WO2015021778A1 - 超声探头组件 - Google Patents

超声探头组件 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015021778A1
WO2015021778A1 PCT/CN2014/074388 CN2014074388W WO2015021778A1 WO 2015021778 A1 WO2015021778 A1 WO 2015021778A1 CN 2014074388 W CN2014074388 W CN 2014074388W WO 2015021778 A1 WO2015021778 A1 WO 2015021778A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
assembly
ultrasonic transducer
acoustic window
support frame
lead screw
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2014/074388
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
朱子俨
史志伟
朱磊
刘德杰
Original Assignee
深圳迈瑞生物医疗电子股份有限公司
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CN201310351863.9A external-priority patent/CN104367340A/zh
Priority claimed from CN201310351756.6A external-priority patent/CN104367345B/zh
Application filed by 深圳迈瑞生物医疗电子股份有限公司 filed Critical 深圳迈瑞生物医疗电子股份有限公司
Publication of WO2015021778A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015021778A1/zh

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/22—Details, e.g. general constructional or apparatus details
    • G01N29/225—Supports, positioning or alignment in moving situation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4427—Device being portable or laptop-like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4444—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device related to the probe
    • A61B8/4455—Features of the external shape of the probe, e.g. ergonomic aspects
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4444—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device related to the probe
    • A61B8/4461—Features of the scanning mechanism, e.g. for moving the transducer within the housing of the probe

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of medical ultrasound imaging technology, and more particularly to an ultrasound probe assembly for medical ultrasound imaging.
  • Ultrasound is the most important imaging tool in breast screening. Ultrasound examination has no radiation concerns, is easy to use, and low in cost. For glandular glands, glandular mass and young women, especially deep glands, close to the chest muscles, the test results are good and will not damage the human body.
  • the existing mammography scanning method usually uses a porous cloth or a tension film to cover the fixed breast, and the ultrasonic probe scans the back of the cloth.
  • the porous cloth or the tension film is disposable and expensive, so that additional medical expenses are incurred.
  • the porous cloth or the tension film is soft in texture. If the probe pressure is too small during use, the porous cloth cannot fix the breast, and the abnormal movement of the breast causes the image to be deformed; and if the probe pressure is too large, the porous cloth is easily damaged.
  • An ultrasonic probe assembly includes: a support frame; an ultrasonic transducer assembly movably supported on the support frame; an acoustic window movably supported on the support And comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface forming a receiving groove, the receiving groove is filled with a coupling agent, the lower surface is for fitting with the scanning target; the ultrasonic transducer driving component An ultrasonic transducer drive assembly coupled to the ultrasonic transducer assembly and capable of driving the ultrasonic transducer assembly to move relative to the acoustic window; a transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer assembly received in In the receiving groove; the lower surface is a rotating curved surface, and the acoustic window is rotatable about an axis of the lower surface such that a tangential direction between the lower surface and the scanning target along the lower surface The direction is relatively static.
  • An ultrasonic probe assembly includes: a support frame; an ultrasonic transducer assembly, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is movably supported on the support frame; and an acoustic window, the acoustic window is coupled to the support frame, And including an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface forming a receiving groove, the receiving groove is filled with a coupling agent, the lower surface is for fitting with a scanning target; the ultrasonic transducer driving component, the ultrasonic switching An energy driver assembly is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer assembly; the transducer array of the ultrasonic transducer assembly is received in the receiving slot; wherein the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly drives the ultrasonic transducer The energy component moves in translation relative to the acoustic window.
  • the contact area of the lower surface of the acoustic window with the scanning target is always below the transducer array during scanning, and there is no tangential direction along the lower surface between the lower surface of the acoustic window and the scanning target.
  • the relative movement, so the scan does not require the use of additional disposable supplies to fix the scan target, reducing medical costs.
  • the contact area of the lower surface with the scanning target is relatively small, and the lower surface of both sides of the contact area is "lifted up", thereby making it possible for the coupling agent between the lower surface and the scanning target.
  • the existing air flows out of the overflow passage, and when the acoustic window rotates, it pushes the air away from the contact area between the acoustic window and the scanning target, thereby preventing the air bubbles from remaining in the contact area and affecting the image quality.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an ultrasonic probe assembly of an embodiment
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic probe assembly of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a top plan view of the ultrasonic probe assembly of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 3;
  • Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a region C in Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a schematic view of the stroke of the ultrasonic transducer assembly and acoustic window of Figure 1;
  • Figure 8 is an exploded view of an ultrasonic probe assembly of another embodiment
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic probe assembly of Figure 8.
  • Figure 10 is a top plan view of the ultrasonic probe assembly of Figure 8.
  • Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of Figure 10.
  • Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of Figure 10;
  • Figure 13 is a schematic view of the stroke of the ultrasonic transducer assembly and acoustic window of Figure 8;
  • Figure 14 is an exploded view of an ultrasonic probe assembly of another embodiment
  • Figure 15 is a top plan view of the ultrasonic probe assembly of Figure 14;
  • Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of Figure 15;
  • Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G of Figure 15;
  • Figure 18 is a schematic view of the stroke of the ultrasonic transducer assembly and acoustic window of Figure 14;
  • Fig. 19 is a schematic view showing the operation of the ultrasonic probe assembly of an embodiment.
  • Figure 20 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic probe assembly of an embodiment
  • 21 is an exploded view of an ultrasonic probe assembly of an embodiment
  • Figure 23 is a top plan view of the ultrasonic probe assembly of Figure 22 with the cover removed;
  • Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 23 .
  • 1 to 7 show a specific structure of an ultrasonic probe assembly of an embodiment.
  • an ultrasonic probe assembly includes a support frame 9, an acoustic window 2, an ultrasonic transducer assembly 3, and an ultrasonic transducer drive assembly.
  • the support frame 9 includes a first side wall 92, a second side wall 93 and a third side wall 94, and the second side wall 93 connects the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94.
  • the support frame 9 further includes a fourth side wall 95 connecting the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94, and the first side wall 92, the second side wall 93, and the third side.
  • the side wall 94 and the fourth side wall 95 integrally form a closed frame, and the closed frame encloses a receiving space in which other components of the ultrasonic probe assembly are housed.
  • the closed frame integrally formed by the first side wall 92, the second side wall 93, the third side wall 94 and the fourth side wall 95 is rectangular (ie, the closed frame)
  • the cross section perpendicular to the side wall is rectangular).
  • the invention is not limited thereto.
  • the closed frame integrally formed by the first side wall 92, the second side wall 93, the third side wall 94, and the fourth side wall 95 may be any suitable shape, such as a circular shape or an elliptical shape. , polygons, irregular shapes or any other suitable shape, etc.
