JP2022180989A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and probe head cover - Google Patents

Abstract

To protect a tip of a probe head when the probe head is held by a probe holder.SOLUTION: A probe holder unit 18 includes probe holders 20A-20D for holding probe heads 22A-22C. Probe head covers 24A-24D are fitted to the probe holders 20A-20D as necessary. The probe head covers enclose the probe heads 22A-22C in a non-contact manner. Thus, tips of the probe heads 22A-22C are protected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a probe head cover, and more particularly to techniques for protecting the probe head.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus usually includes a probe holder unit (see Patent Literature 1, for example). A probe holder unit is a connected body of a plurality of probe holders, and each probe holder holds a probe. Specifically, a probe is composed of a probe head, a cable and a connector. A probe head having an upward orientation is held by a probe holder. A connector is detachably connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body.

JP 2005-287915 A

When the probe head is held in an upward posture by the probe holder, the tip of the probe head is normally completely exposed, and it is desired to protect the tip (especially the wave transmitting/receiving surface). For example, it is desired to prevent or reduce the possibility of a member colliding with the distal end portion, foreign matter adhering to the distal end portion, or the like. To solve this problem, it is conceivable to cover the tip with a cloth bag or to wrap the tip with a sponge. Furthermore, problems in terms of sanitation are likely to occur.

An object of the present disclosure is to protect the distal end portion of the probe head while the probe head is held by the probe holder. Alternatively, an object of the present disclosure is to protect the distal end portion of the probe head while maintaining the sanitary condition of the distal end portion of the probe head while the probe head is held by the probe holder.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present disclosure has a probe holder that holds a probe head having an upward posture, and an engagement structure that engages with the probe holder, and the tip of the probe head held by the probe holder is and a containing probe head cover.

A probe head cover according to the present disclosure includes a cover body having a housing space capable of non-contactly housing a distal end portion of a probe head held by a probe holder in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; and an engaging structure that engages with the probe holder.

According to the present disclosure, the tip of the probe head can be protected while the probe head is held by the probe holder. Alternatively, according to the present disclosure, in a state in which the probe head is held by the probe holder, the distal end portion of the probe head can be protected while maintaining the sanitary condition of the distal end portion of the probe head.

1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 shows a probe holder unit and a plurality of probe head covers; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a probe head cover; It is YZ sectional drawing of a probe head cover. FIG. 4 is a top view of a probe holder unit provided with a plurality of probe head covers; It is a YZ cross-sectional view of a probe holder unit provided with a plurality of probe head covers. It is an XZ sectional view of a probe holder provided with a probe head cover. It is a front view which shows a laminated state. It is YZ sectional drawing which shows a lamination state.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described based on the drawings.

(1) Outline of Embodiment An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment has a probe holder and a probe head cover. The probe holder holds a probe head having an upward orientation. The probe head cover has an engagement structure that engages with the probe holder and accommodates the tip of the probe head held by the probe holder.

According to the above configuration, when some external force is exerted on the probe head cover, the external force is absorbed by the probe holder, making it difficult for the external force to be transmitted to the probe head. Examples of the form of the probe head cover include a dome-like form that encloses the entire tip, a cylindrical form that surrounds the tip, and the like.

In the embodiment, when the tip is accommodated in the probe head cover, a gap is created between the ceiling surface of the probe head cover and the wave transmitting/receiving surface of the tip. According to this configuration, the wave transmitting/receiving surface is covered with the probe head cover, and the protection of the wave transmitting/receiving surface can be enhanced. That is, it is possible to effectively prevent the collision of members against the wave transmitting/receiving surface and the adhesion of foreign matter to the wave transmitting/receiving surface.

In embodiments, the probe head cover has a hollow form that encloses the tip in a non-contact manner. An electric component such as a vibrating element array is provided in the distal end, and the distal end is a portion that comes into contact with the surface of the living body. According to the above configuration, the tip portion can be physically protected, and sanitary protection can also be achieved.

In embodiments, the probe holder has a recess that accommodates the rear end of the probe head. The engagement structure has a member inserted into the recess. This configuration eliminates the need to provide a special structure on the probe holder side. Of course, the engagement structure may be provided on both the probe holder and the probe head cover.

In an embodiment, the member inserted into the recess is a plurality of engagement pieces. With the plurality of engaging pieces inserted into the recess, the outer surfaces of the plurality of engaging pieces come into contact with the inner surface of the recess. In the embodiment, the curvature of the cylindrical surface formed by arranging the outer surfaces of the plurality of engaging pieces corresponds to the curvature of the inner surface of the recess.

