JP2004344247A - Electric signal transmission mechanism and ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanism for transmitting ultrasonic receiving signals between a rotating part and a non-rotating part of an ultrasonic probe, capable of preventing wear caused by sliding as much as possible while bringing the rotating part and the non-rotating part into contact with each other. <P>SOLUTION: The ultrasonic receiving signals are transmitted between the rotating part and non-rotating part by bringing a contact point for taking out signals connected to the non-rotating side into contact with the center of an electrode for taking out signals mounted on an end surface of a rotation shaft as the contact between the rotating part and the non-rotating part in a low sliding part, or by bringing the rotating part and the non-rotating part into contact with each other via a ball bearing used as a bearing of the rotation shaft. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic inspection apparatus, a search apparatus, and the like, and particularly to a mechanical scanning ultrasonic probe of a type in which a vibrator rotates or swings (high-speed rotation type), which realizes an inexpensive apparatus. . In particular, the present invention relates to a mechanism for transmitting an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal between a rotating part and a non-rotating part in such an ultrasonic probe.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a mechanical scanning probe of a high-speed rotation type, transmission of a signal between a rotating vibrator and a device main body which is a non-rotating part for analyzing a signal from the vibrator has been a problem. If signal transmission between the rotating vibrator and the non-rotating part is not sufficiently performed, an error may occur in signal analysis. As a method of transmitting an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal between the rotating part and the non-rotating part, two main methods are a contact method using a slip ring and a non-contact method using a rotary transformer.
[0003]
With reference to FIG. 8, a transmission mechanism of an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal between a rotating part and a non-rotating part by a conventional method using a slip ring will be described. The signal transmitted to the ultrasonic vibrator attached to the rotating body 7 is transmitted to the slip ring 22 and the slip ring 22 attached (electrically insulated) to the rotating shaft 8 connected to the rotating body 7. The signal is guided to the main body of the flaw detector by a signal line 30 via a contact member 21 such as a leaf spring that makes contact. In this method, since the slip ring 22 and the contact member 21 slide, there is a problem that durability and maintenance of the portion are required. Further, depending on the contact state between the slip ring 22 and the contact member 21, there is a disadvantage that noise is generated and detection accuracy is deteriorated.
[0004]
More specifically, in the slip ring method, since the wire or the leaf spring 21 is in direct contact with the slip ring 22 attached to the rotating body 7, accuracy of the spring force (fine adjustment of the contact pressure) and durability are achieved. (The contact force does not change with time) is required. With respect to the spring force, if the spring force is too strong, the wear becomes severe, so that the life of the leaf spring may be shortened, chips may be dropped, and noise or a failure may be caused. If it is too soft, poor contact may occur. In order to produce a material that does not have such a problem and that satisfies appropriate performance, it is necessary to consider the elasticity and life from the selection of materials, and the cost is high.
[0005]
On the other hand, a transmission mechanism of an ultrasonic reception signal between a rotating unit and a non-rotating unit using a conventional rotary transformer method will be described with reference to FIG. The rotating part-side core 31 attached to the rotating body 7 or its rotating shaft is provided very close to the coil 32 on the non-rotating part side. By applying the ultrasonic reception signal from the subject to the coil 33 on the rotating part side, the ultrasonic reception signal is transmitted to the rotating coil 34 wound around the core 32 on the non-rotating part.
[0006]
Since the rotary transformer method is a non-contact method, it overcomes some of the disadvantages of the slip ring method. However, according to this method, it is pointed out that the signal conversion efficiency is poor and a loss that cannot be ignored is caused, and therefore, it is not practical in a high frequency region.
[0007]
More specifically, in the rotary transformer system, a signal applied to the primary-side fixed coil 34 is efficiently transmitted to the secondary-side rotary coil 33 by using a fixed core 32 and a rotary core 32. 31 gaps must be very close. Therefore, high technology is required in assembling and manufacturing. In addition, since the conversion efficiency varies depending on the core material, characteristics, winding method, and the like, it is necessary to select an appropriate member and manufacture with high precision in order to transmit a signal efficiently.
