JP2009153675A - Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic probe which enables an operator to easily recognize that the contact surface with a subject of the ultrasonic probe is worn, or which prevents the contact surface from being worn, and to provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: Since an acoustic lens 10 comprises a gray surface layer 41 and a red wear detection layer 42 positioned in the inside, when the acoustic lens 10 is worn, the red wear detection layer 42 is exposed on the contact surface with the subject 2, the wear is clearly indicated as a change that the operator can visually and easily recognize, and thereby the degradation of tomographic image information and the degradation of safety when using the worn acoustic lens 10 are prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic imaging apparatus that perform inspection by applying a gel or the like to a contact surface with a subject.

  In recent years, examinations using an ultrasonic imaging apparatus are routinely performed in hospitals. In this examination, an ultrasonic probe in which a jelly-like gel or the like is applied to the contact surface with the subject is brought into close contact with the subject. At the end of the examination, the gel adhering to the contact surface of the subject and the ultrasound probe is wiped off by an operator or the like (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

In addition, the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe with the subject forms an acoustic lens (lens) that converges the ultrasonic wave in the subject, and the acoustic impedance (impedance) is close to the subject, such as rubber (gum). It is formed using a soft material. Here, gel or the like adheres to the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe made of rubber or the like every time an inspection is performed, and the operator uses a cloth or the like to perform cleaning.
Edited by Japan Electronic Machinery Manufacturers Association, “Revised Medical Ultrasound Handbook”, Corona, January 20, 1997, p. 205-206

  However, according to the background art described above, deterioration such as wear occurs on the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe with the subject. That is, the acoustic lens forming the contact surface with the subject is formed of a soft material such as rubber. On the other hand, when the operator cleans the contact surface, if a cleaning tool made of a relatively hard material is used, the acoustic lens is scratched, dented, or the like on the contact surface.

  In particular, a cloth (for example, Kimwipe) using a pulp material for cleaning used in medical and manufacturing sites is designed so that dust, pulp debris, etc. are not generated from a hygienic and work viewpoint. The constituent fiber is hard. This cloth is intended to sufficiently damage the contact surface of a soft ultrasonic probe by cleaning the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe, and to wear the contact surface after many more cleanings. It becomes.

  Wear on the contact surface causes deterioration of image quality, exposure of built-in electrical components, etc., and it is not preferable that the operator keep using it without noticing the wear.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the background art, and the operator can easily recognize that the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe with the subject is worn, or the contact surface. An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic imaging apparatus capable of preventing the wear of the probe.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an ultrasonic probe according to the invention of the first aspect is mounted with a piezoelectric element plate that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and the piezoelectric element plate in the transmission and reception direction. An acoustic lens comprising: a surface layer having a uniform color covering a contact surface with the subject in the transmission / reception direction; and the piezoelectric of the surface layer. A wear detection layer having a color different from that of the surface layer is provided in an internal direction in which the element plate is located.

  In the invention according to the first aspect, the acoustic lens includes two layers of a surface layer and a wear detection layer having different colors.

  An ultrasonic probe according to a second aspect of the invention includes a piezoelectric element plate that transmits / receives ultrasonic waves, an acoustic matching layer that is mounted in a transmission / reception direction in which the piezoelectric element plate performs the transmission / reception, and the acoustic probe. An acoustic probe including an acoustic lens mounted in the transmission / reception direction of a matching layer, wherein the acoustic lens has a uniform color that covers a contact surface with a subject in the transmission / reception direction And a wear detection layer having a color different from that of the surface layer in an inner direction in which the acoustic matching layer of the surface layer is located.

  In the invention according to the second aspect, the acoustic lens is composed of two layers of a surface layer and a wear detection layer having different colors.

  The ultrasonic probe according to the invention of the third aspect is the ultrasonic probe according to the first or second aspect, wherein the wear detection layer and the surface layer have approximate acoustic impedances. It is characterized by.

  In the invention of the third aspect, the wear detection layer and the surface layer are made of the same material acoustically.

  The ultrasonic probe according to the invention of the fourth aspect is the ultrasonic probe according to the third aspect, wherein the surface layer has a uniform thickness in the internal direction. And

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, the surface layer requires similar time for similar wear everywhere.

  An ultrasonic probe according to a fifth aspect of the invention is characterized in that in the ultrasonic probe according to the fourth aspect, the contact surface of the acoustic lens is flat.

