JP2014195497A - Ultrasonic probe and acoustic coupler attachment, electronic equipment and ultrasonic imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic probe in which distance between an ultrasonic wave emission surface and a body surface is stably held and relatively excellent reproducibility can be achieved for each measurement.SOLUTION: A support part 19b is fixed to a housing body 18 to support a frame body part 19a. An acoustic coupler is fixed between a sensor surface 27 and the frame body part 19a. The acoustic coupler is formed of an elastic bag body 32 filled with fluid. The elastic bag body 32 has: a first region 34 being in contact with the sensor surface; a second region 37 expanding outside from an opening 29; and a third region 39 disposed at a position between the frame body part 19a and the sensor surface. A spring constant of the second region 37 is larger than a spring constant of the third region 39, and a space 42 is formed between the support part 19b and the third region 39.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe, an acoustic coupler attachment, an electronic device using the same, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, and the like.

  Acoustic couplers attached to ultrasonic probes are generally known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a water bag device as an example of an acoustic coupler. The water bag device includes a frame. A window is formed in the frame. A storage bag filled with water is stored in the frame. The storage bag swells outward from the window.

JP-A-9-84787

  In the water bag device described in Patent Literature 1, when the storage bag is pressed against an object such as the body surface, the storage bag is maintained inflated from the window. The shape of the storage bag cannot be maintained outside the window, and the distance between the ultrasound emitting surface and the body surface changes depending on the amount of pressing force and the direction of pressing. If the distance between the output surface of the ultrasonic wave and the body surface changes every measurement, the measurement reproducibility is affected.

  According to at least one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic probe that can stably maintain the distance between the ultrasonic emission surface and the body surface and can realize excellent reproducibility for each measurement. it can.

  (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a housing body that defines a sensor surface provided with an ultrasonic sensor unit, a frame body portion that defines an opening facing the sensor surface, and the frame fixed to the housing body A coupler holding part including a support part for supporting a body part, and an acoustic coupler formed of an elastic bag body that is fixed between the sensor surface and the frame part and is filled with a fluid. The bag body includes a first region that contacts the sensor surface, a second region that swells outward from the opening, and a third region that is disposed at a position between the frame body portion and the sensor surface, The spring constant of the second region of the elastic bag body is larger than the spring constant of the third region of the elastic bag body, and is between the support portion of the coupler holding portion and the third region of the elastic bag body. Relates to an ultrasonic probe in which a space is formed

  The frame part is pressed against an object such as a living body. The object comes into close contact with the second region of the elastic bag in the opening. At this time, when the elastic bag is pushed into the opening by the object, the third region is more easily extended than the second region, so that the third region of the elastic bag extends toward the space. The space allows the third region to grow. The tension acts on the fluid and plays a role of maintaining the close contact between the sensor surface and the object and the elastic bag. As a result, it is prevented that the distance determining function between the sensor surface and the object does not work because the second region including the fluid is interposed between the frame body part and the object. Here, the distance between the sensor surface and the frame body portion is maintained because the support portion fixes the frame body portion to the housing body. As a result, the distance between the sensor surface and the object can be maintained at a specific value.

  (2) The casing main body may have a casing sensor surface disposed outside the outline of the ultrasonic wave emission surface continuously to the ultrasonic wave emission surface of the ultrasonic sensor unit, and the elastic bag body. The first region may be fixed to the housing sensor surface in a first range including at least a part of the ultrasonic wave emission surface. At this time, the area of the first range is smaller than the area of the opening. A space may be formed on the housing sensor surface outside the outline of the first range. The third region of the elastic bag body can enter this space. The housing body can serve to protect the elastic bag body from external objects.

  (3) The support portion may include a wall body portion that continues from the outer periphery of the housing sensor surface of the housing body to the frame body portion. Thus, the housing sensor surface and the frame body portion can be integrated by the action of the wall body portion. The housing body for the elastic bag body can be formed by the housing body, the frame body portion, and the wall body portion. The elastic bag body can be housed inside the housing body. In this way, the elastic bag can be protected from an object outside the storage body.

