplied with water from both the surface side that comes into contact with the skin and the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a side.

If the water is supplied only from the surface, the sheet material 1
It is difficult for water to spread instantaneously, water is absorbed halfway, and the user may start measurement with an air layer remaining, which may result in a measurement error. As described above, by providing the groove 22 in the fixing member 2 and supplying water to the sheet material 1 from both front and back sides, it is possible to instantaneously shift to a state in which stable measurement is possible.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 3A and 3B.
Shows a fixing member according to the second embodiment.

The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the fixing member 2 according to the present embodiment has a circumferential direction of 12 on the probe tip 4 side.
A radial groove (combined body channel) 24 is formed at the location.

The groove 24 is formed from the outer peripheral surface 2 of the fixing member 2 to the inner peripheral surface 2d, and reaches the end surface 2a on the tip side on the inner peripheral surface 2d side. Here, the cross-sectional area of the groove 24 is formed to such an extent that water can be retained by the capillary phenomenon.

The groove 24 is the groove 22 in the first embodiment.
Since it has the same extension as above, it has a function of supplying the water, which has flown around to the probe tip 4 side, to the gap between the sheet material 1 and the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a. Further, in the present embodiment, the groove 24 itself has a function of retaining water in addition to the sheet material 1, so that it is possible to perform several measurements with one water supply operation, and it is possible to suppress water dripping. .

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, a groove (combined body channel) 4 having a function of supplying and holding water.
4 may be formed on the probe tip 4. The groove 44 extends from the side surface 4c to the end surface 4 along the axial direction of the probe tip 4.
It has a cross-sectional area that extends to a and is capable of retaining water by a capillary phenomenon. In this way, even when the groove 44 is provided on the probe tip 4 side, it is possible to perform several measurements with one water supply operation, and it is possible to suppress water dripping.

The groove for holding water may be formed in both the fixing member 2 and the probe tip 4.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a probe tip 4 to which a fixing member according to the third embodiment is attached.

The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The structure of the fixing member 2 according to the present embodiment is the first
It is similar to the embodiment.

In this embodiment, the shape of the sheet material as the ultrasonic coupling material is different from that of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the sheet material 1 includes the fixing member 2 and the annular fixing member 5.
Although it was stretched in a flat shape by and, in the present embodiment,
The stretched sheet material 11 has a spherical shape with a small curvature that is convex on the surface side in contact with the skin.

By thus forming the sheet material 11 into a spherical shape having a small curvature which is convex toward the surface side, when the probe tip 4 is brought into contact with an object to be measured such as skin, the surface of the object and the sheet material 11 are Since bubbles between and can be pushed out along the curved surface, bubbles are less likely to remain between the surface of the object and the sheet material 11, and more accurate measurement can be performed.

The material of the sheet material 11 is the same as that of the sheet material 1 according to the first embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view of the fixing member 2, the sheet material 21, and the probe tip 4 according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a probe. It is a figure which shows the fixing member 2 with which the front-end | tip part 4 was equipped.

Regarding the same configuration as that of the first embodiment,
Description is omitted using the same reference numerals.

The fixing member 2 has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, the net member (multi-opening member) 8 is held by the fixing member 2 and the annular fixing member 5. The method for holding the net material 8 is the same as the method for holding the sheet material 1 in the first embodiment.

The sheet material 21 has a substantially circular shape as in the first embodiment, but has an outer diameter such that it can be accommodated in the inner circumference of the fixing member 2.

The net material 8 is formed in a substantially circular shape like the sheet material 1 in the first embodiment. As the net material 8, a member in which fibers are woven in a mesh shape or a member formed in a mesh shape can be used, and any member having a large number of holes arranged in a mesh shape may be used.

The wire diameter of the net material 8 is preferably λ / 4, where λ is the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave to be transmitted. Further, it is preferable to use the net material 8 whose acoustic impedance is close to the acoustic impedance of the sheet material 1 or the acoustic impedance of the measurement object.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the fixing member 2 is attached to the probe tip 4, the sheet material 21 is composed of the net material 8 stretched on the fixing member 2 and the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a.
It is held and fixed between and. Therefore, the sheet material 21
Makes contact with an object to be measured such as skin through the net material 8.

In this way, the sheet material 1 is formed by using the net material 8.
By fixing the sheet material, it is sufficient to replace only the sheet material 21, the running cost can be suppressed, and the discarded parts can be reduced. Further, since the net material 8 exists between the sheet material 21 which is the binding material and the measurement object, the sheet material 2
The life of 1 is extended. Furthermore, by setting the roughness of the mesh of the net material 8 to such an extent that the net material 8 itself can hold water between the meshes, a plurality of measurements can be performed by one water supply operation.