  In the invention of the fifth aspect, the close contact with the subject is improved.

  An ultrasonic probe according to the invention of a sixth aspect is the ultrasonic probe according to the fifth aspect, wherein the surface layer and the wear detection layer are substantially parallel to the contact surface. It is characterized by providing.

  The ultrasonic probe according to the seventh aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic probe according to the first or second aspect, wherein the wear detection layer has an acoustic impedance different from that of the surface layer. It is characterized by.

  In the seventh aspect of the invention, the surface layer and the wear detection layer are formed of different materials.

  An ultrasonic probe according to the invention of the eighth aspect is the ultrasonic probe according to the seventh aspect, wherein the surface layer and the wear detection layer are partially close to the contact surface. It is characterized by providing a boundary surface.

  In the invention of the eighth aspect, the wear detection layer is made partial.

  Moreover, the ultrasonic probe according to the ninth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic probe according to the eighth aspect, wherein the boundary surface is positioned near the center of the contact surface at a position where the boundary surface is the short distance. It is located in.

  In the ninth aspect of the invention, wear near the center of the contact surface is detected.

  The ultrasonic probe according to the invention of the tenth aspect is the ultrasonic probe according to the eighth aspect, wherein the boundary surface is positioned at the end of the contact surface at the short distance. It is located in the vicinity.

  In the invention of the tenth aspect, wear near the end of the contact surface is detected.

  The ultrasonic probe according to the invention of the eleventh aspect is the ultrasonic probe according to the eighth aspect, wherein the boundary surface is along the contact surface at a position where the distance is short. It has a character shape.

  In the invention according to the eleventh aspect, wear is clearly shown to the operator using a character pattern.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is based on an ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and receives reflected ultrasonic waves from the subject, and the reflected ultrasonic waves. An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising: an image processing unit that forms tomographic image information; and a display unit that displays the tomographic image information, wherein the ultrasonic probe includes a piezoelectric element plate that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and the An acoustic lens mounted in the transmission / reception direction of the piezoelectric element plate, the acoustic lens having a uniform color covering a contact surface with the subject in the transmission / reception direction; and the surface layer A wear detection layer having a color different from that of the surface layer is provided in an internal direction in which the piezoelectric element plate is located.

  An ultrasonic probe according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention is an ultrasonic probe comprising a piezoelectric element plate that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and an acoustic lens that is mounted in the transmission and reception direction of the piezoelectric element plate. The acoustic lens includes a lens layer for converging the ultrasonic wave in the transmission / reception direction of the piezoelectric element plate, and a protective layer having a hardness higher than that of the lens layer in the transmission / reception direction of the lens layer. It is characterized by.

  In the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the lens layer is prevented from being worn by the protective layer.

  The ultrasonic probe according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that in the ultrasonic probe according to the thirteenth aspect, the lens layer is formed using rubber.

  In the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the lens layer has an acoustic impedance intermediate between the subject and the acoustic matching layer.

  An ultrasonic probe according to a fifteenth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic probe according to the fourteenth aspect, characterized in that the protective layer is formed using polyimide.

  In the fifteenth aspect of the invention, polyimide has a higher hardness than rubber and reduces wear.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the invention is based on an ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and receives reflected ultrasonic waves from the subject, and the reflected ultrasonic waves. An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising: an image processing unit that forms tomographic image information; and a display unit that displays the tomographic image information, wherein the ultrasonic probe includes a piezoelectric element plate that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and the An acoustic lens mounted in the transmission / reception direction of the piezoelectric element plate, the acoustic lens in the transmission / reception direction of the piezoelectric element plate, and a lens layer for converging the ultrasonic wave in the transmission / reception direction of the lens layer; And a protective layer having a hardness higher than that of the lens layer.

  According to the present invention, since the surface layer has a uniform color and a wear detection layer having a different color, the wear detection layer having a different color is exposed when the surface layer is worn. It can be easily recognized by the color change. Further, since the protective layer having high hardness is provided on the lens layer, wear can be prevented.

