JP2016049191A - Photoacoustic probe and photoacoustic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photoacoustic probe capable of reducing power consumption, improving operability by reducing an outer shape, and creating an accurate photoacoustic image by detecting an accurate photoacoustic wave even when an acoustic wave detection part is tilted.SOLUTION: A photoacoustic probe 10 has a light source part 13, and an acoustic wave detection part 14 for detecting an acoustic wave inside an analyte. The light source part 13 has: a housing 16; a light source body having a long shape formed by arraying light-emitting devices therein, and arranged inside the housing 16; and a mechanism 17 for tilting an optical axis of the light-emitting device synchronously with tilting of the acoustic wave detection part 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a photoacoustic imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a photoacoustic imaging apparatus including a photoacoustic probe that detects an acoustic wave generated in a subject by light irradiation.

  Conventionally, ultrasonic imaging using transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves is known as a technique for acquiring a tomographic image of a subject (for example, a living body) without invasiveness. Furthermore, conventionally, photoacoustic imaging using photoacoustic waves (ultrasonic waves) generated inside a living body by irradiating the subject with light has been developed.

  In the photoacoustic imaging, a photoacoustic imaging apparatus is used that detects an elastic wave generated by absorption of energy of light emitted from a light source in a subject, and performs image processing after signal processing. The photoacoustic imaging apparatus includes, for example, a probe (photoacoustic probe) configured to irradiate a living body with pulsed light such as a pulse laser. The probe is often configured to include an acoustic wave detection unit that detects an acoustic wave that is an elastic wave and a light guide that emits light (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The probe described in Patent Document 1 constitutes a light irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with light by causing laser light to enter a light guide through an optical fiber. In the probe, an ultrasonic vibration element that detects an elastic wave generated from inside the living body (inside the subject) is arranged on the probe axis. And it arrange | positions so that an optical axis may face the center axis | shaft of the said acoustic wave detection part beside the said acoustic wave detection part. By disposing the light guide in this way, interference between the light guide and the ultrasonic vibration element is suppressed, light in the portion immediately below the subject is increased, and a signal near the surface Strengthen and get clearer images.

  In recent years, light energy of light emitting elements such as LEDs has been increased, and research has been made on a light source unit using the light emitting element instead of a light irradiation unit including a laser light source and a light guide. The light emitting element has lower light energy than laser light. For this reason, when the light-emitting element is used in the light source unit, the light energy is increased by using many light-emitting elements.

  Further, since the light emitting element has less light energy than laser light, the light energy can be effectively utilized by arranging the light source unit adjacent to the subject in the vicinity of the acoustic wave detecting unit. It has a configuration like this. By adopting such a configuration, since the optical fiber and the light guide are not used as in Patent Document 1, the probe can be miniaturized. In addition, it is possible to reduce power consumption by using the light emitting element as compared with the case of using the laser light source.

JP2013-233238A

  In the probe, since the light guide is formed integrally with the photoacoustic detection unit, a gap (air layer) is formed between the subject and the light irradiation unit when the probe is tilted and scanned. As a result, light energy is lost. When a light irradiation unit for irradiating laser light as in Patent Document 1 is provided, light is irradiated to the deep part of the subject even if an air layer is interposed between the light guide and the subject. It was possible.

  However, in the case of a light-emitting element with low light energy, attenuation of light energy by the air layer, which was less affected by laser light with high light energy, is greatly affected, and accurate photoacoustic imaging may be difficult.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a photoacoustic probe that detects an acoustic wave generated in a subject by light irradiation, and accurately emits light of high optical energy to the irradiation target portion even during scanning of the photoacoustic probe. An object is to provide a photoacoustic probe that can be irradiated.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a photoacoustic imaging apparatus that can create an accurate photoacoustic image.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a light source unit that irradiates light to a subject, a side surface that is in contact with the light source unit, and light from the light source unit is absorbed inside the subject. A photoacoustic probe having an acoustic wave detection unit for detecting an acoustic wave generated when the light source unit is disposed in a housing and the housing, and the light emitting elements are arranged in a long length The optical axis of the light emitting element is tilted in synchronization with the shape of the light source body and the tilt of the acoustic wave detector.

  According to this configuration, the optical axis of the light emitting element is also tilted in synchronization with the tilting operation of the acoustic wave detection unit. Thereby, even if the acoustic wave detector is tilted, a large amount of light can be irradiated inside the subject on the extension line of the central axis. Thus, accurate photoacoustic information can be detected even when the acoustic wave detector is tilted.

  In the above-described configuration, the light source unit includes a contact unit that contacts the subject, and when the acoustic wave detection unit is tilted in a state where the acoustic wave detection unit is pressed against the subject, You may have the contact maintenance part which maintains the contact with the said subject of a contact part.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said contact maintenance part may have a press part which presses the said contact part in the light emission direction of the said light source body.

  In the above configuration, the light source unit may be configured such that the housing and the light source holding unit are integrally attached, and the housing and the light source holding unit may be inclined in synchronization with the acoustic wave detection unit. .

  The said structure WHEREIN: While the said light source part is a direction orthogonal to the rotating shaft at the time of the inclination of the said acoustic wave detection part, it may be slidable in the direction along the side surface of the said acoustic wave detection part.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said housing | casing of the said light source part may be provided with the sliding part which slides in multiple steps with respect to the said acoustic wave detection part.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said light source part may have the rotation support part which supports the said acoustic wave detection part rotatably around the axis | shaft orthogonal to the rotation axis at the time of the said inclination.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said light source holding part may be hold | maintained in the state which can be rotated with respect to the said housing | casing, and the said light source holding part may be made to incline in synchronization with the said acoustic wave detection part.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said light source part and the said acoustic wave detection part may be detachable.

  In the above configuration, the light emitting element may include any of a light emitting diode element, a semiconductor laser element, and an organic light emitting diode element.

  Examples of the apparatus provided with the photoacoustic probe described above include a photoacoustic imaging apparatus that images an internal state of the subject based on information from the photoacoustic probe.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a photoacoustic probe for detecting an acoustic wave generated in a subject by light irradiation, and the light to be irradiated is accurately irradiated with high light energy even when the photoacoustic probe is scanned. A photoacoustic probe that can be irradiated can be provided.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a photoacoustic imaging apparatus capable of creating an accurate photoacoustic image.

1 is a schematic external view of an example of a photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the present invention. It is a block diagram of the photoacoustic imaging device shown in FIG. It is a schematic perspective view of the photoacoustic probe concerning this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the light source part with which the photoacoustic probe concerning this invention is equipped. It is the schematic of the light source board provided with the LED element. It is the enlarged view to which the circumference | surroundings of the elastic hinge of an acoustic wave detection part were expanded. It is a perspective view of the state which separated the light source part and the acoustic wave detection part. It is an enlarged plan view of the inclination synchronizing part which shows the state which the acoustic wave detection part and the light source part isolate | separated. It is an enlarged plan view of the inclination synchronizing part which shows the state which assembled | attached the acoustic wave detection part and the light source part. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of a light source part and an acoustic wave detection part when it connects with an inclination synchronization part. It is a side view of the stationary state of the photoacoustic probe concerning this invention. It is a side view of the state which inclined the photoacoustic probe shown to FIG. 10A. It is a perspective view of the other example of the photoacoustic probe concerning this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the photoacoustic probe shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of an acoustic wave detection part. It is a top view of a light source part. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected by the XV-XV line | wire shown in FIG. It is the expanded sectional view cut | disconnected by XVI-XVI. It is a perspective view of the photoacoustic probe when not in use. It is a perspective view of the photoacoustic probe at the time of a use start. It is a front view of the photoacoustic probe of the state shown to FIG. 17A. It is a front view of the photoacoustic probe of the state shown to FIG. 17B. It is a front view of a photoacoustic probe when an acoustic wave detection part is inclined to the light source part side from the state shown in FIG. 17B. It is a perspective view of the further another example of the photoacoustic probe concerning this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the photoacoustic probe shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of a light source holding part. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected so as to be orthogonal to the axis | shaft of a light source holding part. It is the figure which looked at the housing | casing from the outer side. It is the figure which looked at the housing | casing from the inner side. It is an enlarged plan view of a connection part. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along the center of FIG. 26. It is a front view of the state which performs photoacoustic imaging with a photoacoustic probe.

  A photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of an example of a photoacoustic imaging apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the photoacoustic imaging apparatus shown in FIG.

  The photoacoustic imaging apparatus A according to the present invention irradiates light having a wavelength with a small attenuation inside the subject Bd (for example, about 650 nm to about 1100 nm in the case of a living body), and the internal tissue emits light energy. A tomographic image is obtained by detecting an elastic wave (ultrasonic wave) due to absorption and thermal expansion.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the photoacoustic imaging apparatus A includes a photoacoustic probe 10 that irradiates a subject Bd that is a living body and detects a photoacoustic wave generated in the subject Bd. An image generation unit 20 that generates a photoacoustic image based on a photoacoustic wave detection signal is provided. In addition, the photoacoustic probe 10 transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject Bd and also detects ultrasonic waves that are reflected waves, and the image generation unit 20 generates an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic detection signal. Also generate. Furthermore, the photoacoustic imaging apparatus A also includes an image display unit 30 that displays an image based on the image signal generated by the image generation unit 20.

  The photoacoustic probe 10 includes a drive power supply unit 11, a light source unit 13 that emits light (infrared light: wavelength of about 850 nm) when power is supplied from the drive power supply unit 11, and a light emitting element provided in the light source unit 13. LED driving circuit 12 for controlling the above.

