JP2007014606A - Ultrasonic probe, and sound matching medium replenishment adapter for ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic probe where a sound matching medium can be supplied automatically between the ultrasonic probe and a body surface of a patient. <P>SOLUTION: A probe main body 2 is surrounded by an adaptor main body part 31 of a sound matching medium replenishement adapter 3. In the side face part of the adaptor main body part 31, a housing part 35 housing the liquid or jelly sound matching medium and a supply part 36 for supplying the sound matching medium to a space 34a between the probe main body 2 and the body surface of the patient 50, are stored. The supply part 36 consists of a continuous porous member where a plurality of pores 36a are formed. The supply part 36 impregnates the sound matching medium from the housing part 35. The sound matching medium is moved through the inside of the supply part 36 consisting of the continuous porous member to be supplied to the space 34a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe and an acoustic matching medium refill adapter used for the ultrasonic probe. In particular, the present invention relates to an acoustic matching medium supplement adapter capable of automatically supplying a liquid or jelly-like acoustic matching medium between an ultrasonic probe and a body surface of a subject, and further includes the acoustic matching medium supplement adapter. Relates to an ultrasonic probe.

  When performing an examination using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus equipped with an ultrasonic probe, in order to efficiently transmit and receive ultrasonic waves between the ultrasonic probe and the living body, the surface of the ultrasonic probe or the body surface of the subject is used. A liquid or jelly-like acoustic matching medium is applied. This acoustic matching medium is generally referred to as an ultrasonic jelly or coupling medium, and excludes air between the ultrasonic probe and the body surface of the subject, Used for good acoustic matching.

  An ultrasonic probe according to the prior art will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a side view of an ultrasonic probe according to the prior art. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, by applying a liquid or jelly-like acoustic matching medium 60 to the tip 101 of the ultrasonic probe 100 or the body surface of the subject 50, the ultrasonic probe 100 has its acoustic matching. An ultrasonic wave is transmitted into the subject via the medium 60, and a reflected wave from the subject is received. By performing transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves through the acoustic matching medium 60 in this way, it is possible to improve the acoustic matching between the ultrasonic probe 100 and the subject.

  However, by moving the ultrasonic probe 100 on the body surface of the subject 50, the acoustic matching medium 60 between the ultrasonic probe 100 and the body surface of the subject 50 is moved as shown in FIG. Then, gradually escapes from between the ultrasonic probe 100 and the body surface of the subject 50 to the outside. As a result, a gap is formed between the tip 101 of the ultrasonic probe 100 and the body surface of the subject 50, and air enters the gap, so that acoustic matching cannot be improved.

  Accordingly, when the amount of the acoustic matching medium 60 between the ultrasonic probe 100 and the body surface of the subject 50 is reduced during inspection, in order to improve acoustic matching, The inspection is interrupted, and the inspector needs to manually replenish the acoustic matching medium 60 between the ultrasonic probe 100 and the body surface of the subject 50.

  Conventionally, in order to replenish the acoustic matching medium, a mechanism described in Patent Document 1 has been considered. In the mechanism described in Patent Document 1, a container filled with an acoustic matching medium is installed in an ultrasonic probe, and an inspector manually pushes out the acoustic matching medium filled in the container to the outside of the container. Thus, the acoustic matching medium is replenished between the ultrasonic probe and the body surface of the subject. That is, when the examiner thinks that it is necessary to replenish the acoustic matching medium, the acoustic matching medium is manually refilled between the ultrasonic probe and the body surface of the subject.

JP-A-2-191443

  According to the ultrasonic probe 100 described above and the ultrasonic probe described in Patent Document 1, the amount of the acoustic matching medium is reduced between the ultrasonic probe and the body surface of the subject during the inspection. Then, once the inspection was interrupted, the examiner had to manually replenish the acoustic matching medium between the ultrasonic probe and the body surface of the subject. That is, the acoustic matching medium is not automatically supplied, and the inspector must always manually replenish the acoustic matching medium. Thus, interrupting the inspection and manually replenishing the acoustic matching medium 60 is a troublesome work for the inspector, and has been one of the causes that hinders efficient inspection.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ultrasonic probe capable of automatically supplying an acoustic matching medium without interrupting an inspection by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. .

