JP2016105747A - Probe for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and probe system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a probe for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses configured to discretionarily add or remove various functions according to a requirement of an operator, while retaining a compact ultrasonic probe shape, and probe system using the probe for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses.SOLUTION: A probe 10 according to the present invention includes: a head section including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers and having a contact face in contact with an examination object, the contact face being a part of a circle or a sphere; a cylindrical body section continued from the head section; and a connecting section for connecting another module to the contact face of the head section and/or an end of the cylindrical body section. The module such as an operation module 50 and an elastography module 30 is configured to be connectable to the connection section of the probe and is connected to the probe as necessary, to be used as the probe system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly, to a probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can be connected to another module to perform a handy operation.

  In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic wave in which a large number of transducers that convert an electric signal and an ultrasonic beam are arranged to irradiate the body to be examined with an ultrasonic beam and receive the reflected ultrasonic wave inside the body. A probe is used. Ultrasonic probes of various shapes have been put into practical use according to the examination site, but generally, a head part that houses the vibrator and the backing member, and a grip part that houses the cable to which the vibrator is connected It has the shape provided with. The ultrasonic probe is connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a cable and inspected.

  There has also been proposed a wireless ultrasonic probe that wirelessly exchanges signals between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the probe (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-220792 A

  With a wireless ultrasonic probe, inspection can be performed with good operability even in an inspection place where space is limited by eliminating a cable. However, it is necessary to provide a wireless communication circuit for communicating with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a battery for driving the vibrator and the wireless communication circuit in the head portion or the grip portion of the ultrasonic probe. The weight increases and the size must be increased. Furthermore, there is a request to provide an operation means such as a simple switch to the ultrasonic probe, but it is necessary to frequently disinfect and clean the ultrasonic probe. For this purpose, an operation means such as a switch is provided on the probe. It is not preferable.

  The present invention relates to a probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of appropriately adding or removing various functions according to an operator's request while maintaining a compact ultrasonic probe shape, and a probe system using the probe It is an issue to provide.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a probe having a shape and a structure that can be connected to one or more modules. A probe according to the present invention includes a head portion that includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a contact surface to be inspected is a circle or a part of a sphere, and a cylindrical body portion continuous to the head portion. A connecting portion for connecting another module to the contact surface of the portion and / or the end of the cylindrical body portion.

  The present invention also provides a probe system in which one or more modules having other functions are connected to the probe.

  According to the present invention, the probe and the module added to the probe can be used as a single unit or as an integral unit according to the inspection situation or the operator's request, and can be handled in the same manner as a single probe. A probe system is provided. In addition, a probe system that functions as a compact ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus while being compact is provided.

It is the perspective view of the probe of 1st embodiment, (a) is the figure seen from the body part side, (b) is the figure seen from the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface. Side view of the probe of the first embodiment It is the top view of the probe of 1st embodiment, (a) is the figure seen from the body part side, (b) is the figure seen from the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface. Functional block diagram of probe and ultrasonic diagnostic equipment Side view showing the entire probe system of the second embodiment It is a figure which shows the module for elastography of the probe system of 2nd embodiment, (a) is a side view, (b) is the figure seen from the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface. Side view showing the entire probe system of the third embodiment It is a figure which shows the operation module of the probe system of 3rd embodiment, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, (c) is AA sectional drawing of (b). Functional block diagram of probe, operation module, and ultrasonic diagnostic equipment The figure which shows the use condition of the operation module of 3rd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole probe system of 4th embodiment, (a) is the figure seen from the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface side, (b) is the figure seen from the operation module side. It is a figure which shows the probe system of 4th embodiment, (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view. Sectional drawing which shows the operation module of 4th embodiment. The figure which shows the display surface of the operation module of 4th embodiment. The figure which shows the use condition of the probe system of 4th embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention will be described.
The probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention has a feature in shape, and by this feature, an examination can be performed with an operation in which a stethoscope is applied to a subject. Also, depending on the shape characteristics, one probe system can be assembled by stacking with modules having other functions, and can be used to apply a stethoscope in the same way as when operating only the probe.

