JP5555836B2 - Ultrasonic probe and its charger - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cordless ultrasonic probe using a rechargeable battery and a charger for charging the ultrasonic probe.

  In the ultrasonic diagnosis, various diagnostic information including a tomographic image of the diagnosis target is acquired by transmitting an ultrasonic wave inside the diagnosis target and receiving an echo signal thereof. Ultrasonic wave transmission / reception is performed through an ultrasonic probe, and a conventional ultrasonic probe is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (in this specification, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body is referred to as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The one including the main body is called an ultrasonic diagnostic system) and connected with a cable.

  When performing an ultrasound diagnosis, there are various modes such as the patient lying on a bed or sitting on a chair, and even when lying on a bed, there are various modes depending on the body position and the diagnosis site. In this state, the patient is diagnosed by applying a probe to the patient. At that time, there are not a few operators who find the cable routing complicated, and the ease of routing such as the lightness and softness of the cable is one of the features of the ultrasonic probe.

  Patent Document 1 below describes an ultrasonic diagnostic system using a cordless ultrasonic probe that incorporates an ultrasonic transmission / reception means that operates using a secondary battery as an operating power source in order to eliminate this complexity. According to this ultrasonic diagnostic system, it is possible to operate the ultrasonic probe without feeling bothered by the conventional cable routing.

  In addition, there are a wide variety of diagnostic areas using ultrasound today, and there are some that use a plurality of probes in accordance with each diagnostic area. In such an ultrasonic diagnostic system, when selecting a probe to be used, it is necessary for an operator to operate a changeover switch provided on an operation panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Therefore, the operator needs to memorize the relationship between the probe to be used and the corresponding changeover switch, and in that case, there is a possibility of operating the wrong changeover switch.

  In Patent Document 2 below, among a plurality of probes connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, holding to the probe holder is identified by a sensor, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received only to the probes that are not held. An ultrasound diagnostic system with a control unit that enables is described. According to this ultrasonic diagnostic system, by removing the probe used by the operator from the probe holder provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the extracted probe is automatically switched to a usable state. And the burden on the operator is reduced.

JP 2003-10177 A (Summary) JP 2000-107176 A (summary)

  However, since the cordless ultrasonic probe described in Patent Document 1 operates using a secondary battery as a power source, the ultrasonic probe cannot be used unless the ultrasonic probe is charged. Therefore, it is assumed that the ultrasonic probe is connected to the charger when not used for diagnosis, but at that time, the charge amount per unit time is not charged when the ultrasonic wave is transmitted. Since energy required for ultrasonic transmission is consumed, there is a problem that charging cannot be efficiently performed in a short time.

  Further, as described in Patent Document 2, in an ultrasonic diagnostic system in which a probe to be used is automatically switched to a usable state by taking out the probe to be used from a probe holding unit provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Therefore, it is necessary to separately provide a means for identifying whether or not the probe is held by the probe holding means provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is an ultrasonic probe capable of efficiently charging an ultrasonic probe connected to a charger in a short time, and its It is to provide a charger.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a rechargeable battery,
Using the battery as an operating power source, a transducer unit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves,
A communication unit that wirelessly communicates a signal related to transmission and reception of the vibrator unit with the battery as an operating power source,
A detection unit for detecting that the battery is connected to a charger;
Control means for stopping an ultrasonic wave transmission / reception operation by the vibrator unit when the detection unit detects that the battery is connected to the charger;
An ultrasonic probe provided.
With this configuration, when the ultrasonic probe is connected to the charger, the transmission / reception operation of the ultrasonic wave is automatically stopped. And the ultrasonic probe can be efficiently charged in a short time.

In addition, the present invention provides a vibrator unit that performs ultrasonic wave transmission / reception operation using a rechargeable battery as an operation power source, and a communication unit that wirelessly communicates signals related to transmission / reception of the vibrator unit with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. A charger for charging the battery of the ultrasonic probe provided,
A detection unit for detecting that the ultrasonic probe is connected to the charger;
When the detection unit detects that the ultrasonic probe is connected, the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception operation by the transducer unit is stopped, and the ultrasonic probe is used in a state of being connected to the charger. Control means capable of canceling the suspension of ultrasonic transmission and reception operations,
It is provided.
With this configuration, when the ultrasonic probe is connected to the charger, the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception operation is automatically stopped, so that the ultrasonic probe can be efficiently charged in a short time.

