KR100455606B1 - Ultrasonic probe for real time 3d dynamic image - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a real-time three-dimensional video ultrasonic probe (Ultrasonic probe) to realize a three-dimensional video in real time by repeatedly swinging the array axis of a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged in one-dimensional by the power generated from the motor It is about.

Description

ULTRASONIC PROBE FOR REAL TIME 3D DYNAMIC IMAGE}

The present invention relates to a real-time three-dimensional video ultrasonic probe (Ultrasonic probe), and more particularly, three-dimensional by repeatedly swinging the array axis of a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged in one-dimensional by a power generated by a motor at a predetermined angle The present invention relates to a medical ultrasound probe capable of real-time video.

Ultrasonic imaging devices, which are used for medical purposes, are most commonly used for imaging organs and fetuses inside the human body. Ultrasonic imaging devices are X-ray radiators, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging. Unlike other medical devices for internal imaging, such as imaging (MRI), the diagnostic person can steer the radiation angle of the ultrasonic wave to target specific point inside the human body, and there is no harm to the human body. In addition, there is an advantage that the image can be obtained in a relatively quick time than other internal medical imaging equipment.

Means and / or devices for mutually converting an ultrasonic signal and an electrical signal are essential in order to implement an image with an ultrasound image diagnosis apparatus, which is called an ultrasound probe or an ultrasound transducer in the art.

In the prior art of the present invention, the lens unit is provided on the outer layer of the transducer unit having a certain curvature, and is made of a material such as a human impedance between the contact surface and the coupling with the belt and the guide plate connected to the drive shaft of the motor. 'Ultrasonic Transducer', which is driven by a US patent, has been patented in US Pat.

In addition, a 'mechanical sector scanning ultrasonic probe' in which an ultrasonic delivery fluid is enclosed in a case, an acoustic window is provided at the tip of the case, and the transducer is driven by a belt connected to the drive shaft of the probe is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5 -31114 (February 9, 1993).

In addition, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for driving the ultrasonic vibrator array unit by a wire combined with a pulley has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-154843 (June 17, 1997).

On the other hand, the ultrasonic probe is a piezoelectric layer for converting the electrical signal and the acoustic signal while the piezoelectric material vibrates, and the acoustic impedance difference between the piezoelectric layer and the human body so that the ultrasonic waves generated in the piezoelectric layer can be transmitted to the target point of the human body as much as possible. Ultrasonic module consisting of a matching layer for reducing the number, a lens layer for focusing the ultrasonic waves traveling in front of the piezoelectric layer to a specific point, and a sound absorbing layer for preventing image distortion by blocking the progress of the ultrasonic waves behind the piezoelectric layer. It is common to make a conventional medical ultrasonic probe, except that it consists of a single ultrasonic element for use in a special application.

Medical ultrasonic probes can be classified into various criteria such as the number of ultrasonic elements, the arrangement of ultrasonic elements or the shape of the arrangement axis of ultrasonic elements, or their application fields. It can be divided into a multi-element type ultrasonic probe.

The multi-element ultrasonic probe includes a 1-dimensional array type ultrasonic probe in which ultrasonic elements are arranged on a single axis according to the arrangement of ultrasonic elements, and a two-dimensional array in which ultrasonic elements are arranged on a plurality of axes that cross each other. It can be divided into (2 dimensional array) type ultrasonic probe.

In addition, the one-dimensional array type ultrasonic probe may be classified into a linear array ultrasonic probe, a curved array ultrasonic probe, and the like according to the shape of the array axis of the ultrasonic elements.

On the other hand, the most commonly used one-dimensional array ultrasonic probe can implement only a two-dimensional cross-sectional image (2 dimensional image) of the point located in front of the ultrasonic element because of the linearity of the ultrasonic wave.

Therefore, the existing one-dimensional array ultrasound probe has a limit to utilize by a diagnostic person to make a more accurate diagnosis, it is impossible to image the overall appearance of the fetus or the moving image of the fetus as a moving image itself.

Therefore, there is a need for an ultrasonic probe capable of realizing a three-dimensional image, especially a three-dimensional dynamic image, in a human body. And a method of using a two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe.

By the way, the two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe is composed of a very large number of ultrasonic elements as compared to the one-dimensional array ultrasonic probe, the structure is also very complicated, there is a difficulty in manufacturing. In addition, in order to use the two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe, the structure of the ultrasonic imaging system must also be complicated, and an image obtained by using the two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe has a low S / N ratio and thus has a disadvantage of poor quality.

Therefore, in order to obtain a 2D cross-sectional image, various methods of obtaining a 3D image using a previously developed 1D array type ultrasonic probe have been studied.

For example, a method of obtaining a three-dimensional image by using a one-dimensional array ultrasonic probe may include a method in which a diagnoser moves the one-dimensional array ultrasonic probe by hand and mechanically moves the one-dimensional array ultrasonic probe. Can be.

However, in the case of a one-dimensional array type ultrasonic probe that allows a diagnostic person to manipulate a hand to obtain a three-dimensional image, the quality of the image is not only extremely degraded due to the inconsistent contrast interval, and the image is acquired according to the diagnostic person. There is a problem that the error of.

Therefore, recently, a method of mechanically moving a conventionally developed one-dimensional array ultrasonic probe to obtain a two-dimensional cross-sectional image has been actively studied.

As a method of mechanically moving a 1-dimensional array ultrasonic probe to obtain a three-dimensional image, there are examples of a method in which the array axes of the ultrasonic elements are moved in parallel and a method in which the array axes of the ultrasonic elements are swinged at a predetermined angle. have.

The method of obtaining the 3D image by moving the array axes of the ultrasonic elements in parallel is to move the array axes of the ultrasonic elements in parallel with the region of the human body to be contrasted by using a power generating means such as a motor. Compared with the manual operation method, the imaging interval is kept constant and the error of the image obtained by the diagnoser is reduced, but power generation means such as a motor can be used to image a large area of the human body. Since the total size of the ultrasonic probe to be included must be considerably large, there is a disadvantage in that it is difficult to manufacture and use the ultrasonic probe.

The method of obtaining a three-dimensional image by arranging the array axes of the ultrasonic elements so as to swing at a predetermined angle is performed by using a power generating means such as a motor in which the array axes of the ultrasonic elements are drawn with arc-shaped trajectories. In order to allow a predetermined angular swinging movement over the region, compared to the method of allowing the array axes of the ultrasonic elements to be moved in parallel, the overall size of the ultrasonic probe can be relatively small, which is advantageous in terms of usability of the ultrasonic probe.

On the other hand, the ultrasonic probe swinging the array axis of the ultrasonic elements at a predetermined angle to obtain a three-dimensional image is a one-way ultrasonic probe having a power generating means such as a module and a motor consisting of the ultrasonic elements in a single housing; The module and power generating means can be divided into two-component ultrasonic probes, which are located separately and not in a single housing.

Dual-component ultrasonic probe is to fasten power generating means such as a module and a motor which are not located in the same housing by using separate components. Although there is an advantage that can be used as it is, the power generating means is independent of the ultrasonic module, so that the overall size of the ultrasonic probe is considerably larger than the one-component ultrasonic probe. Since the part contacts the human body and crushes the human body surface, the quality of the image is lower than that of the one-component ultrasound probe.

One-way ultrasonic probes have power generating means such as modules and motors located in the same housing. Compared with two-way ultrasonic probes, the overall size of the ultrasonic probe can be made relatively small. Since the change in the surface of the human body is greatly reduced, the usability is much superior.

However, since the conventionally provided one-component ultrasonic probe installs the module and the motor in the same housing, the two-dimensional cross-sectional image without the power generating means such as the motor, although the overall size can be reduced compared to the two-component ultrasonic probe. Compared to the ultrasonic probe, it is quite large and heavy, so it is inconvenient to use and has limitations in use.