  That is, the probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention incorporates a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (transducers), and a head portion in which a contact surface (ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface) to an inspection object is a circle or a part of a sphere, And a cylindrical body part continuous with the head part. The module to be combined with the probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention includes an elastography module connected to the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface of the probe, and an operation connected to the end of the probe body opposite to the head. There is a module for. The operation module can also serve as a display module.

<First embodiment>
First, an embodiment of a probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a probe) will be described with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B are perspective views of the probe of the present embodiment, where FIG. 1A is a view seen from the body side, and FIG. 1B is a view seen from the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface. 2 is a side view of the probe of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a view showing both end faces of the probe of FIG. 1, (a) is an end face on the body side, and (b) is an ultrasonic transmission / reception face. .

  As shown in the figure, the probe 10 of the present embodiment includes two cylindrical portions 11 and 12 having different diameters. A portion 11 having a large diameter is a head portion that houses an ultrasonic transducer (not shown), and an ultrasonic transmission / reception surface (contact surface with respect to an inspection object) 15 is formed on the end surface 13. The portion having a small diameter is a body portion that stores a backing material (not shown) and the like, and is a portion that is gripped by an operator when performing an ultrasonic inspection. Around the head portion 11, a cable storage portion 17 that stores a cable 20 for connecting the ultrasonic transducer to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is formed.

  The probe 10 is entirely covered with a plastic case except for the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface 13, and the diameter between the large-diameter cylinder constituting the head portion 11 and the small-diameter cylinder constituting the body portion 12 is the diameter. Are connected by a concave curved surface and a disk-shaped surface. Moreover, the end surface 14 of the body part 12 is a circle having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the cylinder constituting the body part 12, and is connected to the cylindrical part by a convex curved surface whose diameter changes. Further, a short cylindrical case is provided so as to surround the cylinder of the head portion 11, and the cable housing portion 17 is between the cylinder of the head portion 11 and this case.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3B, the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface 15 is a circular shape having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cylinder of the head portion 11 and slightly convex toward the center. The arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers is not particularly limited, but may be arranged in a line along the diameter of the circular ultrasonic wave receiving surface 15, or may be arranged in a plurality of lines parallel to the line along the diameter. It may be a two-dimensional array. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange ultrasonic transducers in the radial direction. A probe in which ultrasonic transducers are arranged in the radial direction can image a three-dimensional region by sequentially changing the angle of the ultrasonic transducer array along the radial direction.

  A connection mechanism for connecting the probe 10 of the present embodiment to another module is provided around the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface 15. As the coupling mechanism, a mechanical mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, or a combination of both can be adopted. In this embodiment, a small magnet 19 is disposed as the coupling mechanism. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 (b), the small magnet has the same position at 0 ° and 180 ° when the position of one magnet is 0 ° on the end surface 13 surrounding the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 15. A pole (for example, S pole) magnet, and a magnet having the same pole (for example, N pole) are disposed at 90 ° and 270 ° positions. Corresponding to the arrangement of the magnets, a magnet is also arranged on the connection surface of an elastography module (described later) connected to the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface 15. Further, the position where the N pole is arranged or the position where the S pole is arranged is a shape 11a (FIG. 2) in which the edge of the cylinder constituting the head portion 11 is gently recessed toward the body portion 12 side. With this shape, alignment with an elastography module to be described later can be easily performed.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, a connection mechanism for connecting the probe 10 of this embodiment to another module is also provided on the end surface 14 of the body part 12. This connection mechanism can also employ a mechanical mechanism or a magnetic mechanism, similar to the connection mechanism on the head portion end face 13 side, but in this embodiment, the small magnets 19 are arranged at four locations similarly to the head end face. doing. The cylindrical edge portion constituting the body portion 12 also has a shape 12a (FIG. 2) that is gently recessed toward the head portion 11 side, similarly to the edge portion of the head portion 11. With this shape, alignment with an operation module described later can be easily performed.