  (4) The elastic bag body may have a fourth region formed other than the first region, the second region, and the third region. At this time, the spring constant of the fourth region of the elastic bag body is larger than the spring constant of the third region of the elastic bag body and smaller than the spring constant of the second region of the elastic bag body, and the coupler A space may be formed between the support portion of the holding portion and the fourth region of the elastic bag body. When the third region extends to fill the corresponding space, the third region stops growing. Thereafter, when the object is further pressed against the second region, the fourth region extends toward the corresponding space instead of the third region. Thus, the distance between the sensor surface and the object can be estimated according to the observation of the fourth region.

  (5) The ultrasonic probe as described above can be used by being incorporated in an electronic device. At this time, the electronic device may include an ultrasonic probe.

  (6) The ultrasonic probe as described above can be used by being incorporated in an ultrasonic imaging apparatus. At this time, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may include an ultrasonic probe.

  (7) According to another aspect of the present invention, a first frame body portion that forms a first opening, a second frame body portion that forms a second opening facing the first opening, and the first frame body portion, A support portion disposed between the second frame body portion and fixing the first frame body portion and the second frame body portion; and fixed to the first frame body portion and the second frame body portion. An elastic bag filled with a fluid, the elastic bag having a first region bulging outward from the first opening, a second region bulging outward from the second opening, and the first A third region disposed between the one frame body portion and the second frame body portion, and a spring constant of the second region of the elastic bag body is a spring of the third region of the elastic bag body. The present invention relates to an acoustic coupler attachment that is larger than a constant and has a space formed between the support portion and the third region of the elastic bag body.

  The first frame part is fixed to the probe. The probe is pressed against the first region of the elastic bag. The tip of the probe is in close contact with the elastic bag. In this state, the second frame body part is pressed against an object such as a living body. The object comes into close contact with the second region of the elastic bag body in the second opening. At this time, if the elastic bag body is pushed into the first opening at the tip of the probe or the elastic bag body is pushed into the second opening by the object, the third region is more easily extended than the second region. The third region of the elastic bag body extends toward the space. The space allows the third region to grow. The tension acts on the fluid and plays a role of maintaining the close contact between the sensor surface and the object and the elastic bag. As a result, it is prevented that the function of determining the distance between the sensor surface and the object does not work because the second region including the fluid is interposed between the second frame body part and the object. Here, since the support portion fixes the second frame body portion to the housing body, the distance between the sensor surface and the second frame body portion is maintained. As a result, the distance between the sensor surface and the object can be maintained at a specific value.

  (8) In the acoustic coupler attachment, the area of the first opening may be smaller than the area of the second opening, and the first frame body portion is disposed outside the outline of the first opening and can be connected to the probe. It can have a probe facing surface. A space may be formed on the probe facing surface. The third region of the elastic bag body can enter this space. The second frame body part can serve to protect the elastic bag body from an external object.

  (9) The support portion may include a wall portion that continues from the outer periphery of the first frame portion to the outer periphery of the second frame portion. Thus, the first frame body portion and the second frame body portion can be integrated by the action of the wall body portion. A housing can be formed by the first frame body part, the second frame body part, and the wall body part. The elastic bag can be accommodated in the housing. In this way, the elastic bag can be protected from an object outside the casing.

  (10) The elastic bag body may further include a fourth region formed other than the first region, the second region, and the third region. At this time, the spring constant of the fourth region of the elastic bag body is larger than the spring constant of the third region of the elastic bag body and smaller than the spring constant of the second region of the elastic bag body, and the support A space may be formed between the portion and the fourth region of the elastic bag body. When the third region extends to fill the corresponding space, the third region stops growing. Thereafter, when the object is further pressed against the second region, the fourth region extends toward the corresponding space instead of the third region. Thus, the distance between the sensor surface and the object can be estimated according to the observation of the fourth region.

  (11) The acoustic coupler attachment as described above can be attached to the housing to form an ultrasonic probe. At this time, the ultrasonic probe may include a housing and the above-described acoustic coupler attachment attached to the housing.

  (12) The acoustic coupler attachment as described above can be used by being incorporated in an electronic device. At this time, the electronic device may be provided with an acoustic coupler attachment.

  (13) The acoustic coupler attachment as described above can be used by being incorporated in an ultrasonic imaging apparatus. At this time, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus may include an acoustic coupler attachment.