  • first side wall”, “second side wall”, “third side wall” and/or “fourth side wall” may be a part of the side wall of the closed frame. Therefore, the "first side wall”, the “second side wall”, the “third side wall” and/or the “fourth side wall” mentioned herein are not limited to being planar, but may be curved or Any other suitable shape; the reference to “first side wall”, “second side wall”, “third side wall” and/or “fourth side wall” is not limited to only including one side wall, and It can be composed of a plurality of sub-side walls.
  • first side wall may also not form a closed frame, but form an open frame as long as ultrasound
  • second side wall may also not form a closed frame, but form an open frame as long as ultrasound
  • fourth side wall may also not form a closed frame, but form an open frame as long as ultrasound
  • the acoustic window 2 includes an upper surface 21 and a lower surface 22, and the upper surface 21 defines a receiving groove 210.
  • the acoustic window 2 is supported on the support frame 9.
  • the "support" of the acoustic window 2 on the support frame 9 means that the acoustic window 2 is supported on the support frame 9 directly or indirectly (i.e., there are other elements between the acoustic window 2 and the support frame 9) in any suitable manner, below In the description, a detailed description of several specific embodiments will be given.
  • the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly can be any structure capable of driving motion of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 (eg, translation in a certain scan direction, etc.).
  • a structure including a motor and a screw slider mechanism, a structure including a motor and a rack and pinion mechanism, a structure including a motor and a drive chain (or drive belt) mechanism, a structure including a motor and a crank-link mechanism, or any other A suitable structure, etc. is sufficient as long as the drive ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can be moved in a particular direction (e.g., translational or other form of motion).
  • the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly includes a motor and a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown in the drawings), wherein the rack is disposed on the support frame 9 and the gear is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 And being rotatable relative to the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3, the output shaft of the motor is coupled to the gear via a transmission mechanism and the drive gear rotates, the gear meshing with the rack.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can be moved with the gear relative to the rack (ie, relative to the acoustic window 2 or the support frame 9) (eg, translational or other forms of motion). ).
  • the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly includes a motor and a drive chain or drive belt
  • the support frame 9 is provided with a slide rail
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is slidably supported on the slide rail.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is attached to a drive chain or drive belt.
  • the output shaft of the motor drives the drive chain or the drive belt through a transmission mechanism.
  • the drive chain or drive belt can be supported on the support frame 9 in any suitable manner.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can be moved (eg, translational or other form of motion).
  • the slide rail may not be disposed on the support frame 9, and the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is directly supported by the drive chain or the drive belt.
  • the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly includes a motor, a connecting rod, and a crank
  • the support frame 9 is provided with a slide rail on which the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is slidably supported.
  • One end of the link is rotatably coupled to the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 and the other end is rotatably coupled to the crank.
  • the crank is rotatably supported on the support frame 9, and the output shaft of the motor is coupled to the crank through a transmission to drive the crank to rotate.
  • the motor drives the crank to rotate
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can be driven to move on the slide rail (e.g., translational or other form of motion) by the crank linkage.
  • the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly is described with reference to the lead screw slider mechanism in the drawings and the embodiments described in detail below, the present invention is not limited to the lead screw slider mechanism, but may be any other suitable structure.
  • the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly includes a lead screw slider assembly 4 and a motor 5.
  • the lead screw slider assembly 4 includes a lead screw 41 and a slider 40.
  • One end of the lead screw 41 is rotatably coupled to the first side wall 92, and the other end is rotatably coupled to the third side wall 94.
  • the slider 40 is sleeved on the lead screw 41 and threadedly engaged with the lead screw 41.
  • a certain component for example, the lead screw 41
  • another component for example, the first side wall 92
  • the component is directly connected to the other component, and the component is also included in the other intermediate.
  • the component is indirectly connected to another component.
  • a first connecting element 46 and a second connecting element 47 are also included.
  • the first connecting member 46 is fixed to the first side wall 92 of the support frame 9 by welding, screwing, bolting, riveting, etc.
  • the second connecting member 47 is welded, screwed, bolted, riveted, etc. It is fixed to the second side wall 94 of the support frame 9 (for example, refer to FIG. 4).
  • the first connecting member 46 is provided with a first lead screw mounting hole 461, and one end of the lead screw 41 is rotatably mounted in the first lead screw mounting hole 461.
  • the second connecting member 47 is provided with a second lead screw mounting hole 471, and the other end of the lead screw 41 is rotatably mounted in the second lead screw mounting hole 471.
  • “rotatably mounted” can be realized, for example, by bearings.
  • the lead screw 41 is indirectly connected to the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94 by the first connecting member 46 and the second connecting member 47, respectively.
  • the lead screw mounting holes may be directly disposed on the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94, and both ends of the lead screw 41 are directly rotatably mounted to the first side wall 92 and the second side wall, respectively. 94 on.
  • the output shaft of the motor 5 is coupled to one end of the lead screw 41 through the first transmission mechanism 64 and is capable of driving the lead screw 41 to rotate.
  • the motor 5 can be fixed to the support frame 9.
  • the first transmission mechanism 64 may be any type of transmission mechanism as long as the movement of the output shaft of the motor 5 can be transmitted to the lead screw 41.
  • the first transmission mechanism 64 is a belt transmission mechanism including a first pulley 640 and a second pulley 641, and the first pulley 640 is coupled to the output shaft of the motor 5,
  • the second pulley 641 is coupled to one end of the lead screw, and the first pulley 640 and the second pulley 641 are driven by the transmission belt 643, so that the motor 5 drives the lead screw 41 to rotate.
  • the first transmission 64 herein may also be a gear transmission.
  • the first pulley 640 may be the first gear 640
  • the second pulley 641 may be the second gear 641.
  • the first gear 640 and the second gear 641 may directly mesh with each other or may be meshed with each other to form a gear. Therefore, the rotation of the output shaft of the motor 5 is transmitted to one end of the lead screw 41.
  • the first transmission mechanism 64 can also be any other transmission mechanism or a combination of a plurality of transmission mechanisms.
  • the drive wheels (eg, pulleys, gears, etc.) of the first transmission mechanism 64 may be coupled to the output shaft or lead screw 41 of the motor 5 by a keyed connection, a splined connection, or any other suitable connection. Connected at one end.
  • the positional relationship between the connection position of the transmission wheel and the lead screw 41 and the connection position of the screw shaft 41 with the first connecting member 46 or the second connecting member 47 is not limited as long as the two do not interfere with each other.