  The invention according to claim 1 has a probe main body portion that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic transducer through a tip portion, a side surface portion, and a hollow portion surrounded by the side surface portion, and the hollow portion An acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter that surrounds the probe main body portion by the side surface portion, and the acoustic matching medium supplementation adapter is liquid or jelly-like in the side surface portion. An acoustic matching medium and a supply member, wherein the supply member is formed so as to impregnate the acoustic matching medium and supply the impregnated acoustic matching medium to a distal end portion of the probe main body in the hollow portion. Is an ultrasonic probe.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic matching medium supplement adapter has openings formed on the top surface and the bottom surface, and the probe body extends from the top surface to the hollow portion. By inserting a portion, the side surface portion surrounds the probe main body portion, the supply member is installed on the bottom surface side, at least a portion is exposed from the side surface portion to the hollow portion, and is impregnated with the acoustic matching medium Then, the impregnated acoustic matching medium is supplied to the distal end portion of the probe main body portion in the hollow portion.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supply member impregnates the acoustic matching medium and impregnates the acoustic matching by a capillary phenomenon. A medium is supplied into the hollow portion.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the ultrasonic probe according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein a part of the supply member protrudes from the inside of the side surface portion toward the hollow portion. A portion is formed.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the supply member is made of a fiber bundle or a continuous porous member. is there.

The invention according to claim 6 is the ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the supply member is a continuous porous member, and the unit volume V _{0 of the} continuous porous member. The ratio (V / V ₀ ) of the volume V occupied by the pores is gradually reduced in the direction in which the acoustic matching medium is supplied.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the ultrasonic probe according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the supply member gradually decreases in pores in the direction in which the acoustic matching medium is supplied. It consists of the continuous porous member formed in this way.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, an opening is formed on the upper surface and the bottom surface, a side surface, a hollow portion surrounded by the side surface, and a liquid or jelly-like acoustic matching medium provided in the side surface. A supply member that is installed in the side surface and on the bottom surface side, and at least part of which is exposed to the hollow portion from within the side surface portion, and an ultrasonic probe is inserted into the hollow portion from the upper surface, The acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter is characterized in that the ultrasonic probe is surrounded by a side portion, and the supply member is impregnated with the acoustic matching medium to supply the impregnated acoustic matching medium into the hollow portion.

  According to the present invention, since the supply member impregnates the acoustic matching medium and supplies the acoustic matching medium impregnated in the hollow portion of the acoustic matching medium supplement adapter, the acoustic matching medium is automatically supplied to the tip of the probe main body. Is possible. In addition, the acoustic matching medium is gradually supplied to the tip of the probe main body. As a result, an acoustic matching medium in an amount suitable for ultrasonic inspection is automatically supplied, and a good ultrasonic image can be collected.

  Furthermore, part of the supply member protrudes into the hollow portion of the acoustic matching medium supplement adapter to form a stepped portion, so that the acoustic matching medium is supplied to the space surrounded by the stepped portion. Even if the ultrasonic probe is moved on the body surface of the subject, the acoustic matching medium is surrounded by the stepped portion, so that it is difficult for the acoustic matching medium to escape to the outside of the ultrasonic probe. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of reduction of the acoustic matching medium.

In addition, by gradually reducing the porosity (V / V ₀ ) in the direction in which the acoustic matching medium is supplied, an appropriate amount of the acoustic matching medium for obtaining a good ultrasonic image is provided at the tip of the ultrasonic probe. It becomes possible to supply automatically.

  An ultrasonic probe and an acoustic matching medium supplement adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  A schematic configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the exploded perspective view shown in FIG. The ultrasonic probe includes a head and a cable, and FIG. 1 shows the head of the ultrasonic probe.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 according to this embodiment includes a probe main body 2 and an acoustic matching medium supplement adapter 3. The probe main body 2 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The acoustic matching medium supplement adapter 3 is attached to the probe main body 2 and supplies the acoustic matching medium to the tip 2 a of the probe main body 2.

  The probe main body 2 has a known configuration. Specifically, the probe main body 2 includes a back material 21, an ultrasonic transducer 22, an acoustic matching layer 23, and an acoustic lens 24 inside a housing 25 of the head unit. The back material 21, the ultrasonic transducer 22, the acoustic matching layer 23, and the acoustic lens 24 are arranged in that order toward the tip 2 a of the probe main body 2.

  The backing material 21 attenuates and absorbs ultrasonic vibration components that are not necessary for image extraction of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus among ultrasonic vibrations oscillated from the ultrasonic vibrator 22 and ultrasonic vibrations at the time of reception. Generally, a material obtained by mixing microballoon or the like into ferrite rubber, epoxy, urethane rubber or the like is used for the backing material 21.

The ultrasonic transducer 22 is installed on the back material 21. Examples of the ultrasonic vibrator 22 include lead zirconate titanate Pb (Zr, Ti) O ₃ , lithium niobate (LiNbO ₃ ), barium titanate (BaTiO ₃ ), and lead titanate (PbTiO ₃ ). Ceramic material is used. In addition, electrodes (not shown) are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the ultrasonic transducer 22. As the ultrasonic probe 1 according to this embodiment, either a so-called one-dimensional ultrasonic probe or a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe may be used. For example, in a one-dimensional ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic transducers 22 are divided and arranged in a plurality in the scanning direction. In the two-dimensional ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic transducers 22 are divided and arranged in a matrix (two-dimensional).