1 is an external view schematically showing a specific example of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment, that is, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It is an enlarged front view of an ultrasonic probe. It is a block diagram which shows schematically the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows an acoustic coupler schematically. It is a partial enlarged front view which shows schematically the ultrasonic probe at the time of use. It is an expansion perspective view which shows roughly the acoustic coupler of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a partial enlarged front view which shows schematically the ultrasonic probe at the time of use. It is an enlarged front view of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a decomposition expansion front view of an ultrasonic probe. It is an expansion perspective view which shows roughly the acoustic coupler of the ultrasonic probe which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a partial enlarged front view which shows schematically the ultrasonic probe at the time of use. It is an enlarged front view of an ultrasonic probe which shows roughly how to attach an acoustic coupler attachment according to another example. It is an enlarged front view of an ultrasonic probe which shows roughly how to attach an acoustic coupler attachment according to still another example. It is an enlarged front view of an ultrasonic probe which shows roughly how to attach an acoustic coupler attachment according to still another example.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims, and all the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential as means for solving the present invention. Not necessarily.

(1) Overall Configuration of Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus FIG. 1 schematically shows a specific example of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, that is, a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 includes an apparatus terminal 12 and an ultrasonic probe 13. The apparatus terminal 12 and the ultrasonic probe 13 are connected to each other by a cable 14. The apparatus terminal 12 and the ultrasonic probe 13 exchange electric signals through the cable 14. A display panel 15 is incorporated in the device terminal 12. The screen of the display panel 15 is exposed on the surface of the device terminal 12. In the device terminal 12, an image is generated based on the ultrasonic wave detected by the ultrasonic probe 13. The imaged detection result is displayed on the screen of the display panel 15.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 13 according to the first embodiment has a housing 16. A contact surface 16 a is formed at the tip of the housing 16. The contact surface 16a extends in one virtual plane. An acoustic coupler 17 is attached to the housing 16. The acoustic coupler 17 can be exposed from the contact surface 16 a at the tip of the housing 16. In addition, the ultrasonic probe 13 can include a probe head 13b that is detachably connected to the probe main body 13a.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 16 includes a housing body 18 and a frame body portion 19a. The frame body portion 19 a is supported by the housing body 18 by a support portion 19 b that is fixed to the housing body 18. An ultrasonic transducer unit 21 is accommodated in the housing body 18. The ultrasonic transducer unit 21 includes an ultrasonic device 22. The ultrasonic device 22 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements arranged in an array on a substrate such as a substrate. The ultrasonic transducer element can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves in accordance with, for example, ultrasonic vibration of the vibrating membrane. When transmitting ultrasonic waves, the piezoelectric body causes ultrasonic vibration of the vibrating membrane. In addition, the ultrasonic transducer element may transmit and receive ultrasonic waves according to the ultrasonic vibration of the piezoelectric body itself. The ultrasonic device 22 is lined with a backing material 23. The backing material 23 prevents leakage of ultrasonic waves in the reverse direction and reflection of such ultrasonic waves.

  The ultrasonic transducer unit 21 includes a matching layer 24 and an acoustic lens 25. The matching layer 24 is formed on the surface of the ultrasonic device 22. The acoustic lens 25 is formed on the matching layer 24. The matching layer 24 is used for matching the acoustic impedance between the test object such as a living body and the ultrasonic device 22. The acoustic lens 25 is used for narrowing the ultrasonic beam. The acoustic lens 25 collects the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer elements for each column at one focal point.

  A relay circuit 26 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer unit 21. The relay circuit 26 is accommodated in the housing body 18. The cable 14 is connected to the relay circuit 26. The relay circuit 26 manages communication with the device terminal 12.

  The acoustic lens 25 defines an ultrasonic beam emission surface (ultrasonic emission surface) 27 flush with the surface of the housing body 18. The ultrasonic beam generated by the ultrasonic device 22 is emitted from the emission surface 27. The housing body 18 has a surface that extends continuously to the emission surface 27. Here, a surface that spreads in a specific range from the outline of the emission surface to the outside is referred to as a “fixed surface (housing sensor surface) 28”.