  • connection position of the drive wheel and the lead screw 41 and the connection of the lead screw 41 to the first side wall 92 or the third side wall 94 are similarly there is also no limit to the positional relationship between the positions as long as the two do not interfere with each other.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 includes a transducer array 30 and a transducer connection 31, the transducer array 30 is coupled to the transducer connection 31, and the transducer array 30 extends into the foregoing In the receiving slot 210 of the acoustic window 2, and can move relative to the acoustic window 2 in the receiving slot 210 (for example, translation or other form of motion), the transducer connecting portion 31 and the slider of the screw slider assembly 4 40 connections.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 herein may also be a conventional complete ultrasonic probe (not shown).
  • commonly used intact ultrasound probes also include an array of transducers, other portions of which (e.g., handles, etc.) can be used as the transducer connections herein. Therefore, in the embodiment, the form of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is not limited, and may include the transducer array 30 and the transducer connection portion 31 as shown in the drawing, or may be a conventional probe as a whole. Or it may be in other suitable forms. All of these conditions are collectively referred to herein as "ultrasonic transducer assemblies.”
  • the transducer connecting portion 31 is provided with a slider mounting hole 310, and the slider 40 of the screw slider assembly 4 is at least partially housed in the slider mounting.
  • the hole 310 is fixed to the transducer connection portion 31.
  • the fixing between the slider 40 and the slider mounting hole 310 (or the transducer connecting portion 31) can be achieved by a pin, a key, a screw, an interference fit, or the like.
  • the rotational movement of the lead screw 41 is converted into the lead screw 41 of the slider 40 by the screw engagement between the lead screw 41 and the slider 40.
  • the translational movement of the length direction ie the axial direction. Since the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is fixed to the slider 40, the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is also driven by the slider 40 to move in the axial direction of the lead screw 41.
  • the transducer array 30 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 extends into the receiving groove 210 on the upper surface 21 of the acoustic window 2, and the receiving groove 210 is filled with a coupling agent so that the transducer array 30 At least a portion is immersed in the coupling agent.
  • the transducer array 30 moves relative to the receiving slot 210 (and the acoustic window 2) in the receiving slot 210 of the acoustic window 2 (eg, translation or other form) motion).
  • the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 may be a curved curved surface. That is, the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 may not be a flat surface but a curved surface.
  • rotating curved surface may refer to a curved surface formed by a bus bar rotating about an axis parallel to the bus bar.
  • the axis around which the busbar rotates is referred to as the "axis" of the rotating curved surface, that is, the "axis" of the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2.
  • the path of the busbar rotating around the axis may be a part of a circle or a circle, or may be other curved shapes or a part thereof, such as an ellipse or a parabola. Shape, hyperbolic or other high-order curve and so on.
  • the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 may be a cylindrical surface, i.e., a rotating curved surface formed by the rotation of the bus bar about a portion of the circular or circular portion about an axis parallel to the bus bar.
  • the axis around which the bus bar rotates is the axis of the cylindrical surface, that is, the axis of the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2.
  • the movement of the acoustic window 2 will be simpler, and the matching control between the movement of the acoustic window 2 and the movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is also simpler and easier, thereby Ultrasonic probe assemblies are easier to design and manufacture.
  • the "rotating curved surface” and the “cylindrical surface” may be non-closed, that is, a curved surface formed by the rotation of the bus bar around the non-closed path.
  • the "rotating surface” and the “cylindrical surface” may also be closed, that is, a curved surface formed by the rotation of the busbar around the closed path, a closed “rotating surface” or a “cylindrical surface”.
  • the acoustic window 2 is rotatable about the axis of its lower surface 22 (i.e., the axis of the rotating curved surface) such that the lower surface 22 and the scanning target are relatively stationary along the tangential direction of the lower surface.
  • the transducer array 30 emits ultrasonic waves into the scanning target through the area of the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 that contacts the scanning target.
  • the motor 5 rotates to rotate the lead screw 41, as described above, the lead screw 41 drives the slider 40 and the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 to translate in the axial direction of the lead screw 41, and the transducer array 30 emits an ultrasonic pair.
  • the scanning target is scanned; at the same time, the acoustic window 2 is driven to rotate about the axis of its lower surface 22.
  • the acoustic window 2 is simultaneously rotated about the axis of the lower surface 22 (as shown in the schematic view of FIG. 19), so that the acoustic window There is no relative movement between the lower surface 22 of the 2 and the scanning target along the tangential direction of the lower surface 22 (i.e., the tangential direction between the lower surface 22 and the scanning target is relatively stationary along the tangential direction of the lower surface), which ensures ultrasound.
  • the scanning motion of the transducer assembly 3 is not interfered by the acoustic window 2, and it is also ensured that the contact area of the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 with the scanning target is always below the transducer array 30 during scanning to facilitate ultrasonic propagation into the scanning.
  • an additional disposable consumable such as a porous cloth or a tension film, etc.
  • the scanning target for example, the breast.
  • the contact area of the lower surface 22 with the scanning target is relatively small, and the lower surface 22 of both sides of the contact area is "cocked up" upward, thereby between the lower surface 22 and the scanning target.
  • the air that may be present in the couplant flows out of the overflow passage, and when the acoustic window 2 rotates, it pushes the air away from the contact area between the acoustic window 2 and the scanning target, thereby preventing the air bubbles from remaining in the contact area and affecting the imaging. quality.
  • the lead screw slider assembly 4 may further include a first sliding rail 42 and a first sliding sleeve 43.
  • the first sliding rail 42 is connected to the first side wall 92 at one end and to the third side wall 94 at the other end.
  • the first sliding sleeve 43 is sleeved on the first sliding rail 42 and is slidable on the first sliding rail 42.
  • a first sliding sleeve mounting hole 311 is further disposed on the transducer connecting portion 31 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3, and the first sliding sleeve 43 is at least partially received in the first sliding sleeve mounting hole 311 and connected to the transducer.
  • the portion 31 is fixed.
  • the fixing and fixing of the first sliding sleeve 43 and the first sliding sleeve mounting hole 311 (or the transducer connecting portion 31) can be realized by a pin, a key, a screw, an interference fit or the like.
  • the first slide rail 42 may be parallel to the lead screw 41.
  • both ends of the first slide rail 42 may be directly connected to the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94, respectively, or through other intermediate elements (for example, the first connection).
  • Element 46 and second connecting element 47) are indirectly coupled to first side wall 92 and third side wall 94.
  • the first slide rail 42 is capable of further guiding the movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 and preventing the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 from sloshing during motion such that the motion of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is smoother.
  • the lead screw slider assembly 4 may further include a second sliding rail 44 and a second sliding sleeve 45.