In addition, the conventionally provided one-component ultrasonic probe has a low mechanical manufacturability and durability due to a complicated mechanical driving relationship for swinging the array axis of the ultrasonic elements at a predetermined angle, and the arrangement axis of the ultrasonic elements is predetermined to obtain a better quality image. When the swing motion is divided into multiple swing steps within the swing angle of the swing step, the swing step is controlled only by the performance of the motor driver. Therefore, in order to increase the swing step, replace the motor or the motor driver or change the performance of the motor driver in software. Since it must be improved, there are problems such as an increase in production cost and a poor usability.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a real-time three-dimensional video ultrasound probe which is miniaturized and lightened so that inconvenience and restrictions of use can be minimized.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a real-time three-dimensional video ultrasonic probe with a simple and stable structure of the mechanism that allows the arrangement axis of the ultrasonic elements to swing within a predetermined angle, significantly improved manufacturability and durability.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the motor or motor driver is controlled to swing the array axis of the ultrasonic elements in a plurality of swing steps within a predetermined swing angle in order to obtain a better quality image swing the array axis of the ultrasonic elements It is also possible to reduce the production cost as well as by a mechanical power transmission means for exercising the purpose is to provide a high-availability real-time three-dimensional video ultrasound probe.

In addition, the present invention is to install a permanent magnet at a predetermined point of the ultrasonic module, and to install a Hall sensor on the base member portion corresponding to the permanent magnet to detect the position signal of the ultrasonic module to set the initial position of the ultrasonic module An object of the present invention is to provide a real-time three-dimensional video ultrasonic probe.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a real-time three-dimensional video ultrasound probe with a malfunction prevention means for preventing excessive operation of the ultrasonic module.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe for swinging an array axis of a plurality of ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements arranged in one dimension at a predetermined angle to obtain a three-dimensional image; A base member constituting the skeleton of the inner structure of the ultrasonic probe, a motor standing up so that the motor rotation shaft protrudes from the bottom portion through the shaft hole formed in the bottom portion of the base member, and a first pulley fixed to the motor rotation shaft; A pair of vertical portions formed opposite to the base member on both sides, a shaft hole formed on the pair of vertical portions, a third pulley and a fifth pulley axially installed at the shaft hole, and an axis distance between one vertical portion The second pulley and the fourth pulley which is installed to be maintained in the shaft and the module having the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements, one side of the array axis of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements is installed in cooperation with the third pulley and the other side of the array axis of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements The first pulley and the second pulley, the ultrasonic module being installed to link with the fifth pulley and the motor according to the rotational motion of the rotating shaft. A first power transmission means formed by winding a pulley, a third pulley, and a fourth pulley; and when the rotational force generated from the motor is transmitted to the first pulley through the motor rotation shaft, the first power transmission means causes the second power transmission means. And when the pulley, the third pulley, and the fourth pulley swing swing, and the third pulley swing swings, the ultrasonic module installed in association with the third pulley and the fifth pulley interlock to swing. do.

In addition, by providing a deceleration means between the motor rotation shaft and the first pulley to transmit the deceleration force to the first pulley, even if a low-cost motor can be obtained, many rotation steps can be obtained to obtain a high quality image and an ultrasonic probe. The cost can be reduced.

The deceleration means includes a first timing pulley fixed to the motor rotation shaft, a first rotation shaft supported by the motor fastening member, second timing pulleys and third timing pulleys fixed to both ends of the first rotation shaft, and the base. A second rotary shaft axially mounted to the shaft hole of the member and having a first pulley fixed to the upper end, a fourth timing pulley fixed to the lower end of the second rotary shaft, and a first timing connecting the first timing pulley and the second timing pulley And a second timing belt connecting the belt and the third timing pulley and the fourth timing pulley.

In addition, by using one or more planetary gear train assemblies as the deceleration means, the deceleration force is transmitted to the first pulley, so that a large number of rotation steps can be obtained even with a low-cost motor, thereby obtaining a high quality image, and an ultrasonic probe. The cost can be reduced.

The reduction using the planetary gear assembly includes an input gear to which a motor rotation shaft is coupled, a plurality of planet gears meshed with a ring gear, a carrier supporting the planetary gear, an output gear spooled to the carrier, and the output. And a rotating shaft fixed to the gear and the rotating shaft to which the first pulley is fixed.

In the present invention, the motor is characterized in that the motor shaft rotational movement can be microstepping control at a predetermined angle.

In addition, an inwardly projecting frame is formed in the middle of the shaft hole formed at the bottom of the base member, and upper and lower bearings are installed on the upper and lower parts of the projecting frame to support the rotational movement of the motor shaft, and between the projecting frame and the motor shaft. A first sealing means is installed, and between the first sealing means and the lower bearing is interposed with an outer ring of the lower bearing but not with the inner ring and the motor shaft, and is provided at a lower end of the lower bearing. The motor rotating shaft penetrates in a rotatable manner, and installs a second sealing means for maintaining the airtightness of the motor rotating shaft.

The first sealing means is a mechanical seal having a plurality of grooves formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof and having a gland protruding to be in close contact with the shaft hole formed in the bottom portion, wherein the second sealing means is rotatably passed through the motor rotation shaft. It is characterized in that the sealing cap.

In addition, the first pulley forms a protrusion for inducing the first power transmission means not to be twisted with each other, and forms an opening in both predetermined portions on both sides of the protrusion, and between the center of rotation of the second pulley and the bottom of the base member. The vertical distance is greater than the vertical distance between the center of rotation of the fourth pulley and the bottom of the base member, and the center of rotation of the second pulley is inclined at a predetermined gradient toward the bottom of the base member. It is done.

The power transmission means of the present invention secures one end of the spring which is an elastic body to the spring fixing means fixed to the first pulley, the wire connected to the spring is in contact with the wire support means fixed to the first pulley and then the outer peripheral surface of the first pulley Along the counterclockwise direction, guided to the lower side of the second pulley clockwise around its outer circumferential surface, then guided to the lower side of the third pulley and wound counterclockwise on its outer circumferential surface, and then guided to the upper side of the fourth pulley The outer circumferential surface of the first pulley through the lower side of the fourth pulley and wound counterclockwise to the outer circumferential surface of the first pulley, and then the end of the wire is fixed to the wire fixing means fixed to the first pulley. It is characterized in that the ultrasonic module allows the swing movement.

In the present invention, a predetermined fluid injection tube is connected to the fluid injection tube guided to the lower side of the base member, and is sealed by a third sealing means in the opening of the fluid injection tube, and the tube is thermally expanded by the acoustic transfer fluid. Characterized by the material and shape having a coefficient of thermal expansion larger than the coefficient.

In addition, in the present invention, by installing a permanent magnet at a predetermined point of the ultrasonic module, by installing a Hall sensor on the base member portion corresponding to the permanent magnet to detect the approach of the permanent magnet by detecting the position signal of the ultrasonic module, Allows you to set the location.

In addition, the present invention is a malfunction prevention means, a stopper flows into the recessed groove in a portion corresponding to the recessed groove, such as a motor fastening member or a base member to form an arc-shaped recessed groove in a predetermined portion of the timing pulley plane. When the swing motion state exceeds the swing section by fixing, the recess groove of the timing pulley is caught by the end of the stopper, so that the ultrasonic module does not leave the swing section, thereby protecting the ultrasonic probe. The recessed groove is formed in a section that is slightly out of the swing section so as not to interfere with the normal swing movement.

1 is a side view of the ultrasonic probe shown as an example of the present invention.

2 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional configuration of the ultrasonic probe of the present invention.

4 is an external perspective view of the first pulley of the present invention.

5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the motor shaft of the present invention.