  The acoustic matching layer 23 is installed on the ultrasonic transducer 22 and is divided into a plurality of rows in the scanning direction. The acoustic matching layer 23 has a function of suppressing the occurrence of signal loss due to the difference in acoustic impedance from the body surface of the subject. For example, an epoxy resin or a plastic material is used for the acoustic matching layer 23. Further, in order to improve acoustic matching, the acoustic matching layer 23 may have a plurality of layer structures.

  The acoustic lens 24 is installed on the acoustic matching layer 23. The acoustic lens 24 mediates transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by contacting the body surface of the subject. By this acoustic lens 24, an acoustic focal point in the slice direction (direction orthogonal to the scanning direction) is formed at a predetermined depth from the body surface.

  The back material 21, the ultrasonic transducer 22, the acoustic matching layer 23, and the acoustic lens 24 described above are stored in a housing 25 of the head unit.

  The acoustic matching medium supplement adapter 3 is attached to the probe main body 2 so as to surround the probe main body 2 at the side surface and supply a liquid or jelly-like acoustic matching medium to the tip 2 a of the probe main body 2. .

  As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 1 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter 3 has an opening 32 formed on the top surface, an opening 33 formed on the bottom surface, and a hollow surrounded by side portions. An adapter main body 31 having a portion 34 is provided. When the adapter main body 31 and the probe main body 2 are fitted, the probe main body 2 is surrounded by the side surface of the adapter main body 31 to form the ultrasonic probe 1 according to this embodiment. That is, the shape of the housing 25 of the head portion and the shape of the hollow portion 34 of the adapter main body 31 substantially match, and the probe main body 2 is inserted into the hollow portion 34 of the adapter main body 31, and the adapter main body portion. 31 and the probe main body 2 are fitted.

  The shape of the casing 25 of the head unit varies depending on the type of ultrasonic probe (linear type, convex type or sector type), but the head unit casing 25 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in any ultrasonic probe. ing. In the convex ultrasonic probe, the tip 2a of the probe main body 2 is curved, but the shape of the housing 25 of the head portion may be considered to be a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  For example, in the case of a linear ultrasonic probe, as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 1, the casing 25 of the head portion has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Thus, when the shape of the housing 25 of the head portion is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, the shape of the hollow portion 34 is also a substantially rectangular parallelepiped in order to fit the housing 25 of the head portion into the hollow portion 34 of the adapter main body 31. That is, the adapter main body 31 has a rectangular parallelepiped hollow portion 34 that substantially matches the shape of the casing 25 of the head portion, and the probe main body 2 is fitted into the rectangular parallelepiped hollow portion 34 so that the ultrasonic probe 1 is fitted. Is made. In addition, although the external shape of this adapter main-body part 31 has comprised the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, it does not specifically limit about an external shape, The external shape may be round.

  The opening 32 on the upper surface of the adapter main body 31 has a size and a shape that allow the housing 25 of the head portion of the probe main body 2 to be inserted. For example, the shape of the opening 32 on the top surface is a rectangle that substantially matches the shape of the casing 25 of the head, and the horizontal width and vertical width thereof are larger than the horizontal width and vertical width of the probe casing 25. Then, the probe main body 2 is inserted from the opening 32 on the upper surface (in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 1), and the probe main body 2 is fitted into the adapter main body 31. By inserting the probe main body 2 from the opening 32, the side surface of the probe main body 2 is surrounded by the adapter main body 31.

  The opening 33 formed on the bottom surface has a rectangular shape that substantially matches the shape of the casing 25 of the head portion of the probe main body 2, and the horizontal width and vertical width thereof are the horizontal width and vertical width of the probe casing 25. Is smaller than Therefore, the probe main body 2 inserted from the opening 32 on the upper surface does not pass through the opening 33 on the bottom and penetrate the adapter main body 31. As will be described later, a stepped portion 36b is formed on the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31 by bending a part of the supply unit 36 for supplying the acoustic matching medium to the inside of the adapter main body 31 (in the central direction of the hollow portion 34). Therefore, the size of the opening 33 on the bottom surface becomes smaller than the size of the housing 25 of the head portion due to the step portion 36b. Therefore, the probe main body 2 inserted from the opening 32 on the upper surface comes into contact with the stepped portion 36b formed by a part of the supply portion 36, and is stopped by the stepped portion 36b.