The net material 8 may be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are sectional views of a probe tip 4 on which a fixing member 2 according to a fifth embodiment is mounted.

The same components as those in the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, a water absorbing body (combined body absorbing member) is provided on the tip side of the probe 4.

FIG. 6A shows a structure in which the fixing member 2 is provided with the water absorbing body 9.

The fixing member 2 according to this embodiment has the same structure as the fixing member 2 according to the second embodiment with respect to the holding structure of the sheet material 1 including the annular fixing member 5. The fixing member 2 according to the present embodiment has a flange portion 25 that extends in the outer diameter direction from the end of the outer peripheral surface 2c on the probe tip 4 side. A cylindrical water absorber 9 is attached to the outer periphery of the outer peripheral surface 2c of the fixing member 2. The end portion of the water absorbent body 9 on the tip side is substantially flush with the surface of the sheet material 1 or at a position slightly protruding from the surface of the sheet material 1 toward the tip side. The end of the water absorbent body 9 on the probe tip 4 side is in contact with the end surface of the flange 25.

As the water absorbent body 9, for example, a member excellent in water absorption such as a sponge can be used.

The water absorbent body 9 according to the present embodiment is the sheet material 1
Alternatively, since excess water overflowing or dripping from the fixing member 2 can be absorbed, discomfort of the user can be reduced.

FIG. 6B shows a structure in which the water absorbing body 19 is provided on the probe tip 4.

In the present embodiment, the probe tip portion 4 is formed in a step shape consisting of a small diameter portion 4b into which the fixing member 2 is fitted and a large diameter portion 4c on the probe 10 main body side. The outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 4c and the outer peripheral surface 2c of the fixing member 2 are substantially on the same plane, and a cylindrical water absorbing body 19 is mounted on the outer periphery thereof. The end portion of the water absorbent body 19 on the front end side is substantially flush with the surface of the sheet material 1 or at a position slightly protruding from the surface of the sheet material 1 toward the front end side. Large diameter portion 4c of the probe tip 4
A groove 4d is formed in the water absorbent body 19, and the water absorbent body 19 is pressed and held in the inner diameter direction by the holding member 13 on the outer peripheral side of the position corresponding to the groove 4d.

The function of the water absorbent body 19 is similar to that of the water absorbent body 9 described above.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a sheet material 21 attached to the probe tip 4 by a fixing member 2.

Regarding the same configuration as that of the first embodiment,
Description is omitted using the same reference numerals.

The sheet material 31 has a substantially circular shape, but the outer peripheral edge portion thereof projects toward the end surface 2a on the front end side of the fixing member 2. Further, the outer peripheral edge portion 31a of the sheet material 31 projects from the front end side end surface 2a of the fixing member 2 toward the measurement target side and is curved toward the outer diameter side. In the present embodiment, a portion of the sheet material 31 on the inner diameter side of the outer peripheral edge portion 31 a is fixed by the fitting groove 20 of the fixing member 2 and the annular fixing member 5. As described above, in the present embodiment, the sheet material 31 has the region facing the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a and the outer peripheral edge portion 31a which is a region located on the outer peripheral side thereof.

Thus, the outer peripheral edge portion 31a of the sheet material 31 is
Of the sheet material 31
Since it is possible to absorb the excess water that overflows or spills from the central portion 31b or the fixing member 2, the discomfort of the user can be reduced.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a fixing member and its mounting state according to a seventh embodiment. Figure 8
(A), (b) is a perspective view and a top view of a fixed member, respectively. Further, FIG. 8C shows a state in which the fixing member is attached to the tip portion of the probe, and FIG. 8D is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the fixing member.

The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

Each groove 2 is formed in the fixing member 2 according to this embodiment.
A fitting portion 26 extending from one inner peripheral surface 2d sandwiching the two to the other inner peripheral surface 2d is provided. The fitting portion 26 includes a rib 26a that protrudes toward the inner diameter side and extends in the circumferential direction, and a rib support portion 26b that extends from the rib 26a toward the tip portion 2a and is formed so as to be flush with the inner peripheral surface 2d. A space is provided between the fitting portion 26 and the inner peripheral surface of the groove 22, and a through hole 27 through which water flows in is formed.