6 is a partial perspective view of the first to fourth pulley of the present invention.

7 is a plan view of the first pulley and the second pulley and the fourth pulley of the present invention.

8: Side view of the first pulley and the second pulley of the present invention.

9 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention.

10 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

12 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

13 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

14 is a plan view of the malfunction preventing means of the present invention.

15 is a side view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

16 is an exploded perspective view of a planetary gear assembly of the third embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

(1)-ultrasonic probe (2)-base member

(3)-Ultrasonic Module (4)-Motor (or Stepping Motor)

(4a)-Motor axis of rotation (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)-Pulley

(5a) (21) (22) (27) (55)-Axes (6a)-Axes

(5d) (5e)-opening of first pulley (5f)-protrusion of first pulley

(6a) (8a)-shaft (10) (10a) (10b)-wire

(11)-Permanent Magnets (12)-Hall Sensor

(13)-contact cover (14)-housing

(15)-Tightening means (16)-Acoustic transmission fluid

(17)-Bottom (18) (27a)-Extrude

(19) (20)-vertical (19a) (19b)-home

(23) (24) (31) (33) (54)-Bearings (25) (26)-Connectors

(30)-Vertical (28)-Injector

(29)-cable (or FPC) (32) (35) (47)-sealing means

(34) (42) (43)-justing shims (36) (52)-motor fasteners

(37)-screw (38)-locking pin

(39)-Spring (40)-Jang Pin

(41)-Induction Pin (44)-O-Ring

(45)-Tube (46)-Fluid Injection Tube

(48)-Indentation Groove (49)-Stopper

(50)-Motor tightening shaft (51) (53) (65)-Rotating shaft

(56) (57) (58) (59)-Timing Pulley (60) (61)-Timing Belt

(62)-Planetary Gear Thermal Assembly (63)-Input Gear

(64)-Output Gears (64a) (68c)-Spool

(66)-Ring Gear (67)-Metal Gear

(68)-carrier (68a)-carrier top plate

(68b)-carrier lower plate (69)-shaft member

( θ 1)-Slope of the second pulley ( θ 2)-Swing section

( θ 3)-Indentation groove formation section

In describing the present invention, the same elements in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions will be omitted in order not to obscure the subject matter of the present invention. Hereinafter, described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

<First Embodiment>

In the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a rotational motion is transmitted to an ultrasonic module in which a plurality of ultrasonic elements are arranged by forward / reverse rotational motion of a motor or forward / reverse step rotational motion of a step motor. The swing step movement is performed within this predetermined angle.

The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a base member 2 on which each component or member is installed, and an ultrasonic module in which a plurality of ultrasonic elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and converting ultrasonic signals and electrical signals are curved in one dimension. (3) and a motor (4) for generating a power so that the arrangement axis of the ultrasonic elements provided in the ultrasonic module (3) can swing step within a predetermined angle, and the power generated from the motor (4) A plurality of pulleys 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and wire 10, which are power transmission means for transmitting to the ultrasonic module 3, and permanently serving as position signal detection means of the ultrasonic module 3; A magnet 11 and a hall sensor 12, a contact cover 13 coupled to an upper portion of the base member 2 to protect the ultrasonic module 3, and a lower portion of the base member 2 to be coupled to a motor 4. And a housing 14 for protecting the back, the base member 2, the contact cover 13 and the handle. It consists of a fastening means 15 for fastening the housing 14 to be kept airtight, and the acoustic transmission fluid 16 is filled in the space between the inner portion of the contact cover 13 and the base member 2, the ultrasonic elements Ultrasonic signals generated from the body are transmitted to the human body.

The ultrasonic probe according to the present embodiment will be described as follows.

1) Base member

The planar shape of the base member 2 is an elliptical shape corresponding to the swing motion trajectory of the ultrasonic module 3 and, of course, may be diversified into a circular shape or a deformation shape thereof.

The base member 2 is raised to an oval bottom 17 and an edge of the bottom 17 to isolate (compartment) the space where the ultrasonic module 3 is located and the space where the motor 4 is located. Protruding protruding frame 18, an upwardly open space formed by the protruding frame 18, and vertical portions 19 and 20 that are formed opposite to both sides on the long axis of the protruding frame 18, and vertical Shaft holes 21 and 22 formed on the upper portions 19 and 20, bearings 23 and 24 coupled to the shaft holes 21 and 22, and shafts 23 and 24, respectively. It consists of the 3rd pulley 7 and 5th pulley 9 provided, and the 2nd pulley 6 and 4th pulley 8 which are axially installed in the inner surface of the vertical part 19. As shown in FIG.

Connection members 25 and 26 formed on both sides of the ultrasonic module 3 are coupled to the third pulley 7 and the fifth pulley 9.

The base member 2 is not interfering with the ultrasonic module 3 whose upper side is swinging, and of course, the pulleys 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and wires are formed by the protruding frame 18. (10) It has a recessed space having a step with a predetermined height and the upper end of the outer peripheral portion so that it can be installed.

At the predetermined point of the bottom 17, the shaft hole 27 through which the first shaft 5 is fixed or another rotation shaft 65 or the motor shaft 4a penetrates, and an acoustic transmission fluid. The injection hole 28 for injecting the 16 and the through hole 30 for drawing the electrical signal line FPC connected to the ultrasonic module 3 downward are formed, respectively.

The electrical signal line FPC is guided to the lower portion of the base member 2 through the through hole 30 and is kept airtight by a predetermined sealing means so that the filled acoustic transfer fluid 16 does not leak.

An inwardly protruding protruding frame 27a is formed in the middle portion of the shaft hole 27 formed in the bottom portion 17 and is an I-shaped hollow cross section as a whole. A predetermined upper bearing 31 is installed in the upper space of the protruding frame 27a to support the rotational movement of the motor rotating shaft 4a, and between the protruding frame 27a and the rotating shaft 4a of the shaft hole 27. A predetermined first sealing means 32 for maintaining airtightness is installed, and a predetermined lower bearing 33 for supporting a rotational movement of the motor rotating shaft 4a is installed in the lower space of the protruding frame 27a. 1 Between the sealing means 32 and the lower bearing 33 is in an annular shape which is in contact with the outer ring of the lower bearing 33 but not in contact with the inner ring of the lower bearing 33 and the motor shaft 4a. An adjusting seam 34 is interposed.

The lower end of the shaft hole 27 is provided with a predetermined second sealing means 35 through which the motor rotating shaft 4a penetrates rotatably, and also maintains the airtightness of the motor rotating shaft 4a.

A plurality of grooves are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first sealing means 32 to have a mechanical seal of a shape having a gland in close contact with a portion of the shaft hole 27 between the protruding frame 27a and the rotating shaft 4a. It is preferable to use, and as the second sealing means 35, it is preferable to use a sealing member having a through hole of the motor rotating shaft 4a through which the motor rotating shaft 4a is rotatably moved.

The base member 2 forms the skeleton of the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe 1 as well as the ultrasonic module 3, the second pulley 6, the third pulley 7, and the second movement. 4 pulley (8) and the fifth pulley (9) has a sufficient mechanical rigidity, the chemical stability suitable for the acoustic transmission fluid 16 and the convenience of the diagnosis and the patient when using the ultrasonic probe (1) It is formed of a material considering the light weight and its manufacturability.

2) motor

The motor 4 controls the rotational movement of the motor rotation shaft 4a to be microstepped according to an electric signal of a motor driver (not shown) installed in the ultrasound imaging system.

A predetermined motor fastening member 36 is fastened to the upper surface of the motor 4 with a plurality of screws 37 so that the motor rotation shaft 4a protrudes upward, and the motor fastening member on which the motor 4 is mounted ( 36 is positioned on the bottom surface of the base member 2, and then fastened with a plurality of screws 37 so that the motor rotation shaft 4a penetrates the shaft hole 27 and rises and protrudes into the space of the bottom 17. Is installed.