Exemplary embodiments for implementing an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited thereby.
(Embodiment 1)

  First, the overall configuration of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic probe 1, a transmission / reception unit 102, an image processing unit 103, a cine memory unit 104, an image display control unit 105, a display unit 106, an input unit 107, and a control unit 108. Including.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject 2 and receives reflected ultrasonic waves from the subject 2. The ultrasonic probe includes a linear type, a sector type, a convex type, a mechanical type, and a mixed type thereof. Here, as an example, a case where a sector-type ultrasonic probe is used is shown. The ultrasonic probe 1 transmits ultrasonic waves to the imaging cross section of the subject 2 and receives ultrasonic echoes (echo) reflected from the inside of the subject 2 as time-series sound rays. The ultrasound probe 1 performs scanning while sequentially switching the transmission / reception direction spreading in a fan shape around the probe, and acquires tomographic image information of an imaging section.

  The transmission / reception unit 102 is connected to the ultrasonic probe 1 by a coaxial cable, and generates an electrical signal for driving the ultrasonic probe 1. This electric signal has a driving waveform when generating an ultrasonic wave, and a burst waveform including a plurality of pulses is used. The transmission / reception unit 102 also performs first-stage amplification of the received ultrasonic echo signal.

  The image processing unit 103 performs reception signal processing and generates B-mode image information and the like in real time from the ultrasonic echo signal amplified by the transmission / reception unit 102. The specific processing content includes delay addition processing of the received ultrasonic echo signal, A / D (analog / digital) conversion processing, and digital information after conversion as B-mode image information, which will be described later. There is a process of writing in the cine memory unit 104.

  The cine memory unit 104 is an image memory for storing B-mode image information and the like generated by the image processing unit 103.

  The image display control unit 105 performs display frame rate conversion of the B-mode image information and the like generated by the image processing unit 103, and controls the shape and position of the image displayed on the display unit 106.

  The display unit 106 is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (LCD) for displaying the image information subjected to display frame rate conversion and image display shape and position control by the image display control unit 105 to an operator. Liquid Crystal Display) and the like.

  The input unit 107 transmits an operation input signal by the operator, for example, an operation input signal for selecting whether to perform scanning in the B mode or to perform scanning in another mode to the control unit 108.

  The control unit 108 controls the operation of each unit of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus described above based on the operation input signal transmitted from the input unit 107 and a program (program) and data (data) stored in advance.

  FIG. 2 is an external view showing the external appearance of the sector-type ultrasonic probe 1. The ultrasonic probe 1 includes an acoustic lens (lens) 10, a grip part 11, a functional element part 12, and a connection cable 14. Note that the acoustic lens 10 is illustrated in a state different from the actual state in which the built-in functional element unit 12 is partially exposed to help understanding. In addition, the xyz axis coordinates shown in the figure are coordinate axes common to the xyz axis coordinates described in the subsequent drawings, and indicate the positional relationship between the drawings.

  The acoustic lens 10 is provided on the side of the ultrasonic probe 1 that is in contact with the subject 2, and efficiently causes the ultrasonic waves generated by the functional element unit 12 to enter the subject 2. The acoustic lens 10 is generally formed of a soft material having an acoustic impedance intermediate between the subject 2 and the functional element unit 12, such as rubber. The acoustic lens 10 gives a preferable touch feeling to the subject 2, but is easily damaged by contact with a metal or a solid material. In addition, the acoustic lens 10 may be damaged by dropping the ultrasonic probe 1 onto the floor surface.

  The acoustic lens 10 has a convex lens shape at a portion in contact with the subject 2 and converges the ultrasonic wave incident on the subject 2 in the thickness direction orthogonal to the imaging cross section.

  The grasping unit 11 is grasped by an operator and brings the acoustic lens 10 into close contact with the body surface of the subject 2. Inside the grip portion 11, there is a flexible print plate or the like that connects the electrode portion of the functional element portion 12 and the coaxial cable included in the connection cable 14.

  The connection cable 14 is a bundle of a plurality of coaxial cables, and electrically connects the transmission / reception unit 102 and the functional element unit 12.

  The functional element unit 12 generates an ultrasonic wave, inputs the ultrasonic wave to the subject 2, and simultaneously receives an ultrasonic echo reflected inside the subject 2.

  FIG. 3 is an external view showing the external appearance of the functional element unit 12. The functional element unit 12 includes an acoustic matching layer 72, a piezoelectric element plate 70, an acoustic absorber 71, and first and second electrode units 73 and 74. The piezoelectric element plate 70 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape made of PZT (lead zirconate titanate) or the like, and is arranged in an array in the scanning direction in which fan-shaped electronic scanning is performed.