[0008]
For a description of these prior arts, see, for example, Patent Document 1. Further, in order to eliminate these drawbacks, there are also examples in which a plurality of opposing portions of a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion are provided like combs and a capacitor coupling is performed for each channel for transmitting a signal. (For example, see Patent Document 2).
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-57-103048
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-62-147359
[0009]
To summarize, regarding the transmission mechanism of the ultrasonic reception signal between the rotating part and the non-rotating part of the ultrasonic probe according to the prior art, a contact type (slip ring type) and a non-contact type (rotary transformer type) are used. Exists. However, in the former, there are problems such as abrasion and change in contact force with time due to sliding, and as a result, poor transmission and high cost are caused. In the latter case, the condition is that the gap between the fixed-side core and the rotation-side core is extremely close to each other. Therefore, there is a problem that the maintenance cost is increased in order to maintain the state.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to provide a transmission mechanism for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal between a rotating part and a non-rotating part in an ultrasonic probe while avoiding these problems in the related art.
[0011]
The invention of the present application is to make the rotating part and the non-rotating part contact the rotating part and the non-rotating part, and to eliminate as much as possible the abrasion due to sliding as seen in the slip ring method, The purpose of the present invention is to provide a transmission mechanism of an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal during the transmission.
[0012]
The present invention is directed to an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit between a rotating unit and a non-rotating unit of an ultrasonic probe, which can appropriately switch between transducers having a plurality of frequencies by a switching unit located on a non-rotating side. An object is to provide a signal transmission mechanism.
[0013]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a transmission mechanism for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal between a rotating part and a non-rotating part of an ultrasonic probe with a miniaturized mechanism while minimizing wear due to sliding. And
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, in the ultrasonic probe, when transmitting an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal between the rotating part and the non-rotating part, the contact between the rotating part and the non-rotating part is reduced by a low sliding part with less sliding. This is performed through More specifically, as the contact between the rotating portion and the non-rotating portion in the low sliding portion, a signal extracting contact connected to the non-rotating side is provided near the center of the signal extracting electrode provided on the end face of the rotating shaft. The ultrasonic transmission / reception signal is transmitted between the rotating part and the non-rotating part by bringing the rotating part and the non-rotating part into contact with each other or by bringing the rotating part and the non-rotating part into contact via a ball bearing used as a bearing of the rotating shaft.
[0015]
In addition, the present invention provides an ultrasonic wave capable of temporally switching a plurality of transducers having a plurality of frequencies by providing a switching unit operable from a non-rotating unit in a rotating unit while maintaining the above characteristics. A mechanism for transmitting a transmission / reception signal is disclosed.
[0016]
The present invention maintains the above-described features, forms a unique conductive path corresponding to each of a plurality of transducers having a plurality of frequencies, and independently extracts ultrasonic transmission / reception signals from each of the transducers. A mechanism for transmitting an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal capable of temporally switching a plurality of transducers having a plurality of frequencies is disclosed.
[0017]
The present invention provides a miniaturized ultrasonic probe by arranging a motor as a part of a rotating body and performing power supply through a low-sliding portion with little sliding while maintaining the above-described features. Disclose the child.
[0018]
More specifically, the present invention relates to a rotating shaft, a signal generating means (for example, an ultrasonic vibrator) connected to the rotating shaft and generating an electric signal in response to rotation or swing of the rotating shaft, An end face electrode mechanism electrically connected to the means and provided on at least one end face of the rotating shaft, and another electrode mechanism (contact point) located on the non-rotating portion side which does not respond to rotation or swing of the rotating shaft. The present invention proposes an electric signal transmission mechanism between a movable part and a non-movable part, at least a part of which is in contact with the end face electrode mechanism and is in conduction near the center of the rotation shaft cross section.