3) first pulley

The shaft hole 5a of the first pulley 5 is fixedly coupled to the motor rotation shaft 4a protruding from the bottom portion 17 of the base member 2 and is flanged up and down to wind the wire 10. (5b) (5c) is formed, the fixing pin 38, which is the fixing means of the wire 10, the locking pin 40, which is the fixing means of the spring 39, and the induction pin 41, which is the inducing means of the wire 10. It is installed vertically distributed.

In addition, one end of the first pulley 5 is provided with a wire 10 guide protrusion 5f for inducing the wire 10 as a power transmission means not to be twisted with each other, and predetermined sections on both sides of the protrusion 5f. Open portions 5d and 5e are formed in the grooves. Of course, flanges are formed on the upper and lower portions of the protruding portion 5f to prevent the wire 10 from being separated.

4) 2nd pulley, 4th pulley

The second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8 are axially installed at one point different from one inner side surface of one vertical portion 19 upwardly formed on the long axis protruding portion 18 of the base member 2. .

The shaft parts 6a and 8a protruding to the rear ends of the second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8 are coupled and fixed to grooves 19a and 19b spaced apart from the vertical surface of one vertical part 19, respectively. The second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8 are axially coupled to the ends of the shaft portions 6a and 8a so as to be free to rotate.

The second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8 have a predetermined interaxial distance, but the vertical distance between the central axis of rotation of the second pulley 6 and the bottom 17 and the fourth pulley The vertical distance between the central axis of rotation and the bottom portion 17 is configured differently so that the wires 10a and 10b wound around the outer surface of the first pulley 5 are separated up and down as shown in FIG. Even though the swing rotates, the wires 10a and 10b are not twisted.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotation center axis of the fourth pulley 8 is parallel to the bottom 17, and the rotation center axis of the second pulley 6 is not parallel to the rotation center axis of the fourth pulley 8. By inclining toward the bottom 17 at a predetermined gradient, the outer circumferential surface winding of the first pulley 5 is similarly prevented from being twisted while the wires 10a and 10b are separated up and down, and the wires 10a and 10b are separated from each other. Contact and thus wear and shortening of life are prevented.

The range in which the rotational central axis of the second pulley 6 is inclined toward the bottom 17 is 1 ° to 10 in which the wire 10 does not leave the second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8. It is desirable to have a slope in the range θ 1.

5) 3rd pulley, 5th pulley

In the shaft portions 7a and 9a protruding to the rear ends of the third pulley 7 and the fifth pulley 9, bearings 23 and 24 and an adjusting seam 42 and 43 are respectively interposed. The bearings 23 and 24 are respectively coupled to the shaft holes 21 and 22 formed at the upper portions of the vertical portions 19 and 20 so that the third pulley 7 and the fifth pulley 9 can freely rotate. Will be. The second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8 are axially installed in the one vertical part 19.

6) power transmission means

The power transmission means of the present invention allows the first pulley (5), the second pulley (6), the third pulley (7) and the fourth pulley (8) to rotate in accordance with the rotational movement of the motor shaft 4a. The wire 10 is wound around and installed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first pulley 5, the second pulley 6, the third pulley 7, and the fourth pulley 8.

As the power transmission means, the wire 10 illustrated as an example is used, and the wire 10 is wound around the outer circumferential surfaces of the second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8 and the third pulley 7 ) Is wound around the outer circumferential surface.

One end of the wire 10 is connected to a predetermined elastic body in order to keep the wire 10 constant. Examples of the elastic body may include a spring 39.

The hook portion formed at the end of the spring 39 is fixed to the hook pin 40 installed perpendicular to the first pulley 5 as shown in FIG. 6, and the other end of the spring 39 is connected to the wire 10. The connecting means or the spring and the wire are integrally formed.

The wire 10 connected to the spring 39 is in contact with the vertically installed induction pin 41 and then wound in a counterclockwise direction along the outer circumferential surface of the first pulley 5, and then led to the lower side of the second pulley 6. Wound clockwise on the outer circumferential surface, guided to the lower side of the third pulley (7) and wound counterclockwise on the outer circumferential surface, then led to the upper side of the fourth pulley (8) and wound clockwise on the outer circumferential surface thereof; Guided to the first pulley (5) through the lower side of the pulley (8) and wound around the outer circumferential surface of the first pulley (5), and then the end of the wire 10 to the fixing pin 38 is knotted or looped It is fixed in a mold or the like, and the proper tension of the wire 10 is maintained by the elastic spring 39 so that the slip or position of the wire 10 wound on each pulley 5, 6, 7, 8 can be fixed. Departure is prevented.

The induction pin 41 prevents the wire 10 from directly contacting the first pulley 5, thereby preventing the wear of the first pulley 5 and reducing the contact friction coefficient of the wire 10, thereby reducing the elastic spring. The tension force of 39 functions to be transmitted directly to the wire 10.

Although the wire 10 is illustrated as a power transmission means in the above, a material of a material which is flexible enough to maintain a constant tension and is not short-circuited, such as a rope, a chain, a belt, a band, a rubber band, a synthetic fiber yarn, a synthetic resin yarn, a metal Of course, it can be used.

7) Ultrasonic Module

The ultrasonic module 3 of the present invention is a plurality of ultrasonic elements are arranged in a curve in one dimension, one side of the array axis of the ultrasonic elements is installed so as to interlock with the third pulley (7), the other side of the array axis of the ultrasonic elements It is installed on the vertical portion 20 through the fifth pulley (9).

The ultrasonic module 3 includes a module including the ultrasonic elements, a predetermined module fixing means in which the module is inserted, and a pin fastening hole formed at one side of the array shaft of the ultrasonic elements by inserting and installing the module fixing means. It comprises a module fixing means for fastening the hollow shaft of the third pulley (7) with a pin, and the fastening shaft formed on the other side of the arrangement axis of the ultrasonic elements and the hollow shaft of the fifth pulley (9).

The module fixing means inserts the module without the lens layer to a predetermined point inside the module fixing means having a cutout for the module formed with the same radius of curvature as the lens layer of the module, and then fixes the module fixing means. The lens layer forming material of the module is poured into the mold to form the lens layer of the module, and the module is integrated and fixedly installed. The module assembly means has the same radius of curvature as the lens layer of the module. The module fixing means is inserted and installed at a predetermined point inside the module assembly means having the cut-out portion for the module fixing means.

8) Permanent Magnet and Hall Sensor

When using the ultrasonic probe for the first time or temporarily using it again after stopping its use, in order to allow the ultrasonic module 3 to always start the swing motion from the initial position, the ultrasonic module may transmit the position signal to the ultrasonic image diagnosis system. 3) should be able to correct the position.

The ultrasonic probe 1 of the present invention forms a recessed groove at a predetermined point of the ultrasonic module 3, and then installs a permanent magnet 11 and installs the permanent magnet 11 at the initial position of the ultrasonic module 3 and the permanent magnet 11. The position of the ultrasonic module 3 is provided by installing a Hall sensor 12 that detects an asymptote of the permanent magnet 11 and detects a position signal of the ultrasonic module 3 at a predetermined point of the base member 2. To be detected.

Therefore, when the ultrasonic module 3 swings, the hall sensor 12 transmits a position signal of the ultrasonic module 3 that detects the approach and distance of the permanent magnet 11 to the ultrasonic image diagnosis system.

9) Contact Cover

The contact cover 13 fastened to the upper part of the base member 2 is a part directly contacting the body of the patient when using the ultrasonic probe, and protects the ultrasonic module 3 from swinging and also fills the acoustic transmission fluid 16. ) Is kept confidential.