  • the second sliding rail 44 is connected to the first side wall 92 at one end and to the third side wall 94 at the other end.
  • the second sliding sleeve 45 is sleeved on the second sliding rail 44 and is slidable on the second sliding rail 44.
  • a second sliding sleeve mounting hole 312 is further disposed on the transducer connecting portion 31 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3, and the second sliding sleeve 45 is at least partially received in the second sliding sleeve mounting hole 312 and connected to the transducer. 31 fixed.
  • the fixing of the second sliding sleeve 45 and the second sliding sleeve mounting hole 312 (or the transducer connecting portion 31) can be realized by a pin, a key, a screw, an interference fit or the like.
  • the second slide rail 44 may be parallel to the lead screw 41.
  • the two ends of the second slide rail 44 may also be directly connected to the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94, respectively, or through other intermediate elements (for example, the first connecting member 46 and The second connecting element 47) is indirectly connected to the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94.
  • the second slide rail 44 can further guide the movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 and prevent it from shaking during the movement, making its movement more stable.
  • the lead screw 41 is located between the first slide rail 42 and the second slide rail 44.
  • the lead screw 41 can be in other suitable positions than between the first rail 42 and the second rail 44.
  • the lead screw 40, the first sliding rail 42 and the second sliding rail 44 may not be located in the same plane (ie, the axes of the lead screw 40, the first sliding rail 42 and the second sliding rail 44 are not in the same plane) .
  • the second side wall 93 of the support frame 9 is provided with a first frame engaging member 931; correspondingly, the first side 25 of the acoustic window 2 is provided with a first A window engaging member 251 that is engaged with the first frame engaging member 931.
  • the first acoustic window engaging element 251 and the first frame engaging element 931 are engaged with each other such that at a position where the first acoustic window engaging element 251 and the first frame engaging element 931 are engaged with each other, the first acoustic window engaging element 251 is The relative movement between the first frame engaging elements 931 in the tangential direction of the first acoustic window engaging elements 251 cannot occur.
  • the first acoustic window engaging element 251 includes a first engagement surface 2510 through which the first acoustic window engaging element 251 is engaged with the first frame engaging element 931.
  • the first engagement surface 2510 can be a rotating curved surface.
  • the first engagement surface 2510 may be coaxial with the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2, ie, the rotational curved surface of the first engagement surface 2510 has the same axis as the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2.
  • the movement of the acoustic window 2 is simpler, and the matching of the movement of the acoustic window 2 with the movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is simpler and easier, so that the design and manufacture of the ultrasonic probe assembly can be simplified.
  • the first engagement surface 2510 and the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 may both be cylindrical faces and are coaxial with each other. In this way, the movement of the acoustic window 2 and the matching of the movement of the window 2 with the movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can be further simplified, thereby further simplifying the design and manufacture of the ultrasonic probe assembly.
  • the transducer array 30 contacts the bottom surface 2100 of the receiving groove 2100 of the acoustic window 2 and applies a thrust to the acoustic window 2, since the first acoustic window engaging element 251 is The relative movement between the first frame engaging elements 931 in the tangential direction of the first acoustic window engaging elements 251 cannot occur, so the thrust will cause the acoustic window 2 to be relative to the first frame engaging elements 931 (and relative to the support frame 9) ) "rolling" in the direction of motion of the ultrasound transducer assembly 3.
  • the acoustic window 2 is simultaneously rotated about the axis of the lower surface 22. It is ensured that the scanning motion of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is not interfered by the acoustic window 2, and that the contact area of the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 with the scanning target is always below the transducer array 30 during scanning, and There is no relative movement between the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 and the scanning target along the tangential direction of the lower surface 22.
  • the schematic diagram of the movement of the acoustic window 2 and the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is as shown in FIG. 7, and the acoustic window 2 and the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can be moved from the leftmost position in FIG. 7 to the right.
  • the position on the right side in this case, the acoustic window in Figure 7 is labeled 2' and the ultrasonic transducer assembly is labeled 3').
  • multiple sets of such interengaging engagement elements may also be included.
  • the support frame 9 further includes a fourth side wall 95 that can be opposite the second side wall 93.
  • the second side wall 95 is provided with a second frame engaging element 951; correspondingly, the second side 26 of the acoustic window 2 is provided with a second acoustic window engaging element 261, the second acoustic window engaging element 261 and the second frame
  • the engaging elements 951 are joined to each other.
  • the second acoustic window engaging member 261 and the second frame engaging member 951 are engaged with each other such that at the position where the second acoustic window engaging member 261 and the second frame engaging member 951 are engaged with each other, the second acoustic window is engaged There is no relative movement between the element 261 and the second frame engaging element 951 in the tangential direction of the second acoustic window engaging element 261.
  • the second acoustic window engaging element 261 and the second frame engaging element 951 are similar to the aforementioned first acoustic window engaging element 251 and the first frame engaging element 931.
  • the second acoustic window engaging element 261 includes a second engaging surface 2610 through which the second acoustic window engaging element 261 is engaged with the second frame engaging element 951.
  • the second engagement surface 2610 can be a rotating curved surface.
  • the second engagement surface 2610 can be coaxial with the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2, i.e., the curved surface of the second engagement surface 2610 has the same axis as the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2.
  • the second engagement surface 2610 and the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 may both be cylindrical faces and are coaxial with each other.
  • first acoustic window engaging element 251 and the second acoustic window engaging element 261 may be separate components and disposed by welding, screwing, bolting, riveting, adhesive bonding, or other suitable connection.
  • the acoustic window 2 can also be integrally formed on the acoustic window 2.
  • a first flange 250 is convexly disposed on the first side 25 of the acoustic window 2, and the first acoustic window engaging member 251 is coupled to the lower surface 2500 of the first flange 250, or directly formed thereon.
  • the lower surface 2500 of the first flange 250 is on.
  • a second flange 260 is protruded from the second side 26 of the acoustic window 2, and the second acoustic window engaging element 261 is coupled to the lower surface 2600 of the second flange 260 or directly formed on the second flange 260.
  • the lower surface is 2600.
  • the first frame engaging member 931 may be disposed on the inner side surface of the second side wall 93 of the support frame 9.
  • the first frame engaging member 931 may be integrally formed on the inner side surface of the second side wall 93; it may also be a separate component and is connected by screws, threads, rivets, welds, adhesives, and mounting slots. Mounted or otherwise mounted to the inside face of the second side wall 93.
  • the second frame engaging member 951 may be disposed on an inner side surface of the fourth side wall 95 of the support frame 9.