  The frame body portion 19a is fixed to the housing body 18 so as not to be relatively displaced. The frame body portion 19 a forms an opening 29 that faces the emission surface 27. The support portion 19b includes a wall portion that is continuous from the outer periphery of the fixed surface 28 of the housing body 18 to the frame portion 19a. The wall body portion may surround the space on the fixed surface 28 without interruption along the frame body portion 19a. The frame body portion 19 a and the wall body portion can be integrated with the housing body 18. The frame body portion 19a, the wall body portion, and the housing body 18 may be integrally molded from a resin material.

  The acoustic coupler 17 is fixed between the emission surface 27 and the frame body portion 19a. The acoustic coupler 17 is formed of an elastic bag body 32. The elastic bag body 32 may be made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. The elastic bag body 32 exerts tension according to the increase in surface area. The inside of the elastic bag body 32 is filled with a fluid 33 such as liquid or gel. The fluid 33 should just be selected according to the frequency of an ultrasonic wave. The fluid 33 efficiently transmits ultrasonic waves between the test object and the acoustic lens 25. For example, the liquid includes water.

  The elastic bag body 32 contacts the emission surface 27 in the first region 34. The first region 34 is fixed to the first range 35 of the sensor surface (= exit surface 27 + fixed surface 28). The first range 35 includes at least a part of the emission surface 27. Here, the entire area of the emission surface 27 is included in the first range 35. The first region 34 of the elastic bag body 32 is in close contact with the emission surface 27 and the fixed surface 28 throughout. The area of the first range 35 is smaller than the opening area of the opening 29. The fixing surface 28 of the housing body 18 extends outward from the contour line of the first range 35. The first region 34 is fixed to the fixing surface 28 of the housing body 18 by the outline 36.

  The second region 37 of the elastic bag body 32 is disposed in the opening 29 of the frame body portion 19a. The second region 37 is fixed to the edge of the opening 29 by its outline 38. The second region 37 swells outward from the opening 29 (a plane including the opening 29).

  The elastic bag body 32 includes a third region 39. The third region 39 is formed in the elastic bag 32 except for the first region 34 and the second region 37. Here, the third region 39 is partitioned between the first region 34 and the second region 37. The third region 39 is connected to the first region 34 at one end and to the second region 37 at the other end. The spring constant of the second region 37 is larger than the spring constant of the third region 39. In setting such a spring constant, the third region 39 can be formed of a material different from that of the second region 37. In addition, in setting such a spring constant, the film thickness of the third region 39 may be larger than the film thickness of the second region 37. Here, the spring constant of the elastic bag body 32 is relative to the tensile force, and when the elastic bag body 32 is stretched, a tension corresponding to the elongation is generated due to an increase in surface area.

  Since the contour line 38 of the second region 37 is displaced from the contour line 36 of the first region 34 in a direction away from the left-right symmetric surface 41 of the elastic bag 32, the third region 39 and the support portion are disposed on the fixed surface 28. A space 42 is defined by the wall body portion 19 b and the fixed surface 28. As shown in FIG. 4, the region 43 (hatched portion) other than the third region 39 between the first region 34 and the second region 37 may be in close contact with the wall body portion of the support portion 19 b.

(2) Operation of Ultrasonic Probe According to First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 5, for ultrasonic diagnosis, for example, the tip of the ultrasonic probe 13 is applied to an arm 44 as a test object. The frame body portion 19a is pressed against the arm 44 all around. The second region 37 of the elastic bag body 32 is in close contact with the surface of the arm 44 throughout. At this time, since the surface of the arm 44 has a convex shape, the second region 37 of the elastic bag body 32 is pushed inward of the opening 29. Since the third region 39 is easier to extend than the second region 37, the third region 39 of the elastic bag 32 extends toward the space 42. The space 42 allows the third region 39 to extend. In the third region 39, tension is generated according to the increase in the surface area. The tension acts on the fluid 33 and plays a role of maintaining the close contact between the second region 37 of the elastic bag 32 and the arm 44. As a result, it is prevented that the function of determining the distance between the ultrasonic transducer unit 21 and the arm 44 does not work because the second region 37 including the fluid 33 is interposed between the frame body portion 19a and the arm 44. The

  When an ultrasonic beam is transmitted from the ultrasonic device 22, the ultrasonic beam is emitted from the acoustic lens 25. The emitted ultrasonic beam efficiently propagates through the fluid 33 in the acoustic coupler 17. The ultrasonic beam enters the arm 44.