The contact cover 13 is formed to have a predetermined shape in which a constant gap is always maintained with all ultrasonic elements of the ultrasonic module 3 swinging without disturbing the swing movement of the ultrasonic module 3, In order to prevent deterioration of an image, a curved portion having a curvature radius equal to a swing radius of the ultrasonic module 3 having the module including the plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged in a one-dimensional curve is provided.

The contact cover 13 is pressed against the O-ring 44 coupled to the upper surface of the protruding frame 18 by the pressing force of the fastening means 15, thereby maintaining a tight airtightness.

In addition, it has a sufficient rigidity to protect the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe 1, and to adopt a material of a material similar to the acoustic impedance of the human body so that not only the foreign body feelings but also the attenuation of the transmitted ultrasonic waves is less.

10) housing

The housing 14 fastened to the lower portion of the base member 2 surrounds and protects the motor 4, and a cable 29 connected to the ultrasonic imaging system is drawn out from the lower portion of the housing 14. When using the ultrasonic probe 1, it is also a part which the diagnostic hand hold. By forming a stepped portion (step) on one end of the housing 14, it is possible to hold the handle conveniently and firmly.

11) Fastening means

The airtight fastening means 15 is fixed by contacting the contact cover 13 and the housing 14 which are respectively coupled to the upper and lower portions of the base member 2.

The O-ring 44 positioned between the contact cover 13 and the base member 2 is kept tight (watertight) by the pressing force of the fastening means 15 to prevent leakage of the acoustic transmission fluid 16.

12) Acoustic Transmission Fluid

Including the ultrasonic module 3 is filled between the contact cover 13 and the base member 2, the acoustic transfer fluid 16 having a sound transmission characteristic to enable the ultrasonic transfer between the ultrasonic elements and the human body. .

The acoustic transfer fluid 16 has a volume enough to maintain the mechanical stability of the ultrasonic probe 1 due to temperature change, and the sound does not degrade the quality of the image realized by electrical conversion of the ultrasonic signal. It has a damping property, and also has a lubricating property for smoothing the swing motion of the power transmission unit and the ultrasonic module 3.

A predetermined fluid injection tube 45 is connected to the fluid injection tube 46 guided to the lower side of the base member 2, and the acoustic transfer fluid 16 is connected through the fluid injection tube 45. After filling and filling the acoustic transfer fluid 16 between the base member 2 and the contact cover 13 and injecting the acoustic transfer fluid 16, the opening of the fluid injection tube 45 is opened. Sealing with the predetermined third sealing means 47 maintains hermeticity. When the third sealing means 47 is forcibly fitted with a plug or the like and then bonded (or glued) with a bonding agent (or an adhesive) to seal again, rigid airtightness is achieved.

Since the volume of the acoustic transmission fluid 16 is changed by the heat generated when the ultrasonic probe 1 is used, the acoustic transmission fluid injection tube 45 has a larger thermal expansion coefficient than the acoustic transmission fluid 16 and has a flexible chemical resistant material. To prevent the mechanical stability of the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe 1 to be prevented.

That is, the tube 45 may be made of a material and a shape having a coefficient of thermal expansion larger than that of the acoustic transmission fluid 16, such as a silicone hose or a bellows.

Second Embodiment

The ultrasonic probe 1 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that it is driven by using the deceleration means. The internal configuration of the ultrasonic probe 1 of the present invention according to the second embodiment is divided into largely based on the mechanical relationship, and the elliptic base member 2 forming the internal skeleton of the ultrasonic probe, the motor 4 as the power generating means, and It includes a power transmission unit for transmitting the power generated from the power generating means to the ultrasonic module 3, and a position signal detection means for correcting the position of the ultrasonic module (3).

The power transmission unit includes a timing pulley as a power transmission means, a timing belt and a rotating shaft, a plurality of pulleys, a wire and a spring, and the position signal detecting means includes a hall sensor and a permanent magnet. It consists of a configuration.

The mechanical driving relationship of the ultrasonic probe according to the present embodiment is as follows.

The motor fastened to the base member by using the motor fastening member at a predetermined position below the base member is driven by an electric signal of a motor driver installed in the ultrasonic imaging system.

When the motor rotating shaft rotates by driving the motor, the first timing pulley mounted on the motor rotating shaft rotates simultaneously with the motor rotating shaft to interlock a second timing pulley mechanically connected to the first timing pulley by the first timing belt.

When the second timing pulley rotates, the third timing pulley mounted on the same rotational shaft as the second timing pulley rotates to interlock a fourth timing pulley mechanically connected to the third timing pulley by the second timing belt.

When the fourth timing pulley is rotated, the first pulley protruding upward from the bottom of the base member is interlocked.

The first pulley and the fourth timing pulley are respectively fixed to the upper and lower portions of the second rotation shaft provided on the bottom of the base member and rotated in conjunction with each other.

When the first pulley is rotated, the second pulley, the fourth pulley, and the third pulley are sequentially interlocked and rotated by a wire connected with the first pulley so that a constant tension is maintained by the elastic spring. Thus, the third pulley and the mechanism The ultrasonic module installed to interlock with each other repeatedly swings at a predetermined angle.

The power transmission means and the malfunction preventing means according to the present embodiment will be described below.

1) Base member

The base member 2 constitutes an internal skeleton of the ultrasonic probe 1, and firmly supports the ultrasonic module 3 and the various pulleys 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, etc., which are repeatedly moved. Mechanical stiffness, chemical stability with the acoustic transfer fluid 16 filled between the upper side of the base member 2 and the contact cover 13, light weight for the convenience of the diagnostic and patient when using the ultrasonic probe 1 and It is formed of a material in consideration of workability and the like.

The base member 2 is not interfering with the ultrasonic module 3, the upper side of which swings, as well as the concave space having a predetermined depth is formed by the protruding frame 18 formed on the edge of the base member 2 Thus, various pulleys 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, wire 10, and the like can be installed.

The lower side of the base member 2 includes a first timing pulley, a second timing pulley, a first timing belt, and a second timing pulley located below the base member 2 in order to minimize the overall size of the ultrasonic probe 1. It is an elliptical shape which has a timing belt, the recessed part (not shown) which makes the one part of the motor rotating shaft 4a, the 1st rotating shaft, and the 2nd rotating shaft recessed in the bottom face of the base member 2 to predetermined depth.

On both sides of the upper major axis of the base member 2, vertical portions 19 and 20 protruding at a predetermined height are opposed to each other, and the ultrasonic module 3 swings more smoothly on the vertical portions 19 and 20. The bearing 23 on the rotary shaft of the third pulley 7 and the fifth pulley 9 so as to be able to move and to prevent the durability of the ultrasonic module 3 from being deteriorated by the frictional force generated when the swinging motion is performed. 24 and an adjusting seam 42 and 43 are interposed.

In this embodiment, the bearing adopts a ball bearing which is a kind of rolling bearing, and is not limited to a specific bearing.

At one point of the bottom portion 17 of the base member 2, a shaft hole 27 through which the second rotation shaft 51 passes is formed.

As described in the first embodiment, the lower side of the base member 2 at the point where the shaft hole 27 is formed is provided with a predetermined sealing means for preventing leakage of the acoustic transfer fluid 16, and the second side. Interposed seams and bearings 54 that facilitate the rotational movement of the rotary shaft 51 is interposed.

At a predetermined point on the lower side of the base member 2 near the shaft hole 27, the motor fastening shaft 50 for screwing the base member 2 and the motor fastening member 36 is protruded to a predetermined length and formed. The motor fastening shaft 50 has a screw hole that can be screwed with the motor fastening member through a screw fastening hole formed in the motor fastening member 36.