  • the second frame engaging member 951 may be integrally formed on the inner side surface of the fourth side wall 95; it may also be a separate component and is connected by screws, threads, rivets, welds, adhesives, and mounting slots. Mounted or otherwise mounted to the inside side of the fourth side wall 95.
  • the first acoustic window engaging element 251 and the first frame engaging element 931 are intermeshing meshing tooth elements.
  • the first acoustic window engaging element 251 and the first frame engaging element 931 may also be other elements that enable relative movement between them in a tangential direction, for example, the first acoustic window joint
  • the element 251 and the first frame engaging element 931 may be friction blocks having a sufficient coefficient of friction.
  • the second acoustic window engaging element 261 and the second frame engaging element 951 may be intermeshing meshing tooth elements; or other may be such that no tangential direction is produced between them.
  • the moving element can for example be a friction block with a sufficient coefficient of friction.
  • the thrust that urges the rotation of the acoustic window 2 can be applied by the transducer array 30 as previously described.
  • a thrust applying device (not shown) may be additionally provided, the thrust applying device being connected at one end to the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 or the slider 40, and at the other end in contact with the acoustic window 2 and capable of Sliding relative to the acoustic window 2.
  • the thrust applying device moves therewith and applies a thrust to the acoustic window 2 to simultaneously rotate the acoustic window 2.
  • the second side wall 93 (refer to FIG. 1) or the fourth side wall 95 (refer to FIG. 15, FIG. 17) is further provided with a protrusion 96 which encloses a receiving space when the ultrasound As the transducer assembly 3 moves, the cable 32 connecting the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 to the ultrasound imaging system host can move in this projection 96.
  • the protrusion 96 may not be provided here, but instead an opening (not shown) extending in the direction of movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is provided, from which the cable 32 is led out.
  • a transducer cover 1 may also be included, which is mounted on the upper surface of the acoustic window 2, covering the receiving slot 210 of the acoustic window 2 and the transducer array 30.
  • At least one side wall of the support frame 9 may further be provided with a handle 91 to facilitate the placement, handling and the like of the ultrasonic probe assembly.
  • FIGS 8-13 illustrate another embodiment.
  • the rotation of the acoustic window 2 may not be the thrust applied to the acoustic window by the slider 40 or the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3, and by the first acoustic window engaging elements 251 and The first frame engaging member 931 or the second engaging window engaging member 261 and the second frame engaging member 951 that are engaged with each other are realized, but a worm mechanism is provided, and the covered worm mechanism realizes the rotation of the acoustic window 2.
  • the acoustic window 2 is urged by the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 to rotate about the axis of the lower surface 22.
  • the ultrasonic probe assembly can also include a separate acoustic window drive assembly that drives the acoustic window 2 to rotate about its axis of the lower surface 22.
  • the acoustic window drive assembly can be any shaft that is adapted to drive the acoustic window 2 about its lower surface 22 while the axis of the lower surface of the acoustic window 2 is in the same direction of motion as the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3.
  • the directional movement (and thus the mechanism between the lower surface 22 and the scanning target that remains relatively stationary in the tangential direction of the lower surface 22).
  • the acoustic window drive assembly can include a rack, a gear, and a motor.
  • the rack is disposed on the support frame 9, and the gear is fixed to the acoustic window 2 and meshed with the rack.
  • the output shaft of the motor is coupled to the gear via a transmission mechanism and the drive gear rotates.
  • the motor drive gear rotates, the acoustic window 2 can be rotated about the axis of its lower surface 22.
  • the shaft of the gear may coincide with the axis of the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2.
  • the acoustic window drive assembly can also utilize a worm gear mechanism.
  • the acoustic window drive assembly includes a worm gear assembly 7 and a motor.
  • the worm gear assembly 7 includes a worm 71 and a worm gear 72 that meshes with the worm 71.
  • connection of the worm 71 to the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94 may be a direct connection, or may be similar to the first connecting element 46 and the second connecting element 47, respectively. Or an indirect connection made by other intermediate components.
  • the output end of the motor is coupled to one end of the worm 71 via a second transmission mechanism and is capable of driving the worm 71 to rotate.
  • the second transmission mechanism may be any suitable transmission mechanism capable of transmitting the rotational motion of the motor to the worm 71, such as a belt drive mechanism, a gear transmission mechanism, other suitable transmission mechanisms, or combinations thereof.
  • the second transmission mechanism includes the first transmission mechanism 64 as described above, and further includes a third gear 81 and a fourth gear 82 that are coupled to the lead screw 41.
  • the fourth gear 82 is coupled to one end of the worm 71, and the third gear 81 and the fourth gear 82 mesh with each other.
  • the motor 5 drives the lead screw 41 to rotate by the first transmission mechanism 64, and further drives the worm 71 to rotate by the third gear 81 and the fourth gear 82 that mesh with each other.
  • the second transmission mechanism may also be separate from the first transmission mechanism 64.
  • the upper surface of the acoustic window 2 is provided with an acoustic window connection, and the worm gear 72 is fixed to the acoustic window connection.
  • the motor-driven worm 71 rotates
  • the rotation of the worm 71 causes the worm wheel 72 to translate in the axial direction of the worm 71 and simultaneously rotate about its own axis.
  • the worm gear 72 is fixed to the acoustic window connection (and thus to the acoustic window 2), the rotation of the worm gear 72 about its own axis causes the acoustic window 2 to rotate.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can be controlled by appropriately setting the transmission ratios of the first transmission mechanism 64, the second transmission mechanism, the screw slider mechanism, and the worm gear mechanism.
  • the translational motion speed, the translational motion speed of the worm gear 72, and the rotational angular velocity of the worm gear 72 (and thus the acoustic window 2) are such that these speeds cooperate to achieve acoustic window 2 correspondingly when the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is translated for translation.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 moves from the left side to the right side in FIG. 13 (wherein the ultrasonic transducer assembly number is indicated by 3') while the worm wheel 72 is from the left side in FIG. Moving along the worm 71 to the right (when the worm is indicated by 72'), and the acoustic window 2 is also "rolled" to the right (when the acoustic window is indicated by 2').
  • the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 may be a cylindrical surface.
  • the worm wheel 72 may be coaxial with the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2, that is, the rotation axis of the worm wheel 72 and the acoustic window 2
  • the axis of the lower surface 22 i.e., the axis of the cylindrical surface of the lower surface
  • the movement of the acoustic window 2 is simpler, and the matching of the motion of the acoustic window 2 with the movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is simpler and easier, thus simplifying the design and manufacture of the ultrasonic probe assembly.