  The ultrasonic wave transmitted from the probe main body 2 is transmitted to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 1, for example, the subject through the opening 33, and the ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject is the opening 33. And is received by the probe body 2. As described above, the opening 33 is formed on the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31 in order to enable transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves. Note that the shape of the opening 33 on the bottom surface does not have to be rectangular as described above, and may be rounded.

  As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, inside the adapter main body 31, an accommodating portion 35 that accommodates a liquid or jelly-like acoustic matching medium, and a supply that supplies the acoustic matching medium to the tip 2 a of the probe main body 2. Part 36 is stored. The accommodating portion 35 and the supply portion 36 may be stored in all the side surface portions of the adapter main body portion 31 so as to surround the probe main body portion 2, or may be stored only in some of the side surface portions.

  The accommodating part 35 is composed of a container that accommodates the acoustic matching medium, and a surface in contact with the supply part 36 is opened (not shown). The accommodating part 35 only needs to accommodate the acoustic matching medium, and its material and formation are not limited. For example, a container such as a plastic is used for the accommodating portion 35.

  The acoustic matching medium is a substance for improving the acoustic matching between the ultrasonic probe 1 and the body surface of the subject and efficiently transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. This acoustic matching medium is a known substance used for inspection using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and is made of a liquid or jelly-like substance. The acoustic matching medium is generally referred to as “ultrasonic jelly” or “coupling medium”.

  A supply unit 36 is provided in contact with the storage unit 35. The supply unit 36 impregnates the acoustic matching medium accommodated in the accommodating unit 35 and supplies the acoustic matching medium to the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31. The upper surface of the supply unit 36 is in contact with the housing unit 35, and the bottom surface is exposed from the adapter main body 31. Further, the lower part of the supply part 36 is bent inside the adapter main body 31 (in the central direction of the hollow part 34), and a stepped part 36b is formed by the bent part. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, a part of the supply part 36 is bent inwardly of the adapter main body 31 to have an L-shape, and a stepped part 36 b is formed at the bent part. ing. When the probe main body 2 is inserted into the hollow portion 34 of the adapter main body 31, the step 2b of the probe main body 2 comes into contact with the step 36b formed by a part of the supply portion 36. The probe main body 2 is stopped at 36 b and the probe main body 2 does not penetrate the adapter main body 31.

  For example, a continuous porous member or a fiber bundle is used for the supply unit 36, but other materials may be used. Any material that can be impregnated with the acoustic matching medium can be used for the supply unit 36. For example, even a piece of cloth, paper or sponge can be impregnated with the acoustic matching medium, so that it can be used for the supply unit 36.

  Here, the continuous porous member will be described in detail. The continuous porous member is a solid material in which a large number of pores 36a are formed. The pores 36a of the continuous porous member used in the supply unit 36 according to this embodiment are connected to each other. That is, the pores 36a are connected to each other by opening small holes in the walls of the pores 36a. Therefore, the continuous porous member can suck the liquid or jelly-like acoustic matching medium. The continuous porous member can also pass the acoustic matching medium by a capillary phenomenon.

  The pores 36a of the continuous porous member used in this embodiment may have the same size or different sizes. In order to simplify the description, the pores 36a are schematically shown in FIG. 2 and the shape thereof is a sphere, but any shape may be used. Some continuous porous members have an irregular pore structure, and some continuous porous members have a distribution in the size of the pores 36a. Some have a regular pore structure. The size of the pores 36a is several nanometers to several micrometers. For example, foamed / thermoplastic polyurethane, decarburized cal / thermoplastic polyurethane, wet-sintered / thermoplastic polyurethane, decarburized cal / polyolefin, nbr rubber sponge (nitrile rubber sponge), PVC paste machine Examples include foams.

Moreover, the porosity of the continuous porous member which comprises the supply part 36 which concerns on this embodiment is substantially uniform within the supply part 36. FIG. This porosity is defined by the ratio “V / V ₀ ” of the volume V occupied by pores in the unit area V ₀ of the continuous porous member. Therefore, the volume ratio “V / V ₀ ” occupied by the pores 36 a of the continuous porous member constituting the supply unit 36 is uniform in the supply unit 36. An example in which the porosity is not uniform in the supply unit will be described in a later-described modification.

(Function)
Next, operations and effects of the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the acoustic matching medium supplement adapter installed in the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a sectional view taken along the line AA of the exploded perspective view shown in FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the acoustic matching medium supplement adapter installed in the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment of the present invention, from the direction of arrow B (bottom direction) of the exploded perspective view shown in FIG. FIG. Here, the example which used the continuous porous member for the supply part 36 is demonstrated.