The sound transmission fluid injection tube 46 formed at another point of the bottom surface of the base member 2 is connected to a tube 45 having a predetermined length protruding downward of the base member 2, and the opening of the tube 45. Is sealed with the predetermined third sealing means 47 to achieve airtightness. When the third sealing means 47 is forcibly fitted with a plug or the like and then bonded (or glued) with a bonding agent (or an adhesive) to seal again, rigid airtightness is achieved.

The bottom portion 17 of the base member 2 has a through hole 30 through which an electrical signal line FPC or cable 29 connected to the ultrasonic module 3 passes or detects an electrical signal to the ultrasonic element. Is formed. The base member 2 is formed by penetrating the electric signal line FPC or the cable 29 through the through hole 30 and then sealing the empty space between the electric signal line FPC or the cable 29 and the through hole 30 with a predetermined sealing material. ) And leakage of the acoustic transfer fluid 16 filled between the contact cover 13 is prevented. The electrical signal line FPC or cable 29 is led out to the bottom of the housing 14 as shown in FIG. 1 and then connected to an ultrasonic imaging system, not shown.

2) Motor and Motor Fastening Member

The motor 4 of the present invention is driven by an electric control signal of a motor driver configured in an ultrasonic imaging system, and adopts a step motor or the like which can electrically control the rotation step of the motor rotation shaft 4a, but the motor rotation shaft 4a. In order to minimize the overall size of the ultrasonic probe, the motor 4 is erected so that) is perpendicular to the swing center axis of the ultrasonic module 3.

One side of the motor 4 is fastened to the motor fastening member 36 capable of firmly supporting the motor 4. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the motor fastening member 36 is screwed with the base member 2 and the second motor fastening member 52 when the motor 4 is positioned at a predetermined lower side of the base member 2. Screw fastening holes are formed at points corresponding to the screw holes of the motor fastening shaft 50 and the second motor fastening member 52 formed on the lower surface of the base member 2, respectively.

In order to minimize the overall size of the ultrasonic probe, it is preferable to use a small motor as much as possible. In order not to expand the size of the base member 2, the second motor fastening member 52 is fastened to the base member 2 and the motor. It is interposed between the members 36.

The second motor fastening member 52 is a screw hole of the protruding jaw (not shown) formed on the lower side of the base member 2 and the motor fastening so as to be screwed to the base member 2 and the motor fastening member 36. It has a screw hole at each point corresponding to the screw fastening hole of the member 36, and interposes the bearing 54 so that the first rotating shaft 53 can be rotatably supported so that the first rotating shaft 53 can rotate more smoothly. A shaft hole 55 that can be made is formed.

3) power transmission unit

(a) Reduction means (timing pulleys, timing belts and rotating shafts)

The first timing pulley 56 is fixed to the motor rotation shaft 4a, and the second timing pulley 57 is fixed to the first rotation shaft 53 supported by the second motor fastening member 52. A third timing pulley 58 is fitted to the other end of the first rotation shaft 53 so as to be interlocked.

A first timing pulley 59 and a fourth timing pulley 59 corresponding to the third timing pulley 58 are fixed to one end of the second rotation shaft 51 provided in the shaft hole 27 of the base member 2 to fix the second rotation shaft 51. At the other end of the), the first pulley 5 is fitted to fix it.

The first timing pulley 56 and the second timing pulley 57 are connected to the first timing belt 60 to be mechanically interlocked, and the third timing pulley 58 and the fourth timing pulley 59 are 2 is connected to the timing belt 61 to be mechanically interlocked.

When the timing pulleys 56, 57, 58 and 59 are linked by the timing belts 60 and 61, the rotation step of the second rotation shaft 51 is smaller than the rotation step of the motor rotation shaft 4a. The deceleration slows the rotation step up to obtain a better quality total wave image.

In addition, since the power of the motor 4 is transmitted to the ultrasonic module 3 through the timing pulleys 56, 57, 58, 59 and the timing belts 60, 61, the swing of the ultrasonic module 3 is performed. The step can be controlled not only by the electric control of the motor 4 but also by the size of the timing pulleys 56, 57, 58 and 59, which are mechanical power transmission means, and are installed in an ultrasonic imaging system. It is possible to make the ultrasonic module 3 have more swing steps within a constant swing angle without being limited by the performance of the motor driver which electrically drives (4).

Therefore, the quality of the image implemented in the ultrasonic imaging system is improved, and in the ultrasonic imaging system equipped with any motor driver, the size of the timing pulleys 56, 57, 58, and 59 is adjusted so that the ultrasonic module ( The swing step of 3) can be controlled as intended.

13 is an exploded perspective view showing the speed reduction means of another embodiment.

That is, the second timing pulley 57, the third timing pulley 58, the first rotation shaft 51 and the bearing 54 are removed, and the first timing pulley 56 is fixed to the motor rotation shaft 4a instead. The fourth timing pulley 59 is fitted to one end of the second rotation shaft 51, and the first pulley 5 is fitted to the other end of the second rotation shaft 51 to fix the first timing pulley 56. And the fourth timing pulley 59 are connected to the second timing belt 61 to be mechanically interlocked, so that the rotation step of the second rotation shaft 51 is decelerated more than the rotation step of the motor rotation shaft 4a. Stem increase can be attained, proper rotational speed is achieved and rotational torque is increased. Therefore, since the power of the motor 4 is transmitted to the ultrasonic module 3 through the timing pulleys 56 and 59 and the timing belt 61, the ultrasonic module 3 swings.

Therefore, it is possible to make the ultrasonic module 3 have more swing steps within a certain swing angle without being limited by the performance of the motor driver, thereby improving the quality of the image implemented in the ultrasonic imaging system. In addition, in any ultrasonic imaging system equipped with any motor driver, the timing pulleys 56, 57, 58 and 59 can be adjusted to control the swing step of the ultrasonic module 3 as intended. do.

(b) first pulley, wire and spring

The first pulley 5 fixed to the second rotating shaft 51 has power generated by the motor 4 through the timing pulleys 56, 57, 58, 59 and the timing belts 60, 61. The deceleration is then transmitted to the second rotation shaft 51, and the first pulley 5 is decelerated and rotated.

At a predetermined point on the upper plane of the first pulley 5, the power transmitted to the first pulley 5 is transferred to the ultrasonic module 3 through the wire 10 to wind the wire 10 so as to swing. In this case, the wire 10a guided from the first pulley 5 to the second pulley 6 and the wire 10b guided from the fourth pulley 8 to the first pulley 5 do not twist each other. (10) Guiding protrusions 5f are formed, and opening portions 5d and 5e are formed in predetermined sections on both sides of the protrusions 5f.

(c) second pulley, fourth pulley

The second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8 are axially installed at one point different from one inner side surface of one vertical portion 19 upwardly formed on the long axis protruding portion 18 of the base member 2. .

The shaft parts 6a and 8a protruding to the rear ends of the second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8 are coupled and fixed to grooves 19a and 19b spaced apart from the vertical surface of one vertical part 19, respectively. The second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8 are axially coupled to the ends of the shaft portions 6a and 8a so as to be free to rotate.

The second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8 may have a predetermined interaxial distance horizontally, and as shown in FIG. 8, the vertical axis between the rotational central axis of the second pulley 6 and the bottom portion 17 is vertical. The distance is installed a little further than the vertical distance between the rotational central axis of the fourth pulley (8) and the bottom 17, the wire (10a) (10b) wound on the outer peripheral surface of the first pulley (5) ) Up and down to prevent twisting, contact, friction, abrasion and shortening of life between the wires 10a and 10b wound around the first pulley 5.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the central axis of rotation of the fourth pulley 8 is parallel to the bottom 17, and the central axis of rotation of the second pulley 6 is not parallel to the central axis of rotation of the fourth pulley 8. By tilting toward the bottom 17 at a predetermined gradient, the wires 10a and 10b wound around the first pulley 5 as described above are prevented from being twisted or contacted, friction, wear and shortened life. do.