  • the acoustic window 2 may further include a first support rod 28, and the acoustic window connection portion described above may include a first acoustic window connection portion 271, and the first support rod 28 is fixed to The first sound window is connected to the portion 271.
  • a first slide 930 is disposed on the second side wall 93 of the support frame 9.
  • the first support rod extension 280 of the first support rod 28 is received in the first slide 930 and can be opposite in the first slide 930. Slide on the support frame 9.
  • the acoustic window 2 can be further supported by the second side wall 93 instead of merely being supported by the worm wheel 72 and the worm 71, so that the acoustic window 2 obtains more stable support.
  • the worm gear 72 can be secured to the first support rod 28. Moreover, in other embodiments, the position of the worm gear 72 and the position of the first support bar 28 may also be different.
  • the acoustic window 2 may further include a second support rod 29, and the acoustic window connection portion may further include a second acoustic window connection portion 272, and the second support rod 29 is fixed to the second acoustic window connection portion 272.
  • a second slide 950 may be disposed on the fourth side wall 95 of the support frame 9.
  • the second support rod extension 290 of the second support rod 29 is received in the second slide 950 and can be in the second slide 950. Sliding relative to the support frame 9.
  • the acoustic window 2 is supported by both the first support bar 28 and the second support bar 29, and the acoustic window 2 can obtain better support, so that the movement of the acoustic window 2 is more stable.
  • first slide 930 and/or the second slide 950 may be linear or curved according to actual conditions, and extend in the moving direction of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3.
  • first slide 930 and/or the second slide 950 may be any structure capable of supporting the first support bar 28 and/or the second support bar 29 to slide thereon, such as a chute, a slide rail, or the like.
  • the first slide 930 and the second slide 950 are chutes.
  • the worm gear assembly 7 may also be driven not by the motor 5 that drives the spindle block assembly 4, but rather by a separately provided motor.
  • the acoustic window 2 may also be driven directly by a separately provided motor without the worm gear assembly 7.
  • a separate motor (not shown) may be provided on the slider 40 or the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 connected to the screw slider assembly 4 and moved together with the slider 40 or the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3.
  • a bracket (not shown) whose output shaft is coupled to the acoustic window 2 via a transmission mechanism to drive the acoustic window 2 to rotate while moving with the slider 40 or the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3, by controlling the motor 2
  • the rotational speed, the transmission ratio of the transmission mechanism and/or the speed of movement of the slider 40 or the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can match the motion of the acoustic window 2 with the motion of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3.
  • the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 is an unclosed curved surface, such as a cylindrical surface.
  • the acoustic window 2 can also be formed as a curved surface with its lower surface 22 closed.
  • the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 is a closed, rotating curved surface, with the upper surface 21 of the acoustic window also being a closed curved surface.
  • the upper surface 21 encloses a hollow space, and the acoustic window 2 as a whole forms the shape of a hollow annular cylinder.
  • the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 forms the outer surface of the annular cylinder, and the upper surface 21 forms the inner surface of the annular cylinder, but in this context, it is still referred to as the acoustic window 2, respectively.
  • the transducer array 30 extends into the space enclosed by the upper surface 21 and is received in the receiving groove 210 and is movable relative to the acoustic window 2 in the receiving groove 210.
  • the upper surface 51 is not limited to being a curved surface, but may be any suitable shape.
  • the receiving groove 210 may extend along the length of the entire circumferential direction of the closed upper surface 21. In other embodiments, the receiving groove 210 may also extend only along a portion of the length of the circumferential direction of the closed upper surface 21.
  • the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 is a closed, rotating curved surface, acoustically engaging elements and frame engaging elements that are similar to each other in the various embodiments described above may also be provided.
  • the second side wall 93 of the support frame 9 is provided with a first frame engaging member 931
  • the first side surface 25 of the acoustic window 2 is provided with a first acoustic window engaging member 251.
  • the first acoustic window engaging element 251 and the first frame engaging element 931 are engaged with each other.
  • the first engagement surface 2510 where the first acoustic window engaging element 251 is engaged with the first frame engaging element 931 may be a rotating curved surface.
  • the second side wall 95 of the support frame 9 may further be provided with a second frame engaging element 951, and the second side 26 of the acoustic window 2 is further provided with a second acoustic window engaging element 261.
  • the second acoustic window engaging element 261 and the second frame engaging element 951 are engaged with each other.
  • the second engagement surface 2610 of the second acoustic window engaging element 261 and the second frame engaging element 951 may also be a rotating curved surface.
  • first engagement surface 2510 and/or the second engagement surface 2610 may be coaxial with the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 to simplify and facilitate movement of the acoustic window 2 and its design and control.
  • FIG. 18 a schematic view of the movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 and the acoustic window 2 is shown in FIG.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can be moved from the left side to the right side of Figure 18 (where the label of the ultrasonic transducer assembly is indicated by 3') while the acoustic window 2 is also scrolled from the left to the right. Side (the label of the acoustic window is indicated by 2').
  • the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 can be a closed cylindrical surface. In this way, the movement of the acoustic window 2 can be further simplified.
  • the acoustic window 2 is moved by the slider in the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 or the screw slider assembly 4.
  • the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 described with reference to Figures 14-18 is a closed rotating curved surface
  • the worm gear assembly is used to drive the acoustic window 2 movement (this embodiment is not shown in the drawings) without the aforementioned acoustic window engaging elements and frame engaging elements.
  • the ultrasonic probe assembly can include a worm gear assembly that includes a worm and a worm gear that meshes with the worm.
  • a worm gear assembly that includes a worm and a worm gear that meshes with the worm.
  • One end of the worm is rotatably coupled to the first side wall 92 of the support frame 9, and the other end is rotatably coupled to the third side wall 94 of the support frame 9.
  • the output of the motor 5 is connected to one end of the worm by a second transmission mechanism and is capable of driving the worm to rotate.
  • the upper surface 21 of the acoustic window 2 is provided with an acoustic window connecting portion, and the worm wheel is fixed to the acoustic window connecting portion.
  • the acoustic window connecting portion may be disposed in a space surrounded by the upper surface 21 of the acoustic window 2.
  • the worm gear can be coaxial with the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2.
  • the acoustic window 2 may further include a first support rod, and the acoustic window connection portion includes a first acoustic window connection portion, and the first support rod is fixed to the first acoustic window connection portion.
  • the second side wall 93 of the support frame 9 is provided with a first slide 930.
  • the first support rod extension of the first support rod is received in the first slide 930 and can be opposite in the first slide 930.
  • the worm wheel can be fixed to the first support rod.