  Here, details of the photoacoustic probe 10 will be described with reference to a new drawing. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the photoacoustic probe. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 3, the arrangement direction of the acoustoelectric transducers 141 of the acoustic wave detection unit 14 is the X direction, the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction is the Y direction, and the vertical direction on the paper is the Z direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the photoacoustic probe 10 includes an acoustic wave detection unit 14 and a light source unit 13 that is disposed in proximity to the acoustic wave detection unit 14. The photoacoustic probe 10 makes the lower side in the Z direction in FIG. 3 contact the subject Bd, and irradiates the subject Bd with light from the light source unit 13 or irradiates the subject with ultrasonic waves from the acoustic wave detection unit 14. An acoustic wave from the inside of the specimen Bd is detected.

  The acoustic wave detection unit 14 has a configuration in which acoustoelectric conversion elements 141 that transmit or detect ultrasonic waves are arranged in the X direction. The acoustic wave detection unit 14 has the same configuration as that of an ultrasonic probe used in a conventional ultrasonic tomographic diagnosis apparatus, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the photoacoustic probe 10 includes two light source units 13. The two light source units 13 are long members extending in the arrangement direction (that is, the X direction) of the acoustoelectric conversion elements 141. Further, the two light source units 13 are arranged so as to sandwich the acoustic wave detection unit 14 from both sides in the Y direction. The light source unit 13 irradiates the subject Bd with planar light whose in-plane luminance is equalized. Thereby, uniform or substantially uniform light can be irradiated to the lower part of the acoustic wave detection part 14 in the Z-axis direction.

  The light emitted from the light source unit 13 enters the subject Bd while being scattered, and is absorbed by the light absorber (biological tissue) in the subject Bd. When the light absorber absorbs light, a photoacoustic wave (ultrasonic wave) that is an elastic wave is generated by adiabatic expansion. The generated photoacoustic wave propagates in the subject Bd and is converted into a voltage signal by the acoustoelectric conversion element 141. The acoustoelectric conversion element 141 of the acoustic detection unit 14 may generate an ultrasonic wave, send the ultrasonic wave into the subject Bd, receive the ultrasonic wave reflected in the subject Bd, and generate a voltage signal. Is possible. That is, the photoacoustic imaging apparatus A of the present embodiment can also perform ultrasonic imaging in addition to photoacoustic imaging.

  The acoustic wave (ultrasonic wave) used in the photoacoustic imaging apparatus A is greatly attenuated when propagating through the air layer. Therefore, the photoacoustic imaging apparatus A may use an acoustic matching fluid (gel) that matches the acoustic impedance between the acoustic wave detection unit 14 and the subject Bd. By applying this gel, the acoustic wave detection characteristics can be improved, and the LED element 131 of the light source unit 13 can be cooled.

  Next, the image generation unit 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the image generation unit 20 includes a reception circuit 21, an A / D converter 22, a reception memory 23, a data processing unit 24, a photoacoustic image reconstruction unit 25, a detection / logarithmic converter 26, and a photoacoustic image construction. 27, an ultrasonic image reconstruction unit 28, a detection / logarithmic converter 29, an ultrasonic image construction unit 210, an image composition unit 211, a control unit 212, and a transmission control circuit 213.

  The receiving circuit 21 selects some of the acoustoelectric transducers 141 from the plurality of acoustoelectric transducers 141 and performs a process of amplifying a voltage signal (detection signal) for the selected acoustoelectric transducers 141.

  In the case of photoacoustic imaging, for example, the plurality of acoustoelectric transducers 141 are divided into two areas adjacent in the X direction, and one area is selected for the first light irradiation, and the second light irradiation is performed. The remaining one area is selected at the time. In the case of ultrasonic imaging, for example, an ultrasonic wave is generated while switching a group of a plurality of adjacent acoustoelectric transducers 141 among a plurality of acoustoelectric transducers 141 (so-called linear electronic scan), and a receiving circuit. 21 also selects the group while switching.

  The A / D converter 22 converts the amplified detection signal from the reception circuit 21 into a digital signal. The reception memory 23 stores the digital signal from the A / D converter 22. The data processing unit 24 has a function of distributing the signal stored in the reception memory 23 to the photoacoustic image reconstruction unit 25 or the ultrasonic image reconstruction unit 28.

  The photoacoustic image reconstruction unit 25 performs phase matching addition processing based on the photoacoustic wave detection signal to reconstruct the photoacoustic wave data. The detection / logarithmic converter 26 performs logarithmic compression processing and envelope detection processing on the reconstructed photoacoustic wave data. Then, the photoacoustic image construction unit 27 converts the data processed by the detection / logarithmic converter 26 into luminance value data for each pixel.

  On the other hand, the ultrasonic image reconstruction unit 28 performs phase matching addition processing based on the ultrasonic detection signal to reconstruct the ultrasonic data. The detection / logarithmic converter 29 performs logarithmic compression processing and envelope detection processing on the reconstructed ultrasonic data. Then, the ultrasonic image construction unit 210 converts the data processed by the detection / logarithmic converter 29 into luminance value data for each pixel.

  The image synthesizing unit 211 synthesizes the photoacoustic image data and the ultrasonic image data to generate synthesized image data. Here, for image synthesis, a photoacoustic image may be superimposed on an ultrasonic image, or a photoacoustic image and an ultrasonic image may be arranged in parallel. The image display unit 30 displays an image based on the combined image data generated by the image combining unit 211.

  Note that the image composition unit 211 may output either photoacoustic image data or ultrasonic image data to the image display unit 30 as it is.

  In addition, the control unit 212 transmits a wavelength control signal to the LED drive circuit 12, and the LED drive circuit 12 that has received the wavelength control signal transmits the light trigger signal from the control unit 212 to the light source drive circuit 102. The drive circuit 12 transmits a drive signal to the LED element 131.

  Further, the transmission control circuit 213 transmits a drive signal to the acoustoelectric conversion element 141 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 212 to generate an ultrasonic wave. Note that the control unit 212 also controls the receiving circuit 21 and the like.

  Next, details of the light source unit 13 which is a main part of the photoacoustic probe 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a light source unit provided in the photoacoustic probe according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a light source substrate provided with LED elements. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an elastic hinge provided on the side surface of the acoustic wave detection unit.

  The photoacoustic probe 10 includes two light source units 13, which have substantially the same configuration, and therefore, one of them will be illustrated and described as a representative.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the light source unit 13 includes a light source substrate 130 (light source body), a light source holding unit 15, a housing 16, and an inclination synchronization unit 17.

  The light source substrate 130 is a wiring substrate having a wiring pattern formed on the surface thereof. As shown in FIG. 5, LED elements 131, which are light emitting elements, are mounted on the surface of the light source substrate 130 in a two-dimensional array so as to be equally spaced in the vertical and horizontal directions. The LED elements 131 may be arranged in a staggered manner. The light source substrate 130 is connected to the LED drive circuit 12, receives a drive signal from the LED drive circuit 12, and the LED element 131 emits pulsed light based on the drive signal. In the light source unit 13, the LED elements 131 are mounted in a two-dimensional array on the light source substrate 130 to emit planar light with a constant luminous flux. The LED element 131 is an element that irradiates light having a wavelength (here, about 850 nm) that easily penetrates into the living body.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the light source holding unit 15 includes a light source cover bottom 151 (contact portion) on which the light source substrate 130 is disposed, a light source cover top 152 that covers an upper portion of the light source cover bottom 151 on which the light source substrate 130 is disposed, Is included. When photoacoustic imaging is performed with the photoacoustic probe A, the bottom surface of the light source cover bottom 151 is in contact with the subject Bd. The light emitted from the LED element 131 is used as a light guide that guides (guides) the light to the subject Bd.

  Therefore, the light source cover bottom 151 is formed of a material that can transmit light emitted from the LED elements 131 mounted on the light source substrate 130. The lower surface of the light source cover bottom 151 is a part that contacts the subject Bd. Examples of materials that can transmit light include, but are not limited to, acrylic and polycarbonate.

  The light source substrate 130 is disposed on the light source cover bottom 151 so that the mounting surface of the LED element 131 faces the light source cover bottom 151. Then, the light source substrate 130 is held inside the light source holder 15 by attaching the light source cover top 152 to the light source cover bottom 151 with the light source substrate 130 disposed. As a method for fixing the light source cover bottom 151 and the light source cover top 152, conventionally well-known methods such as adhesion, engagement with an elastic hinge, and screwing can be employed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface of the light source cover bottom 151 has a curved surface curved in the short direction. Although details will be described later, in the photoacoustic probe 10, the light source holding unit 15 also tilts as the acoustic detection unit 14 tilts. By making the bottom surface of the light source holding unit 15 a curved surface, the bottom surface comes into contact with the subject Bd with a constant pressure (or area) even if the light source holding unit 15 is inclined.

 The light source holding unit 15 holding the light source substrate 130 (hereinafter referred to as the light source holding unit 15 unless otherwise described) is assumed to hold the light source substrate 130 inside. Fixed to. In addition, the conventionally well-known method is employ | adopted as the fixing method of the light source holding | maintenance part 15 and the housing | casing 16. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the housing | casing 16 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The casing 16 has two shaft portions 161 that are protruded from both side surfaces in the longitudinal direction (that is, the X direction) and are arranged side by side. The two shaft portions 161 are cylindrical rod-shaped members extending in the longitudinal direction, and are held by the housing 16 so as not to come out while being arranged in parallel to each other. The shaft portion 161 may be firmly fixed to the housing 16 or may be configured to be rotatably supported. Moreover, in this embodiment, although the axial part 161 is the structure penetrated through the housing | casing 16, it is not limited to this. For example, the convex part integrally formed in the side surface of the housing | casing 16 may be sufficient. Of the pair of shafts 161, the lower shaft portion 161a (closer to the subject Bd) is the upper shaft portion 161b (far from the subject Bd).