  The number and arrangement of the magnets are not limited to the present embodiment, and for example, S-pole and N-pole small magnets may be arranged at two locations of 0 ° and 180 °. However, by arranging magnets at four locations as in the present embodiment, the modules can be firmly connected to each other, misalignment during use can be prevented, and stable operation can be performed. Moreover, the position of the magnet arrange | positioned at the end surface of the body part 12 can also be shown with marks, such as a color, a small hollow, or a convex part. Such a mark serves as a mark when connecting other modules, and also functions as an index indicating the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers.

  The cable storage portion 17 is provided with an automatic winding mechanism for the cable 20 inside. As the automatic winding mechanism, a known winding mechanism, for example, a winding mechanism using a spring (spring) that biases the cable in the winding direction and a ratchet mechanism can be used. In order to store the cable in the cable storage unit 17 without being twisted, the cable 20 is a flat cable. By using the flat cable, the cable can be smoothly inserted into and removed from the cable storage unit 17, and the cable can be stored with a relatively small storage volume. One end of the cable 20 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer inside the probe 10, and a terminal for connecting the other end to the probe connector of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is fixed. There are various types and types of probe connectors depending on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. These various connectors are provided with a unified socket portion, and a terminal corresponding to the socket portion is fixed to the cable 20 so that the probe 10 of this embodiment is connected to each ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. it can.

  FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to which the probe 10 of the present embodiment is connected. As shown in the figure, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 mainly includes an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 210, an ultrasonic image forming unit 220, a display unit 230 that displays an ultrasonic image produced by the ultrasonic image forming unit, A control unit 240 for controlling the operation, an operation unit 250 for inputting inspection conditions to the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 210 and the ultrasonic image forming unit 220, and for inputting a command necessary for the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, etc. ing. The operations of these units are the same as those provided in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, when the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers in the probe 10 of the present embodiment is an arrangement different from the conventional one-dimensional or two-dimensional arrangement, it is necessary to further have a function of controlling the angle of the transducer array to be driven.

  When the probe 10 of this embodiment is used alone, it is connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface 13 is applied to the body surface of the subject so as to transmit / receive ultrasonic waves, as in the case of a conventional probe. I do. At this time, when a mark indicating the magnet position is attached to the end surface 14 on the body part 12 side, the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers can be recognized by the mark.

  In the above embodiment, the wired probe that connects the probe 10 to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 by the cable 20 has been described. However, by providing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the probe 10 with a communication circuit that performs wireless transmission and reception, It is also possible to eliminate the cable. Alternatively, the cable can be a cable for connecting to other modules described later. When the probe of the present invention is wirelessly connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it is necessary to provide a battery in the probe.

  In the drawing, the probe 10 has a shape in which the head portion 11 and the body portion 12 are each cylindrical, but the cylinder does not have to be a perfect circle in section, and may be elliptical. Modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, such as providing a recess in the cylindrical part of the body for easy gripping by the operator.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the connection mechanism with another module was provided in both the head part side end surface 13 and the body part side end surface 14 of a probe, the probe provided only with any one also in the scope of the present invention. included. It is also possible to employ different mechanisms as both coupling mechanisms.

  Next, an embodiment of a probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (hereinafter also simply referred to as a probe system) of the present invention will be described. The probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is based on the above-described probe, and is connected with modules having other functions. In the connected state, the probe and the module are integrated into one probe and It can be handled in the same way.

<Second embodiment>
The probe system of the present embodiment is a combination of a probe and an elastography module. That is, the probe system of the present embodiment includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a head portion whose contact surface to be inspected is a circle or a part of a sphere, and a cylindrical body portion continuous to the head portion. A probe provided, and an elastography module coupled to a contact surface of the probe.

  Hereinafter, the probe system of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which the elastography module and the probe are connected, FIG. 6 is a view showing the elastography module, (a) is a side view, and (b) is a contact surface side to the inspection object. It is the figure seen from.