The range in which the rotational central axis of the second pulley 6 is inclined toward the bottom 17 is 1 ° to 10 in which the wire 10 does not leave the second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8. It is desirable to have a slope in the range.

(d) third pulley, fifth pulley

In the shaft portions 7a and 9a protruding to the rear ends of the third pulley 7 and the fifth pulley 9, bearings 23 and 24 and an adjusting seam 42 and 43 are respectively interposed. The bearings 23 and 24 are respectively coupled to the shaft holes 21 and 22 formed at the upper portions of the vertical portions 19 and 20 so that the third pulley 7 and the fifth pulley 9 can freely rotate. Will be. The second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8 are axially mounted on the one side vertical portion 19.

4) power transmission means

The power transmission means of the present invention is the first pulley (5), the second pulley (6), the third pulley (7) and the fourth pulley (8) is repeatedly rotated in accordance with the rotational movement of the motor shaft (4a). The first pulley 5, the second pulley 6, the third pulley 7 and the fourth pulley 8 are wound to be installed.

As the power transmission means, the wire 10 illustrated as an example is used, and the wire 10 is wound around the outer circumferential surfaces of the second pulley 6 and the fourth pulley 8 and the third pulley 7 ) Is wound around the outer circumferential surface.

The wire 10 connects one end of the wire 10a with a predetermined elastic body to maintain a constant tension, and the spring 39 is used as the elastic body.

One end of the spring 39 is fixed to the hook pin 40 vertically installed on the first pulley 5, as shown in Figure 6, the other end of the spring 39 is knotted or connected to the wire 10 Connected by means or constructed in one piece.

The wire 10 connected to the spring 39 is in contact with the vertically installed induction pin 41 and then wound in a counterclockwise direction along the outer circumferential surface of the first pulley 5, and then led to the lower side of the second pulley 6. Winding once on the outer circumferential surface once, guided to the lower side of the third pulley (7) and wound once on the outer circumferential surface once counterclockwise, guided to the upper side of the fourth pulley (8) to 1 After winding, it is led to the first pulley (5) through the lower side of the fourth pulley (8) and wound around the outer circumferential surface of the first pulley (5) counterclockwise, and then the fixing pin (38) of the wire (10) The ends are fixed in a knot or annular shape, and the appropriate tension of the wire 10 is maintained by the elastic spring 39 so that the wire 10 wound around each pulley 5, 6, 7, 8 can be Slips and deviations are prevented.

The induction pin 41 prevents the wire 10 from directly contacting the first pulley 5, thereby preventing the wear of the first pulley 5 and reducing the contact friction coefficient of the wire 10, thereby reducing the elastic spring. The tension force of 39 functions to be transmitted directly to the wire 10.

Although the wire 10 is illustrated as a power transmission means in the above, a material of a material which is flexible enough to maintain a constant tension and is not easily shorted, such as a rope, a chain, a belt, a band, a rubber band, a synthetic fiber yarn, a synthetic resin yarn, etc. Of course it can be used.

5) Means for preventing malfunction

The malfunction preventing means of the present invention forms an arc-shaped recessed groove 48 in a flat portion of the timing pulley 57 located at one end as shown in FIG. 14, and the motor fastening member portion corresponding to the recessed groove 48 If the stopper 49 is introduced into the recessed groove 48 and the swing motion is excessive, the recessed groove 48 of the timing pulley 57 is caught by the end of the stopper 49 while the ultrasonic module 3 is attached. The ultrasonic probe 1 may be protected by not leaving the swing section θ 2.

The diameter of the stopper 49 is smaller than the width of the recessed groove 48 so that the stopper 49 does not rub against the recessed groove 48 when the timing pulley 57 swings normally. The concave groove 48 forming section θ 3 is slightly out of the swing section θ 2 so as not to interfere with the normal swing movement.

The timing pulley in which the concave groove 48 is formed may be any, but is preferably formed in the timing pulley 57 which is connected to the motor rotation shaft 4a and has relatively low rotational torque.

Third Embodiment

In the third embodiment, one or more planetary gear train assemblies 62 are used as the deceleration means.

That is, the motor rotation shaft 4a is fixed to the input gear 63 of the planetary gear thermal assembly 62, and the rotation shaft 65 is fixed to the output gear 64 of the planetary gear thermal assembly 62. The rotation shaft 65 is installed in the shaft hole 27 of the base member 2, and the first pulley 5 is fitted by fixing the first pulley 5 to the rotation shaft 65 which protrudes by raising the bottom 17. The ultrasonic module 3 including 5) swings at a reduced speed, and thus, a method of varying the reduction ratio of the planetary gear train assembly 62 or the number of planetary gear train assemblies 62 connected in series. It is possible to obtain the desired reduction ratio.

Therefore, even if a low-cost motor is used, many rotational steps can be obtained, so that a high-quality ultrasound image can be obtained and the cost of the ultrasonic probe 1 can be reduced.

The planetary gear train assembly 62 has an input gear 63 fitted to the motor rotation shaft 4a and fixed to the motor rotation shaft 4a as shown in FIG. 16, and is interposed between the planetary gears 67 engaged with the ring gear 66. The input gear 63 is engaged, and the carrier 68 axially supporting the planetary gear 67 is decelerated and rotated, and the output gear is formed in the spool 68c formed at the center of the upper plate 68a of the carrier 68. Since the spool 64a of the 64 is coupled, the deceleration force is transmitted to the rotating shaft 65 to which the first pulley 5 is fixed. A plurality of shaft members 69 are connected between the upper plate 68a and the lower plate 68b of the carrier 68.

The planetary gear thermal assembly 62 may use one planetary gear thermal assembly 62 in consideration of a desired reduction ratio, or two planetary gear thermal assemblies 62 as shown in FIG. If more deceleration is desired, more than two planetary gear train assemblies 62 may be used. The structure of the planetary gear train assembly 62 is an example, and of course, a planetary gear train assembly having a different ratio and a different gear ratio may be used.

In FIG. 15, the input gear 63 fixed to the motor rotation shaft 4a is engaged with the planetary gear 67 of the lower planetary gear thermal assembly 62, and the output gear of the lower planetary gear thermal assembly 62. 64 is engaged with the planetary gear 67 of the upper planetary gear thermal assembly 62, the lower end of the rotary shaft 65 is fixed to the output gear 64 of the upper planetary gear thermal assembly 62, the rotary shaft 65 passes through the shaft hole 27 of the bottom portion 17 and is fitted into the shaft 5a of the first pulley 5 and fixed to the upper end thereof.

Reference numeral 67a denotes a shaft hole to which the shaft member 69 is coupled, 68d is a hole to which the upper end of the shaft member 69 is coupled, and 70 is a hole through which the input gear 63 passes.

The present invention described above is capable of various substitutions and modifications within the scope without departing from the spirit of the present invention for those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains to the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It is not limited to.

As in the above-described embodiment, the three-dimensional real-time video ultrasonic probe according to the present invention is configured by vertically standing a small motor, and the power transmission means is small and the components are small, so that it is more compact and lighter than the conventional ultrasonic probe and usability. This has an excellent effect.

In addition, the three-dimensional real-time video ultrasonic probe according to the present invention increases the swing step of the ultrasonic module not only by electrical means but also by mechanical means using a deceleration means, so that even if a low-cost motor is used, the ultrasonic module has a constant swing angle. More swing steps can be obtained within the system, which has an excellent effect of obtaining a high quality ultrasound image.

In addition, the three-dimensional real-time video ultrasonic probe according to the present invention has a simple and stable power transmission relationship for delivering the power generated from the motor to the ultrasonic module has an excellent durability and operation reliability.