In embodiments, the upper portion of the probe head cover has a shape that mates with the lower portion of another probe head cover. The lower portion of the probe head cover has a shape to be combined with the upper portion of another probe head cover. According to this configuration, it is possible to stack a plurality of probe head covers.

In embodiments, the probe head cover is made of an elastic material capable of retaining its shape. According to this configuration, the impact applied to the probe head when the probe head hits the probe head cover can be alleviated while allowing the probe head cover to exhibit its function. In embodiments, the probe head cover is made of transparent material. According to this configuration, it is possible to visually recognize the probe head and select it. Translucent materials include translucent materials.

A probe head cover according to an embodiment has a cover body and an engaging structure. The cover main body has a housing space capable of housing the distal end portion of the probe head held by the probe holder in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in a non-contact manner. The engagement structure is provided on the underside of the cover body and engages the probe holder.

(2) Details of Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is a medical apparatus that is used in a medical institution and forms an ultrasonic image based on reception data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a living body (subject). In FIG. 1, the X direction is the left-right direction, the Y direction is the depth direction (front-back direction), and the Z direction is the vertical direction (up-down direction).

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is, for example, a cart-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 has an apparatus main body 12 (not shown). The apparatus main body 12 has a box-like shape, and a plurality of casters are provided on the lower portion thereof. The device body 12 supports the operation panel 14 via a support mechanism (not shown). The operation panel 14 is an input device, which has multiple buttons, multiple knobs, a trackball, a keyboard, and the like.

A display 16 is provided on the far side of the operation panel 14 . The display 16 may be supported by the operation panel 14 via an arm mechanism. The display 16 is composed of an organic EL display, LCD, or the like. An ultrasound image is displayed on the display 16 . A handle is provided on the front side of the operation panel 14 .

A probe holder unit 18 is provided on the right side of the operation panel 14 . A probe holder unit may be provided on the left side of the operation panel 14 . The probe holder unit 18 has four probe holders 20A-20D in the illustrated example. Any number of probes are held by the probe holders 20A-20D.

Each probe is composed of probe heads 22A to 22C, cables and connectors (the probe heads 22A to 22C are represented abstractly in FIG. 1). A vibrating element array composed of a plurality of vibrating elements is provided in the probe heads 22A to 22C. An ultrasonic beam is formed by an array of transducer elements, and the ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned. As electronic scanning methods, an electronic linear scanning method, an electronic sector scanning method, and the like are known. Various forms and sizes of probes are provided to reflect different scanning methods and applications. The ends (connection ends) of each cable are connected to the rear ends of the probe heads 22A-22C. In the embodiment, probe holders 20A-20D accommodate and support the rear ends of probe heads 22A-22C, respectively, in an upward orientation. In this state, the probe holders 20A to 20D respectively hold the ends of the cables, thereby maintaining the upright postures of the probe heads 22A to 22C.

Of the four probe holders 20A to 20D, probe head covers 24A to 24C are attached to any number of probe holders 20A to 20C (the probe head covers 24A to 24C are represented abstractly in FIG. 1). . In FIG. 1, three probe heads 22A-22C are housed in three probe head covers 24A-24C. The probe head covers 24A-24C have engagement structures that are used to attach the probe head covers 24A-24C to the probe holders 20A-20C.

The probe head covers 24A-24C have the same shape as each other. As the form of the probe head covers 24A-24C, a box-like form, a cylindrical form, a cylindrical form, or the like can be adopted. It is desirable to configure the probe head covers 24A-24C so as to contactlessly enclose the probe heads 22A-22C in an upright position. For example, it is desirable to determine the form of the probe head covers 24A-24C so that multiple types of probe heads can be accommodated in a non-contact manner.

A specific configuration is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. (A) shows the probe holder unit 18 . It is constituted by probe holders 20A-20D. Probe heads 22A-22C are held by probe holders 20A-20D. (B) shows the probe holder unit 18 to which the probe head covers 24A to 24D are attached. Attached to the probe holders 20A-20D are probe head covers 24A-24D, which house the probe heads. The rear ends of the respective probe heads 22A-22C are accommodated in probe holders 20A-20D, and the distal ends thereof are covered with probe head covers 24A-24D.

For example, when using the probe held on the frontmost side, the probe head cover 24A covering the probe head 22A is removed and the probe head 22A is picked up. The removed probe head cover 24A may be returned to its original position or stacked on other probe head covers.

The probe head cover 24 is shown in FIG. The x-direction is the first horizontal direction, the y-direction is the second horizontal direction, and the z-direction is the vertical direction (vertical direction).