According to the ultrasonic probe and the charger according to the present invention, when the ultrasonic probe is connected to the charger, the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception operation is automatically stopped, or a signal related to the transmission / reception wave of the vibrator unit. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe connected to the charger can be efficiently charged in a short time.
Further, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic system to which the present invention is applied, when the operator removes the ultrasonic probe used for diagnosis from the charger, only the ultrasonic probe transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. Since the ultrasonic probe that is still connected to the charger does not transmit / receive ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic probe connected to the charger can be efficiently charged in a short time. In addition, when an ultrasonic probe used for diagnosis is removed from the charger, the ultrasonic probe is automatically switched to a usable state, so that the operator can change the relationship between the ultrasonic probe and the changeover switch. Since there is no need to memorize it and there is no possibility of operating the changeover switch by mistake, the operability can be improved and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure of 1st Embodiment of the ultrasound diagnosing system to which the ultrasound probe of this invention and its charger are applied. The perspective view which shows schematic structure of 2nd Embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing system to which the ultrasonic probe of this invention and its charger are applied. The flowchart which showed an example of the probe switching procedure of the control part in 1st Embodiment The figure which showed the shape example of the charger in 1st and 2nd embodiment The figure which showed the example which diagnoses while charging with one charger of 2nd Embodiment The schematic block diagram of the indicator which displays the charge condition of the ultrasonic probe in 1st and 2nd embodiment The perspective view which shows schematic structure of 3rd Embodiment of the ultrasound diagnosing system with which the ultrasound probe of this invention and its charger are applied. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the charging method of the ultrasonic probe in 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic system to which an ultrasonic probe and its charger of the present invention are applied. In FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 must have wireless ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c for ultrasonic transmission / reception (three types are shown here, but four or more types may be used). It is provided as a requirement (hereinafter, the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are also referred to as ultrasonic probes A, B, and C, respectively). Each of the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c uses a rechargeable battery (not shown) as an operation power source, and relates to a transducer unit (not shown) that performs ultrasonic wave transmission / reception operation and transmission / reception of the transducer unit. Communication units 1ax, 1bx, and 1cx that communicate signals wirelessly with the outside are provided. These ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are normally connected to chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC (three types are shown here, but there may be four or more types). The chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC are connected to a power supply unit 12 such as a medical outlet via a power cable 1q. The chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC each have a detection unit (not shown) that detects that the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are connected, and the detection unit detection signal is used as a signal transmission unit. Is transmitted to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 via the communication cable 1p.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 generates a signal related to ultrasonic transmission in the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c under the control of the control unit 111 that controls the entire apparatus, and the ultrasonic wave. A transmission / reception circuit 112 that generates diagnostic information based on signals related to reception of ultrasonic waves by the probes 1a, 1b, and 1c, and various image system processes are performed based on the diagnostic information generated by the transmission / reception circuit 112. Then, any one of the DSC (digital scan converter) circuit 113 displayed on the monitor 114 and the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c is selected, and the selected ultrasonic probe is connected to the communication unit. A probe switching circuit 115 for switching and connecting so as to communicate signals related to ultrasonic transmission / reception with the transmission / reception circuit 112 via The power supply unit 12 receives power supply to supply operating power to the entire apparatus and connection detection signals of the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c to the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC transmitted through the communication cable 1p. And a power supply unit 117 for adding the power to the control unit 111.

The operation of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described below separately for the case where the ultrasonic probe is not used and the case where it is used.
<When not using an ultrasonic probe>
Normally, when the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are not used, the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are connected to the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC, respectively. Accordingly, the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC receive power from the power supply unit 12 and charge the batteries of the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c. Further, the detector (not shown) detects that the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are connected to the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC, and the detection signal is transmitted via the communication cable 1p (means other than the cable). However, when transmitted to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 11, the detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 111 via the power supply unit 117. The control unit 111 has identification means for recognizing that the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are connected to the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC. Therefore, when it is recognized that all of the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are connected to the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC, generation of signals related to ultrasonic transmission by the transmission / reception circuit 112, The generation of diagnostic information is stopped, and the probe switching circuit 115 is controlled so that communication is interrupted with respect to all of the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c. As a result, ultrasonic waves are not transmitted from any of the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c, and only the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are charged.