In addition, the three-dimensional real-time video ultrasonic probe according to the present invention is not only easy to assemble the ultrasonic module, but also accurate position setting of the ultrasonic module by the position signal generator composed of a permanent magnet and a Hall sensor, excellent diagnostic properties There is.

In addition, the three-dimensional real-time video ultrasonic probe according to the present invention can prevent the volume change due to heat generated when using the ultrasonic probe by using a tube having a material and a shape having a coefficient of thermal expansion larger than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the acoustic transmission fluid. There is an excellent effect that can prevent the degradation of red stability.

In addition, the three-dimensional real-time video ultrasound probe according to the present invention is a very useful invention that has an excellent effect such that the gap between the individual elements of the ultrasonic module and the contact cover does not occur, so that image quality is prevented.

Claims (24)

An ultrasonic probe which swings an array axis of a plurality of ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements arranged in one dimension at a predetermined angle to obtain a three-dimensional image; A base member formed around the edge of the bottom portion of the protrusion frame; A motor standing up so that a motor rotation shaft protrudes from the bottom through the shaft hole formed in the bottom; A first pulley fixed to the motor rotation shaft; A pair of vertical portions formed on both sides of the protruding frame; A shaft hole formed on the pair of vertical portions; A third pulley and a fifth pulley axially installed in the shaft hole, respectively; A second pulley and a fourth pulley axially installed to maintain the distance between shafts in one vertical part; An ultrasonic module having a module including the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements, one side of the array axis of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements interlocked with the third pulley, and the other side of the array axis of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements interlocked with the fifth pulley; ; First power transmission means wound around the first pulley, the second pulley, the third pulley, and the fourth pulley to be interlocked according to the rotational movement of the motor rotation shaft; When the rotational force generated from the motor is transmitted to the first pulley through the motor rotation shaft, the second pulley, the third pulley and the fourth pulley are swing-rotated by the first power transmission means, and the third pulley When the swing rotation is a real-time three-dimensional video ultrasound probe, characterized in that the ultrasonic module installed in conjunction with the third pulley and the fifth pulley to swing the link movement. The method according to claim 1; A real-time three-dimensional video ultrasonic probe is provided by the deceleration means is installed between the motor rotation shaft and the first pulley to transmit the deceleration force to the first pulley. The method according to claim 2; The deceleration means includes a first timing pulley fixed to the motor rotation shaft, a first rotation shaft supported on the motor fastening member, second timing pulleys and third timing pulleys fixed to both ends of the first rotation shaft, and the base member. A second rotation shaft installed in the shaft hole of the first shaft and fixed to the upper end of the first pulley, a fourth timing pulley fixed to the lower end of the second rotation shaft, and a first timing belt connecting the first timing pulley and the second timing pulley. And a second timing belt connecting the third timing pulley and the fourth timing pulley. The method according to claim 2; The reduction means is a real-time three-dimensional video ultrasonic probe, characterized in that the planetary gear train assembly. The method according to claim 4; The planetary gear assembly includes an input gear to which a motor rotational shaft is coupled, a plurality of planetary gears meshed with a ring gear, a carrier for supporting the planetary gear, an output gear spooled to the carrier, and fixed to the output gear. And a rotating shaft and the rotating shaft to which the first pulley is fixed. The method according to claim 1 or 2; The motor is a real-time three-dimensional video ultrasound probe, characterized in that the rotational movement of the motor shaft is micro stepping control at a predetermined angle. The method according to claim 1 or 2; An inwardly projecting frame is formed in the middle of the shaft hole formed at the bottom of the base member, and upper and lower bearings are installed on the upper and lower parts of the projecting frame to support the rotational movement of the motor rotating shaft. 1 is provided with a sealing means, and between the first sealing means and the lower bearing is interposed between the lower bearing outer ring but the inner ring and the motor shaft, but not in contact with the outer shaft, and the lower bearing of the motor Real-time three-dimensional video ultrasound probe, characterized in that the rotating shaft penetrates rotatably and the second sealing means for maintaining the air tightness of the rotating shaft of the motor. The method of claim 7; The first sealing means is a mechanical seal having a plurality of grooves formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof and having a gland protruding to be in close contact with the shaft hole formed in the bottom portion, wherein the second sealing means is rotatably passed through the motor rotation shaft. Real-time three-dimensional video ultrasonic probe, characterized in that the sealing cap. The method according to claim 1 or 2; And a Hall sensor installed at a predetermined point of the base member corresponding to the permanent magnet and the permanent magnet installed at a predetermined point of the ultrasonic module. The method according to claim 1 or 2; Real-time three-dimensional video ultrasound probe is formed by forming a protrusion for inducing the first power transmission means to not twist each other on one end of the first pulley, and openings in predetermined sections on both sides of the protrusion. The method according to claim 1 or 2; The vertical distance between the center of rotation of the second pulley and the bottom of the base member is greater than the vertical distance between the center of rotation of the fourth pulley and the bottom of the base member, and the center of rotation of the second pulley. And an axis is inclined toward a bottom of the base member by a predetermined gradient. The method according to claim 1 or 2; Real-time three-dimensional video ultrasonic probes are provided in the shaft portion of the third pulley and the fifth pulley, respectively, and the bearing is installed in a pair of vertical shaft hole, respectively. The method according to claim 1 or 2; The first power transmission means is a real-time three-dimensional video ultrasound probe, characterized in that the wire. The method of claim 13; The wire is wound around the outer periphery of the first pulley, the second pulley, the fourth pulley and the third pulley so that the pulleys are linked to rotate in real time. The method of claim 13; Real-time three-dimensional video ultrasonic probe characterized in that the tension of the wire is maintained by connecting a predetermined elastic body to one end of the wire. The method of claim 15; The elastic body is a real-time three-dimensional video ultrasound probe, characterized in that the spring. The method of claim 16; One end of the spring is fixed to the spring fixing means fixed to the first pulley, the wire connected to the spring is in contact with the wire support means fixed to the first pulley and then wound counterclockwise along the outer circumferential surface of the first pulley , Guided to the lower side of the second pulley clockwise around its outer circumferential surface, then guided to the lower side of the third pulley and wound counterclockwise on its outer circumferential surface, then guided to the upper side of the fourth pulley and clockwise to its outer circumferential surface After winding, it is guided to the first pulley through the lower side of the fourth pulley and wound anti-clockwise on the outer circumferential surface of the first pulley, and then the end of the wire is fixed to the wire fixing means fixed to the first pulley in real time three-dimensional Video ultrasonic probe. The method of claim 17; The spring fixing means, the wire support means and the wire fixing means are real-time three-dimensional video ultrasound probes, characterized in that each pin is fixed perpendicular to different points of the first pulley. The method according to claim 3; And the third timing pulley and the fourth timing pulley are each formed in a predetermined size such that the rotation speed of the second rotation shaft is lower than the rotation speed of the motor rotation shaft. The method according to claim 3; A real-time characterized in that the arc-shaped recessed groove is formed in a predetermined section of the timing pulley plane, and a malfunction prevention means comprising a stopper fixed to the motor fastening member corresponding to the recessed groove and introduced into the recessed groove. 3D video ultrasonic probe. The method of claim 20; And a section in which the concave groove is formed is larger than the swing section of the timing pulley. The method according to claim 1 or 2; And a predetermined fluid injection tube connected to the fluid injection tube guided to the lower side of the base member, and sealed with a third sealing means in the opening of the fluid injection tube. The method of claim 22; The tube is a real-time three-dimensional video ultrasonic probe, characterized in that the material shape having a thermal expansion coefficient larger than the thermal expansion coefficient of the acoustic transmission fluid. The method of claim 11; Real-time three-dimensional video ultrasound is characterized in that the inclination of the rotational axis of the second pulley toward the bottom portion has a slope in the range of 1 ° ~ 10 ° does not leave the second pulley and the fourth pulley Probe.