  • the acoustic window 2 may further include a second support rod, and the acoustic window connection portion further includes a second acoustic window connection portion, and the second support rod is fixed to the second acoustic window connection portion.
  • a second slide 950 is disposed on the fourth side wall 95 of the support frame 9. The second support rod extension of the second support rod is received in the second slide 950 and can be supported in the second slide 950 relative to the support. The frame 9 slides.
  • the "transmission mechanism” may be any suitable type of transmission mechanism, such as a belt drive, a chain drive, a gear or a gear train, or a combination thereof, etc., as long as the desired motion can be achieved. It can be passed from one component to the target component.
  • the ultrasonic probe assembly when in operation, includes two movements: the movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 and the rotation of the acoustic window 2.
  • the movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 and the rotation of the acoustic window 2 can be coordinated with each other by appropriate setting or control of the motor speed, the transmission mechanism, the screw slider assembly and/or the worm gear assembly.
  • the moving speed of the movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 and the rotation of the acoustic window 2 may use parameters of respective components in the ultrasonic probe assembly of the embodiment of the present invention (for example, motor speed, transmission ratio of the transmission mechanism, etc.) It is calculated by mathematical calculation and will not be described in detail here.
  • an ultrasonic probe assembly includes a support frame 9, an acoustic window 2, an ultrasonic transducer assembly 3, and an ultrasonic transducer drive assembly.
  • the support frame 9 includes a first side wall 92, a second side wall 93 and a third side wall 94, and the second side wall 93 connects the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94.
  • the support frame 9 further includes a fourth side wall 95 connecting the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94, and the first side wall 92, the second side wall 93, and the The three side walls 94 and the fourth side wall 95 integrally form a closed frame, and the closed frame encloses a receiving space.
  • the other components of the ultrasonic probe assembly of the embodiment of the present invention are accommodated in the receiving space.
  • the ultrasonic probe assembly may further include a cover body 1 covering the receiving space.
  • the closed frame integrally formed by the first side wall 92, the second side wall 93, the third side wall 94 and the fourth side wall 95 is rectangular (ie, the closed frame is The cross section perpendicular to the side wall is rectangular).
  • the invention is not limited thereto.
  • the closed frame integrally formed by the first side wall 92, the second side wall 93, the third side wall 94, and the fourth side wall 95 may be any suitable shape, such as a circular shape or an elliptical shape.
  • first side wall Polygon, irregular shape or any other suitable shape, etc., in this case, the aforementioned "first side wall”, “second side wall”, “third side wall” and / or “fourth side wall” may It is part of the side wall of the closed frame. Therefore, the "first side wall”, the “second side wall”, the “third side wall” and/or the “fourth side wall” mentioned herein are not limited to being planar, but may be curved or Any other suitable shape; the reference to “first side wall”, “second side wall”, “third side wall” and/or “fourth side wall” is not limited to only including one side wall, and It can be composed of a plurality of sub-side walls.
  • first side wall may not form a closed frame, but may form an open
  • the frame is as long as each of the elements detailed in the ultrasonic probe assembly of the embodiment of the present invention can be properly mounted.
  • the acoustic window 2 includes an upper surface 21 and a lower surface 22, and the upper surface 21 defines a receiving groove 210.
  • the acoustic window 2 is connected to the support frame 9.
  • the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly can be any structure capable of driving the translational movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 relative to the acoustic window 2 (ie, relative to the support frame 9).
  • a suitable structure, etc. is sufficient as long as the drive ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can be moved in a particular direction (e.g., translational or other form of motion).
  • the "translational motion” means that the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 as a whole moves from one position to another, but does not exclude that the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 itself rotates about a certain axis during the movement.
  • the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly includes a motor and a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown in the drawings), wherein the rack is disposed on the support frame 9 and the gear is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 and Rotatable relative to the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3, the output shaft of the motor is coupled to the gear via a transmission mechanism and the drive gear rotates, the gear meshing with the rack.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can be moved with the gear relative to the rack (ie, relative to the acoustic window 2 or the support frame 9) (eg, translational or other forms of motion). ).
  • the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly includes a motor and a drive chain or drive belt
  • the support frame 9 is provided with a slide rail
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is slidably supported on the slide rail.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is attached to a drive chain or drive belt.
  • the output shaft of the motor drives the drive chain or the drive belt through a transmission mechanism.
  • the drive chain or drive belt can be supported on the support frame 9 in any suitable manner.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can be moved (eg, translational or other form of motion).
  • the support frame 9 may not be provided with a slide rail, and the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is directly supported by the drive chain or the drive belt.
  • the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly includes a motor, a link, and a crank
  • the support frame 9 is provided with a slide rail on which the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is slidably supported.
  • One end of the link is rotatably coupled to the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 and the other end is rotatably coupled to the crank.
  • the crank is rotatably supported on the support frame 9, and the output shaft of the motor is coupled to the crank through a transmission to drive the crank to rotate.
  • the motor drives the crank to rotate
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 can be driven to move on the slide rail (e.g., translational or other form of motion) by the crank linkage.
  • the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly is described with reference to the lead screw slider mechanism in the drawings and the embodiments described in detail below, the present invention is not limited to the lead screw slider mechanism, but may be any other suitable structure.
  • the ultrasonic transducer drive assembly includes a lead screw slider assembly 4 and a motor 5.
  • the lead screw slider assembly 4 includes a lead screw 41 and a slider 40.
  • One end of the lead screw 41 is rotatably coupled to the first side wall 92, and the other end is rotatably coupled to the third side wall 94.
  • the slider 40 is sleeved on the wire.
  • the bar 41 is threadedly engaged with the lead screw 41.
  • a certain component for example, the lead screw 41
  • another component for example, the first side wall 92
  • the component is directly connected to the other component, and the component is also included in the other intermediate.
  • the component is indirectly connected to another component.
  • a first connecting element 46 and a second connecting element 47 are also included.
  • the first connecting member 46 is fixed to the first side wall 92 of the support frame 9 by welding, screwing, bolting, riveting, etc.
  • the second connecting member 47 is welded, screwed, bolted, riveted, etc. It is fixed to the second side wall 94 of the support frame 9 (for example, refer to FIG. 23).
  • the first connecting member 46 is provided with a first lead screw mounting hole 461, and one end of the lead screw 41 is rotatably mounted in the first lead screw mounting hole 461.
  • the second connecting member 47 is provided with a second lead screw mounting hole 471, and the other end of the lead screw 41 is rotatably mounted in the second lead screw mounting hole 471.
  • “rotatably mounted” can be realized, for example, by bearings.