  The reflected ultrasonic beam efficiently travels again through the fluid 33 in the acoustic coupler 17 and is received by the ultrasonic device 22. In the ultrasonic device 22, ultrasonic waves are converted into electric signals. The electric signal is supplied to the device terminal 12 and image processing is performed. At this time, since the support portion 19b fixes the frame body portion 19a to the housing body 18, the distances between the emission surface 27 and the fixing surface 28 and the frame body portion 19a are maintained. As a result, the distance between the emission surface 27 and the arm 44 can be maintained at a specific value. Measurement reproducibility can be ensured.

  A space 42 is formed on the fixed surface 28 of the housing body 18 outside the outline of the first range 35. The third region 39 of the elastic bag 32 that swells when the surface area increases can enter the space 42. As a result, the elastic bag 32 is surely inflated in the third region 39 while being accommodated on the fixed surface 28 of the housing body 18. Thus, since the second region 37 of the elastic bag body 32 is reliably pushed into the opening 29, the frame body portion 19a can be in close contact with the arm 44 reliably. In addition, the second region 37 of the elastic bag 32 can be brought into close contact with the arm 44 reliably by the action of the tension of the third region 39. The housing body 18 and the wall body 31 can play a role of protecting the elastic bag body 32 from an external object.

(3) Ultrasonic Probe According to Second Embodiment FIG. 6 schematically shows a configuration of an ultrasonic probe 13x according to the second embodiment. In the ultrasonic probe 13 x, the elastic bag body 32 includes a fourth region 46 formed in addition to the first region 34, the second region 37, and the third region 39. For example, the fourth region 46 is formed in a region 43 (hatched portion) that is out of the first region 34, the second region 37, and the third region 39. The spring constant of the fourth region 46 is larger than the spring constant of the third region 39. In setting the spring constant, the fourth region 46 can be formed of a material different from that of the third region 39. In addition, in setting such a spring constant, the film thickness of the fourth region 46 only needs to be larger than the film thickness of the third region 39. Other structures are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11, the ultrasonic probe 13 x may be replaced with the ultrasonic probe 13.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a space 47 is formed between the wall portion of the support portion 19 b and the fourth region 46 corresponding to the fourth region 46 of the elastic bag body 32. The space 47 allows the fourth region 46 to extend. Since the spring constant of the fourth region 46 is larger than the spring constant of the third region 39, when the second region 37 of the elastic bag body 32 is pushed inward of the opening 29, the fourth region 46 is stretched. Prior to this, the third region 39 expands and expands. When the third region 39 spreads over the entire space 42, the expansion of the third region 39 stops. Thereafter, when the arm 44 is further pressed against the second region 37, the fourth region 46 extends in place of the third region 39. In the fourth region 46, the surface area of the elastic bag 32 is increased. The fourth region 46 extends and enters the space 47. As the distance between the surface of the arm 44 and the exit surface 27 decreases, the degree of protrusion of the fourth region 46 increases. Therefore, the distance between the surface of the arm 44 and the exit surface 27 depends on the extent of protrusion of the fourth region 46. Can be estimated. Through such observation, the operator of the ultrasonic probe 13 x can adjust the distance between the surface of the arm 44 and the exit surface 27.

(4) Ultrasonic Probe According to Third Embodiment FIG. 8 schematically shows a configuration of an ultrasonic probe 13y according to the third embodiment. An emission surface 27 is formed flush with the contact surface 16a of the housing 16 at the tip of the ultrasonic probe 13y. An acoustic coupler attachment 51 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 13y. The acoustic coupler attachment 51 includes a housing 52. The acoustic coupler 17b is accommodated in the housing 52. When the acoustic coupler attachment 51 is mounted, a fastener 53 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 13y. The fastener 53 is attached around the trunk of the housing 16. The fastener 53 forms a protruding piece around the trunk of the housing 16. When the acoustic coupler attachment 51 is overlaid on the contact surface 16 a of the housing 16, the hook 54 of the acoustic coupler attachment 51 is engaged with the fastener 53. Thus, the acoustic coupler attachment 51 is detachably attached to the housing 16. As shown in FIG. 9, the fastener 53 can have a mounting screw 55 that is screwed in a direction orthogonal to the outer wall surface of the housing 16. When the attachment screw 55 is screwed in, the tip of the attachment screw 55 comes into contact with the outer wall surface of the housing 16, and the contact pressure of the fastener 53 is increased on the opposite side from the attachment screw 55. Thus, the acoustic coupler attachment 51 can be retrofitted to an off-the-shelf ultrasonic probe.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the housing 52 includes a first frame body portion 56 and a second frame body portion 57. The first frame body portion 56 forms a first opening 58. The second frame body part 57 forms a second opening 59. The second opening 59 is opposed to the first opening 58. The opening area of the first opening 58 is smaller than the opening area of the second opening 59.