  When performing an ultrasonic inspection using the ultrasonic probe 1, as shown in FIG. 3, the probe main body 2 is inserted from the opening 32 of the adapter main body 31, and the probe main body 2 and the adapter main body 31 are connected. As a result, the acoustic matching medium supplement adapter 3 is attached to the probe main body 2. On the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31, a part of the supply unit 36 is bent toward the inner side of the adapter main body 31 (in the center direction of the hollow portion 34) to form a stepped portion 36 b. The tip 2 a comes into contact with the stepped portion 36 b, and the probe main body 2 is stopped in the hollow portion 34 of the adapter main body 31.

  Further, since the supply unit 36 is bent toward the inside of the adapter main body 31 (in the central direction of the hollow portion 34) to form a stepped portion 36b, the tip 2a of the probe main body 2 and the body surface of the subject 50 are formed. A space 34a is formed between the two. The acoustic matching medium supplied from the supply unit 36 is replenished in the space 34a. Further, since the space 34a is surrounded by a stepped portion 36b formed by a part of the supply portion 36, the acoustic matching medium is difficult to escape to the outside from the space 34a.

  The acoustic matching medium accommodated in the accommodating part 35 is absorbed by the supply part 36 made of a continuous porous member, gradually moves in the supply part 36 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. And automatically supplied to the space 34a. As a result, the acoustic matching medium is automatically replenished between the probe main body 2 and the body surface of the subject 50.

  In addition, since the probe main body 2 is surrounded by the adapter main body 31, the acoustic matching medium is spaced from four sides (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4A) as shown in the plan view of FIG. 34a. Further, when the supply unit 36 is stored in a part of the side surface portion of the adapter main body 31, the acoustic matching medium is not supplied from four sides as shown in FIG. In this way, the acoustic matching medium is supplied from a part of the side surfaces (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4B).

  In this state, even if the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved on the body surface of the subject 50, the space 34a to which the acoustic matching medium is replenished is surrounded by the step portion 36b formed by a part of the supply unit 36. The acoustic matching medium in the space 34a is difficult to escape to the outside. Further, since the acoustic matching medium is gradually supplied from the supply unit 36 to the space 34a formed between the probe main body 2 and the body surface of the subject 50, the tip 2a of the probe main body 2 and the subject 50 It is difficult to form a gap in the space 34a between the two as in the conventional ultrasonic probe.

  Further, since the supply unit 36 is made of a continuous porous member in which a large number of pores 36a are formed, the acoustic matching medium is not supplied from the supply unit 36 to the tip 2a of the probe main body unit 2 at a stretch, and the stain is gradually absorbed. Will be supplied. As a result, an appropriate amount of the acoustic matching medium is automatically supplied without being supplied more than necessary to obtain a good image.

  Further, in addition to the continuous porous member, even when a fiber bundle is used for the supply unit 36, it is possible to achieve the same actions and effects as when the continuous porous member is used. That is, the acoustic matching medium soaks into the fiber bundle, and gradually the acoustic matching medium is automatically supplied to the tip 2 a of the probe main body 2. Accordingly, an appropriate amount of the acoustic matching medium is automatically supplied to the tip 2a of the probe main body 2 in order to obtain a good image.

  Further, in addition to the continuous porous member or the fiber bundle, even when a piece of cloth, paper, sponge, or the like is used, the acoustic matching medium is sucked and gradually supplied to the tip 2a of the probe main body 2. Is possible.

  As described above, by using a continuous porous member, a fiber bundle, or the like for the supply unit 36, the acoustic matching medium can be gradually supplied between the tip 2a of the probe main body 2 and the body surface of the subject 50. It becomes possible.

  In addition, since the acoustic matching medium is automatically supplied to the tip 2a of the probe main body 2 by using a continuous porous member or a fiber bundle or the like for the supply unit 36, the inspector removes the acoustic matching medium from the storage unit 35. There is no need to force the probe body 2 to be pushed out to the tip 2a.

  Further, even when the ultrasonic probe 1 is turned upside down and the tip 2a of the probe main body 2 faces upward, the acoustic matching medium can be supplied to the tip 2a of the probe main body 2 by capillary action. It becomes.

(Modification)
Next, a modification of the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the ultrasonic probe according to the modification, the configuration of the supply unit stored in the adapter main body 31 is different from the configuration of the supply unit 36 according to the above-described embodiment. Although the porosity of the continuous porous member which comprises the supply part 36 which concerns on embodiment mentioned above was substantially uniform within the supply part 36, the porosity of the continuous porous member which comprises the supply part which concerns on this modification Is smaller toward the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31 (the tip 2a of the probe main body 2). That is, the porosity of the continuous porous member gradually decreases in the direction in which the acoustic matching medium is supplied.