  The probe 10 constituting the probe system of the present embodiment is the same as the probe 10 of the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 5, the elastography module 30 is fixed so as to be in close contact with the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface of the probe 10.

  The elastography module 30 is mounted between an inspection object and a probe during elastography, which is a technique for imaging hardness. An acoustic coupler and an acoustic coupler having stable hardness are attached to the probe 10. It consists of an attachment to attach closely. The acoustic coupler is made of an elastomer resin. In general, in elastography, if air or extra ultrasonic jelly is mixed between the acoustic coupler and the probe, an artifact is generated in the ultrasonic image. Therefore, the acoustic coupler is attached to the probe using a dedicated attachment. The elastography module 30 of the present embodiment is designed to be attached to the probe of the present invention, and has an attachment 31 with a circular shape when viewed from above, and an acoustic sound that is exchangeably fitted to the attachment 31. A coupler 32.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the attachment 31 has a relatively thin cup shape, the upper surface and the lower surface are opened, and the acoustic coupler 32 is accommodated in the cup shape. When the acoustic coupler 32 is housed in the attachment 31, the acoustic coupler 32 is exposed from the opening on the lower surface, comes into contact with the inspection object, and comes into close contact with the end surface 13 of the probe 10 when the attachment 31 is connected to the head end surface 13 of the probe 10. Is configured to do.

  A connection mechanism for fixing the attachment 31 to the probe 10 in cooperation with the connection mechanism provided on the end surface 13 of the probe 10 as shown in FIG. Is provided. In the present embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes a small magnet 10 corresponding to the probe of the first embodiment. That is, small magnets having the same polarity (for example, N pole) are embedded at two locations (positions of 0 ° and 180 °) on the upper surface of the thick portion of the attachment 31, and positions (90 on the straight line perpendicular to the straight line connecting them) Magnets of the same polarity (S pole) are embedded at the positions of 270 ° and 270 °. The edge 31a on the upper surface of the attachment 31 has a slightly raised or recessed portion where an N-pole or S-pole magnet is embedded. This raised portion or concave portion has a shape obtained by inverting the gentle concave portion 11 a (FIG. 2) formed on the end surface 13 of the probe 10. And the pole of the magnet located in this protruding part and the pole of the magnet located in the recessed part by the side of the probe 10 are the opposite poles. Similarly, the pole of the magnet located in the concave portion of the attachment 31 is opposite to the pole of the magnet located in the raised portion on the probe 10 side. Thereby, the end surface 13 of the probe 10 and the upper surface of the attachment 31 are connected so as to be in close contact with each other, and an air layer can be prevented from being formed therebetween.

  According to the present embodiment, the elastography module 30 is provided with the elastography module 30 by providing the elastography module 30 so as to be in close contact with the end face of the probe 10. In this probe system, the elastography module 30 can be easily attached and detached by using a magnet, and the elastography module 30 can be securely fixed to the probe 10 at the time of inspection, so that stable inspection is possible. It can be performed.

<Third embodiment>
The probe system of the present embodiment is obtained by connecting a probe and an operation module. That is, the probe system of the present embodiment includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a head portion whose contact surface to be inspected is a circle or a part of a sphere, and a cylindrical body portion continuous to the head portion. And an operation module connected to the end of the body part opposite to the head part.

  Hereinafter, the probe system of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 7 is a view showing a state where the operation module and the probe are connected, FIG. 8 is a view showing the operation module, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, and (c) is (b). It is AA sectional drawing.

  The probe 10 constituting the probe system of the present embodiment is the same as the probe 10 of the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation module 40 is fixed so as to be in close contact with the end of the probe 10 on the body part side.

  The operation module 40 includes an operation unit (main body) 41 including one or more operation buttons 45 and a connection cap 42 fixed to the operation unit 41. In the illustrated embodiment, the operation portion 41 has a shape in which a disc-shaped main body 41 is connected by a ring-shaped mounting portion 43 via an intermediate portion 44, and a coupling cap 42 is fixed to the intermediate portion 44. Has been.