  When performing photoacoustic imaging, the angle may be changed while pressing the acoustic wave detection unit 14 against the subject Bd to change (adjust) a portion for detecting a tomographic image. In the photoacoustic probe 10, it is necessary to irradiate more (strong) light on the extension line of the central axis of the acoustic wave detection unit 14 inside the subject Bd. Therefore, the photoacoustic probe 10 includes an inclination synchronization unit 17 that inclines the irradiation direction of light from the light source unit 13 in synchronization with the inclination of the acoustic wave detection unit 14.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the acoustic wave detection unit 14 includes elastic hinges 142 that protrude side by side on both side walls in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the light source units 13. The inclination synchronizing part 17 supports each of the elastic hinge 142 and the shaft part 161. Here, the elastic hinge 142 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view enlarging the periphery of the elastic hinge of the acoustic wave detection unit. As shown in FIG. 6, the elastic hinges 142 are provided vertically on both side surfaces of the acoustic wave detection unit 14.

  The elastic hinge 142 has a tapered stopper 1421 with a thin tip at the tip of a cylindrical shaft 1420. Furthermore, a concave groove 1422 is formed in the central portion of the elastic hinge 142, and the axial cross-sectional area can be reduced by being elastically bent. For the sake of convenience, the two elastic hinges 142 projecting side by side from one side are referred to as an elastic hinge 142a on the lower side and an elastic hinge 142b on the upper side.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the inclination synchronization portion 17 includes a link arm 171, a presser spring 172, a C ring 173, and a posture adjustment spring 174. As shown in FIG. 4, two link arms 171 are provided on both sides orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the light source units 13 of the acoustic wave detection unit 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the link arm 171 is bent in a crank shape at the center. This shape is a shape for facilitating the attachment of the acoustic wave detection unit 14, and in the case of a structure that can be easily attached, the link arm may be formed in a flat plate shape.

  The link arm 171 is provided with a hinge hole 1711 provided at a central portion and rotatably engaged with the elastic hinge 142, and a long hole-shaped slide hole 1712 into which the shaft portion 161 is rotatably and slidably inserted. I have. The sliding hole 1712 is provided so as to be symmetric with respect to the hinge hole 1711.

  The presser spring 172 is a coil spring that is inserted into the shaft portion 161, and is disposed between the side surface of the housing 16 and the link arm 171. Both ends of the presser spring 172 are in contact with the side surface of the housing 16 and the link arm 171, and press the link arm 171 toward the distal end side of the shaft portion 161.

  In the photoacoustic probe 10, the ring arm 171 is prevented from coming off by fixing the C ring 173 to the shaft portion 161. Further, the posture adjustment spring 174 is a coil spring and includes rings formed at both ends so as to be engageable with an axis orthogonal to the coil axis.

  The assembly of the photoacoustic probe 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state where the light source unit and the acoustic wave detection unit are separated. In addition, although the photoacoustic probe 10 has the structure which can attach or detach the light source part 13 and the acoustic wave detection part 14, attachment / detachment is mentioned later.

  First, the light source unit 13 is assembled. Two casings 16 having the light source holding part 15 integrally attached to the lower part are arranged so that the shaft parts 161 are parallel to each other. In the description of the present embodiment, the housing 16 to which the light source holding unit 15 is integrally attached is simply referred to as the housing 16 unless otherwise specified.

  Two housings 16 are arranged in a direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the X direction so that the shaft portion 161 extends in the Y direction. Then, a presser spring 172 is externally fitted to each of the shaft portions 161 of the housing 15. The link arm 171 is attached so that the lower shaft portion 161a of each of the two casings 16 passes through each of the sliding holes 1712 provided with the hinge hole 1711 of the link arm 171 interposed therebetween.

  Of the shaft portions projecting from both side surfaces of the two housings 16, the lower shaft portions 161 a are connected by a single link arm 171. Further, the upper shaft portions 161 b are also connected by one link arm 171. In this state, the C-ring 173 is fixed to the tip end side of the link arm 171 of each shaft portion 161 (161a, 161b). The C-ring 173 prevents the link arm 171 from coming off from the tip of each shaft portion 161. At this time, the presser spring 172 is connected to the side surface of the housing 16 and the link arm 171, and the presser spring 172 is natural length or slightly compressed. For this reason, when the link arm 171 is pushed toward the housing 16, the elastic force of the presser spring 172 acts in the opposite direction.

  And the attitude | position adjustment spring 174 is attached so that each of the axial part 161a of the lower side of the two housing | casings 16 may penetrate the ring of an edge part. Further, the posture adjusting spring 174 is attached so that each of the upper shaft portions 161b penetrates the ring at the end portion. Although not described in detail, the posture adjusting spring 174 is also prevented from coming off from the shaft portions 161a and 161b.

  In this way, by connecting the two housings 16 with the tilt synchronization unit 17, the light source holding unit 15 faces downward and the light source unit 13 in which the two housings 16 are arranged is formed.

  Next, assembly of the light source unit 13 and the acoustic wave detection unit 17 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8A is an enlarged plan view of the tilt synchronization unit showing a state where the acoustic wave detection unit and the light source unit are separated, and FIG. 8B is an enlarged plan view of the tilt synchronization unit showing a state where the acoustic wave detection unit and the light source unit are assembled. FIG.

  When the casing 16 and the inclination synchronization portion 17 are assembled, the link arm 171 moves to the tip side of the shaft portion 161 until it is pressed by the presser spring 172 and contacts the C ring 173. As shown in FIG. 8A, in a state where the link arm 171 is pressed by the presser spring 172, the portions where the hinge holes 1711 of the link arms 171 on both end sides are formed protrude to both end sides of the acoustic wave detection unit 14. It arrange | positions outside the front-end | tip of the elastic hinge 142 to do. Thereby, the acoustic wave detection part 14 can be arrange | positioned in the part between the housing | casing 16 of the light source part 13, without the elastic hinge 142 interfering with the link arm 171 (refer FIG. 8A).

  In this state, the link arm 171 is pushed toward the housing 16 against the elastic force of the presser spring 172. As a result, the tip of the tapered portion of the retaining member 1421 of the elastic hinge 142 is inserted into the hinge hole 1711. As a result, the elastic hinge 142 passes through the hinge hole 1711 by being inserted into the hinge hole 1711 from the tip of the elastic hinge 142 and the tapered portion of the retainer 1421 is pushed and bent. When the retainer 1421 passes through the hinge hole 1711, the elastic hinge 142 that has been elastically bent returns to its original shape. As a result, the stopper 1421 can be engaged with the hinge hole 1711 and the elastic hinge 142 can be prevented from coming out of the hinge hole 1711 (see FIG. 8B).

  Similarly, all the link arms 171 are pushed toward the housing 16 and engaged with the elastic hinges 142 corresponding to the hinge holes 1711 to connect the lower elastic hinge 142a and the lower shaft portion 161a. Is possible. Further, it is possible to connect the upper elastic hinge 142b and the upper shaft portion 161b. At this time, since the link arm 171 is pressed to the distal end side of the shaft portion 161 by the presser spring 172, the link arm 171 maintains a certain position or angle with respect to the housing 16 and the acoustic wave detection unit 14. It is energized.

  Further, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14 is biased toward the subject Bd, the link arm 171 and the elastic hinge 142a and the shaft portion 161a, and the link arm 171 and the elastic hinge 142b and the shaft portion 161b come into contact with each other. Thereby, the urging force to the acoustic wave detection unit 14 is transmitted to the casing 16 via the elastic hinges 142a and 142b, the link arms 171 and 171 and the shaft portions 161a and 161b.

  That is, the force is transmitted to the housing 16 by urging the acoustic wave detection unit 14 so as to press the acoustoelectric conversion element 141 provided on the bottom surface against the subject Bd. Then, the contact between the light source cover bottom 151 (contact part) of the light source holding part 15 fixed to the lower part of the casing 16 and the subject Bd is maintained. That is, the elastic hinges 142a and 142b, the link arms 171 and 171 and the shaft parts 161a and 161b constitute a contact maintaining part.

  Conversely, the elastic hinge 142 is elastically deformed with a finger or a jig so that the engaging portion 1421 of the elastic hinge 142 can pass through the hinge hole 1711. Since the link arm 171 is pressed by the presser spring 172, the elastic hinge 142 is removed from the hinge hole 1711, and the link arm 171 and the acoustic wave detection unit 14 are separated (see FIG. 8A).

  Next, operations of the light source unit 13 and the acoustic wave detection unit 14 connected as described above will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the light source unit and the acoustic wave detection unit when connected by the tilt synchronization unit, and FIG. 10A is a side view of the photoacoustic probe according to the present invention in a stationary state, and FIG. FIG. 10B is a side view showing a state in which the photoacoustic probe shown in FIG. 10A is tilted. FIG. 9 is a side view of a state in which the light source unit 13 and the acoustic wave detection unit 14 are connected and arranged on the plane Fp.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the light source unit 13 and the acoustic wave detection unit 14 are connected by the inclination synchronization unit 17, the lower elastic hinge 142a and the lower shaft portion 161a have the same height with respect to the plane Fp. It is connected with the link arm 171 so that it may become. Similarly, the upper elastic hinge 142b and the upper shaft portion 161b are connected by another link arm 171 (see FIG. 10A). At this time, the optical axis of the light source part 131 provided in the light source part 13 is perpendicular to the plane part Fp.