Grooves 4e are formed at corresponding positions on the outer peripheral surface of the probe tip 4. The groove 4e is formed by each rib 26a.
The length corresponding to the length of the probe tip 4 may be set so as to restrict both the rotation of the fixing member 2 in the circumferential direction and the movement of the probe tip 4 in the axial direction. Only the movement in the axial direction may be restricted. By fitting the rib 26a into the groove 4e, the sheet material 1 can be held so as to be parallel to the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a. Here, the rib 26a and the groove 4e form a posture holding means.

By doing so, the fixing member 2 can be attached to the probe tip portion 4 reliably and easily, variation in the attachment state of the fixing member 2 can be prevented, and stable measurement can be realized.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 9 shows a fixing member and a probe tip portion according to an eighth embodiment.

The same components as those in the first and seventh embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the fixing member 2 is attached to the probe tip 4 so as to be movable in the axial direction.

The structure of the fixing member 2 according to this embodiment is similar to that of the fixing member according to the seventh embodiment.

On the other hand, a groove 4f is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 4 of the probe according to this embodiment. The groove 4f is
Similar to the groove 4e according to the seventh embodiment, it is formed at a position corresponding to the rib 26a of the fitting portion 26 of the fixing member 2.
However, the axial length of the groove 4f is longer than the axial length of the rib 26a.

As shown in FIG. 9B, when the rib 26a is located at the end of the groove 4f on the probe body side, the sheet material 1 contacts the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a supported by the probe tip 4. is doing. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9C, in the state where the rib 26a is located at the end portion of the groove 4f on the tip end side, between the sheet material 1 and the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a of the probe tip end portion 4. There is an interval between. Here, the rib 26a and the groove 4f constitute a relative moving means.

As described above, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
From the state shown in FIG. 9C or from the state shown in FIG. 9C to the state shown in FIG.
You can move against. The movement of the fixing member 2 with respect to the probe tip 4 changes the distance between the sheet material 1 and the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a of the probe tip 4.
Along with this, the volume of the space region formed between the sheet material 1 and the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a of the probe tip 4 also changes. At this time, the sheet material 1, the fixing member 2, and the probe tip portion 4 function as a cylinder and a piston, respectively. Therefore, by moving the fixing member 2 to the tip side with respect to the probe tip portion 4, the groove 22 or the sheet material 1 is
It is possible to easily cause water to flow into the space area formed between the sheet material 1 and the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a of the probe tip 4 via the.

(Ninth Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a fixing member and a probe tip portion according to a ninth embodiment.

The same components as those in the first and seventh embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The structure of the fixing member 2 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the seventh embodiment.

A groove 4g is also formed on the outer peripheral surface of the probe tip 4 according to the present embodiment.
Is located closer to the tip side than the groove 4e according to the seventh embodiment.

That is, in this embodiment, when the fixing member 2 is mounted on the probe tip 4 and the rib 26a is fitted in the groove 4g, as shown in FIG. A space is formed between the surface 4a and the sheet material 1. Here, the rib 26a and the groove 4g form a space holding means.

Water can be retained also in the space region between the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a of the probe tip portion 4 thus formed and the sheet material 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to perform measurement several times with one water supply operation, and it is possible to suppress water dripping.

(Tenth Embodiment) FIG. 11 shows a fixing member and a water supply cup for fixing the probe and the ultrasonic coupling material according to the tenth embodiment. FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing the fixing member and the probe before mounting.
FIG. 11B is a perspective view showing the fixing member and the probe at the time of attachment, and FIG. 11C is a perspective view showing the probe and the water supply cup to which the fixing member is attached. In addition, FIG.
It is a side view and a sectional view of a fixed member for fixing a probe and an ultrasonic coupling material concerning an embodiment of 0. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a fixing member for fixing the probe and the ultrasonic coupling material and a water supply cup.

The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, the probe and the fixing member according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the probe 10 according to this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the probe 10 according to the first embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, the probe tip 4 has a small diameter portion 4b on the tip side.
And a large diameter portion 4b on the probe body side. Fixed member 2
Is attached to the probe tip portion 4, the inner periphery of the fixing member 2 is fitted to the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 4b of the probe tip portion 4,
The end portion on the probe body side contacts the end surface 4h of the large diameter portion 4c.

The fixing member 2 according to this embodiment has the same structure as the fixing member 2 according to the first embodiment, and the shape of the sheet material 1 and the holding structure for the fixing member 2 are also the same as those of the first embodiment. It is similar to the form.