  The disc-shaped main body 41 incorporates an electronic circuit necessary for driving the operation module, specifically, a communication circuit, a control circuit, and a battery for wirelessly communicating with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 having the wireless function, the operation module 40, and the probe 10. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 includes a communication circuit 260 in addition to the functions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 shown in FIG. The operation module 40 includes the above-described communication circuit 410, battery 420, and other electronic circuits 430 such as a drive circuit and a control circuit necessary for driving the probe. The operation module 40 and the probe 10 are connected by the cable 20.

  The operation module 40 bears a part of the operation function of the operation unit 250 provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and is provided with an operation button 45 for instructing a function that is frequently used during an examination. Specifically, the operation button 45 includes an “ON / OFF” button for instructing start and stop of the irradiation of the ultrasonic beam, a “freeze” button for temporarily fixing an image displayed on the display unit, and being acquired. For example, a “REC” button for recording the image data. The operation module 40 includes at least one of these as operation buttons.

  When the operation module 40 is handled alone as the operation unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the mounting unit 43 is a part for the operator to mount on the finger. A coupling cap 42 is fixed to the intermediate portion 44.

  The operation module 40 is entirely covered with an elastomer such as silicone resin, and as shown in FIG. 10, when the operator wears the mounting portion 43 with his / her finger, the main body 41 is placed on the palm. The operation button 45 can be operated with a finger.

  As shown in FIG. 8C, the coupling cap 42 has a shallow cylindrical shape like a lid of a bottle, one end of the cylinder is opened, and the end surface 14 side of the body portion 12 of the probe 10 is fitted inside. A space is formed. A cable connector 47 for connecting the cable 20 for electrically connecting the electronic circuit built in the main body 41 and the electronic circuit in the probe is fixed to the side surface of the cylinder constituting the coupling cap 42 ( Fig. 7). Although not shown, the cable connector 47 is connected to an electronic circuit and a battery in the main body 41 through a coupling cap 42 and a cable embedded in the main body 41.

  The small magnets 19 are embedded at four locations on the bottom of the internal space of the cap 42 in the same manner as the magnet embedded in the end face of the probe 10. That is, when the position of one magnet is 0 °, the pair of N poles and the pair of S poles are arranged so that they are positioned at 0 ° and 180 °, and at 90 ° and 270 °, respectively. . Further, the opening 42a of the cap 42 has a gradually changing height (height from the bottom), and the position where the N-pole or S-pole magnet is embedded is more than the position where the opposite polarity magnet is embedded. Is too high. This gentle change in height corresponds to the shape 12 a (FIG. 2) formed at the end of the cylindrical case constituting the body 12 of the probe 10, and the cap 42 is placed over the end of the body 12. The shape of the cap edge matches the edge of the cylindrical case of the probe 10. Also, at this position, the probe-side magnet and the cap-side magnet are opposite in polarity, and the probe 10 and the cap 42 are closely connected.

  Furthermore, when the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers in the probe 10 is a fixed direction, the longitudinal direction of the operation module 40 (the arrow direction in FIG. 7) is the ultrasonic transducer in a state where the operation module 40 is connected to the probe 10. By arranging the magnets so as to coincide with or perpendicular to the arrangement direction, the orientation of the operation module 40 in the longitudinal direction becomes an index indicating the arrangement direction of the vibrators.

  When the operation module 40 includes a configuration for transmitting and receiving wirelessly with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the probe 10 includes a cable for connection with the operation module 40 as the cable 20. A cable 20 having a required length is pulled out from a cable storage portion 17 provided on the outer periphery of the head portion 11 of the probe 10, and a terminal thereof is connected to the cable connector 47 of the operation module 40. A realistic connection.

  In the probe system configured as described above, the operation module 40 is fitted to the end of the probe 10 on the body 12 side, and both are connected by the cable 20 to be mechanically and electrically integrated. In the examination, the body part 12 of the probe 10 is grasped from above the operation module 40 shown in FIG. 7, and the examination is performed by placing the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving surface of the probe 10 on the subject. Since the operation module 40 has a thin intermediate portion 44 and is made of a material that can be bent as a whole, even when the operation module 40 is connected, the operator can hold the probe 10 alone. The probe system can be operated. Further, when it is desired to operate the function of the operation button 45 during the examination, the operation button 45 is used by using a finger (for example, an index finger) that is not used for grasping the probe system among the fingers of the hand having the probe system. Can be operated.