  And when the light source part 13 and the acoustic wave detection part 14 are connected by the inclination synchronization part 17, the attitude | position adjustment spring 174 is the natural length or the state extended a little. It is difficult for the shaft portions 161a (161b) of the two housings 16 to move away from each other. Thereby, the attitude | position of the light source part 13 and the acoustic wave detection part 14 is maintained so that a fixed attitude | position may be maintained.

  When the central axis of the acoustic wave detection unit 14 is pressed perpendicularly to the surface of the plane Fp (subject Bd), the optical axis of the LED element 131 mounted on the light source substrate 130 is also the plane Fp (subject Bd). It becomes perpendicular to the surface. As a result, a large amount of light from the two light source units 13 is irradiated downward in the optical axis direction of the acoustic wave detection unit 14.

  When a tomographic image inside a subject is acquired using the photoacoustic probe 10, photoacoustic waves are often detected while changing the angle of the photoacoustic probe 10 with respect to the surface of the subject Bd. Therefore, in the photoacoustic probe 10, the housing 16 is tilted in synchronization with the acoustic wave detection unit 14.

  Next, the case where the acoustic wave detection unit 14 is tilted toward the housing 16 will be described. When the acoustic wave detection unit 14 is tilted, the acoustic wave detection unit 14 rotates around the contact portion of the subject Bd (plane Fp), that is, the tip of the acoustic wave detection unit 14. At this time, the elastic hinges 142a and 142b rotate around the tip. By this rotation, the elastic hinges 142 a and 142 b push the link arm 171.

  The shafts 161a of the two casings 16 connected to the elastic hinge 142a are connected by a posture adjusting spring 174, and these three points are at the same height from the contact surface with the subject Bd. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14 is tilted to the left, the left housing 16 is pushed by the acoustic wave detection unit 14. Since the side surface of the acoustic wave detection unit 14 and the side surface of the housing 16 are parallel surfaces, the housing 16 also has the same angle as the inclination angle of the acoustic wave detection unit 14 and the contact portion of the subject Bd (plane Fp). Tilt to the left.

  At this time, since the left housing 16 is pressed by the acoustic wave detection unit 14 on the side surface, the distance between the shaft portion 161a of the left housing 16 and the elastic hinge 142a becomes long. Further, since the shaft portion 161a and the elastic hinge portion 142a have the same height from the contact surface with the subject Bd and are inclined at the same angle, the link arm 171 is in a state parallel to the subject Bd. By this rotation, the posture adjusting spring 174 is deformed in the extending direction, and the right shaft portion 161a is pulled along the sliding hole 1712 of the link arm by a force that the posture adjusting spring 174 tries to restore to the original shape. The shaft 161b moves similarly. Since the side surface of the acoustic wave detection unit 14 and the side surface of the housing 16 are parallel surfaces, the right housing 16 is also inclined at the same angle in synchronization with the acoustic wave detection unit 14.

  That is, in the photoacoustic probe 10, by tilting the acoustic wave detector 14, the shaft 161a and the elastic hinge 142a and the shaft 161b and the plane Fp (the subject Bd) of the elastic hinge 142b have the same height. Thus, the housing 16 is also inclined. That is, the acoustic wave detection unit 14 and the housing 16 are inclined in a synchronized manner with the two link arms 171 arranged in parallel maintained in parallel.

  The casing 16 tilts in synchronization with the acoustic wave detection unit 14 while the link arm 171 is maintained in parallel. Accordingly, the acoustic wave detection unit 14 is maintained while maintaining the angle of the optical axis of the LED element 131 held by the light source holding unit 15 with respect to the central axis of the acoustic wave detection unit 14 (in this case, maintaining parallelism). And the casing 16 are inclined in synchronization.

  As described above, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14 is tilted when the photoacoustic imaging is performed by the photoacoustic probe 10 according to the present invention, the light source unit 13 is arranged on the central axis of the acoustic wave detection unit 14. Inclination is synchronized with the inclination of the acoustic wave detection unit 14 so that much light is irradiated on the extension line. As a result, the photoacoustic probe 10 according to the present invention can improve the operability because the user changes the region in which light is irradiated in accordance with the inclination of the acoustic wave detection unit 14. In addition, since a large amount of light can be emitted in a direction desired by the user, a tomographic image with high accuracy can be acquired with a simple operation, and the photoacoustic imaging work time can be reduced.

  When the force that inclines the acoustic wave detection unit 14 is removed, the posture adjustment spring 174 tries to return to the original length. As a result, the pressed shaft portions 161a and 161b of the housing 16 are pulled by the posture adjustment spring 174, and the force acting on the shaft portions 161a and 161b pulled by the posture field adjustment spring 174 is removed. . Thereby, the light source unit 13 and the acoustic wave detection unit 14 return to the original state, that is, the state in which the optical axis of the LED element 131 and the central axis of the acoustic wave detection unit 14 are perpendicular to the plane Fp (subject Bd). (See FIG. 10A).

  Thus, the photoacoustic probe 10 is maintained so that the light source unit 13 and the acoustic wave detection unit 14 maintain a certain positional relationship when no external force is applied. That is, the user can always start the operation from the same state when starting to use the photoacoustic probe 10. Thereby, it is possible to improve a user's operativity.

  In addition, since the light source unit 13 and the acoustic wave detection unit 14 are separable, the emitted light differs according to the purpose of use (for example, the site and depth of the subject Bd for which a tomographic image is to be generated). It is possible to replace the light source unit 13 (with different wavelengths, outputs, etc.). Thereby, since only the light source unit 13 needs to be replaced, it is possible to improve convenience as compared with the case where the entire photoacoustic probe 10 is changed. Further, since the light source unit 13 and the acoustic wave detection unit 14 are separable, even if one of them fails or breaks, it can be easily replaced with a spare one. Thereby, compared with what is integrated, a quick response | compatibility with respect to sudden malfunction is attained.

  In addition, although the specific content of the power supply of the light source part 13 is not described, the power supply line may be directly drawn out from the light source part 13, and the structure which supplies electric power to the power line may be sufficient. Further, power may be supplied from the light source unit 13 and the acoustic wave detection unit 14.

  In the present embodiment, the light source unit 13 and the acoustic wave detection unit 14 are configured to be separable, but the light source unit 13 and the acoustic wave detection unit 14 may be configured not to be separated. When it is set as the structure which is not isolate | separated, what is necessary is just to engage with the link arm 171 of the acoustic wave detection part 14 by the engaging part (for example, pin and boss | hub) which is not elastically deformed.

(Second Embodiment)
Another example of the photoacoustic probe according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 11 is a perspective view of another example of the photoacoustic probe according to the present invention, FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the photoacoustic probe shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the acoustic wave detection unit. FIG. The photoacoustic probe 10B shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 includes a light source unit 13b and an acoustic wave detection unit 14b.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the acoustic wave detection unit 14b includes a boss 143 that protrudes from a surface adjacent to the light source unit 13b. The boss 143 is connected to a second sliding portion 42 of the light source portion 13b, which will be described later, in a rotatable manner.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the light source unit 13 b includes a housing 40, a first sliding unit 41, a second sliding unit 42, a first spring 43 and a second spring 44, and a light source holding unit 15. The light source holding portion 15 has a configuration in which convex portions are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the light source cover top 152. The convex portions are used for positioning when attached to the housing. There is no need for a configuration that allows accurate positioning. Moreover, the light source holding part 15 is substantially the same configuration as the light source holding part 15 provided in the light source part 13 for the other parts, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The first spring 43 and the second spring 44 are coil springs.

  The housing 40 has a C-shaped cross section and has a rectangular parallelepiped appearance. Projecting portions for engaging with the convex portions of the light source cover top 152 described above are provided on both end surfaces in the longitudinal direction in the plan view of the housing 40. The casing 40 is arranged so that one of both end faces in the short direction is close to (contacts) the acoustic wave detection unit 14b in plan view.

  The housing 40 includes a sliding space 400 that slidably accommodates the first sliding portion 41, guide grooves 401 and guide ribs 403 that guide the sliding of the first sliding portion 41, and a lower end of the first spring 43. And a spring holding portion 402 for holding the.

  The sliding space 400 has a rectangular shape in plan view, and has a shape in which an upper surface and one long side (side on the side close to the acoustic wave detection unit 14b) are opened. The first sliding portion 41 is slidably disposed in the sliding space 400 so as to protrude from the upper surface. The side opening is provided so as not to prevent the movement of the boss 143 connected to the second sliding portion 42 when the first sliding portion 41 and the second sliding portion 42 slide. Yes.

  The guide groove 401 is a concave groove that is provided inside the sliding space 400 and extends in the vertical direction. The guide groove 401 is a trapezoidal groove with a wide back, and has an effect of preventing the guide rail 411 of the first sliding portion 41 described later from sliding in a direction other than the axial direction. The guide ribs 403 are disposed so as to face both ends of the opening of the sliding space 400. The guide rib 403 serves as a guide when a spring pressing portion 412 (to be described later) of the first sliding portion 41 slides, and serves as a guide for suppressing deformation (buckling) during expansion and contraction of the first spring 43. .

  The first sliding portion 41 includes a pair of sliding guides 410 projecting from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular flat plate, and a retaining portion 413 projecting from one central portion in the short direction of the flat plate. . The sliding guide 410 has a U shape in plan view, and is arranged so that the U-shaped openings face each other in plan view. A spring pressing portion 412 is formed on the end surface on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the first sliding portion 41 in the plan view of the sliding guide 410. Further, on the outer surface that forms the same surface as the outer surface of the retaining portion 413 of the sliding guide 410, a protruding guide rail 411 extending vertically is provided. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail 411 has the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove 401, and has a reverse tapered shape in which the protruding tip side is widened. Thereby, when the guide rail 411 is inserted into the guide groove 401 (slidably engaged), the guide groove 401 restricts the sliding of the guide rail 411 other than the longitudinal direction.