  As a result, the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c connected to the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC are charged efficiently in a short time, and no voltage is applied to the vibrator unit. The inconvenience of degrading the performance of the acoustic probe and shortening the life is prevented, and further, wasteful consumption of energy is suppressed.

<When using an ultrasonic probe>
If one of the probes 1a, 1b, and 1c connected to the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC is to be used, the probe to be used is removed from the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC. Therefore, for example, if the probe 1a is used, the user removes the probe 1a from the charger 1aC, and the detection signal is sent from the charger 1aC to the control unit 111 via the power supply unit 117. As a result, the control unit 111 determines that the ultrasonic probe 1a is in use, operates the transmission / reception circuit 112, and controls the probe switching circuit 115 to communicate with the ultrasonic probe 1a. Accordingly, wireless communication is performed between the communication unit 116 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 and the communication unit 1ax of the ultrasonic probe 1a, and a signal related to ultrasonic transmission is transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 to the ultrasonic probe 1a. Then, a signal related to reception of ultrasonic waves is transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 1 a to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11. At this time, the ultrasonic probe 1a transmits / receives an ultrasonic wave based on a signal related to transmission of ultrasonic waves, and the transmission / reception circuit 112 generates diagnostic information based on the signal related to reception of ultrasonic waves. The DSC circuit 113 performs various types of image processing on the basis of the diagnostic information generated by the transmission / reception circuit 112 and displays it on the monitor 114.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the probe switching procedure of the control unit 111. The operation of the control unit 111 will be described below according to this flowchart. Here, the ultrasonic probe A, the ultrasonic probe B, and the ultrasonic probe C are recognized by the control unit 111 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11, and the ultrasonic probe A connected to the charger 1aC is removed. Shall. First, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the ultrasonic probe A has been removed from the charger 1aC. If it is determined that the probe has been removed, it is determined in step S32 whether an ultrasonic probe other than the ultrasonic probe A is transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves. At this time, if the ultrasonic probe other than the ultrasonic probe A is not transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic probe A is controlled to transmit / receive ultrasonic waves in step S35. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that an ultrasonic probe other than the ultrasonic probe A is transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves, is an ultrasonic probe other than the ultrasonic probe A being used for diagnosis in step S33? Whether or not is determined by a change in the ultrasonic image or the like. If it is determined that an ultrasonic probe other than the ultrasonic probe A is not in use, the transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic probe other than the ultrasonic probe A is stopped in step S34, and further, step S35 is performed. Then, the ultrasonic probe A can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, and the process returns to step S31. In the process of repeating steps S31 to S35 as described above, for example, if it is determined in step S33 that the ultrasonic probe A is being used for diagnosis, it is determined that the original ultrasonic probe A has been removed. Is assumed to be a malfunction, and the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception status is not changed.

  The probe switching procedure when the ultrasonic probe A is removed from the charger 1aC has been described above. However, when the other ultrasonic probes B and C are removed from the chargers 1bC and 1cC, respectively, FIG. The switching operation is performed in the same procedure as shown in FIG. The switching procedure of the ultrasonic probe shown here is an example, and the switching procedure of the ultrasonic probe of the present invention is not clearly defined.

  In the first embodiment, various known detectors are used as detectors (not shown) that detect that the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are connected to the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC, respectively. It goes without saying that it can be done. For example, it may be magnetic such as an IC tag, or optically read and identified such as a bar code or an infrared sensor. Further, detection by a mechanical switch that operates when the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are connected to the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC, or terminals provided on the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c and the charger 1aC, Identification by electrical contact with terminals provided in 1bC and 1cC may also be used.

  In the first embodiment, a detector (not shown) that detects that the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are connected to the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC, respectively, is provided on the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC side. The detection signal is transmitted to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 via the communication cable 1p, but the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are connected to the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC, respectively. May be provided on the ultrasonic probe 1a, 1b, 1c side, or may be provided on both the ultrasonic probe 1a, 1b, 1c side and the charger 1aC, 1bC, 1cC. However, when the detector is provided on the ultrasonic probe 1a, 1b, or 1c side, it is preferable to wirelessly transmit the connection state detection signal using the characteristics of the wireless ultrasonic probe. Even when the detector is provided on the side of the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC, the detection signal may be transmitted wirelessly.