  Due to the difference in porosity, the supply amount of the acoustic matching medium is different. That is, the more porous the continuous porous member, the greater the amount of impregnation with the acoustic matching medium and the greater the amount supplied. On the other hand, the continuous porous member having a smaller porosity has a smaller amount of impregnation with the acoustic matching medium and a smaller supply amount. By reducing the porosity of the continuous porous member toward the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31 (the tip 2a of the probe main body 2), the supply amount of the acoustic matching medium gradually increases toward the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31. Can be reduced. As a result, the acoustic matching medium moves smoothly in the continuous porous member until just before the space 34a. However, since the supply amount decreases just before the space 34a, the acoustic matching medium is not supplied to the space 34a all at once. Will be supplied. As a result, an appropriate amount of the acoustic matching medium is automatically supplied without being supplied more than necessary to obtain a good image.

  Next, a specific configuration in which the porosity of the continuous porous member constituting the supply unit is made different will be described as Modification 1 and Modification 2.

(Modification 1)
Modification 1 of the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an acoustic matching medium supplement adapter installed in an ultrasonic probe according to Modification 1 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the exploded perspective view shown in FIG.

  In the first modification, the configuration of the supply unit 37 stored in the adapter main body 31 is different from the supply unit 36 according to the above-described embodiment. Although the supply unit 36 according to the above-described embodiment is configured by one type of continuous porous member, in the first modification, the supply unit 37 is configured by two types of different continuous porous members.

  The supply unit 37 according to the first modification is in contact with the first supply unit 38 installed in contact with the storage unit 35 and the first supply unit 38, and a part thereof is exposed from the adapter main body 31. 2 supply units 39. A part of the second supply part 39 is bent inside the adapter body part 31 (in the central direction of the hollow part 34) to form a step part 39b. The tip 2a of the probe main body 2 is stopped in the hollow portion 34 of the adapter main body 31 by contacting the stepped portion 39b.

The first supply unit 38 and the second supply unit 39 are both formed of a continuous porous member, but have different pore sizes. The pores 38 a of the continuous porous member constituting the first supply part 38 are larger in size than the pores 39 a of the continuous porous member constituting the second supply part 39. Thus, the porosity of each continuous porous member is varied by changing the pore size of the continuous porous member. For example, by increasing the size of the pores, the proportion “V / V ₀ ” of the volume V occupied by the pores is increased, and by reducing the size of the pores, the proportion “V / V ₀ ” occupied by the pores is increased. Make it smaller. In this embodiment, the size of the pores 38a of the continuous porous member constituting the first supply part 38 is made larger than the size of the pores 39a of the continuous porous member constituting the second supply part 39. Thus, the porosity of the continuous porous member constituting the first supply part 38 is made larger than the porosity of the continuous porous member constituting the second supply part 39.

  The absorption amount and supply amount of the acoustic matching medium are different between the first supply unit 38 and the second supply unit 39 because the pore sizes of the continuous porous member are different and the porosity is different. The larger the pore size and the greater the porosity, the greater the amount of absorption and supply of the acoustic matching medium, and the smaller the pore size and the smaller the porosity, the more the absorption and supply amount of the acoustic matching medium. Less. The ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first modification utilizes this phenomenon. In the first modification, a supply unit having pores that are smaller in size is provided toward the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31, that is, toward the tip 2 a of the probe main body 2. That is, each part is installed in the order of the accommodating part 35, the first supply part 38, and the second supply part 39 toward the bottom surface of the adapter main body part 31 (tip 2 a of the probe main body part 2). By installing each part in this way, the first supply unit 38 absorbs the acoustic matching medium from the storage unit 35 and supplies the acoustic matching medium to the second supply unit 39. The second supply unit 39 supplies the acoustic matching medium supplied from the first supply unit 38 to the tip 2 a of the probe main body 2. In this case, the acoustic matching medium is supplied to the space 34 a surrounded by the step portion 39 b formed by a part of the second supply portion 39.

  By installing each part in this manner, the amount (absorption amount) of the acoustic matching medium sucked into the first supply unit 38 from the storage unit 35 increases, but from the first supply unit 38 to the second supply unit 39. The amount (absorption amount) of the acoustic matching medium sucked into is reduced. As a result, the acoustic matching medium moves smoothly in the continuous porous member until immediately before the space 34a surrounded by the stepped portion 39b. However, since the supply amount decreases immediately before, the acoustic matching medium enters the space 34a. It is gradually supplied without being supplied at once. As a result, an appropriate amount of the acoustic matching medium is automatically supplied without being supplied more than necessary to obtain a good image.

  In addition, in this modification 1, although the example using two types of continuous porous members was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to this example. Three or more types of continuous porous members may be used for the supply unit. Even when three or more kinds of continuous porous members are used, a continuous porous member having smaller pores is installed toward the tip of the ultrasonic probe 1.