  Further, it can be used in a state where only the mechanical connection between the operation module 40 and the probe 10 is disconnected. In this case, the operation module 40 and the probe 10 are electrically connected via the cable 20 and the length of the cable 20 is adjusted to place the operation module 40 at a desired location. For example, it may be put in the operator's pocket, or may be hooked on a button or hook worn by the operator using the mounting portion 43 of the operation module 40. In this case, the operation module 40 also functions as a communication module for the probe 10 to communicate with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and is a place where the operator inspects compared to a case where the probe 10 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are connected by wire. And posture restrictions are greatly relaxed.

  When the inspection is elastography, the elastography module 30 described in the second embodiment is further connected to the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface side of the probe 10, and the elastography module 30, the probe 10, and the operation module 40 are connected. Needless to say, it can be used as a probe system comprising:

  According to the present embodiment, since the small operation module and the probe are integrated, the probe can function as a probe with an operation button, and the convenience of inspection can be improved. Further, since the small operation module is made of a flexible material (elastomer), the probe system can be easily grasped and the operation buttons of the operation module can be easily operated. Further, since the operation module has a shape with a large aspect ratio, the operator can grasp the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers at the position in the longitudinal direction.

  In addition, the shape of the end of the operation module and the probe that are connected to each other is a gently curved shape, and the magnet is used as the connection mechanism, so that the connection operation between the operation module and the probe is induced, and only the sensation of the hand Both can be easily connected. In addition, since no complicated shape for connection is provided, the probe can be easily cleaned and kept clean, and the design is excellent.

  In the above embodiment, the operation module 40 includes the main body and the mounting unit and can be mounted on the finger. However, the operation module corresponds to the operation button 45 and the cap 42 and the end of the probe 10. As long as it has a structure connectable to the part 14, the shape is arbitrary. For example, an operation module housed in a case in which the main body and the cap are integrally molded may be used, and any shape may be adopted as long as the shape is easy for the operator to grip when connected to the probe. it can.

<Fourth embodiment>
The probe system of this embodiment is also a probe and an operation module connected to each other, but the operation module has a function of a display unit and has a shape that realizes the function of the third embodiment. And different. Since the structure on the probe side is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, the description thereof will be omitted, and the operation module will be mainly described.

  11 and 12 are diagrams showing the probe system of the present embodiment, in which (a) of FIG. 11 is a perspective view seen from the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface side, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the operation module side. 12A is a side view of the probe system of the present embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a plan view of the operation module side. 13 and 14 are diagrams showing the operation module, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 12B, and FIG. 14 is a top view.

  11 and 12 show a probe system in which the probe 10, the elastography module 30, and the operation module 50 are integrated, but the elastography module 30 is not essential in the probe system of the present embodiment. . The elastography module 30 can be arbitrarily attached or detached according to the inspection mode.

  As shown in the figure, the operation module 50 has a substantially disk shape, and has a display surface on one surface and a connection mechanism with the probe 10 on the other surface. As shown in FIG. 13, the operation module 50 includes a case 51 in which a coupling mechanism 52 with the probe 10 is formed, a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel (abbreviated as LCD) 53 housed in the case, and a case 51. A circuit board and a battery (not shown) are housed. The circuit board is a board on which an electronic circuit necessary for driving the operation module, a transmission / reception circuit for wirelessly communicating with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a control circuit, and the like are mounted on one board. The function of the operation module 40 of this embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 9 except that a part of the function of the display unit 230 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 is added to the operation module 50 side. The function is the same as that of the operation module 40, and FIG. 9 is used as a functional block diagram of the present embodiment.