  In the first embodiment described above, when the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c are connected to the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC, respectively, the control unit 111 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 performs the probe switching circuit 115. , The ultrasonic wave transmission / reception operation by each transducer part of the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c is stopped, but the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c charge the battery, respectively. In the case where a detector for detecting connection to 1bC and 1cC is provided, it is also possible to provide control means for stopping the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception operation by the transducer unit in the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b and 1c themselves. Similarly, when the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC are provided with detectors that detect the connection of the ultrasonic probes 1a, 1b, and 1c, respectively, similarly, the chargers 1aC, 1bC, and 1cC have ultrasonic waves generated by the vibrator unit. Control means for stopping the transmission / reception operation can also be provided. This can reliably prevent the ultrasonic probe being charged from transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic system to which the ultrasonic probe of the present invention and its charger are applied. In contrast to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 shown in FIG. In this example, four wireless ultrasonic probes 2a are provided as essential elements, and these ultrasonic probes 2a are connected to chargers 2aC, 2bC, 2cC, and 2dC having different configurations. Then, each charger 2aC, 2bC, 2cC, 2dC is demonstrated.

  The charger 2aC is one that is integrally attached to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11. For example, a charger that has a charger function added to the probe holder is conceivable. The charger 2bC shows what is connected to the power supply part 117 (refer FIG. 1) of the ultrasonic diagnosing device 11 using a cable. With this configuration, it is not necessary to place the charger 2bC in the vicinity of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11, and for example, the charger 2bC can be used near the subject (patient). The charger 2cC indicates that power is supplied from an external power supply unit 12 (such as a medical outlet). With this configuration, there is no restriction that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 supplies power to the ultrasonic probe 2a, and thus there is no fear of insufficient supply regarding the capacity of the power. In addition, since the ultrasonic probe 2a can be charged as long as the power supply unit 12 is present, it is not necessary to place the charger 2cC in the vicinity of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 can be used. There is also the convenience that the battery of the ultrasonic probe 2a can be charged even when the power is off. The charger 2dC is a portable charger. Accordingly, the battery of the ultrasonic probe 2a can be charged anytime and anywhere, and the battery of the ultrasonic probe 2a can be charged even in an emergency or in an environment where there is no power supply unit 12 such as a medical outlet.

  FIGS. 4A to 4D are diagrams showing examples of the shape of the charger in each of the above embodiments. Among these, the charger 41 shown to Fig.4 (a) has shown the thing like the desktop holder of a mobile telephone, for example, and an ultrasonic probe is connected to this. The charger 42 shown in FIG. 4B shows a connection connector used for charging a mobile phone or other electric devices, for example, and this connection connector is connected to the ultrasonic probe. The charger 43 shown in FIG. 4C and the charger 44 shown in FIG. 4D are obtained by adding a charger function to a probe holder, for example. In addition, the shape example of the charger shown here is an example, and does not clearly define the shape of the charger of the present invention.

  Next, an example in which diagnosis is performed while charging with one charger according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In a cordless ultrasonic probe that operates using a rechargeable battery as a power source, the ultrasonic probe cannot be used unless charging is performed. For this reason, when the ultrasonic probe is not used for diagnosis, it is assumed that it is connected to the charger, but it can also be assumed that the connection to the charger is forgotten. It is very inconvenient to wait for the battery to be charged when you want to use the ultrasound diagnostic device urgently. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to perform ultrasonic diagnosis of the subject 52 by canceling the stop of the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception operation using the ultrasonic probe 51 connected to the charger. It may be. At that time, it goes without saying that it is necessary to float between the external power supply unit 12 (medical outlet or the like) and the probe 21 using an insulating transformer or the like in consideration of safety to the subject 52.

  FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic configuration diagrams of a charging state indicator that displays a charging state of the ultrasonic probe in the above embodiment. Among these, the charge state indicator 61 shown in FIG. 5A is provided with LEDs whose colors are changed in correspondence with the fully charged state (Fill), the charged state (Charge), and the uncharged state (Empty), respectively. The charge state indicator 62 shown in FIG. 5B is configured by arranging a plurality of light emitting means having different widths in order from the non-charge state (Empty) to the full charge state (Fill). These charge state indicators 61 or 62 may be provided on the ultrasonic probe itself or on the charger. As a result, the state of charge of the ultrasonic probe can be known at a glance, which also prevents forgetting to charge. Note that the shape of the display shown here is an example, and the shape of the display of the present invention is not clearly defined.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic system to which the ultrasonic probe of the present invention and its charger are applied. For example, a portable ultrasonic diagnosis such as a notebook computer is shown. A device 71 is used. Since the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 71 shown in FIG. 7 is small in shape, it is difficult to secure a place where a conventional probe connector is attached, and the size of the battery is limited. Therefore, as an ultrasonic probe combined with the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 71, development of a wireless ultrasonic probe 2a incorporating a rechargeable battery is required. With the widespread use of this portable ultrasonic diagnostic device 71 and the wireless ultrasonic probe 2a, the use area of ultrasonic diagnostics will expand more and more regardless of inside or outside a hospital or the like. The third embodiment is very effective when considering the use of such a scene.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a method of charging the ultrasonic probe. As described with reference to FIG. 5, when making a diagnosis while charging the ultrasonic probe with a charger, an insulation transformer or the like is used between the subject and an external power supply unit (such as a medical outlet). Therefore, it is necessary to float the patient side from the power supply side. FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration, and it is desirable to supply power between the probe side battery 81 on the patient side and the power source side charger 82 by using an insulating transformer 83 that is insulated from each other. This configuration increases safety.

According to the ultrasonic probe and the charger according to the present invention, the ultrasonic wave transmission is stopped when not in use, so that it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the probe performance and the life, and to suppress wasteful energy consumption. Therefore, it can contribute to energy saving and is useful for construction of an ultrasonic system.
Further, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic system to which the ultrasonic probe and the charger of the present invention are applied, the user uses the probe when selecting a probe according to the diagnostic purpose from a plurality of probes. By removing the probe from the charger, the removed probe automatically switches to a usable state, eliminating the need for the user to memorize the correspondence between the probe and the changeover switch, and making incorrect switching Since there is no fear of operating the switch, the operability is extremely improved, and it is useful for an ultrasonic diagnostic system that reduces the burden on the user.

1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 51 Ultrasonic probe 1aC, 1bC, 1cC, 2aC, 2bC, 2cC, 2dC, 41-44 Charger 1ax-1cx Communication unit 1p Communication cable 1q Power cable 11 Ultrasonic diagnostic device 12 Power supply Unit 52 Subject 61, 62 Charging status indicator 71 Portable ultrasonic diagnostic device 81 Probe side battery 82 Power source side charger 83 Insulation transformer 111 Control unit 112 Transmission / reception circuit 113 DSC circuit 114 Monitor 115 Probe switching circuit 116 Communication unit 117 Power supply

Claims (6)

A rechargeable battery,
Using the battery as an operating power source, a transducer unit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves,
A communication unit that wirelessly communicates a signal related to transmission and reception of the transducer unit with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using the battery as an operating power source;
A detection unit for detecting that the battery is connected to a charger;
When the detection unit detects that the battery is connected to the charger, the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception operation by the transducer unit is stopped, and the ultrasonic probe is used in a state of being connected to the charger. Control means capable of releasing the suspension of the transmission and reception operations of ultrasonic waves,
Ultrasonic probe provided.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit wirelessly transmits a detection signal of the detection unit toward the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.   The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the battery is charged by a charger supplied with power from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or a portable charger having a power source. An ultrasonic probe including a vibrator unit that performs ultrasonic wave transmission / reception operation and a communication unit that wirelessly communicates signals related to transmission / reception of the vibrator unit with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using a rechargeable battery as an operation power source A charger for charging the battery,
A detection unit for detecting that the ultrasonic probe is connected to the charger;
When the detection unit detects that the ultrasonic probe is connected, the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception operation by the transducer unit is stopped, and the ultrasonic probe is used in a state of being connected to the charger. Control means capable of releasing the suspension of ultrasonic transmission and reception operations,
Charger provided.   The charger according to claim 4, further comprising a signal transmission unit that transmits a detection signal of the detection unit to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The charger according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the charger is a charger to which power is supplied from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or a portable charger having a power source.

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