  Further, the inside of the sliding guide 410 is provided with a spring holding portion 415 that holds the second spring 44 at the lower end, and the inside of the numerical guide 410 protrudes from both longitudinal ends of the second sliding portion 42. A spring retainer 423 is slidably supported (described later).

  The retaining portion 413 is a plate-like member, and a locking portion 414 that protrudes inside the first sliding portion 41 is provided at the upper end. The locking portion 414 has a tapered shape with a tapered tip, and a lower end portion has a surface orthogonal to the inner surface of the locking portion 413. Furthermore, the plate-like member of the retaining portion 413 is formed with a thickness that can be flexed elastically.

  The first sliding portion 41 includes an upper cover 416 that closes the opening at the end of the sliding space 400 in the sliding direction. The upper cover 416 is a flat plate having a rectangular shape in plan view, and is fixed to upper portions at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the manual space 400 of the housing 40 so as not to prevent the sliding of the sliding guide 410 of the first sliding portion 41. It has a different shape. The upper cover 416 is used to prevent the spring retainer 412 from coming off.

  The second sliding portion 42 includes a rotation engagement portion 421 that rotatably engages with the boss 143 of the acoustic wave detection portion 14b, a cover portion 422 that covers the rotation engagement portion 421, and a C ring that is fixed to the boss 143. 424.

  The rotation engagement portion 421 has a box shape with one surface opened, and the cover portion 422 is fixed so as to close the opening. The rotation engagement portion 421 has a through hole formed in a wall portion facing the opening. The boss 143 is rotatably passed through the through hole, and the protruding amount of the boss 143 protruding from the through hole is a length that fits inside the box shape of the rotation engagement portion 421. The C-ring 424 is fixed to a boss 143 that protrudes into the box shape (see FIG. 13). By attaching the C ring 424 in this manner, the second sliding portion 42 is prevented from coming off from the boss 143.

  The cover part 422 has a shape capable of closing the opening of the rotation engagement part 421 (here, rectangular when viewed from the side). The cover part 422 is provided with a convex-shaped locking part 425 having a tapered tip at the lower part of the surface opposite to the rotation guard part 421. The locking portion 425 is a member that locks with the locking portion 414.

  Moreover, the rotation engaging part 421 and the cover part 422 are provided with protrusions that protrude in opposite directions from the surfaces of both ends. And when the rotation engaging part 421 and the cover part 422 are combined, each protrusion part is formed so that it may overlap correctly, and the combined part becomes the spring pressing part 423. The spring pressing portion 423 slides on the inner surface of the sliding guide 410 of the first sliding portion 41 and contacts the upper end of the second spring 44.

  And the level | step difference is formed in the exterior by the side of the acoustic wave detection part 14b of the rotation engaging part 421. FIG. This step is a step for slidably engaging a part of the sliding guide 410 of the first sliding portion 41.

  Next, assembly and operation of the light source unit 13b will be described with reference to the drawings. 14 is a plan view of the light source unit, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. In addition, since the light source part 13b is left-right symmetric, only one side is shown in FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the light source holding part 15 including the light source substrate 130 inside is attached and fixed to the bottom surface of the housing 40. Then, the lower end of the first spring 43 is disposed in the spring holding portion 402 of the housing 40. Further, the guide rail 411 is inserted into the guide groove 401 and the first sliding portion 41 is slidably disposed in the sliding space 400 of the housing 40 so that the spring pressing portion 412 contacts the upper end of the first spring 43. To do. At this time, the guide rail 411 is slidably guided in the guide groove 401, and the surface of the sliding guide 410 opposite to the guide rail 411 is slidably in contact with the guide rib 403.

  As described above, the slidable engagement between the guide rail 411 and the guide groove 401, the slidable contact between the outer surface of the sliding guide 410 and the guide rib 403, and the sliding between the spring pressing portion 412 and the inner surface of the sliding space 400. The first sliding portion 41 is slidably disposed in the housing 40 by the movable contact. Then, the upper cover 416 is fixed to the upper end surface of the housing 40 so as to close both end portions of the sliding space 400. At this time, the upper cover 416 is fixed so as not to hinder the sliding of the first sliding portion 41. Further, when the first sliding portion 41 moves to the uppermost position, the spring pressing portion 412 comes into contact with the upper cover 416. Thus, the upper cover 416 prevents the first sliding portion 41 from coming off. A cover that covers from above, such as the upper cover 416, may be used, but a configuration that suppresses the movement of the spring pressing portion 412 with a pin that penetrates the housing 40 may be adopted.

  In the light source part 13b, when the 1st sliding part 41 moved to the top, the 1st spring 43 is mounted | worn in the compressed state. As a result, the spring pressing portion 412, that is, the first sliding portion 41 is pushed upward by the first spring 43. When the 1st sliding part 41 moves below, the 1st spring 43 is compressed. In order to suppress deformation (for example, buckling) that is off the axis when the first spring 43 is compressed, the inner surface of the housing 40 serves as a spring deformation guide.

  By arranging the first sliding portion 41 in the housing 40 as described above, the first sliding portion 41 is prevented from being detached from the housing 40 and is slidable.

  In addition, the second sliding portion 42 attaches the rotation engagement portion 421 to the boss 143 of the acoustic wave detection portion 14b so as to be rotatable, and attaches the cover 422 after fixing the C ring 424 to the boss 143. At this time, the locking portion 425 is disposed so as to protrude toward the opposite side (outside) of the acoustic wave detection portion 14b.

  Next, the second sliding part 42 rotatably attached to the acoustic wave detection part 14 b is attached to the first sliding part 41. First, the lower end of the second spring 44 is disposed in the spring holding portion 415 of the first sliding portion 41. At this time, the second spring 44 is guided inside the sliding guide 410 so as to suppress deformation such as buckling. Then, the second sliding portion 42 is moved from the upper portion of the first sliding portion 41 so that the locking portion 425 is maintained at the lower end and the spring pressing portion 423 is arranged inside the sliding guide 410. insert. At this time, the step of the rotation engaging portion 421 of the second sliding portion 42 is engaged with the rib of the sliding guide 410 to guide the sliding of the second sliding portion 42.

  And the taper-shaped part of the latching | locking part 425 and the taper-shaped part of the latching | locking part 414 contact by pushing the 2nd sliding part 42 back. In this state, by pushing the second sliding portion 42 further back, the locking portion 414 is pushed by the locking portion 425, and the retaining portion 413 is elastically bent. When the locking part 425 moves to the lower part of the locking part 414, the retaining part 413 that has been pushed and elastically deformed by the locking part 425 returns to its original shape. A portion of the locking portion 425 opposite to the tapered shape has a surface perpendicular to the sliding direction of the second sliding portion 42. Similarly to the locking portion 425, the locking portion 414 has a surface perpendicular to the sliding direction of the second sliding portion 42.

  When the latching | locking part 425 moves below the latching | locking part 414, each perpendicular | vertical surface contacts. Accordingly, the second sliding portion 42 is prevented from coming off from the first sliding portion 41 (see FIG. 16). And when the latching | locking part 425 and the latching | locking part 414 are engaged and the state which is carrying out prevention is made, the 2nd spring 44 will be in the compressed state. Thereby, the 2nd sliding part 42 is pushed up upwards.

  As described above, the acoustic wave detection unit 14b and the light source unit 13b can be attached. And when the 2nd sliding part 42 of the light source part 13b is pushed up to the uppermost part, the securing part 413 of the 1st sliding part 41 is exposed outside. By deforming (bending) the retaining portion 413 to the outside with a finger, a jig, or the like, the retaining portion 425 can be prevented from coming into contact with the retaining portion 414, and the second sliding portion 42 can be 1 can be removed from the sliding portion 41.

  Next, the operation of the photoacoustic probe 10B will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the photoacoustic probe when not in use, and FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the photoacoustic probe at the start of use. 18A is a front view of the photoacoustic probe in the state shown in FIG. 17A, and FIG. 18B is a front view of the photoacoustic probe in the state shown in FIG. 17B. Further, FIG. 19 is a front view of the photoacoustic probe when the acoustic wave detection unit is inclined toward the light source unit from the state shown in FIG. 17B.

  As shown in FIGS. 17A and 18A, in a state where the light source unit 13b and the acoustic wave detection unit 14b are combined, the acoustic wave detection unit 14b is caused to move to the light source holding unit 15 by the elastic force of the first spring 43 and the second spring 44. Is farther away from the subject Bd than the lower surface of. At this time, since the light source unit 13b is rotatably engaged with the boss 143 of the acoustic wave detection unit 14b, the acoustic wave detection unit 14b can rotate around the boss 143 with respect to the light source unit 13b. It is. That is, the acoustic wave detection unit 14b is rotatable in the arrangement direction of the acoustoelectric conversion elements 141.

  When the tomographic image of the subject Bd is acquired using the photoacoustic probe 10B, the acoustic electric transducer 141 provided at the lower end of the acoustic wave detection unit 14b is acoustically contacted with the subject Bd. The wave detector 14b is pushed downward. Thereby, the first spring 43 and the second spring 44 are compressed, and the first sliding portion 41 slides with respect to the housing 40 and the second sliding portion 42 slides with respect to the first sliding portion 41. Thereby, the relative position of the light source part 13b and the acoustic wave detection part 14b changes. The light source unit 13b contracts and the acoustic wave detection unit 14b contacts the subject Bd (see FIGS. 17B, 18B, etc.).