The probe head cover 24 has a cover body 26 and an engagement structure 28 . They are integrated and constitute a single part. The probe head cover 24 is made of, for example, a transparent and elastic material. For example, it may consist of silicone rubber. If the probe head cover 24 is made of a transparent material, it becomes possible to visually recognize the shape of the probe head when selecting a probe. If the probe head cover 24 is made of an elastic material, the probe head can be protected when the probe head and the probe head cover 24 collide.

The cover body 26 is a box-shaped hollow body extending in the y-direction, which is constituted by a body 30 and an upper portion 32 . An opening 36 is formed in the lower side of the cover body 26 to receive the tip of the probe head. The tip of the probe head is accommodated in the accommodation space 34 in a non-contact manner. Both ends of the trunk portion 30 in the y direction are cut out to form cutout portions 36a and 36b, respectively. For example, notches 36a and 36b are provided when it is necessary to avoid contact with the operation panel. The upper part 32 has a ceiling wall, and the lower surface of the ceiling wall is the ceiling surface. A step 32 a is formed between the upper portion 32 and the body portion 30 .

The engagement structure 28 is composed of two insert pieces 38,40. Two legs 40A of the two insert pieces 38, 40 are inserted into the recesses of the probe holder. Specifically, the outer surfaces of the two leg portions 40A are in close contact with the inner surface of the recess. The alignment of the two outer surfaces constitutes a cylindrical surface whose curvature is the same as the curvature of the inner surface of the recess as a cylindrical surface. The insert pieces 38, 40 have a symmetrical configuration.

The insert pieces 38 and 40 each have a leg portion 40A and a thick portion 40B. The leg portion 40A extends downward from the body portion 30. As shown in FIG. The thick portion 40B is a raised portion on the outer surface of the body portion 30. As shown in FIG. The two insert pieces 38 and 40 are arranged side by side with a certain distance in the x direction.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the probe holder 20 and probe head cover 24 . The probe holder 20 is composed of a case 42 and an elastic structure 44 . The elastic structure 44 is composed of an inner cover 46 and a cable holding portion 48 . they are integrated. The material from which they are constructed is, for example, silicone rubber. The inner cover 46 covers the entire inner surface of the case 42 . The upper surface of the bottom wall of the inner cover 46 is the support surface 46A.

The support surface 46A supports the rear end portion (rear end surface) of the probe head in the upward posture. The cable holding portion 48 has a tubular shape, and a rib row 50 made up of a plurality of ribs is formed on the inner surface thereof. The rib row 50 retains the cable ends. The cable ends have cable boots for added stiffness. By holding the cable end while the rear end of the probe head is supported by the support surface 46A, the upright posture of the probe head is maintained.

Although the probe head is not shown in FIG. 4, the rear end of the probe head is received in the recess. Two insertion pieces 38 and 40 forming the engagement structure 28 are inserted into the recess and are in close contact with the inner surface 46B of the recess. A probe head cover 24 is attached to the probe holder 20 . The tip of the probe head is housed in the housing space 34 of the probe head cover 24 . In this state, the wave transmitting/receiving surface at the tip faces the ceiling surface 100 with a gap therebetween. In fact, the entire tip is separated from the probe head cover 24 .

FIG. 5 shows the top surface of the probe holder unit 18. As shown in FIG. Probe head covers 24A-24D are attached to the probe holders 20A-20D. The orientations (rotational angles) of the probe head covers 24A to 24D are determined according to the orientations (rotational angles) of the individual probe heads (see, for example, reference numerals 24A1, 24B1, and 24C1). An arm 54 is provided via a groove 52 on the front side (left side in FIG. 5) of each of the probe holders 20A to 20D. A hook 56 is formed at the end of the arm 54 . Hook 56 is a cable hook.

FIG. 6 shows a YZ section of the probe holder unit. Among the probe holders 20A to 20D, the rear ends of the probe heads 22A to 22C are accommodated in the probe holders 20A to 20C. Probe head covers 24A-24D are attached to the probe holders 20A-20D. The tips of the probe holders 20A-20D are surrounded by probe head covers 24A-24D in a non-contact manner. There are gaps 60A to 60C between the ceiling surfaces 100A to 100C and the transmitting/receiving surfaces 102A to 102C of the respective tip portions.

The configuration of the probe heads 22A-22C is determined so that any one of the probe heads 22A-22C accommodated does not come into contact with the inner surface of the probe head covers 24A-24C. Even if the probe heads 22A to 22C contact the probe head covers 24A to 24C, if the contact is slight, the contact is allowed. Each wave transmitting/receiving surface is a portion in contact with the surface of the living body, and is an important portion even from an acoustic point of view. Moreover, acoustic jelly is applied there during the ultrasonic examination. Therefore, it is desirable to configure each probe head cover 24A-24C so that each wave transmitting/receiving surface does not touch the inner surface of each probe head cover 24A-24C.