  The acoustic matching layer 72 is attached to a plate surface on the subject 2 side that is a transmission / reception direction in which transmission / reception of the piezoelectric element plate 70 is performed. The acoustic matching layer 72 has a substantially middle acoustic impedance between the piezoelectric element plate 70 and the acoustic lens 10 shown in FIG. The acoustic matching layer 72 has a thickness of approximately a quarter wavelength of the transmitted ultrasonic wave in the transmission / reception direction of the subject 2 and suppresses reflection at a boundary surface having different acoustic impedance. Moreover, although FIG. 3 illustrates the case where the acoustic matching layer is a single layer, it may be two layers or multiple layers.

  The acoustic absorber 71 is attached to the plate surface opposite to the transmission / reception direction in which the acoustic matching layer 72 of the piezoelectric element plate 70 exists. The acoustic absorber 71 absorbs ultrasonic waves generated from the plate surface of the piezoelectric element plate 70 opposite to the subject 2.

  The first and second electrode portions 73 and 74 are made of sheet-like thin film metal conductors, apply an electric signal from the transmission / reception unit 102 to the piezoelectric element plate 70, and excite ultrasonic vibration. The first and second electrode portions 73 and 74 detect an electrical signal induced in the piezoelectric element plate 70 by an ultrasonic echo reflected from the subject 2.

  4 is a cross-sectional view showing an xz-axis cross section of the acoustic lens 10 and the functional element unit 12 shown in FIGS. The acoustic lens 10 includes a surface layer 41 and a wear detection layer 42. The acoustic matching layer 72, the piezoelectric element plate 70, and the acoustic absorber 71 are exactly the same as those shown in FIG. The first and second electrode portions 73 and 74 that drive the piezoelectric element plate 70 are not shown.

  The surface layer 41 and the wear detection layer 42 are formed using a similar material, for example, a rubber material such as silicon gum. Together, the surface layer 41 and the wear detection layer 42 perform an acoustic operation for converging ultrasonic waves in the thickness direction. Here, the surface layer 41 and the wear detection layer 42 have different colors, and change to different colors at these boundary surfaces 31. For example, the surface layer 41 has a gray color, and the wear detection layer 42 has a red color. The thickness of the surface layer 41 in the transmission / reception direction is approximately several hundred μm, and has a uniform thickness over the entire contact surface. This thickness is determined experimentally in consideration of the degree of deterioration of image quality, the use environment, and the like.

  The ultrasound probe 1 has the same cross section in the y-axis direction that is the thickness direction, and the surface layer 41 covers the entire contact surface of the ultrasound probe 1 that is in contact with the subject 2. Therefore, the operator recognizes only the gray rubber in the acoustic lens 10 portion when viewing the ultrasonic probe 1.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. The operator applies gel to the acoustic lens 10 and closes the ultrasonic probe 1 to the subject 1 when starting imaging of the subject 2 in a hospital laboratory or the like. Then, the operator images the subject 2, and after the imaging is completed, wipes off the gel attached to the acoustic lens 10 using dust paper or the like.

  In the inspection room, paper made of hard fibrous pulp, which is less likely to generate chips and dust, is often used from the viewpoint of keeping the inspection room hygienic. These cause deterioration such as scratches and dents when pressed against the acoustic lens 10 made of rubber.

  As the acoustic lens 10 of the ultrasonic probe 1 repeats this imaging action, the gray surface layer 41 that is a contact surface with the subject 2 may be gradually worn. As shown in FIG. 4, the surface layer 41 is a thin layer having a thickness of about several hundreds μm. Therefore, when wear occurs, the red wear detection layer 42 is exposed to the contact surface.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state in which the surface layer 41 of the acoustic lens 10 is worn and the wear detection layer 42 inside is exposed. In this state, the red wear detection layer 42 is partially exposed in the gray surface layer 41. Here, the operator can recognize a change in shape such as wear on the contact surface of the surface layer 41 as a change that can be easily grasped visually, called a color change.