  When using the photoacoustic probe 10B, the operator operates to press the acoustic wave detection unit 14b against the subject Bd. At this time, the force acting on the acoustic wave detection unit 14 b acts on the second sliding portion 42, and the second sliding portion 42 acts on the first sliding portion 41 via the second spring 44. The force of the first sliding portion 41 acts on the housing 40 via the first spring 43. From this, the force acting on the acoustic wave detection unit 14b from the operator is securely transmitted to the housing 40 via the first spring 43 and the second spring 44, and the light source cover bottom 151 of the light source holding unit 15 is moved. It is possible to press firmly against the subject Bd.

  The light source unit 13 b is configured to slide in two stages using the first sliding portion 41 and the second sliding portion 42. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in the light source part 13 b, the second sliding part 42 slides with respect to the first sliding part 41 and also slides with respect to the housing 40. Since the second sliding portion 42 is configured to slide inside the first sliding portion 41, the length of the housing 40 is shorter than the sliding length of the second sliding portion 42. Is possible. Thereby, the photoacoustic probe 10B can be reduced in size.

  Further, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14b is tilted while being in contact with the subject Bd, a moment in the tilt direction acts on the acoustic wave detection unit 14b around the point in contact with the subject Bd. Yes. Due to this moment, a force in the direction of contraction acts on the tilted side (here, the left side) of the light source unit 13b. A force in the extending direction acts on the opposite side. Moreover, in the light source part 13b, between the 2nd sliding part 42 and the 1st sliding part 41, and between the 1st sliding part 41 and the housing | casing 40, it is the light source with the 2nd spring 44 and the 1st spring 43. The holding unit 15 is pressed against the subject Bd. Therefore, even if a force acts in the extending direction on the opposite side of the acoustic wave detection unit 14b, the light source holding unit 15 is pressed against the subject Bd by the force of the first spring 43 and the second spring 44. It is done.

  Thus, in the photoacoustic probe 10B, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14b is tilted, the light source unit 13b firmly presses the light source cover bottom 151 of the light source holding unit 15 against the subject Bd, and the light of the LED element 131. The axis is inclined so as to be synchronized with the central axis of the acoustic wave detector 14b.

  In the light source unit 13b, since the length of the housing 40 can be shortened, the housing 40 on the tilted side when the acoustic wave detection unit 14b is tilted is not easily obstructed. As a result, even when the photoacoustic probe 10B is tilted, the housing 40 is unlikely to get in the way when rotated around the boss 143, and operability can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the light source unit 13b slides in two stages, but may slide in two or more stages. In addition, the light source unit 13b according to the present embodiment has a configuration including two units, each of which is rotatable with respect to the boss 143. In the case of such a configuration, a mechanism that synchronizes the rotation may be provided so as to prevent each unit from moving around the boss 143 separately.

  Moreover, in the photoacoustic probe 10B of this embodiment, since the light source part 13b and the acoustic wave detection part 14b are detachable, similarly to the photoacoustic probe 10, the light wavelength can be changed by changing the light source part 13b. It is possible to change the output. Further, in the photoacoustic probe 10B, since two units can be separated from the acoustic wave detection unit 14 independently, different light (wavelength, output) is sandwiched between the acoustic wave detection unit 14b. A light source unit that emits light may be used. For example, when imaging a blood vessel inside the subject Bd, a contrast agent that absorbs a predetermined wavelength and outputs an elastic wave is injected into the blood, and one of them emits light having a wavelength that is absorbed by the contrast agent. It is also possible to replace and use.

  In the photoacoustic probe 10B, the first spring 43 and the second spring 44 approach the natural length when the first sliding portion 41 and the second sliding portion 42 are in the most extended state. Therefore, when the photoacoustic probe 10B is not used, it returns to a certain state. Thereby, since the state at the start of use is the same, operability can be improved. The light source unit 13b and the acoustic wave detection unit 14b may be configured so as not to be separated.

  Furthermore, in the case of a configuration in which the acoustic wave detection unit 14b is pressed against the subject at the time of use like the photoacoustic probe 10B, the position of the acoustic wave detection unit 14b with respect to the light source unit 13b is a predetermined position. In this case, the LED element 131 may be controlled to be driven. By driving the LED element 131 in this way, low temperature burns due to heat generation can be suppressed. Further, by controlling the light source cover bottom 151 to start driving when the light source cover bottom 151 comes into contact with the subject Bd, an accident caused by the operator or the subject directly viewing the light from the LED element 131 is suppressed. be able to.

  About effects other than these, it is the same as 1st Embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
Still another example of the photoacoustic probe according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 20 is a perspective view of still another example of the photoacoustic probe according to the present invention, and FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the photoacoustic probe shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, the photoacoustic probe 10C includes a light source unit 13c and an acoustic wave detection unit 14c. As shown in FIG. 21, the acoustic wave detection unit 14 c includes a first shaft 144 and a second shaft 145 that protrude from both end portions in the arrangement direction (X direction) of the acoustoelectric conversion elements 141. As shown in FIG. 21, the second shaft 145 is provided above the first shaft 144, and the tip of the second shaft 145 is formed outside the tip of the first shaft 144. As shown in FIG. 21, the light source unit 13c includes a light source holding unit 15c, a housing 50, and an inclination synchronization unit 17c.

  Here, a new drawing will be referred to for explanation of the light source holding part 15c. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the light source holding part, and FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view cut so as to be orthogonal to the axis of the light source holding part. The source holding unit 15c is a holding unit that holds the light source substrate 130 on which the LED elements 131 are mounted. As illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, the light source holding unit 15 c includes a light source cover bottom 153, a light guide unit 154, a rotation holding unit 155, and a light source cover top 152. Since the light source cover top 152 is the same as the light source cover top 152 of the light source unit 13, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The light source cover bottom 153 is a rectangular parallelepiped box having an open top. A light guide 154 is integrally formed at the bottom of the light source cover bottom 153. The light source substrate 130 is held by the rotation holding unit 155. The rotation holding unit 155 has a bottom surface formed in a cylindrical shape, and is disposed so as to contact the light guide unit 154. The light emitted from the LED element 131 passes through the rotation holding unit 155 and the light guide unit 154 and is irradiated to the subject Bd. For this reason, the rotation holding portion 155 is formed of a translucent member that transmits the light emitted from the LED element 131. The rotation holding unit 155 is connected to a rotation arm 63 (described later) of the inclination synchronization unit 17c. The bottom surface 1551 of the rotation holding unit 155 has a cylindrical shape with a shaft 65 (described later) provided so as to penetrate the rotation arm 63 as a central axis.

  The light guide 154 is formed so that a part thereof protrudes outside the light source cover bottom 153. The light guide unit 154 has a bottom surface that is flush with the bottom surface of the light source cover bottom 153 and serves as a contact unit that contacts the subject Bd. A cylindrical inner surface 1541 having the same curvature as the bottom surface 1551 of the rotation holding portion 155 is formed on the upper portion of the light guide portion 154 formed inside the light source cover bottom 153. That is, the inner surface 1541 of the light guide unit 154 and the bottom surface 1551 of the rotation holding unit 155 are in close contact with each other. The light guide unit 154 includes a light diffusion unit 1542 formed so as to spread downward from a part of the cylindrical inner surface 1541.

  In addition, the shaft portion 65 penetrates the wall portions at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the light source cover bottom 153, and a shaft holding hole 156 for holding the shaft portion 65 is formed. The shaft holding hole 156 may hold the shaft portion 65 so as to be rotatable, or may hold the shaft portion 65 so as not to rotate. A material that firmly holds the shaft portion 65 so as not to come off or move in the axial direction can be widely used.

  The inclination synchronization unit 17c is a mechanism for inclining the rotation holding unit 155 in synchronization with the acoustic wave detection unit 14c. The inclination synchronization part 17 c includes a link arm 60, a rotation arm 63, an elastic hinge 64, and a shaft part 65.

  As shown in FIGS. 21, 22, and 23, the rotation arm 63 is connected to each of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the rotation holding portion 155. That is, the rotary arm 63 is provided so as to form a pair at both ends of the rotation holding portion 155 in the longitudinal direction. The rotating arm 63 has a plate shape and is formed so as to be orthogonal to one surface on which the light source substrate 130 of the rotation holding unit 155 is disposed. The rotating arm 63 is formed with a through hole 631 that penetrates the shaft 65 in a rotatable state. The through holes 631 formed in the rotating arms 63 disposed at both ends of the rotation holding unit 155 are formed on a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rotation holding unit 155.

  An elastic hinge 64 protruding outward is formed on the side surface of the rotary arm 63 opposite to the rotation holding portion 155. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the elastic hinge 64 is a columnar protrusion having a retaining portion at the tip, and a groove is formed at the center. The elastic hinge 64 has the same configuration as the elastic hinge 142 provided in the acoustic wave detection unit 14, and has a tapered stopper 641 with a thin tip at the tip of a cylindrical shaft 640. ing.

  Further, the elastic hinge 64 is formed with a concave groove 642 in the central portion. And the area of the axial direction of the retaining part 641 becomes small because the shaft 640 is elastically deformed. The central axis of the elastic hinge 64 protruding from each of the rotation arms 63 arranged at both ends of the rotation holding part 155 is formed to be parallel to the central axis of the through hole 631. In addition, although the rotation holding | maintenance part 155, the rotation arm 63, and the elastic hinge 64 shall be integrally formed, you may make it form separately and can be combined.