  The LCD 53 with a touch panel serving as a display unit of the operation module 50 is a combination of a known touch panel and an LCD, and a resistive film type or capacitive type touch panel using a transparent electrode can be used as the touch panel. In the operation module 50 of this embodiment, the touch panel panel is incorporated in the case 51 so that the panel surface is the outermost surface. The touch panel of this embodiment has a panel surface diameter of about several tens to 100 mm, and touch panel buttons 511 and 512 corresponding to operation buttons are provided near the periphery of the circular screen 500 as shown in FIG. A screen display area 513 for displaying an ultrasonic image is provided near the center of the screen. However, the layout of the screen is not limited to that shown in the figure, and an arbitrary layout can be taken. The function assigned to the touch panel buttons 511 and 512 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a function that is frequently used during the inspection, as in the third embodiment. “ON / OFF” button for instructing start / stop of beam irradiation, “Freeze” button for temporarily fixing the image displayed on the display unit, “REC” button for recording the image data being acquired, etc. is there.

  Returning to FIG. 13, the shape of the back surface of the case 51 (surface opposite to the touch panel surface) will be described. On the back surface of the case 51, a cap portion 55 for connecting to the body portion side end portion of the probe 10 is formed. In the cap portion 55, a space (concave portion) 54 in which the end surface 14 side of the body portion 12 of the lobe 10 is fitted is formed in the thick portion at the center of the back surface of the case. The shape of the recess 54 is the same as the space shape of the coupling cap 42 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8C, and the circular edge surrounding it is also the same as that of the coupling cap 42 of the third embodiment. Similarly, the height is gently changed corresponding to the shape formed at the end of the body 12 (cylindrical case) of the probe 10. In addition, small magnets 19 are embedded at four locations on the bottom of the recess 54 as a coupling mechanism with the probe 10 body 12. The arrangement of the small magnets 19 is the same as that of the coupling cap 42 of the third embodiment. With such a combination of shape and magnet, when the cap portion 55 is put on the end portion of the body portion 12 of the probe 10 and the probe 10 and the operation module 50 are connected, the connecting operation is induced, and both can be easily performed. And it can connect closely.

  A cable connector 57 for connecting the cable 20 for electrically connecting the circuit board housed in the case 51 and the electronic circuit in the probe is fixed between the cap portion 55 on the back surface of the case 51 and the outer periphery. ing. Although not shown, the cable connector 57 is connected to a circuit board and a battery housed in the case 51 through a cable embedded in the case 51.

  In the probe system configured as described above, the cap portion 55 of the operation module 50 is fitted to the end portion of the probe 10 on the body portion 12 side, and both are connected by the cable 20 to be mechanically and electrically integrated. In the examination, as shown in FIG. 15, the examination is performed by holding the body part 12 (cylindrical part) of the probe 10 and applying the stethoscope to the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface of the probe 10 against the subject. . The ultrasonic signal received by the probe 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the electronic circuit 430 in the probe 10 or the operation module 50, predetermined processing such as amplification is performed according to the function of the electronic circuit. After that, the signal is transmitted wirelessly from the communication circuit 410 provided in the operation module 50 to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200. After receiving this signal by the communication circuit 260, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 performs necessary processing in the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 210 and the ultrasonic image forming unit 220 to create a desired ultrasonic image such as a B mode or an M mode. To do. The created ultrasonic image data is wirelessly transmitted from the communication circuit 260 on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus side to the communication circuit 410 of the operation module 50. The operation module 50 displays this ultrasonic image data on the screen of the LCD 53.

  Therefore, the operator can view the image of the subject under examination while handling the probe system of this embodiment like a stethoscope. In addition, while viewing the image, the position of the ultrasound transmission / reception surface applied to the subject is rotated and moved to change the imaging screen (beam surface), or the touch panel buttons 511 and 512 of the touch panel are operated as necessary. Then, a desired function “REC”, “Freeze”, etc. can be operated. Further, since the image can be confirmed on the spot, the inspection can be easily performed again.