  The deterioration such as wear that occurs in the acoustic lens 10 is accompanied by a change in shape. However, when the wear is uniformly worn, it is not easy for the operator to recognize the change in shape. This shape change changes the acoustic characteristics, and thus causes deterioration of tomographic image information. Further, when the wear progresses and the functional element portion 12 is exposed, the contact between the subject 1 and the electrical conductor portion is also not preferable.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the acoustic lens 10 is composed of the gray surface layer 41 and the red wear detection layer 42 located in the gray surface layer 41, so that the acoustic lens 10 is worn. In this case, the red wear detection layer 42 is exposed on the contact surface with the subject 2, the wear is clearly indicated as a change that can be easily recognized visually by the operator, and the acoustic lens 10 with wear is used. The deterioration of tomographic image information or the deterioration of safety is prevented.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the surface layer 41 is worn is shown. However, when the surface layer 41 is lacerated, the operator grasps the laceration by the color change. can do.

  In the first embodiment, the surface layer 41 and the wear detection layer 42 are made of a material having the same acoustic impedance. However, the wear detection layer can be provided even when the acoustic layers have different acoustic impedances. In this case, the arrangement of the wear detection layer in the acoustic lens is limited in order to maintain the ultrasonic focusing function which is a function of the acoustic lens.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the acoustic lens 20 in which the wear detection layer is limitedly arranged. FIG. 6A is a view showing a cross section of the ultrasonic probe 3 including the acoustic lens 20. The acoustic lens 20 includes a surface layer 43 and a wear detection layer 44. The acoustic lens 20 corresponds to the acoustic lens 10, and the other configuration of the ultrasonic probe 3 is exactly the same as that of the ultrasonic probe 1.

  The surface layer 43 is formed using rubber and performs an acoustic operation for converging ultrasonic waves in the thickness direction. The surface layer 43 has the same structure as that of the cross section of FIG. 6A in the y-axis direction, covers all the contact surfaces in contact with the subject 2, and omits the central portion of the acoustic matching layer 72. It covers the part. The wear detection layer 44 is formed by using rubber harder than the surface layer 43, for example, and is a boundary surface extending only to the central portion of the acoustic matching layer 72 and extending to a short distance leaving a slight surface layer 43 between the contact surface. 32.

  Further, the surface layer 43 and the wear detection layer 44 have different colors. For example, the surface layer 43 has a gray color, and the wear detection layer 44 has a red color.

  FIG. 6B is an external view showing an external appearance when the ultrasonic probe 3 is repeatedly used for imaging the subject 2 and the acoustic lens 20 is worn. On the contact surface of the acoustic lens 20 with the subject 2, the wear detection layer 44 is exposed at the center and becomes red. Further, the peripheral portion of the contact surface is gray because it remains the surface layer 43 even if worn. The operator easily recognizes the wear by the wear detection layer 44 exposed in the central portion.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the acoustic lens 30 in which the wear detection layer is disposed in a limited manner. FIG. 7A is a view showing a cross section of the ultrasonic probe 4 including the acoustic lens 30. The acoustic lens 30 includes a surface layer 45 and a wear detection layer 46. The acoustic lens 30 corresponds to the acoustic lens 10, and the other configuration of the ultrasonic probe 4 is exactly the same as that of the ultrasonic probe 1.

  The surface layer 45 is formed using a rubber material and performs an acoustic operation for converging ultrasonic waves in the thickness direction. The surface layer 45 has the same structure as that of the cross section of FIG. 7A in the y-axis direction, covers all the contact surfaces in contact with the subject 2, and omits the vicinity of the end of the acoustic matching layer 72. It covers the part that was. The wear detection layer 46 is formed using, for example, rubber harder than the surface layer 45, and extends only to the vicinity of the end portion of the acoustic matching layer 72 and extends to a short distance leaving a slight surface layer 45 between the contact surface. It has a surface 33.

  The wear detection layer 46 is formed using rubber harder than the surface layer 45, for example. The surface layer 45 and the wear detection layer 46 have different colors. For example, the surface layer 45 has a gray color, and the wear detection layer 46 has a red color.