  The second frame body portion 57 is fixed to the first frame body portion 56 so as not to be relatively displaced. A support portion 61 is disposed between the first frame body portion 56 and the second frame body portion 57. The support part 61 fixes the first frame body part 56 and the second frame body part 57 to each other. The support portion 61 includes a wall portion that continues from the outer periphery of the first frame portion 56 to the outer periphery of the second frame portion 57. The wall body portion may surround the space on the first frame body portion 56 without interruption along the outer peripheries of the first frame body portion 56 and the second frame body portion 57. The first frame body portion 56 and the second frame body portion 57 can be integrated with each other at the wall body portion. The first frame body portion 56, the second frame body portion 57, and the wall body portion may be integrally molded from a resin material.

  The acoustic coupler 17 b is fixed between the first frame body portion 56 and the second frame body portion 57. The acoustic coupler 17b is formed of the elastic bag 32 as described above. The first region 34 of the elastic bag body 32 is disposed in the first opening 58 of the first frame body portion 56. The first region 34 is fixed to the edge of the first opening 58 by the outline 36. Here, the first region 34 swells outward from the first opening 58 (a plane including the first opening 58). The first frame body portion 56 spreads in a predetermined range from the outline of the first opening 58 toward the outside.

  The second region 37 of the elastic bag body 32 is disposed in the second opening 59 of the second frame body portion 57. The second region 37 is fixed to the edge of the second opening 59 by its outline 38. The second region 37 swells outward from the second opening 59 (a plane including the second opening 59).

  The elastic bag body 32 includes a third region 39. The third region 39 is formed in the elastic bag 32 except for the first region 34 and the second region 37. Here, the third region 39 is partitioned between the first region 34 and the second region 37. The third region 39 is connected to the first region 34 at one end and to the second region 37 at the other end. The spring constant of the second region 37 is larger than the spring constant of the third region 39. Here, the spring constant of the elastic bag body 32 is relative to the tensile force, and when the elastic bag body 32 is stretched, a tension corresponding to the elongation is generated due to an increase in surface area.

  Since the contour line 38 of the second region 37 is displaced from the contour line 36 of the first region 34 in the direction away from the left-right symmetry plane 41 of the elastic bag body 32, the third region 39 is disposed on the first frame body portion 56. A space 62 is defined by the support portion 61 and the first frame portion 56. In the same manner as described above, a region other than the third region 39 between the first region 34 and the second region 37 may be in close contact with the wall portion of the support portion 61.

  The first frame body portion 56 of the acoustic coupler attachment 51 is fixed to the housing 16. The contact surface 16 a of the housing 16 is pressed against the first region 34 of the elastic bag body 32. The contact surface 16 a of the housing 16 is in close contact with the elastic bag body 32. The acoustic coupler attachment 51 is coupled to the housing 16 to form the ultrasonic probe 13y. In this state, the second frame body portion 57 is pressed against an object such as the arm 44. The object comes into close contact with the second region 37 of the elastic bag 32 in the second opening 59. At this time, if the elastic bag body 32 is pushed into the first opening 58 at the tip of the ultrasonic probe 13y, or if the elastic bag body 32 is pushed into the second opening 59 by an object, it is compared with the second region 37. Since the third region 39 tends to extend, the third region 39 of the elastic bag body 32 extends toward the space 62. The space 62 allows the third region 39 to extend. In the third region 39, tension is generated according to the increase in the surface area. The tension acts on the fluid 33 and plays a role of maintaining close contact between the second region 37 of the elastic bag 32 and the object. As a result, the distance determining function between the ultrasonic transducer unit 21 and the object does not work because the second region 37 including the fluid 33 is interposed between the second frame body part 57 and the object. Is prevented.