  The link arm 60 is a long member, and hinge holes 61 are provided at both ends so that the elastic hinges 64 are rotatably engaged. Further, a groove portion 62 extending in the short direction is provided at the center portion of the link arm 60 in the longitudinal direction. When the light source unit 13 c is assembled, the second shaft 145 of the acoustic wave detection unit 14 c is disposed inside the groove unit 62.

  The casing 50 is a rectangular member in plan view, and the light source holding part 15c can be fixed to the lower part. Reference is made to a new drawing to describe the details of the housing 50. 24 is a view of the housing from the outside, FIG. 25 is a view of the housing from the inside, and FIG. 26 is an enlarged plan view of the connecting portion. FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along the center of FIG.

  In the central portion of the housing 50, a through window 500 that penetrates the acoustic wave detection unit 14c is provided in order to bring the acoustoelectric conversion element 141 into contact with the subject Bd. The housing 50 includes a connecting portion 51, a posture adjusting spring 52 attached to the outside of the connecting portion 51, a spring cover 53, a presser spring 54, a guide groove 55, and a concave groove 56. The connecting portions 51 are provided so as to be paired so as to face each other in the arrangement direction of the acoustoelectric transducers 141 of the acoustic wave detector 14c.

  The connection part 51 is connected to the acoustic wave detection part 14 c and includes a hinge part 511, an insertion part 512, and a sliding hole 513. As shown in FIG. 21 and the like, the hinge portion 511 is provided so as to make a pair with the connecting portion 51, and the hinge portion 511 has a cantilever shape. And the hinge part 511 is formed thinly compared with the other part of the connection part 51 so that elastic deformation is possible. The hinge portion 511 is disposed so that the tip portions are close to each other, and the portion where the tips of the pair of hinge portions 511 are close to each other is an insertion portion 512.

  The insertion portion 512 is provided so that the second shaft 145 passes when the acoustic wave detection portion 14c is attached. The insertion portion 512 includes an inclined portion that is inclined downward. The insertion portion 512 is a gap narrower than the width of the second shaft 145, and when the second shaft 145 passes through the insertion portion 512, the inclined portion is pushed and the hinge portion 511 is bent to allow the second shaft 145 to pass through. A gap is formed. A sliding hole 513 is formed so as to be connected to the insertion portion 512. The sliding hole 513 is connected to a moving portion 514 extending vertically from the central portion of the arc-shaped portion. The sliding hole 513 is a sliding hole through which the second shaft 145 slides when the acoustic wave detection unit 14c is mounted and inclined.

  The posture adjustment spring 52 is a biasing member that adjusts the posture of the acoustic wave detection unit 14c when the acoustic wave detection unit 14c is tilted, that is, biases the acoustic wave detection unit 14c to return to the original position. is there. The posture adjustment spring 52 includes a coil portion 521, a support portion 522 extending in a tangential direction from one end portion of the coil portion 521, and a working portion 523 extending in a tangential direction from the other end portion (see FIG. 24). .

  As shown in FIG. 25, the posture adjusting spring 52 has a coil portion 521 that is externally fitted to a columnar spring mounting portion 510 that protrudes outside the connecting portion 51. The support portion 522 is in contact with the rib of the housing 50. Further, the working portion 523 is engaged with a protruding portion 515 formed at the end edge portion of the moving portion 514 of the sliding hole 513. The working part 523 is arranged so as to cross the arcuate part of the sliding hole 513. The posture adjusting spring 52 is attached to the connecting portion 51 in a state where the angle between the support portion 522 and the working portion 523 is reduced. Thereby, the support portion 522 pushes the rib and the working portion 523 pushes the protruding portion 515, so that the posture adjusting spring 52 is stably attached.

  The spring cover 53 is fixed to the connecting portion 51 so as to press at least the coil portion 521 of the posture adjusting spring 52 from the outside. By attaching the spring cover 53, the posture adjusting spring 52 is prevented from falling off. The second shaft 145 passes through the sliding hole 513, and the spring cover 53 has a curved surface having the same curvature as the sliding hole 513 so as not to prevent the sliding of the second shaft 145. In addition, the shape which can hold down so that the coil part 521 of the attitude | position adjustment spring 52 may not be pulled out from the spring attaching part 510 can be employ | adopted widely.

  As shown in FIG. 21, a step is formed on the opposite surface of the connecting portion 51 of the housing 50. The relative distance of the connecting portions 51 arranged to face each other is narrow at the bottom and wide at the top. As shown in FIG. 27, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14c is attached to the light source unit 13c, the relative distance is such that the first shaft 144 does not interfere with the upper part. Further, the lower part has a shape such that the first shaft 144 is hooked up and down by a step. And the guide groove 55 is extended in the up-down direction under the connection part 51. As shown in FIG. The guide groove 55 is formed so as to overlap with the insertion portion 512 and the moving portion 514 in the vertical direction. The first shaft 144 of the acoustic wave detection unit 14 c is slidably accommodated in the guide groove 55.

  The presser spring 54 has the same shape as the posture adjustment spring 52. That is, the presser spring 54 includes a coil portion 541, a support portion 542, and a working portion 543, as with the posture adjustment spring 52. The presser spring 54 is attached to a spring attachment portion 516 provided in the connecting portion 51, and the support portion 542 is fixed to the spring attachment portion 516. Further, the working unit 543 is disposed so as to cross the guide groove 55. The connecting portion 51 is also provided with a retaining portion that presses the working portion 543 so that the presser spring 54 does not come off.

  Furthermore, in the plan view of the housing 50, in the vicinity of each vertex, a concave groove 56 is provided that extends so as to be orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the connecting portions 51. The concave groove 56 is a groove part for allowing the rotary arm 63 to pass through when the light source part 13c is formed.

  Next, assembly of the photoacoustic probe 10C will be described. First, after attaching the light source substrate 130 to the rotation holding unit 155, the light source cover top 152 is attached and fixed to the rotation holding unit 155. Then, the bottom surface 1551 of the rotation holding unit 155 is disposed so as to contact the inner surface 1541 of the light guide unit 154. And it arrange | positions so that the shaft holding hole 156 of the light source cover bottom 153 and the through-hole 631 of the rotation arm 63 may overlap in an axial direction. The shaft portion 65 is mounted so as to penetrate the shaft holding hole 156 and the through hole 631.

  By attaching the shaft portion 65, the bottom surface 1551 of the rotation holding portion 155 is formed as a cylindrical curved surface with the through hole 631 as the central axis. In addition, the inner surface 1541 of the light guide unit 154 is also a curved surface having the same curvature and curvature radius. Therefore, it can rotate around the shaft portion 65 in a state where the bottom surface 1551 of the rotation holding portion 155 and the inner surface 1541 of the light guide portion 154 are in contact with each other. Note that when the rotation holding portion 155 rotates, the rotation arm 63 and the elastic hinge 64 connected to the rotation holding portion 155 also rotate around the shaft portion 65. In other words, by rotating the rotary arm 63 and the elastic hinge 64 around the shaft portion 65, the rotation holding portion 155 slides in the rotation direction while bringing the bottom surface 1551 into contact with the inner surface 1541 of the light guide portion 154.

  After attaching the posture adjusting spring 52 and the presser spring 54 to the housing 50, the spring cover 53 is attached to the connecting portion 51. Then, the light source cover bottom 153 is disposed in contact with the lower portion of the housing 50 so that the rotating arm 63 penetrates the concave groove 56. The light source cover bottom 153 and the housing 50 are fixed by a conventionally known method such as adhesion or screwing. In this state, the elastic hinge 64 is inserted into the hinge hole 61 of the link arm 60. At this time, the rotation arm 63 on the same side of the rotation arm 63 formed at the ends of the two rotation holding portions 155 can be connected.

  The acoustic wave detection unit 14c is attached to the light source unit 13c assembled as described above. The acoustic wave detection unit 14 c is attached to the light source unit 13 c from the upper part of the housing 50. At this time, the first shaft 144 of the acoustic wave detection unit 14 c does not interfere with the upper portion of the connection unit 51. Therefore, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14 c is pushed downward, the first shaft 144 does not contact the upper part of the connection unit 51. And the 2nd axis | shaft 145 contacts the insertion part 512 by moving the acoustic wave detection part 14c below. At this time, the second shaft 145 pushes the insertion portion 512, and the hinge portion 511 is bent. Thereby, the 2nd axis | shaft 145 passes the insertion part 512 through a clearance gap (refer FIG. 27). As shown in FIG. 26, the link arm 60 is formed in the groove portion 62 so that the second shaft 145 can slide.

  The first shaft 144 is slidably inserted into the guide groove 55 by moving the acoustic wave detection unit 14c downward. Similarly, the second shaft 145 is inserted into the groove 62 of the link arm 60. The By doing in this way, it is possible to attach the acoustic wave detection part 14c to the light source part 13c.

  In addition, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14 c is lifted, the second shaft 145 contacts the insertion unit 512. The insertion portion 512 is inclined so as to open a gap when the acoustic wave detection portion 14c is pushed down, but is not formed to open the gap when moving in the opposite direction. Therefore, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14c is lifted, the second shaft 145 engages with the insertion unit 512, and the light source unit 13c moves together with the acoustic wave detection unit 14c.

  Further, the insertion portion 512 of the light source portion 13c is provided with a knob for elastically deforming the hinge portion 511. By operating the knob, the hinge portion 511 is deformed to increase the gap of the insertion portion 512. The acoustic wave detection unit 14c can be removed from the light source unit 13c.