  FIG. 7B is an external view showing an external appearance when the ultrasonic probe 4 is repeatedly used for imaging the subject 2 and the acoustic lens 20 is worn. On the contact surface of the acoustic lens 30 with the subject 2, the wear detection layer 44 is exposed at the peripheral portion and becomes red. Further, the central portion of the contact surface is gray because it remains the surface layer 45 even when worn. The operator easily recognizes the wear by the wear detection layer 46 exposed in the peripheral portion.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an acoustic lens 40 in which the wear detection layer is arranged in a character type with respect to the contact surface. The acoustic lens 40 includes a surface layer 47 and a wear detection layer 48. The acoustic lens 40 corresponds to the acoustic lens 10, and the other configuration of the ultrasonic probe 5 including the acoustic lens 40 is exactly the same as that of the ultrasonic probe 1. FIG. 8 shows a state where the acoustic lens 40 is worn and the wear detection layer 48 is exposed.

  The wear detection layer 48 is arranged so as to have a character shape, for example, a cross shape with respect to the contact surface. Accordingly, when the wear detection layer 48 is exposed due to wear of the surface layer 47, a red X mark is exposed. Thereby, an operator recognizes wear more clearly. It is also possible to use a character mark such as OUT OF ORDER instead of the x mark so that these character strings are exposed in red.

  In the first embodiment, the acoustic matching layer 72 and the piezoelectric element plate 70 have a flat plate structure. However, the acoustic matching layer and the piezoelectric element plate have a concave structure to cover the acoustic lens. The contact surface with the specimen 2 can be flat.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 6 in which the contact surface with the subject 2 forms a flat surface. The ultrasonic probe 6 includes an acoustic lens 50, a gripping part 11, a functional element part 13, and a connection cable 14. The functional element part 13 includes an acoustic matching layer 74, a piezoelectric element plate 73, an acoustic absorber 77, and an unillustrated member. The acoustic lens 50 includes an electrode portion and includes a surface layer 76 and a wear detection layer 75. Here, the grip 11 and the connection cable 14 are exactly the same as those shown in FIG.

  The piezoelectric element plate 73 has a plate-like structure having a concave surface on the side where the subject 2 is located. The ultrasonic wave irradiated to the subject 2 side from the piezoelectric element plate 73 is focused at a predetermined depth position corresponding to the curvature of the concave surface. The acoustic matching layer 74 has a concave structure that matches the curvature of the piezoelectric element plate 73, and the wear detection layer 75 has a flat surface on the subject 2 side, and the acoustic matching layer 74 side is fitted with the acoustic matching layer 74. Concave concave shape. Further, the acoustic absorber 77 has a concave surface on the fitting surface with the piezoelectric element plate 73 and absorbs ultrasonic waves irradiated on the opposite side of the subject 2.

  The surface layer 76 is made of gray rubber, and the contact surface in contact with the subject 2 is a flat surface. The surface layer 76 has a uniform thickness of about several hundred μm in the direction from the contact surface to the acoustic matching layer 74.

In the same manner as the acoustic lens 10, the acoustic lens 50 exposes the red wear detection layer 75 by the wear of the gray surface layer 76, so that the operator can easily recognize the wear. Since the acoustic lens 50 has a flat contact surface with the subject 2, the adhesion with the subject 2 is improved.
(Embodiment 2)

  By the way, in the first embodiment, the wear of the surface of the acoustic lens 10 is detected in a form that is easily visually recognized by providing the red wear detection layer 42 inside the gray surface layer 41. However, the acoustic lens can be provided with a protective layer to prevent wear.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 7 having an acoustic lens 62 in which a protective layer is provided on the surface of the acoustic lens. The ultrasonic probe 7 includes an acoustic lens 62, a gripping part 11, a functional element part 12, and a connection cable 14. The functional element part 12 includes an acoustic matching layer 72, a piezoelectric element plate 70, an acoustic absorbing material 71, and not shown. The acoustic lens 62 includes an electrode part, and includes a protective layer 82 and a lens layer 81. Here, the functional element portion 12, the grip portion 11, and the connection cable 14 are exactly the same as those shown in FIG.