Next, the water supply cup (combined body supply member) 101 for supplying water to the sheet material 1 will be described.

The water supply cup 101 has a bottomed cylindrical shape,
The inner diameter of the opening is larger than the outer diameter of the fixing member 2 and the outer diameter of the probe 10. In addition, the bottom surface 101 of the water supply cup 101
A cylindrical water absorbent body (combined body absorbent member) 102 is attached to a. The water absorber may be formed of a material having excellent water absorbability, and a porous material such as sponge may be used, but the material is not limited to this.

The water absorbing body 102 of the water supply cup 101 is made to absorb water in advance, and the probe tip portion 4 to which the fixing member 2 is attached is attached.
To the water absorber. Water is pushed out from the water absorbing body 102 by the pressing force of the probe tip portion 4, and water is supplied to the sheet material 1 from the surface side of the sheet material 1 and the probe body side of the fixing member 2.

By using the water supply cup 101 provided with the water absorbing body 102 as described above, the water absorbing body 102 contains water, so that the water does not spill during measurement. In addition, when water is supplied to the probe tip portion 4, it does not collide with the bottom surface of the water supply cup 101.

(Eleventh Embodiment) FIG. 14 shows a fixing member and a water supply cup for fixing the probe and the ultrasonic coupling material according to the eleventh embodiment.

The same components as those in the first and tenth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The structures of the probe 10 and the fixing member 2 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first and tenth embodiments. The shape of the water supply cup 101 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the tenth embodiment, but the configuration of the water absorber 102 is different from that of the tenth embodiment. That is, in the water absorbent body 102 according to the present embodiment, the upper surface 102a facing the sheet material 1 has an uneven shape. The irregular shape may be a shape in which irregularities are regularly repeated or a shape in which irregularities are randomly arranged.

By thus forming the upper surface 102a of the water absorbent body 102 into a concavo-convex shape, the upper surface 102 of the water absorbent body 102 is formed.
The surface area of a is expanded. Therefore, when the water absorbent body 102 contains water, it can be quickly absorbed. Furthermore, the contact area between the water absorbent body 102 and the sheet material 1 when the probe tip 4 is pressed against the water absorbent body 102 is increased, and the sheet material 1
Water can be supplied to the water quickly.

(Twelfth Embodiment) FIG. 15 shows a fixing member and a water supply cup for fixing the probe and the ultrasonic coupling material according to the twelfth embodiment.

The same components as those in the first and tenth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The configurations of the probe 10 and the fixing member 2 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first and tenth embodiments. The shape of the water supply cup 101 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the tenth embodiment, but the configuration of the water absorber 102 is different from that of the tenth embodiment. That is, the hole 1021 penetrating in the axial direction is formed in the central portion of the water absorbent body 102 according to the present embodiment. The hole (opening) 1021 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and its diameter is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a.

In the present embodiment, the water exuding from the water absorbing body 102 when the probe tip 4 is pressed against the water absorbing body 102 is collected in the hole 1021. Therefore, only the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a of the probe tip 4 is directly immersed in the water in the hole 1021. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the movement of the bubbles generated in the water absorbing body 102 toward the sheet material 1 side by the pressing force of the probe tip portion 4, and it is possible to reduce the influence of the bubbles.

(Thirteenth Embodiment) FIG. 16 shows a fixing member and a water supply cup for fixing the probe and the ultrasonic coupling material according to the thirteenth embodiment.

The same components as those in the first and tenth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The structures of the probe 10 and the fixing member 2 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first and tenth embodiments. The shape of the water supply cup 101 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the tenth embodiment, but the configuration of the water absorber 102 is different from that of the tenth embodiment. That is, the water absorbent body 102 according to the present embodiment has two layers overlapping in the direction in which the probe tip 4 is pressed. The layer 1022 on the upper surface side facing the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a of the probe tip 4 is the bottom surface side 101a.
The hardness is higher than that of the side layer 1023.

If the contact surface with the probe tip 4 is hard as described above, the water absorbing body 102 contacts the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a in parallel and uniformly over the entire surface, so that the sheet material 1
Water is instantly and surely spread over the entire surface. Also, the water absorber 1
If the hardness of 02 is high, the amount of deformation is small, and it is possible to prevent excessive water supply to the sheet material 1, so that it is possible to suppress the dripping of the sheet material 1.

(Fourteenth Embodiment) FIG. 17 shows a fixing member and a water supply cup for fixing the probe and the ultrasonic coupling material according to the fourteenth embodiment.