[0019]
Further, the present invention provides a rotating shaft, a signal generating means (for example, an ultrasonic vibrator) connected to the rotating shaft and generating an electric signal in response to rotation or swing of the rotating shaft, An electrode mechanism connected to at least a part of the surface of the rotating shaft, a ball bearing mechanism that supports rotation of the rotating shaft and is in contact with and conductive to an electrode mechanism provided on the surface of the rotating shaft; and a ball bearing mechanism. The present invention proposes an electric signal transmission mechanism between a movable portion and a non-movable portion, the mechanism including an electrode mechanism electrically connected to a movable portion and a non-movable portion.
[0020]
Further, the present invention employs a plurality of signal generating means (for example, an ultrasonic transducer), and switches between the plurality of signal generating means according to time, thereby providing an ultrasonic wave having a plurality of frequencies by a simple switching operation. An electric signal transmission mechanism capable of acquiring signal information from a vibrator is disclosed. More specifically, such an electric signal transmission mechanism includes a rotating shaft and at least two signal generating means (for example, an ultrasonic wave) connected to the rotating shaft and generating an electric signal in accordance with rotation or swing of the rotating shaft. A vibrator), an end face electrode mechanism electrically connected to one of the two signal generating means and provided on at least one end face of the rotating shaft, and responding to rotation or swing of the rotating shaft. There is no other electrode, at least a part of this electrode is in contact with the end face electrode mechanism in the vicinity of the center of the cross section of the rotating shaft, and an electric signal generated by the one signal generation is transmitted to another electrode. This can be realized by an electric signal transmission mechanism between a movable part and a non-movable part having a switching mechanism for supplying.
[0021]
Further, the present invention employs a plurality of signal generating means (for example, an ultrasonic transducer), and switches between the plurality of signal generating means according to time, thereby providing an ultrasonic wave having a plurality of frequencies by a simple switching operation. In order to acquire signal information from the vibrator, at least two signal generating means (for example, an ultrasonic vibrator) for generating an electric signal in accordance with the rotation or swing of the rotary shaft; A surface electrode mechanism provided on at least a part of a rotating shaft surface electrically connected to a specific signal generating means of the two signal generating means; and supporting rotation of the rotating shaft, and contacting with the surface electrode mechanism. Ball bearing mechanism, another electrode electrically connected to the ball bearing mechanism, and a switch for supplying an electrical signal generated by specific signal generating means to the electrode. It discloses an electrical signaling mechanism between the movable portion and the unmovable portion having a quenching mechanism.
[0022]
In the electric signal transmission mechanism according to the present invention, if an ultrasonic transducer is employed as the signal generating means, an ultrasonic probe can be configured. The range of the present invention includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using such an ultrasonic probe.
[0023]
[Action]
The ultrasonic transmission mechanism between the rotating part and the non-rotating part of the ultrasonic probe according to the present invention is based on the premise that it is a contact type. By using the vicinity of the center of the end surface of the rotating body as a part, the amount is suppressed as much as possible. That is, by providing the contact near the center of the end surface of the rotating body that does not move even during high-speed rotation, wear and deterioration are small, and the contact can be kept stable.
[0024]
In addition, in the present invention, the sliding which is a problem of the contact type is suppressed as much as possible by using a ball bearing as (ii) a transmitting portion. Although ball bearings are premised on sliding, their materials are generally examined for smooth rotation and used together with lubricating oil. There is. Further, since there are many ball bearings, any one of the ball bearings is always in contact with the rotating shaft, so that the reliability of the contact is stable.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a portion for transmitting ultrasonic waves between the rotating portion and the non-rotating portion is provided at the center of the rotating shaft.
[0026]
FIG. 1 is a front view of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the present embodiment. The rotating body 7 is provided with respect to the rotating shaft 8, and the rotating body 7 includes the vibrator 1 and the acoustic absorber 2 that is in contact with the vibrator 1 on two sides thereof. The rotating shaft 8 is connected to a motor 50. When the rotating shaft 8 is rotated by the motor 50, the connected rotating body 7, vibrator 1, and acoustic absorber 2 rotate integrally. In FIG. 1, the number of the vibrators 1 is two, but this indicates that the frequency can be switched between two frequencies, and it may be one or three or more.