  The probe system of this embodiment can also be used in a state where only the mechanical connection between the operation module 50 and the probe 10 is disconnected. For example, it is also possible to remove the operation module 50 from the probe 10 while the probe 10 is in contact with the subject, and to show the image of the subject displayed on the display screen on the subject under examination. Alternatively, the operation module 50 may simply function as a communication module for the probe 10 to communicate with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Since the probe system of the present embodiment can see the ultrasonic image obtained by the inspection in parallel with the inspection using the probe, it can be used as a simple ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the space is limited. Ultrasound diagnosis at the site can be facilitated.

  In this embodiment, the operation module 50 is an LCD with a touch panel and is an operation module / display module. However, the module connected to the end 14 of the probe 10 is a display module made of an LCD. Alternatively, an operation module including a touch panel may be used.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the display panel surface of the operation module 50 is circular. However, the shape of the display panel surface is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a polygon such as a quadrangle or an ellipse. It may be in shape. Moreover, although the case where the display panel surface is a convex shape slightly swollen at the center portion is shown, the display panel surface may be a concave shape slightly recessed at the center portion, or may be flat. In addition, the shape shown in the drawings and the ratio of the sizes of the modules are merely examples, and various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment of the probe and probe system of this invention was described, the main effects of the probe and probe system of this invention are as follows.

  A probe having a novel shape excellent in design that can be handled like a stamp has a circular contact surface with a subject.

  Based on the probe body, various modules such as an operation module, a display module, and a communication module incorporating a communication circuit and a battery can be added to assemble a probe system having a function in accordance with user requirements.

  Further, by combining a specific shape and a magnet as a connection mechanism between the probe and each module, it is possible to provide a probe system that is easy to disinfect and clean the probe and has excellent design. In addition, since the structure after module connection can be strengthened, stable operation is ensured without shifting the connected module during use.

  Further, by using a cylindrical probe shape and providing a storage portion for winding and storing the cable around the cylinder, the convenience of carrying and storing the probe can be enhanced.

  Enables simple ultrasonic diagnosis regardless of the inspection location.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Probe, 11 ... Head part, 12 ... Body part, 13 ... Ultrasonic transmission / reception surface, 14 ... End surface by the side of a body part, 17 ... Cable storage part, 19 ... Small magnet (connecting part), 20 ... cable, 30 ... elastography module, 40, 50 ... operating module, 42 ... cap (connecting part), 55 ... cap part (connecting) Part)

Claims (12)

  A superstructure comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a head portion whose contact surface to be inspected is a circle or a part of a sphere, and a cylindrical body portion continuous to the head portion. Probe for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.   A head part having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers and having a contact surface to be inspected, and a body part continuous to the head part, the contact surface of the head and / or the end face of the body part A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising a connecting portion for connecting other modules. The probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
It has a cable to connect with other modules,
A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising a cable storage portion that winds and stores the cable around the head portion.   A probe including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a head portion whose contact surface to be inspected is a circle or a part of a sphere, and a cylindrical body portion continuous to the head portion; A probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: an elastography module coupled to the contact surface.   A probe including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a head portion whose contact surface to be examined is a circle or a part of a sphere, and a cylindrical body portion continuous with the head portion; and the body portion A probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: an operation module coupled to an end opposite to the head.   A probe including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a head portion whose contact surface to be inspected is a circle or a part of a sphere, and a cylindrical body portion continuous to the head portion; A probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: an elastography module coupled to the contact surface; and an operation module coupled to an end of the body opposite to the head. . The probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
It has a cable to connect with other modules,
A probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising a cable storage portion that winds and stores the cable around the head portion. The probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The probe module for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the operation module includes a display unit. The probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8,
The operation module has a disk shape having two opposing surfaces, and has a connecting portion connected to the body portion of the probe portion on one of the two surfaces, and the display of the display portion on the other A probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein a surface is formed. The probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4 or 6,
A probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising a connecting portion for connecting the probe portion and the elastography module. The probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
A probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising a connecting portion that connects the probe portion and the operation module. The probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
The probe system for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the connecting portion includes a magnet.

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