According to the probe head covers 24A-24C according to the embodiment, even if a falling object falls on the probe head covers 24A-24C, the impact force will reach the probe holder unit, so the probe heads 22A-22C are effective. can be effectively protected. It is basically the same when some member collides with the probe head covers 24A to 24C from the horizontal direction. In addition, when foreign matter falls, it can be prevented from adhering to the probe heads 22A to 22C.

From the viewpoint of preventing or mitigating impact from the horizontal direction, the ceiling walls of the probe head covers 24A to 24C may be omitted, or they may each be configured in a cylindrical form. From the viewpoint of protection from falling objects, the body portions of the probe head covers 24A to 24C may be composed of a plurality of struts.

FIG. 7 shows XZ cross sections of the probe holder 20C and the probe head cover 24C. As already explained, there is a gap 60C between the ceiling surface 100C of the probe head cover 24C and the wave transmitting/receiving surface 102C of the probe head 22C. The probe head 22C is not in contact with the probe holder 20C and the probe head cover 24C except for its rear end.

FIG. 8 shows the layered state. A probe head cover 22E is mounted on the probe holder 20, and a probe head cover 22F is mounted thereon. Specifically, the leg portion 62A of the two insertion pieces 62 of the probe head cover 22E is inserted into the concave portion of the probe holder 20. As shown in FIG. Among the two insertion pieces 62, the thick portion 62B is exposed above the probe holder 20. As shown in FIG.

The upper portion of the probe head cover 22E is recessed into the lower portion of the probe head cover 22F and they are coupled. Of the two insertion pieces 64 of the probe head cover 22F, the leg 64A is inserted outside the probe head cover 22E, and its lower end 68 contacts the upper end 66 of the thick portion 62B of the probe head cover 22E. In that state, the lower end of the probe head cover 22F is in contact with the stepped portion of the probe head cover 22E. These abutments prevent the probe head cover 22F from further entering the probe head cover 22E.

In the stacked state, a constant bonding force acts between the probe holder 20 and the probe head cover 22E, and a constant bonding force acts between the probe head cover 22E and the probe head cover 22F, so that the stacked body can be easily stacked. It will never fall apart. Stacks of three or more probe head covers can be constructed as desired.

FIG. 9 shows the YZ cross section of the laminate. A probe head 22C is accommodated in the internal space of the probe holder 20 and the probe head cover 22E. The cable end connected to the probe head 22C is held, thereby maintaining the upright posture of the probe head 22C. The upper portion of the probe head cover 22E is inserted into the lower portion of the probe head cover 22F and they are joined together.

In order to prevent the individual probe head covers from falling, the individual probe head covers may be attached to the probe holder unit so as to be able to open and close. It is also conceivable to provide a probe head cover that covers multiple probe heads simultaneously. A general-purpose probe head cover and a dedicated probe head cover may be used together.

10 ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 14 operation panel, 16 display, 18 probe holder unit, 20, 20A to 20D probe holder, 22, 22A to 22C probe head, 24, 24A to 24D probe head cover, 26 cover body, 28 engagement structure , 38, 40 inserts.

Claims (9)

a probe holder holding a probe head having an upward attitude;
a probe head cover having an engagement structure that engages with the probe holder and housing a tip portion of the probe head held by the probe holder;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
When the tip portion is housed in the probe head cover, a gap is generated between the ceiling surface of the probe head cover and the wave transmitting/receiving surface of the tip portion.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2,
The probe head cover has a hollow shape that wraps around the tip in a non-contact manner,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
The probe holder has a recess that accommodates the rear end of the probe head,
The engagement structure has a member inserted into the recess,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4,
The member inserted into the recess is a plurality of engagement pieces,
In a state in which the plurality of engaging pieces are inserted into the recess, the outer surfaces of the plurality of engaging pieces are in contact with the inner surface of the recess.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
the upper part of the probe head cover has a shape to be combined with the lower part of another probe head cover,
The lower part of the probe head cover has a shape to be combined with the upper part of another probe head cover,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
The probe head cover is made of an elastic material capable of retaining its shape,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
The probe head cover is made of a transparent material,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: a cover body having a housing space capable of housing a tip portion of a probe head held by a probe holder in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in a non-contact manner;
an engaging structure that is provided on the lower side of the cover body and engages with the probe holder;
A probe head cover comprising:

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