The same components as those in the first and tenth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The configurations of the probe 10, the fixing member 2 and the water absorbing body 102 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first and tenth embodiments. The shape of the water supply cup 101 according to the present embodiment is similar to that of the tenth embodiment, but the water supply cup 10
The holding structure of the water absorbent body 102 with respect to No. 1 is different from that of the tenth embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, the water absorbent body 102
Is held with respect to the water supply cup 101 by a lid 1025 via a plate material (plate-shaped member) 1024. Plate material 1
024 has a through hole 1024a having substantially the same diameter as the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a in the central portion, and has a bent portion 1024b bent in the axial direction at the outer peripheral edge portion. Here, the bent portion 1024b of the plate member 1024 covers the upper end portion of the side surface of the water absorbent body 102 from the outer peripheral side, and movement in the radial direction with respect to the water absorbent body 102 is restricted. The lid 1025 is made of an elastic material such as rubber and has a U-shaped cross section having a groove 1025a that fits into the upper edge 101b of the water supply cup 101. Lid 1025
Covers the entire circumference of the upper end portion 101b of the water supply cup 101,
The inner peripheral end 1025c extends in the bottom surface direction. Therefore,
The plate member 1024 is restricted from moving upward by the end portion 1025c of the lid 1025 that abuts the outer peripheral edge portion of the upper surface 1024c.

As described above, the plate member 1 is provided on the upper surface of the water absorbent body 102.
By providing 024, it is possible to easily squeeze the water in the water absorbent body 102 by pressing the plate member 1024, so that when the water absorbent body 102 is drained and stored after the measurement, post-cleaning becomes easy.

FIG. 18 shows a modification of this embodiment. The structure of the lid 1025 is the same as that of the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. 17, but ribs (position regulating means) 1024d are provided on the upper surface 1024c of the plate member 1024 so as to project over the entire circumference.
The inner diameter of the rib 1024d is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the fixing member 2 mounted on the probe tip 4.

As described above, the rib 1024d is formed on the plate member 1024.
By providing the probe tip 4 with the rib 1024
By being guided by d and pressed against the plate member 1024,
The ultrasonic sensor surface 4a can be surely brought into contact with the through hole 1024a.

(Fifteenth Embodiment) FIG. 19 shows a fixing member and a water supply cup for fixing the probe and the ultrasonic coupling material according to the fifteenth embodiment.

The same components as those in the first and tenth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The configurations of the probe 10, the fixing member 2 and the water absorbing body 102 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first and tenth embodiments. The water supply cup 101 according to the present embodiment is different from the tenth embodiment in the holding structure of the water absorbent body 102. In the water supply cup 101 according to the present embodiment, a plate-shaped rib (pressing position restricting means) 1 extending in the radial direction from the side surface 102b of the water absorbent body 102 to the inner side surface 101c of the water supply cup 101.
011 is provided. The rib 1011 has a bottom surface 101.
It is formed at a predetermined height from above a. When the probe tip 4 is pressed to the water absorber 102 and the probe tip 4 is pushed to a predetermined depth, the probe 1
The shoulder portion 10a of 0 abuts on the upper end portion 1011a of the rib 1011 and further pushing of the probe tip portion 4 is restricted.

As described above, the rib 1011 allows the water absorbent body 1 when the probe tip 4 is pressed against the water absorbent body 102.
Since the deformation amount of 02 is regulated, it is possible to prevent excessive water supply to the sheet material 1 and suppress liquid dripping.

In the above description, the rib 1011 is configured to contact the shoulder portion 10a of the probe 10, but it may be configured to contact the end surface of the fixed member 2 on the tip side. It suffices if the movement of the probe tip 4 can be regulated so that the deformation amount of the water absorbent body 102 becomes a predetermined amount.

The number of ribs 1011 arranged in the circumferential direction is not particularly limited.

(Sixteenth Embodiment) FIG. 20 shows a fixing member and a water supply cup for fixing the probe and the ultrasonic coupling material according to the sixteenth embodiment.

The same components as those in the first and tenth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The structures of the probe 10 and the fixing member 2 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first and tenth embodiments. Shape of water supply cup 101 and water absorber 10 according to the present embodiment
The holding structure of No. 2 and the like are the same as those of the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. 13, but in this embodiment, the water supply cup 101 is attached to a band (attachment means) 1012 that can be attached to the wrist. Both ends 1012a and 1012b of the band are provided with hook-and-loop fasteners 1012c and 1012d, which can be attached to and detached from the wrist.