  Further, even in the ultrasonic probe according to the first modification, since the continuous porous member or the fiber bundle or the like is used for the supply unit 37, the probe main body portion 2 is similar to the ultrasonic probe according to the above-described embodiment. Since the acoustic matching medium is automatically supplied to the space 34a formed between the tip 2a of the subject 50 and the body surface of the subject 50, the examination is interrupted and the inspector manually operates the acoustic matching medium as in the prior art. There is no need to supply.

(Modification 2)
Next, another modification of the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an acoustic matching medium supplement adapter installed in an ultrasonic probe according to Modification 2 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the exploded perspective view shown in FIG.

  In Modification 2, the configuration of the supply unit 40 stored in the adapter main body 31 is different from the supply unit 36 according to the above-described embodiment and the supply unit 37 according to Modification 1. The supply unit 40 according to the second modification is configured by one continuous porous member in which pores having different sizes are continuously formed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the supply part 40 is comprised with the continuous porous member in which three types of pores 40a, 40b, and 40c were formed. Among these pores, the size of the pore 40a is the largest, the pore 40b is next large, and the pore 40c is the smallest among the three pores. Smaller pores are formed toward the bottom surface of the adapter main body 2 (the tip 2a of the probe main body 2). In the second modification, the largest pore 40a is formed at a position near the accommodating portion 35, and the next largest pore 40b is formed toward the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31 (the tip 2a of the probe main body 2). A pore 40c is formed near the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31 (the tip 2a of the probe main body 2). In this way, the porosity of the continuous porous member is reduced by reducing the size of the pores gradually toward the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31 (the tip 2a of the probe main body 2). It gradually becomes smaller toward the tip 2a) of the main body 2. Thereby, the supply amount of the acoustic matching medium can be gradually reduced toward the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31 (the tip 2a of the probe main body 2).

  As described above, by moving toward the bottom surface of the adapter main body 31 (the distal end 2a of the probe main body 2), the size of the pores is reduced to reduce the porosity, so that the acoustic matching medium is just before the space 34a. Although it moves smoothly in the continuous porous member, the supply amount of the acoustic matching medium decreases immediately before, so that the acoustic matching medium is gradually supplied to the space 34a without being supplied at once. As a result, an appropriate amount of the acoustic matching medium is automatically supplied without being supplied more than necessary to obtain a good image.

  Further, even in the ultrasonic probe according to the second modified example, since the continuous porous member or the fiber bundle is used for the supply unit 40, the probe main body unit like the ultrasonic probe according to the above-described embodiment. Since the acoustic matching medium is automatically supplied to the space 34a formed between the tip 2a of the two and the body surface of the subject 50, the examination is interrupted as in the prior art, and the examiner manually performs acoustic matching. There is no need to supply media.

(Modification 3)
Next, still another modification of the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter installed in an ultrasonic probe according to Modification 3 of the present invention.

  In the modification 3, the shape of the supply part 41 stored in the adapter main body 31 is different from the supply part 36, the supply part 37, and the supply part 40 described above. In the third modification, a part of the supply part 41 does not protrude into the hollow part 34. Therefore, unlike the embodiment and the modification, no stepped part is formed in the hollow part 34. Even in the acoustic matching medium supplement adapter 3 having such a configuration, by using a continuous porous member or a fiber bundle for the supply portion 41, the acoustic matching medium is placed in the hollow portion 34, particularly the tip 2a of the probe main body portion 2. It becomes possible to supply automatically.

  Moreover, when using a continuous porous member for the supply part 41, you may use 2 or more types of continuous porous members like the supply part 37 which concerns on the modification 1, and also of the supply part 40 which concerns on the modification 2 As described above, one continuous porous member in which pores having different sizes are continuously formed may be used.

(Modification 4)
Next, still another modification of the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an acoustic matching medium supplement adapter installed in an ultrasonic probe according to Modification 4 of the present invention.

  In the ultrasonic probe according to the modified example 4, an opening 42a is formed on the upper surface of the accommodating portion 42, and a pressure plate 43 is inserted into the opening 42a. The pressure plate 43 is installed so as to be movable in the vertical direction by an inspector. That is, the pressure plate 43 can be moved up and down in the accommodating portion 42. Then, by pressing the pressure plate 43 toward the bottom surface side of the adapter main body 31, the acoustic matching medium accommodated in the accommodation portion 42 is forcibly pushed out toward the supply portion 36 by the pressure plate 43. Thereby, the absorption of the acoustic matching medium by the supply unit 36 is accelerated. For example, the pressing plate 43 is pressed at the start of the inspection to force the acoustic matching medium to be absorbed by the supply unit 36 and supplied from the supply unit 36 to the tip 2 a of the probe main body 2. Since a large amount of the acoustic matching medium is required at the start of the inspection, the acoustic matching medium necessary for starting the inspection is pushed to the tip 2a of the probe main body 2 by forcibly pushing out the acoustic matching medium in this way. It becomes possible to supply.