  The lens layer 81 is formed using rubber or the like, and converges the ultrasonic wave applied to the subject 2 in the thickness direction. The protective layer 82 is provided on the surface of the lens layer 81 in the direction of the subject 2 and is formed using a thin hard material. As this material, for example, a polyimide film or the like is used. The thickness of the film is set to several tens of μm or less, and the influence of attenuation of ultrasonic waves is minimized. Since polyimide is superior in chemical resistance and wear resistance compared to rubber, it is possible to prevent the rubber of the lens layer 81 from being worn.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of an ultrasonic imaging device. It is an external view which shows the structure of an ultrasonic probe. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structure of the functional element part of an ultrasonic probe. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the surface of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment is worn. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example according to the ultrasonic probe of the first embodiment and an explanatory view showing a worn state (No. 1). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example according to the ultrasonic probe of the first embodiment and an explanatory diagram showing a worn state (part 2). FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a worn state of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of an ultrasonic probe according to a second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Ultrasonic probe 2 Subject 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 62 Acoustic lens 11 Grasping part 12, 13 Functional element part 14 Connection cable 31, 32, 33 Boundary Surfaces 41, 43, 45, 47, 76 Surface layers 42, 44, 46, 48, 75 Wear detection layers 70, 73 Piezoelectric element plates 71, 77 Acoustic absorbers 72, 74 Acoustic matching layers 73, 74 Electrode portion 81 Lens layer 82 Protective layer 100 Ultrasonic imaging device 102 Transmission / reception unit 103 Image processing unit 104 Cine memory unit 105 Image display control unit 106 Display unit 107 Input unit 108 Control unit

Claims (16)

A piezoelectric element plate for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves;
An acoustic lens mounted in the transmission / reception direction of the piezoelectric element plate;
An ultrasound probe comprising:
The acoustic lens has a surface layer having a uniform color covering a contact surface with the subject in the transmission / reception direction;
In the internal direction where the piezoelectric element plate of the surface layer is located, a wear detection layer of a color different from the surface layer,
An ultrasonic probe comprising: A piezoelectric element plate for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves;
An acoustic matching layer mounted in a transmission / reception direction in which the transmission / reception of the piezoelectric element plate is performed;
An acoustic lens mounted in the transmission / reception direction of the acoustic matching layer;
An ultrasound probe comprising:
The acoustic lens has a surface layer having a uniform color covering a contact surface with the subject in the transmission / reception direction;
A wear detection layer of a color different from that of the surface layer in an internal direction in which the acoustic matching layer of the surface layer is located;
An ultrasonic probe comprising:   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the surface layer and the wear detection layer have approximate acoustic impedance.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, wherein the surface layer has a uniform thickness in the inner direction.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, wherein the contact surface of the acoustic lens is flat.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 5, wherein the surface layer and the wear detection layer include a boundary surface substantially parallel to the contact surface.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the wear detection layer has an acoustic impedance different from that of the surface layer.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, wherein the surface layer and the wear detection layer include a boundary surface that is partially close to the contact surface.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 8, wherein the boundary surface is positioned near the center of the contact surface at the short distance.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 8, wherein the boundary surface is positioned near the end portion of the contact surface at the short distance.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 8, wherein the boundary surface has a character shape along the contact surface at a position where the short distance is present. An ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject and receives reflected ultrasonic waves from the subject; and
An image processing unit for forming tomographic image information based on the reflected ultrasound;
A display unit for displaying the tomographic image information;
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising:
The ultrasonic probe has a piezoelectric element plate that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and an acoustic lens that is mounted in the transmission and reception direction of the piezoelectric element plate,
The acoustic lens has a surface layer having a uniform color covering the contact surface with the subject in the transmission / reception direction, and an inner direction in which the piezoelectric element plate of the surface layer is located has a color different from that of the surface layer. An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising: a wear detection layer. A piezoelectric element plate for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves;
An acoustic lens mounted in the transmission / reception direction of the piezoelectric element plate;
An ultrasound probe comprising:
The acoustic lens has a lens layer for converging the ultrasonic wave in the transmission / reception direction of the piezoelectric element plate;
A protective layer having a hardness higher than that of the lens layer in the transmission / reception direction of the lens layer;
An ultrasonic probe comprising:   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 13, wherein the lens layer is formed using rubber.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 14, wherein the protective layer is formed using polyimide. An ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject and receives reflected ultrasonic waves from the subject; and
An image processing unit for forming tomographic image information based on the reflected ultrasound;
A display unit for displaying the tomographic image information;
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising:
The ultrasonic probe has a piezoelectric element plate that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves and an acoustic lens that is mounted in the transmission and reception direction of the piezoelectric element plate,
The acoustic lens includes a lens layer for converging the ultrasonic wave in the transmission / reception direction of the piezoelectric element plate, and a protective layer having a hardness higher than that of the lens layer in the transmission / reception direction of the lens layer. An ultrasonic imaging apparatus.

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