  A space 62 is formed on the first frame body portion 56 between the outer periphery of the first frame body portion 56 and the first opening 58. The third region 39 of the elastic bag 32 that swells when the surface area increases can enter the space 62. As a result, the elastic bag body 32 is surely inflated in the third region 39 while being accommodated inside the outline of the first frame body portion 56. The second frame body portion 57 and the second region 37 of the elastic bag body 32 can reliably adhere to the object. In addition, the housing 52 can serve to protect the elastic bag body 32 from external objects.

(5) Ultrasonic Probe According to Fourth Embodiment FIG. 10 schematically shows the configuration of an ultrasonic probe 13z according to the fourth embodiment. In the ultrasonic probe 13z, the elastic bag 32 includes a fourth region 46 formed in addition to the first region 34, the second region 37, and the third region 39. For example, the fourth region 46 is formed in a region 43 (hatched portion) that is out of the first region 34, the second region 37, and the third region 39. The spring constant of the fourth region 46 is larger than the spring constant of the third region 39. In setting the spring constant, the fourth region 46 can be formed of a material different from that of the third region 39. In addition, in setting such a spring constant, the film thickness of the fourth region 46 only needs to be larger than the film thickness of the third region 39. Other structures are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11, the ultrasonic probe 13 z may be replaced with the ultrasonic probe 13.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a space 63 is formed between the wall portion of the support portion 61 and the fourth region 46 corresponding to the fourth region 46 of the elastic bag body 32. The space 63 allows the fourth region 46 to extend. Since the spring constant of the fourth region 46 is larger than the spring constant of the third region 39, when the second region 37 of the elastic bag body 32 is pushed inward of the second opening 59, Prior to expansion, the third region 39 expands and expands. When the third region 39 spreads over the entire space 62, the expansion of the third region 39 stops. Thereafter, when the object is further pressed against the second region 37, the fourth region 46 extends in place of the third region 39. In the fourth region 46, the surface area of the elastic bag 32 is increased. The fourth region 46 extends and enters the space 63. As the distance between the surface of the object and the exit surface 27 decreases, the extent of protrusion of the fourth region 46 increases. Therefore, the distance between the surface of the object and the exit surface 27 depends on the extent of protrusion of the fourth region 46. Can be estimated. Through such observation, the operator of the ultrasonic probe 13z can adjust the distance between the surface of the object and the exit surface 27.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a rubber pocket 64 can be used to attach the acoustic coupler attachments 51 and 51a. The pocket comprises for example two openings. One opening is fixed to the second frame portion 57 of the acoustic coupler attachments 51 and 51a. The pocket 64 can be fixed together with the outline 38 of the second region 37 of the elastic bag 32 at the edge of the second opening 59, for example. The casing 16 of the ultrasonic probes 13y and 13z enters the other opening. The edge of the opening adheres to the periphery of the case 16 according to the elastic force of the pocket 64. Thus, the acoustic coupler attachments 51 and 51a can be attached to the housing 16 to form the ultrasonic probes 13y and 13z.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the first frame body portion 56 of the acoustic coupler attachments 51, 51 a may be screwed to the fasteners 53 with screws 65 when attaching the acoustic coupler attachments 51, 51 a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, magnetic force may be used for attaching the acoustic coupler attachments 51, 51 a. Here, the first frame portion 56 and the fasteners 53 of the acoustic coupler attachments 51 and 51a may be formed of a soft magnetic material. The magnetic force may be applied to the first frame body portion 56 from the magnet 66 fixed to the fastener 53.

  Furthermore, although the present invention has been described based on so-called linear type ultrasonic probes 13, 13x, 13y, and 13z, the present invention can be applied to other types of ultrasonic probes. Such ultrasonic probes include convex ultrasonic probes, sector ultrasonic probes, and single ultrasonic probes.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, a term described with a different term having a broader meaning or the same meaning at least once in the specification or the drawings can be replaced with the different term in any part of the specification or the drawings. Further, the configurations and operations of the ultrasonic probes 13, 13x, 13y, 13z, the acoustic couplers 17, 17a, 17b, the ultrasonic transducer unit 21, the acoustic coupler attachments 51, 51a, and the like are also limited to those described in this embodiment. However, various modifications are possible.