  When the acoustic wave detection unit 14 c is attached to the light source unit 13 c, the first shaft 144 contacts the working unit 543 of the presser spring 54. At this time, the acoustic wave detection unit 14 c is attached such that the lower end thereof is above the position of the bottom surface of the light source cover bottom 153.

  Next, the use of the photoacoustic probe 10C will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 28 is a front view of a state in which photoacoustic imaging is performed with the photoacoustic probe. As shown in FIG. 28, when performing photoacoustic imaging using the photoacoustic probe 10C, the operator presses the acoustic wave detector 14c against the subject. At this time, the first shaft 144 presses the working portion 543 of the presser spring 54 downward. Since this downward pressing force acts on the light source unit 13c, the light source unit 13c is urged in the vertical direction with respect to the subject.

  As shown in FIG. 28, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14c is brought into contact with the subject Bd, the first shaft 144 has the same height as the shaft portion 65, and the second shaft 145 has the same height as the elastic hinge 64. The light source part 13c and the acoustic wave detection part 14c are formed so that it may become.

  Further, when the connecting portion 51 pushes the acoustic wave detecting portion 14 c downward and the lower end portion is brought into contact with the subject Bd, the second shaft 145 is disposed in the arc portion of the sliding hole 513. In this state, the second shaft 145 slides on the arc portion of the sliding hole 513 by tilting the acoustic wave detection unit 14c.

  Further, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14 c is tilted, the acoustic wave detection unit 14 c rotates about the first axis 144. At this time, the second shaft 145 pushes the groove 62 of the link arm 60. As a result, the link arm 60 slides in the lateral direction. As the link arm 60 slides in the lateral direction, one elastic hinge 64 is pushed and the other elastic hinge 64 is pulled. When the elastic hinge 64 is moved by the link arm 60, the rotating arm 63 rotates and the rotation holding portion 155 also rotates.

  When the acoustic wave detection unit 14c is pressed against the subject Bd, the first shaft 144 and the shaft portion 65 have the same height, and the second shaft 145 and the elastic hinge 64 have the same height. When the acoustic wave detection unit 14c is tilted, the rotation holding unit 155 also rotates by the same angle. That is, the acoustic wave detection unit 14c and the rotation holding unit 155 rotate in synchronization. The optical axis of the LED element 131 mounted on the light source substrate 130 is always at the same angle with respect to the rotation holding unit 155. That is, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14c is tilted, the optical axis of the LED element 131 is tilted in synchronization with the acoustic wave detection unit 14c.

  Further, when the second shaft 145 slides in the sliding hole 513, the second shaft 145 contacts the working portion 523 of the posture adjustment spring 52, and the posture control spring 52 is elastically deformed. The elastic force at this time also acts as a force for pressing the light source unit 13c against the subject Bd. Thereby, when the acoustic wave detection unit 14c is inclined, the light source unit 13c is firmly pressed against the subject Bd by the elastic force of the posture adjustment spring 52. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the light source cover bottom 153 of the light source unit 13c from being separated from the subject Bd, and to accurately irradiate the subject Bd with light.

  Further, since the acoustic wave detection unit 14c and the optical axis of the LED element 131 are inclined in synchronization, the light irradiation region can be inclined in accordance with the inclination of the acoustic wave detection unit 14c.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the light diffusion portion 1541 of the light guide portion 154 is formed so as to face the acoustic wave detection portion 14c. Thereby, more light emitted from the LED element 131 is diffused in the direction toward the center of the acoustic wave detection unit 14c. Thereby, much light can be irradiated on the extension line of the central axis of the acoustic wave detection part 14c.

  Further, the bottom surface 1551 of the rotation holding unit 155 and the inner surface 1541 of the light guide unit 154 are configured to slide. When an air layer is formed on the contact portion due to wear or deformation, the light from the LED element 131 is significantly attenuated. For this reason, a gel or the like for the purpose of increasing lubrication and light transmission efficiency may be interposed.

  In addition, the light source portion 13c has a working portion 523 that traverses both sides of the arc-shaped portion of the sliding hole 513, and the second shaft 145 slides on either of the arc-shaped portions of the sliding hole 513. Either one of the two posture adjusting springs 52 attached to one connecting portion 51 is deformed. As a result, the light source unit 13c is firmly pressed against the subject Bd regardless of the inclination of the acoustic wave detection unit 14c. When the inclination of the acoustic wave detector 14c is finished, the second shaft 145 is pushed by the elastic force of the deformed posture adjustment spring 52, and the acoustic wave detector 14c is moved to the original position.

  And if the 2nd axis | shaft 145 moves to the center part of the circular arc-shaped part of the sliding hole 513, the 2nd axis | shaft 145 will be movable to the moving part 514 extended up and down. Further, since the first shaft 144 is biased upward by the presser spring 54, when the second shaft 145 moves to a position where it can move to the moving portion 514, the first shaft 144 is pressed by the presser spring 54, and The second shaft 145 moves in the moving part 514. Thereby, the acoustic wave detection unit 14c is pushed upward. At this time, the first shaft 144 is pushed upward by the presser spring 54 and the movement of the second shaft 145 in the tilt direction is restricted by the moving portion 514.

  As described above, the operator can press the light source unit 13c against the subject Bd by operating the acoustic wave detection unit 14c. Further, when the photoacoustic probe 10C is not used, the acoustic wave detection unit 14c always stands by in the state of being moved upward at the center in the tilt direction, so that it is possible to improve the operability of the operator.

  Other features are the same as those in the first and second embodiments.

  In each said embodiment, although the LED element is utilized as a light emitting element, it is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to widely employ a small element that can be easily controlled for light emission, such as a semiconductor laser element and an organic light emitting diode element. In addition, although a plurality of LED elements are mounted side by side on the light emitting substrate, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be directly arranged on a part of the constituent members of the light emitting unit.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this content. The embodiments of the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments can be implemented in combination as appropriate.

A Photoacoustic imaging apparatus 10 Photoacoustic probe 11 Drive power supply unit 12 LED drive circuit 13 Light source unit 130 Light source substrate (light source body)
131 LED element (light emitting element)
14 Acoustic wave detection unit 141 Acoustoelectric conversion element 142 (142a, 142b) Elastic hinge 143 Boss 144 First axis 145 Second axis 15 Light source holding part 15c Light source holding part 151 Light source cover bottom (contact part)
152 Light source cover top 153 Light source cover bottom 154 Light guide portion 155 Rotation holding portion 156 Axis holding hole 16 Housing 161 Rotating shaft 17 Inclination synchronization portion 17c Inclination synchronization portion 171 Link arm 172 Press spring 173 C ring 174 Attitude adjustment spring 20 Image generation Unit 21 receiving circuit 22 A / D converter 23 reception memory 24 data processing unit 25 photoacoustic image reconstruction unit 26 detection / logarithmic converter 27 photoacoustic image construction unit 28 ultrasonic image reconstruction unit 29 detection / logarithmic converter 210 ultrasonic image Construction part 211 Image composition part 212 Control part 213 Transmission control circuit 30 Image display part 40 Case 400 Sliding space 401 Guide groove 402 Spring holding part 41 First sliding part 410 Sliding space 411 Guide rail 412 Spring retainer 413 Portion 414 Locking portion 415 Spring holding portion 416 Upper cover 4 2 Second sliding portion 421 Rotation holding portion 422 Cover 423 Spring holding portion 424 C ring 425 Locking portion 43 First spring 44 Second spring 50 Housing 60 Link arm 61 Hinge hole 62 Groove portion 63 Rotating arm 64 Elastic hinge 65 Shaft Part

Claims (13)

A light source unit that emits light to the subject;
An acoustic wave detection unit configured to detect an acoustic wave generated when a side surface is disposed in contact with the light source unit and light from the light source unit is absorbed inside the subject;
The light source unit is
A housing,
It has an elongated light source body arranged inside the housing and arranged with light emitting elements,
A photoacoustic probe comprising a mechanism for inclining the optical axis of the light emitting element in synchronization with the inclination of the acoustic wave detection unit. The light source unit has a contact part that comes into contact with the subject,
2. A contact maintaining unit that maintains contact of the contact part with the subject when the acoustic wave detection unit is tilted in a state where the acoustic wave detection unit is pressed against the subject. The photoacoustic probe according to 1.   The photoacoustic probe according to claim 2, wherein the contact maintaining unit includes a pressing unit that presses the contact unit in a light emitting direction of the light source body. In the light source unit, the housing and the light source holding unit are integrally attached,
The photoacoustic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the casing and the light source holding unit are inclined in synchronization with the acoustic wave detection unit.   The said light source part is slidable in the direction along the side surface of the said acoustic wave detection part while being a direction orthogonal to the rotating shaft at the time of the inclination of the said acoustic wave detection part. The described photoacoustic probe.   The photoacoustic probe according to claim 5, wherein the housing of the light source unit includes a sliding unit that slides in multiple stages with respect to the acoustic wave detection unit.   The photoacoustic probe according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the light source unit includes a rotation support unit that rotatably supports the acoustic wave detection unit about an axis orthogonal to the rotation axis at the time of tilting. The light source holding part is held in a rotatable state with respect to the housing;
The photoacoustic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light source holding unit is inclined in synchronization with the acoustic wave detection unit.   The photoacoustic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the light source unit and the acoustic wave detection unit are detachable.   The photoacoustic probe according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element includes a light emitting diode element.   The photoacoustic probe according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element includes a semiconductor laser element.   The photoacoustic probe according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element includes an organic light emitting diode element. A photoacoustic probe according to claim 1 to 12, comprising:
A photoacoustic imaging apparatus that images an internal state of the subject based on information from the photoacoustic probe.

Images