[0027]
The rotating body 7 including the vibrator 1 is installed in a closed container 3 filled with an acoustic medium. The acoustic medium is water, oil, or the like, and any medium can be used as long as it effectively propagates ultrasonic waves. The rotating shaft 8 that supports the rotating body 7 is rotatably arranged while being in rolling contact with the ball bearing 5. In an appropriate position and manner, the rotating shaft 8 is provided with a packing 6 so as to maintain waterproofness.
[0028]
A positive (+) electrode 40 that is insulated from the rotating shaft is provided on the end surface of the rotating shaft 8, and rotates integrally with the rotating shaft. Near the center of the end surface of the rotating shaft 8, a contact 4 for extracting a + signal is in contact. The contact 4 is on the non-rotating part side. The contact position of the contact 4 is located substantially at the center of the end face of the rotating shaft in order to minimize the sliding with the plus electrode 40, but may be located slightly off the center. It suffices that a part of the contact portion is in contact with the center of the end surface of the rotating shaft or a radial distance portion (near the center) up to approximately one half in the radial direction from the center.
[0029]
At the other end of the rotating shaft 8 of the rotating body 7, there is a minus (−) electrode 41 provided on the other end surface of the rotating shaft of the motor 50 connected by the coupling 9. The minus electrode 41 is in contact with the signal extraction contact 10 which is in contact with the center of the end face of the rotary shaft.
[0030]
Like the contact 4, the contact 10 also belongs to the non-rotating side, and it is sufficient that the contact 10 is in contact with substantially the center of the end surface of the rotating body. More specifically, the contact position of the contact point 10 is located substantially at the center of the end face of the rotating shaft in order to suppress the sliding as much as possible, but may be at a position slightly off the center. It suffices that a part of the contact portion of the contact point 10 be in contact with the center of the cross section of the rotating shaft or a radial distance portion (near the center) of about half the radius in the radial direction from the center.
[0031]
The ultrasonic transmission / reception signal generated in the vibrator 1 is connected from the + electrode 13 and the − electrode 15 to the plus electrode 40 and the minus electrode 41 in an appropriate connection manner, and these electrodes 40 and 41 are connected as described above. They are electrically connected to the contact 4 and the contact 10 respectively located on the non-rotation side. The contact 4 and the contact 10 are electrically connected to equipment such as a diagnostic device via a lead (not shown). With such a mechanism, an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal transmitted / received by the vibrator 1 according to the ultrasonic wave is positioned on the non-rotation side from the + signal extraction electrode 40 and the − signal extraction electrode 41 via the rotating shaft 8. The signal is transmitted to the contact 4 for extracting the + signal and the contact 10 for extracting the-signal. The contact 4 for taking out the + signal and the contact 10 for taking out the-signal come in contact at a position substantially at the center of the end face of the rotating shaft, so that abrasion due to sliding can be effectively suppressed.
[0032]
According to this embodiment, both the (+) electrode and the (-) electrode are provided at the end of the rotating shaft, and the respective contacts are in contact with the vicinity of the center. However, even if a similar mechanism is adopted, the gist of the present invention can be realized.
[0033]
Next, a mechanism for transmitting an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal between a rotating unit and a non-rotating unit according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Elements common to those in FIG. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again.
[0034]
In the second embodiment, the ultrasonic transmission / reception signal is transmitted between the rotating part and the non-rotating part via a bearing. The bearing is made of a material originally developed as a sliding member for bearings, etc., and has high resistance to sliding, so it is unlikely to suffer from abrasion problems as in the prior art. Some are always in electrical contact, and it is possible to ensure stability as a contact.
[0035]
Also in this embodiment, the rotating body 7 is provided with respect to the rotating shaft 8, and the rotating body 7 includes the vibrator 1 and the acoustic absorber 2 in contact with the vibrator 1 on two sides. The rotating shaft 8 is connected to a motor 50. When the rotating shaft 8 is rotated by the motor 50, the connected rotating body 7, vibrator 1, and acoustic absorber 2 rotate integrally. In this embodiment, the number of the vibrators 1 may be one or three or more.