  11 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as electronic device and ultrasonic imaging apparatus, 13 ultrasonic probe, 13x ultrasonic probe, 13y ultrasonic probe, 13z ultrasonic probe, 16 housing, 17 acoustic coupler, 17a acoustic coupler, 17b acoustic coupler , 18 Housing body, 19a Frame body portion, 19b Support portion, 21 Ultrasonic sensor portion (ultrasonic transducer unit), 27 Ultrasonic emission surface (emission surface), 28 Housing sensor surface (fixed surface), 29 Opening , 32 Elastic bag, 33 Fluid, 34 First region, 35 First region, 37 Second region, 39 Third region, 42 Space, 46 Fourth region, 47 Space, 51 Acoustic coupler attachment, 51a Acoustic coupler attachment 56 First frame part 57 Second frame part 58 First opening 59 Second opening 61 Support part, 62 space, 63 space.

Claims (13)

A housing body that partitions a sensor surface provided with an ultrasonic sensor unit;
A coupler holding section including a frame body section defining an opening facing the sensor surface, and a support section fixed to the housing body and supporting the frame body section;
An acoustic coupler fixed between the sensor surface and the frame body and formed of an elastic bag filled with a fluid; and
The elastic bag has a first region that contacts the sensor surface, a second region that swells outward from the opening, and a third region that is disposed at a position between the frame and the sensor surface. And
The spring constant of the second region of the elastic bag body is larger than the spring constant of the third region of the elastic bag body,
An ultrasonic probe, wherein a space is formed between the support portion of the coupler holding portion and the third region of the elastic bag body.   2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the casing body has a casing sensor surface that is arranged on an outer side from an outline of the ultrasonic output surface continuously to the ultrasonic output surface of the ultrasonic sensor unit. The first region of the elastic bag is fixed to the housing sensor surface in a first range including at least a part of the ultrasonic wave emission surface, and the area of the first range is larger than the area of the opening. Ultrasonic probe characterized by being small.   3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein the support portion includes a wall body portion continuous from the outer periphery of the housing sensor surface of the housing body to the frame body portion. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 3,
The elastic bag body has a fourth region formed other than the first region, the second region, and the third region,
The spring constant of the fourth region of the elastic bag body is larger than the spring constant of the third region of the elastic bag body and smaller than the spring constant of the second region of the elastic bag body,
An ultrasonic probe, wherein a space is formed between the support portion of the coupler holding portion and the fourth region of the elastic bag body.   An electronic apparatus comprising the ultrasonic probe according to claim 1.   An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising the ultrasonic probe according to claim 1. A first frame part forming a first opening;
A second frame part forming a second opening facing the first opening;
A support portion that is disposed between the first frame body portion and the second frame body portion and fixes the first frame body portion and the second frame body portion;
An elastic bag body fixed to the first frame body part and the second frame body part and filled with a fluid,
The elastic bag body includes a first region that bulges outward from the first opening, a second region that bulges outward from the second opening, and a space between the first frame body portion and the second frame body portion. A third region arranged in
The spring constant of the second region of the elastic bag body is larger than the spring constant of the third region of the elastic bag body,
An acoustic coupler attachment, wherein a space is formed between the support portion and the third region of the elastic bag body.   8. The acoustic coupler attachment according to claim 7, wherein an area of the first opening is smaller than an area of the second opening, and the first frame body portion is disposed outside the outline of the first opening and can be connected to a probe. An acoustic coupler attachment having a probe facing surface.   9. The acoustic coupler attachment according to claim 8, wherein the support portion includes a wall body portion continuous from an outer periphery of the first frame body portion to an outer periphery of the second frame body portion. The acoustic coupler attachment according to claim 9,
The elastic bag further includes a fourth region formed in addition to the first region, the second region, and the third region,
The spring constant of the fourth region of the elastic bag body is larger than the spring constant of the third region of the elastic bag body and smaller than the spring constant of the second region of the elastic bag body,
An acoustic coupler attachment, wherein a space is formed between the support portion and the fourth region of the elastic bag body.   An ultrasonic probe comprising: a housing; and the acoustic coupler attachment according to claim 7 attached to the housing.   An electronic device comprising the acoustic coupler attachment according to any one of claims 7 to 10.   An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising the acoustic coupler attachment according to claim 7.

Images