In this way, the water supply cup 101 is attached to the belt 10
If it can be worn on the wrist by 12, the work such as button operation of the subcutaneous fat gauge to which the probe is connected can be performed with an empty hand, and the measurement operation becomes simple and easy.

(Seventeenth Embodiment) FIG. 21 shows a fixing member and a water supply cup for fixing the probe and the ultrasonic coupling material according to the seventeenth embodiment.

The same components as those in the first and tenth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The structures of the probe 10 and the fixing member 2 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first and tenth embodiments. The water supply cup 101 according to the present embodiment includes the probe tip portion 4
The protective cover (sensor surface protection means) 103 is integrally provided.

FIG. 21A shows a state when the protective cover 103 is used, and FIG. 21B shows a state when the water supply cup 101 is used.

The protective cover 103 is provided on the back surface of the water supply cup 101. That is, the water supply cup 101 is formed on one surface side of the common bottom portion, and the bottomed cylindrical protective cover 103 is formed on the other surface side. The protective cover 103 has a small diameter portion 103b having a small inner diameter on the bottom surface 103a side, and a large diameter portion 103c adjacent to the opening side of the small diameter portion 103b and having a larger inner diameter than the small diameter portion 103b. The inner diameter of the small diameter portion 103b is substantially the same as the diameter of the ultrasonic sensor surface 4a, and the inner diameter of the large diameter portion 103c is substantially the same as the diameter of the outer peripheral surface 10b of the probe 10. When the probe tip 4 is inserted through the opening, the tip-side end surface 2a of the fixing member 2 abuts the small-diameter portion end surface 103d, and the outer peripheral surface 10b of the probe 10 is fitted to the inner periphery of the large-diameter portion 103c. In this way, the protective cover 103 can be attached to the probe tip 4.

Since the water supply cup 101 also serves as the protective cover 103, it is not necessary to prepare the protective cover as a separate component, and the number of components can be reduced.

FIG. 22 shows a modification of this embodiment.

The structure of the protective cover 103 is almost the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment, but the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 103b is different.
That is, the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 4b of the probe tip portion 4 of the protective cover 103 according to the present modification and the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 103b of the protection cover 103 are substantially the same, and the probe tip portion 4
The small diameter portion 4b of the above is housed or fitted in the inner circumference of the small diameter portion 103b of the protective cover 103. Therefore, when the probe tip 4 is stored in the protective cover 103, the fixing member 2 must be removed.

In this way, since the sheet material 1 is inevitably replaced when the probe tip portion 4 is stored, it is hygienic, and the sheet material 1 is repeatedly used while being deteriorated. Can be prevented.

[0170]

As described above, according to the present invention,
An inexpensive, easy-to-use, combined supply mechanism capable of stably supplying a combined body capable of stable measurement, a combined body supply member, and an ultrasonic coupling member for holding the combined body against an ultrasonic sensor surface. Can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of mounting a fixing member that holds a sheet material on a tip of a probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 (a) is a perspective view of a fixing member according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 (b) is a state in which the fixing member is fixed to the tip of the probe when viewed from the tip side. FIG. 2C is a perspective view, and FIG. 2C is a view showing a tip end portion of the probe on which the fixing member of FIG.

FIG. 3 (a) is a view showing a fixing member according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 (b) is a view showing a tip portion of the probe.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a probe tip portion to which a fixing member according to a third embodiment of the present invention is attached.

5 (a) is an exploded perspective view of a fixing member, a sheet material, and a probe tip portion according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 (b) is attached to the probe tip portion. It is a figure which shows a fixing member.

6 (a) and 6 (b) are cross-sectional views of a probe tip portion to which a fixing member according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is attached.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a sheet material attached to a probe tip portion by a fixing member according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

8 (a) and 8 (b) are respectively a perspective view and a top view of a fixing member according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 (c) shows a fixing member attached to a probe tip. It is a figure which shows the state which was done, and FIG.8 (d) is an enlarged view of the fixing member vicinity.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining relative position changes of a fixing member and a probe tip portion according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fixing member and a probe tip portion according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

11A is a perspective view showing a fixing member and a probe before mounting according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11B is a perspective view showing the fixing member and the probe at the time of mounting. FIG. 11C is a perspective view showing the probe and the water supply cup to which the fixing member is attached.