[0036]
The rotating body 7 including the vibrator 1 is installed in a closed container 3 filled with an acoustic medium. The acoustic medium is water, oil, or the like, and any medium can be used as long as it effectively propagates ultrasonic waves. The rotating shaft 8 that supports the rotating body 7 is rotatably arranged while being in rolling contact with the ball bearings 107 and 109. In the present embodiment, the ball bearings 107 and 109 not only ensure mechanical action as mere rotating bearings, but also transmit ultrasonic transmission / reception signals between the rotating part and the non-rotating part, as described later. An electrical path for In an appropriate position and manner, the rotating shaft 8 is provided with a packing 6 so as to maintain waterproofness.
[0037]
Ball bearings 107 and 109 are arranged near both ends of the rotating shaft 8. The ultrasonic transmission / reception signals generated in the vibrator 1 are transmitted from the + electrode 13 and the −electrode 15 to the + electrode 14 and the −electrode 16 provided on the rotating shaft 8 by appropriate electric connection. , 16 are electrically connected to a ball bearing 107 (+ side) and a ball bearing 109 (− side), respectively. The ball bearing 107 is electrically connected to the + signal extracting electrode 4 via the rotating body fixing device 11. In the present embodiment, the electrical connection is made via the rotating body fixing device 11, but the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the + signal extracting electrode is provided via the ball bearing 107. The ultrasonic transmission / reception signal may be transmitted between the rotating part and the non-rotational part by directly transmitting the ultrasonic transmission / reception signal to the fourth part.
[0038]
The ball bearing 109 is electrically connected to the signal extraction electrode 10. In the present embodiment, the ball bearing 109 is directly connected to the signal extraction electrode 10, but may be electrically connected through another member or the like.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the + electrode 14 and the − electrode 16 provided on the rotating shaft 8 (in the dashed line frame portion). In the present embodiment, for example, the rotating shaft 8 is configured such that the insulator layer 105 is provided on the entire surface of the solid rod 101, and the conductive layer 103 and the conductive layer 104 are further electrically non-contact with each other. It is provided in a manner. The positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 16 are provided on the conductive layer 103 and the conductive layer 104, respectively. The positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 16 are connected to a positive ball bearing 107 and a negative ball bearing 109 via a conductive layer 103 and a conductive layer 104, respectively.
[0040]
In the present embodiment, as described above, any structure may be used as long as the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 16 provided on the rotation axis are not electrically in contact with each other. As one modified example, the solid rod 101 may be formed using an insulating material, and the conductive layer 103 and the conductive layer 104 may be directly provided instead of providing the insulating layer on the solid rod 101. Absent.
[0041]
The contact 4 and the contact 10 located on the non-rotation side are electrically connected to equipment such as a diagnostic device via a lead (not shown). With such a mechanism, an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal transmitted / received by the transducer 1 using ultrasonic waves passes through the conductive layer 103 and the conductive layer 104 formed on the rotating shaft 8, and the ball bearing 107 located on the rotating side is used. And from the ball bearing 109 to the plus signal extracting electrode 4 and the minus signal extracting electrode 10 located on the non-rotating side.
[0042]
In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic transmission / reception signal is located on the rotating side, and the + signal extraction electrode 4 located on the non-rotating side from the ball bearing 107 and the ball bearing 109 having high resistance to sliding and having high conductivity. Since the signal is transmitted to the signal extracting electrode 10, it is possible to transmit the ultrasonic transmission / reception signal from the rotating side to the non-rotating side while effectively suppressing the abrasion due to the sliding.
[0043]
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, a function capable of switching output signals of ultrasonic transducers having two or more different frequencies with time is provided while using the mechanism of the second embodiment.
[0044]
In FIG. 5, a plurality of vibrators 1 and vibrators 111 having different frequencies are provided, each of which is mechanically connected to a rotating shaft 8 to form a rotating body 7. Although FIG. 5 assumes a case where two vibrators are used, the present embodiment can be extended and applied to a case where three or more vibrators are used.