  During the inspection, the acoustic matching medium is automatically applied to the tip 2a of the probe main body 2 from the supply unit as in the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment and the first to third modifications described above. Gradually supplied. Therefore, during the inspection, the acoustic matching medium in an amount suitable for the inspection is gradually supplied without pressing the pressure plate 43. If a large amount of acoustic matching medium is required during the inspection, the acoustic matching medium can be forcibly supplied by pressing the pressure plate 43 as necessary.

  In the fourth modification, the example of the ultrasonic probe including the supply unit 36 according to the above embodiment has been described. However, a pressure plate is attached to the ultrasonic probe including the supply unit according to the first to third modifications. Even if installed, the above-described actions and effects can be achieved.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter installed in the ultrasonic probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is AA sectional drawing of the exploded perspective view shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter installed in the ultrasonic probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is AA sectional drawing of the exploded perspective view shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter installed in the ultrasonic probe which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the top view seen from the direction of the arrow B (bottom direction) of the exploded perspective view shown in FIG. It is. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the acoustic matching medium supplement adapter installed in the ultrasonic probe which concerns on the modification 1 of this invention, and is AA sectional drawing of the exploded perspective view shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the acoustic matching medium supplement adapter installed in the ultrasonic probe which concerns on the modification 2 of this invention, and is AA sectional drawing of the exploded perspective view shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter installed in the ultrasonic probe which concerns on the modification 3 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the acoustic matching medium supplement adapter installed in the ultrasonic probe which concerns on the modification 4 of this invention. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Probe main body part 3 Acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter 21 Back material 22 Ultrasonic vibrator 23 Acoustic matching layer 24 Acoustic lens 25 Housing of head part 31 Adapter main part 32 Opening part on upper surface 33 Opening part on bottom surface 34 Hollow portion 35, 42 Housing portion 36, 37, 40 Supply portion 38 First supply portion 39 Second supply portion 36a, 38a, 39a, 40a, 40b, 40c Pore 36b, 39b, 40d Stepped portion 43 Pressure plate 50 Covered Specimen

Claims (10)

A probe main body that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic transducer through the tip; and
An acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter having a side part and a hollow part surrounded by the side part, and surrounding the probe body part by the side part by inserting the probe body part into the hollow part. ,
The acoustic matching medium supplement adapter is
In the side portion, provided with a liquid or jelly-like acoustic matching medium and a supply member,
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the supply member is formed so as to impregnate the acoustic matching medium and supply the impregnated acoustic matching medium to a distal end portion of the probe main body in the hollow portion. The acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter has openings on the upper surface and the bottom surface, and the probe main body portion is inserted into the hollow portion from the upper surface so that the side surface portion surrounds the probe main body portion,
The supply member is installed on the bottom surface side, and at least a part of the supply member is exposed from the side surface portion to the hollow portion. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic probe is supplied to a part.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the supply member supplies the acoustic matching medium impregnated with the acoustic matching medium by capillary action into the hollow portion. .   4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein a part of the supply member protrudes from the side surface portion toward the hollow portion to form a stepped portion. 5.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the supply member is a fiber bundle or a continuous porous member. The supply member is composed of a continuous porous member, and the ratio (V / V ₀ ) of the volume V occupied by pores in the unit volume V ₀ of the continuous porous member is gradually increased in the direction in which the acoustic matching medium is supplied. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ultrasonic probe is smaller.   The said supply member consists of a continuous porous member formed so that a pore may become small gradually in the direction in which the said acoustic matching medium is supplied, The claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Ultrasonic probe. Openings are formed on the upper surface and the bottom surface, the side surface portion, the hollow portion surrounded by the side surface portion, the liquid or jelly-like acoustic matching medium provided in the side surface portion, the side surface portion and the bottom surface side A supply member that is installed and at least a portion of which is exposed to the hollow portion from within the side surface portion, and
By inserting an ultrasonic probe from the upper surface into the hollow part, the ultrasonic probe is surrounded by the side part,
The acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter, wherein the supply member impregnates the acoustic matching medium and supplies the impregnated acoustic matching medium into the hollow portion.   9. The acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter according to claim 8, wherein the supply member impregnates the acoustic matching medium and supplies the impregnated acoustic matching medium into the hollow portion by a capillary phenomenon.   The acoustic matching medium replenishment adapter according to claim 8, wherein the supply unit includes a fiber bundle or a continuous porous member.

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