FIG. 12 is a side view and a sectional view of a fixing member for fixing a probe and an ultrasonic coupling material according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a water supply cup and a fixing member for fixing the probe and the ultrasonic coupling material according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a fixing member for fixing a probe and an ultrasonic coupling material and a water supply cup according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a fixing member for fixing a probe and an ultrasonic coupling material and a water supply cup according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a fixing member for fixing a probe and an ultrasonic coupling material and a water supply cup according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a view showing a fixing member for fixing a probe and an ultrasonic coupling material and a water supply cup according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a fixing member for fixing a probe and an ultrasonic coupling material and a water supply cup according to a modification of the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a fixing member for fixing a probe and an ultrasonic coupling material and a water supply cup according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a view showing a fixing member for fixing a probe and an ultrasonic coupling material and a water supply cup according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a view showing a fixing member for fixing a probe and an ultrasonic coupling material and a water supply cup according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a view showing a fixing member for fixing a probe and an ultrasonic coupling material and a water supply cup according to a modification of the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,21,31 sheet material 2 fixing members 4 Probe tip 4f groove 5 annular fixing member 8 net materials 9 Water absorber 20 fitting groove 22 groove 24 grooves 26 Fitting part 26a rib 27 through holes 31a Sheet material outer peripheral edge portion 44 groove 101 water cup 102 Water absorber 1011 ribs 1012 band 1021 hole 1022 Water absorbing body upper surface side layer 1023 Bottom layer of water absorber 1024 plate material 1025 lid

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Satoshi Yamada             Shiokyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture             801 Doudocho Omron Life Co., Ltd.             Inside Science Institute (72) Inventor Tatsuya Kobayashi             Shiokyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture             801 Doudocho Omron Life Co., Ltd.             Inside Science Institute F-term (reference) 4C301 AA01 EE13 EE17 GA01 GC02                       GC11 GC22                 4C601 EE11 EE14 GA01 GC01 GC02                       GC09 GC21 GC22