[0045]
The present embodiment has a function in which the operator can appropriately switch the two vibrators 1 and 111 from outside. For example, as an example of such a switching function, a mechanism is employed in which an electromagnetic switch 112 attached to a rotating body is switched by energizing an electromagnetic coil 113 attached to a probe case 114 attached to the non-rotating side. Is also good. The switching function may employ another known mechanism. Even when another switching mechanism is adopted, the switching means (electromagnetic switch 112 in FIG. 5), which is a part that controls switching, forms a part of the rotating body 7 and rotates together with the vibrator 1 and the like. On the other hand, the part that is externally operated by the operator and the means that issues a switching command to the switching means based on the operation of the operator are located on the non-rotating side. In this embodiment, an electromagnetic switch is used as an example, but a reed switch or other known switching means may be used.
[0046]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment applies the technical idea disclosed in the first to third embodiments, and detects an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal while temporally switching output signals between transducers having a plurality of frequencies. This is an embodiment for ensuring the following.
[0047]
In the present embodiment, the + terminal 13 for the ultrasonic transmission / reception signal from the vibrator 1 having the frequency f1 is connected in an appropriate manner to the + signal extraction electrode 40 that contacts the vicinity of the center of the cross section of the rotating shaft 8. And forms an original first energizing path. The + signal extracting electrode 40 is connected to the terminal 120 for the vibrator 1 via the + signal extracting contact 4 that contacts the vicinity of the center of the end face of the rotating body 8, and the output terminal 122 for the vibrator 1 Is electrically connected to
[0048]
A positive terminal 113 for receiving an ultrasonic transmission / reception signal from the transducer 111 having the frequency f2 is electrically connected to the ball bearing 107 via the conductive layer 103 formed on the rotating shaft 8 whose surface is insulated. ing. The ball bearing 107 is electrically connected to an output terminal 124 for the vibrator 2 via a unique second current path (rotary body fixing device).
[0049]
The + potential applied to the vibrator 1 having the frequency f1 and the vibrator 111 having the frequency f2 passes through a first current path and a second current path, which are mutually independent current paths, to respective dedicated output terminals. 122, 124. The method of forming the first current path and the second current path may be performed by appropriately using an insulator and a conductive layer, or a conductive outer frame such as a fixing device for a rotating body, which is disclosed in the present embodiment. It is not limited to.
[0050]
The negative potential of the vibrator 1 and the vibrator 111 are electrically connected by a common conduction path. In the present embodiment, the negative potential terminal of each vibrator is connected to the conductive layer 104 formed on the rotating shaft 8 and is electrically connected to the negative signal output terminal 10 via the coupling 9. Have been.
[0051]
In the present embodiment, the + potential extracted from the vibrator (rotating side) having a plurality of frequencies to the non-rotating side by using a unique conduction path is appropriately switched by the switching means 130 provided on the non-rotating side. Output. Thereby, it is possible to detect the ultrasonic transmission / reception signal from the transducer having a plurality of frequencies by switching every time.
[0052]
The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the motor 90 is placed in the closed container 3 to reduce the overall size. In this case, the motor 90 includes a rotating unit (dotted line unit) including a vibrator and a fixed unit (practical unit).
[0053]
[0054]
In the present embodiment, the positive electrode 13 and the negative electrode 15 of the vibrator are respectively connected to the positive potential output terminal 44 and the motor for the motor via the ball bearing 107 (+) and the ball bearing 109 (−) and the rotating body fixing device 11. -Supplied from the potential output terminal 45; An insulator 49 is disposed between the + potential output terminal 44 and the −potential output terminal 45 from the vibrator so that both potentials are not short-circuited.
[0055]
According to this embodiment, since the motor 90 can be incorporated into the rotating body 7, the size of the entire ultrasonic probe can be reduced.
[0056]
In the present specification, the embodiment in which the vibrator rotates is described. However, the present invention can be applied to a case where the vibrator swings around a rotation axis. Further, in the present specification, the description has been made on the assumption that the signal transmission mechanism according to the ultrasonic probe is used. The present invention is applicable to any mechanism for transmitting an ultrasonic reception signal to a located electrode, and is not limited to an ultrasonic probe.
[0057]
In addition, by connecting the ultrasonic probe according to the disclosed embodiment to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the present invention can be applied to the diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic transducer according to the present invention can be applied to a flaw detector using ultrasonic waves.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
If the ultrasonic transmission mechanism between the rotating part and the non-rotating part of the ultrasonic probe according to the present invention is adopted, since the vicinity of the center of the rotating shaft of the rotating body is used as the transmitting part, the contact type is used. , Which is a problem of the transmission mechanism, can be suppressed as much as possible.
[0059]
Further, if the ultrasonic transmission mechanism between the rotating part and the non-rotating part of the ultrasonic probe according to the present invention is adopted, a ball bearing can be used as a transmission part, so that a contact transmission mechanism is used. Wear and frictional resistance due to sliding, which are problems of the above, can be suppressed as much as possible.
[0060]
If the present invention is applied to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, by switching the plurality of ultrasonic transducers according to time, signal information from the ultrasonic transducers having a plurality of frequencies is obtained by a simple switching operation. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a transmission mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the transmission mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a transmission mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side view of a transmission mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the vicinity of an electrode of a transmission mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side view of a transmission mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a side view of a transmission mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of a slip ring type transmission mechanism according to the related art.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a rotary transformer type transmission mechanism according to the related art.
[Description of numbering]
1 vibrator
2 Sound absorber
4 + contact for signal extraction
5 Ball bearing
7 Rotating body
8 Rotation axis
10-Signal extraction contact
40 + signal extraction electrode
41-Signal extraction electrode
50 motor

Claims (6)

A rotation axis,
A signal generation unit connected to the rotation shaft and generating an electric signal according to rotation or swing of the rotation shaft;
A first electrode electrically connected to the signal generating means and provided on at least one end face of the rotating shaft;
A second electrode that does not respond to rotation or swing of the rotation shaft, at least a portion of the second electrode is in contact with the first electrode in the vicinity of the center of the rotation shaft cross section. Two electrodes,
An electric signal transmission mechanism between a movable part and a non-movable part, comprising: A rotation axis,
A signal generation unit connected to the rotation shaft and generating an electric signal according to rotation or swing of the rotation shaft;
A first electrode electrically connected to the signal generating means and provided on at least a part of the rotation shaft surface;
A ball bearing mechanism that supports the rotation of the rotating shaft and makes contact and conduct with the first electrode,
A second electrode electrically connected to the ball bearing mechanism;
An electric signal transmission mechanism between a movable part and a non-movable part, comprising: A rotation axis,
At least two signal generating means connected to the rotating shaft and generating an electric signal in response to rotation or swing of the rotating shaft,
A first electrode electrically connected to one of the two signal generating means and provided on at least one end face of the rotating shaft;
A second electrode that does not respond to rotation or swing of the rotation shaft, at least a portion of the second electrode is in contact with the first electrode in the vicinity of the center of the rotation shaft cross section. Two electrodes,
A switching means for supplying an electric signal generated by the one signal generating means to the second electrode; and an electric signal transmission mechanism between the movable part and the non-movable part. A rotation axis,
At least two signal generating means connected to the rotating shaft and generating an electric signal in response to rotation or swing of the rotating shaft,
Of the at least two signal generating means, the first electrode is electrically connected to one signal generating means, and provided on at least a part of the rotating shaft surface,
A ball bearing mechanism that supports the rotation of the rotating shaft and makes contact and conduct with the first electrode,
A second electrode electrically connected to the ball bearing mechanism;
A switching means for supplying an electric signal generated by the one signal generating means to the second electrode; and an electric signal transmission mechanism between the movable part and the non-movable part. An ultrasonic probe comprising the electric signal transmission mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the signal generation means is an ultrasonic transducer. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising the ultrasonic probe defined in claim 5.

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