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic sensor that transmits ultrasonic waves toward an object and receives reflected ultrasonic waves is interposed between a surface of the object and the surface of the object in a liquid state, and the object and the An ultrasonic coupling member for holding a coupling body for acoustically coupling a sound wave sensor surface to the ultrasonic sensor surface, the coupling being interposed between the ultrasonic sensor surface and a surface of the object. A sheet material for holding a body, including an ultrasonic coupling member having a sheet material holding means for holding the ultrasonic sensor surface, and an ultrasonic sensor support member having the ultrasonic sensor surface, in the sheet material A combined body supply mechanism for supplying a combined body, wherein at least one of the sheet material holding means and the ultrasonic sensor support member is the combined body in an area between the sheet material and the ultrasonic sensor surface. With a combined body flow path Combined supply mechanism. 2. An ultrasonic sensor that transmits ultrasonic waves toward an object and receives reflected ultrasonic waves is interposed between the surface of the ultrasonic sensor and the surface of the object in a liquid state, and the object and the An ultrasonic coupling member for holding a coupling body for acoustically coupling a sound wave sensor surface to the ultrasonic sensor surface, the coupling being interposed between the ultrasonic sensor surface and a surface of the object. A sheet material for holding a body, including an ultrasonic coupling member having a sheet material holding means for holding the ultrasonic sensor surface, and an ultrasonic sensor support member having the ultrasonic sensor surface, in the sheet material A combined body supply mechanism for supplying a combined body, wherein the sheet material is relatively moved with respect to the ultrasonic sensor surface, and relative movement means for changing the volume of a region between the sheet material and the ultrasonic sensor surface. And a combined body supply mechanism. 3. An ultrasonic sensor, which transmits ultrasonic waves toward an object and receives reflected ultrasonic waves, is interposed between a surface of the object and the surface of the object in a liquid state, and the object and the An ultrasonic coupling member for holding a coupling body for acoustically coupling a sound wave sensor surface to the ultrasonic sensor surface, the coupling being interposed between the ultrasonic sensor surface and a surface of the object. A sheet material for holding a body, including an ultrasonic coupling member having a sheet material holding means for holding the ultrasonic sensor surface, and an ultrasonic sensor support member having the ultrasonic sensor surface, in the sheet material A combined body supply mechanism for supplying a combined body, wherein the sheet material holding means includes a multi-opening member having a large number of openings, and the sheet material is sandwiched by the multi-opening member and the ultrasonic sensor surface. A combined body supply mechanism. 4. An ultrasonic sensor, which transmits ultrasonic waves toward an object and receives reflected ultrasonic waves, is interposed between a surface of the object and the surface of the object in a liquid state, and the object and the An ultrasonic coupling member for holding a coupling body for acoustically coupling a sound wave sensor surface to the ultrasonic sensor surface, the coupling being interposed between the ultrasonic sensor surface and a surface of the object. An ultrasonic coupling member having a sheet material holding means for holding a sheet material holding a body against the ultrasonic sensor surface, an ultrasonic sensor support member having the ultrasonic sensor surface, and the sheet material holding means. An opening for receiving the ultrasonic sensor supporting member holding the sheet material between the surface of the object and a combined body absorbing member provided in the opening for absorbing and holding a combined body. A combination supply member, A combined body supply mechanism for supplying a combined body to the sheet material, wherein the combined body absorbing member receives a pressing force from the ultrasonic sensor surface and releases the held combined body, Conjugate supply mechanism for supplying a conjugate to the. 5. The combined body supply mechanism according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the ultrasonic coupling member and the ultrasonic sensor support member is provided with a combined body absorbing member that absorbs the combined body. 6. The combined body supply mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising an attitude holding unit that holds the sheet material in parallel to the ultrasonic sensor surface. 7. The combined body supply mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a space holding unit that holds the sheet material at a predetermined space from the ultrasonic sensor surface. 8. An ultrasonic sensor that transmits ultrasonic waves toward an object and receives reflected ultrasonic waves is interposed between a surface of the object and the surface of the object in a liquid state, and the object and the An ultrasonic coupling member that holds a coupling body that acoustically couples to an ultrasonic wave sensor surface to the ultrasonic wave sensor surface, the coupling being interposed between the ultrasonic wave sensor surface and the surface of the object. A sheet material holding the body, having a sheet material holding means for holding the ultrasonic sensor surface, the sheet material holding means, in the region between the ultrasonic sensor surface and the surface of the object An ultrasonic coupling member having a combination flow path for guiding the combination. 9. The ultrasonic coupling member according to claim 8, wherein the combination flow path has a function of holding the combination. 10. The ultrasonic coupling member according to claim 8, wherein the sheet material has a curved surface shape that is convex toward the object side. 11. The ultrasonic coupling member according to claim 8, further comprising a combined body absorbing member that absorbs the combined body. 12. The ultrasonic coupling member according to claim 8, wherein the sheet material has a region facing the ultrasonic sensor surface and a region located on the outer peripheral side of the region. 13. An opening for receiving an ultrasonic sensor support member having an ultrasonic sensor surface for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to an object and receiving a reflected ultrasonic wave, the object being provided in the opening, And a combined body absorbing member that absorbs and holds a combined body that acoustically couples the ultrasonic sensor surface, wherein the combined body absorbing member is formed by the ultrasonic sensor surface. A combined body supply member which receives a pressing force and releases the held combined body. 14. The combined body supply member according to claim 13, wherein a portion of the combined body absorbing member facing the ultrasonic sensor surface has an uneven shape. 15. The combined body absorbing member has an opening having a shape corresponding to the shape of the ultrasonic sensor surface.
The combined body supply member according to 3 or 14. 16. The combined body absorbing member has layers having different hardnesses that overlap each other in a direction in which the ultrasonic sensor surface receives a pressing force, and the layers on the side facing the ultrasonic sensor surface have adjacent hardnesses. 16. The combined body supply member according to claim 13, wherein the combined body supply member has a higher hardness. 17. The combined body supply member according to claim 13, further comprising a plate-shaped member having a through hole on a side of the combined body absorption member facing the ultrasonic sensor surface. 18. The combined body supply member according to claim 17, wherein the plate-shaped member is provided with a position regulation means that regulates a relative position of the ultrasonic sensor surface with respect to the through hole. 19. The pressing position regulating means for regulating the relative position of the ultrasonic sensor surface with respect to the combined body absorbing member in the pressing direction of the ultrasonic wave sensor surface against the combined body absorbing member. The combined body supply member according to any one of 1. 20. A mounting means for removably mounting the combined body supply member to a user's body.
9. The combined body supply member according to any one of 9 above. 21. A sensor surface protecting means for covering the ultrasonic sensor surface and protecting the ultrasonic sensor surface is provided.
The combined body supply member according to any one of 3 to 20. 22. The ultrasonic coupling member is detachably attached to the ultrasonic sensor surface, covers the ultrasonic sensor surface in a state where the ultrasonic coupling member is removed, and protects the ultrasonic sensor surface. 22. The combined body supply member according to claim 13, further comprising: a sensor surface protection unit.