  • the lead screw 41 is indirectly connected to the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94 by the first connecting member 46 and the second connecting member 47, respectively.
  • a screw mounting hole may be directly disposed on the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94, and both ends of the lead screw 41 are directly rotatably mounted to the first side wall 92 and the second side, respectively.
  • On the side wall 94 On the side wall 94.
  • the output shaft of the motor 5 is coupled to one end of the lead screw 41 through the first transmission mechanism 64 and is capable of driving the lead screw 41 to rotate.
  • the motor 5 can be fixed to the support frame 9.
  • the first transmission mechanism 64 may be any type of transmission mechanism as long as the movement of the output shaft of the motor 5 can be transmitted to the lead screw 41.
  • the first transmission mechanism 64 is a belt transmission mechanism including a first pulley 640 and a second pulley 641, and the first pulley 640 is coupled to the output shaft of the motor 5,
  • the second pulley 641 is coupled to one end of the lead screw, and the first pulley 640 and the second pulley 641 are driven by the transmission belt 643, so that the motor 5 drives the lead screw 41 to rotate.
  • the first transmission mechanism 64 herein may also be a gear transmission mechanism.
  • the first pulley 640 may be the first gear 640
  • the second pulley 641 may be the second gear 641.
  • the first gear 640 and the second gear 641 may directly mesh with each other or may be meshed with each other to form a gear. Therefore, the rotation of the output shaft of the motor 5 is transmitted to one end of the lead screw 41.
  • the first transmission mechanism 64 can also be any other transmission mechanism or a combination of a plurality of transmission mechanisms.
  • the drive wheels (eg, pulleys, gears, etc.) of the first transmission mechanism 64 may be coupled to the output shaft or lead screw 41 of the motor 5 by a keyed connection, a splined connection, or any other suitable connection. Connected at one end.
  • the positional relationship between the connection position of the transmission wheel and the lead screw 41 and the connection position of the screw shaft 41 with the first connecting member 46 or the second connecting member 47 is not limited as long as the two do not interfere with each other.
  • connection position of the drive wheel and the lead screw 41 and the connection of the lead screw 41 to the first side wall 92 or the third side wall 94 are similarly there is also no limit to the positional relationship between the positions as long as the two do not interfere with each other.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 includes a transducer array 30 and a transducer connection 31, the transducer array 30 is coupled to the transducer connection 31, and the transducer array 30 extends into the foregoing In the receiving slot 210 of the acoustic window 2, and movable in the receiving slot 210 relative to the acoustic window 2 (for example, translation or other form of motion), the transducer connecting portion 31 and the slider 40 of the screw slider assembly 4 connection.
  • the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 herein may also be a conventional complete ultrasonic probe (not shown).
  • commonly used intact ultrasound probes also include an array of transducers, other portions of which (e.g., handles, etc.) can be used as the transducer connections herein. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the form of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is not limited, and may include the transducer array 30 and the transducer connection portion 31 as shown in the drawing, or may be a conventional probe as a whole. Or it may be in other suitable forms. All of these conditions are collectively referred to herein as "ultrasonic transducer assemblies.”
  • the transducer attachment portion 31 is provided with a slider mounting hole 310, and the slider 40 of the screw slider assembly 4 is at least partially received in the slider mounting hole.
  • 310 and fixed to the transducer connection portion 31.
  • the fixing between the slider 40 and the slider mounting hole 310 (or the transducer connecting portion 31) can be achieved by a pin, a key, a screw, an interference fit, or the like.
  • the rotational movement of the lead screw 41 is converted into the lead screw 41 of the slider 40 by the screw engagement between the lead screw 41 and the slider 40.
  • the translational movement of the length direction ie the axial direction. Since the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is fixed to the slider 40, the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is also driven by the slider 40 to move in the axial direction of the lead screw 41.
  • the transducer array 30 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 extends into the receiving groove 210 on the upper surface 21 of the acoustic window 2, and the receiving groove 210 is filled with a coupling agent so that the transducer array 30 At least a portion is immersed in the coupling agent.
  • the transducer array 30 moves relative to the receiving slot 210 (and the acoustic window 2) in the receiving slot 210 of the acoustic window 2 (eg, translation or other form) motion).
  • the lead screw slider assembly 4 may further include a first sliding rail 42 and a first sliding sleeve 43.
  • the first sliding rail 42 is connected to the first side wall 92 at one end and to the third side wall 94 at the other end.
  • the first sliding sleeve 43 is sleeved on the first sliding rail 42 and is slidable on the first sliding rail 42.
  • a first sliding sleeve mounting hole 311 is further disposed on the transducer connecting portion 31 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3, and the first sliding sleeve 43 is at least partially received in the first sliding sleeve mounting hole 311 and connected to the transducer.
  • the portion 31 is fixed.
  • the fixing and fixing of the first sliding sleeve 43 and the first sliding sleeve mounting hole 311 (or the transducer connecting portion 31) can be realized by a pin, a key, a screw, an interference fit or the like.
  • the first slide rail 42 may be parallel to the lead screw 41.
  • both ends of the first slide rail 42 may be directly connected to the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94, respectively, or through other intermediate elements (for example, the first connection).
  • Element 46 and second connecting element 47) are indirectly coupled to first side wall 92 and third side wall 94.
  • the first slide rail 42 can further guide the movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 and prevent the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 from shaking during the movement, so that the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 The movement is more stable.
  • the lead screw slider assembly 4 may further include a second sliding rail 44 and a second sliding sleeve 45.
  • the second sliding rail 44 is connected to the first side wall 92 at one end and to the third side wall 94 at the other end.
  • the second sliding sleeve 45 is sleeved on the second sliding rail 44 and is slidable on the second sliding rail 44.
  • a second sliding sleeve mounting hole 312 is further disposed on the transducer connecting portion 31 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3, and the second sliding sleeve 45 is at least partially received in the second sliding sleeve mounting hole 312 and connected to the transducer. 31 fixed.
  • the fixing of the second sliding sleeve 45 and the second sliding sleeve mounting hole 312 (or the transducer connecting portion 31) can be realized by a pin, a key, a screw, an interference fit or the like.
  • the second slide rail 44 may be parallel to the lead screw 41.
  • the two ends of the second slide rail 44 may also be directly connected to the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94, respectively, or through other intermediate elements (for example, the first connecting member 46 and The second connecting element 47) is indirectly connected to the first side wall 92 and the third side wall 94.
  • the second slide rail 44 can further guide the movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 and prevent it from shaking during the movement to make its movement more stable.
  • the lead screw 41 is located between the first slide rail 42 and the second slide rail 44.
  • the lead screw 41 can be in other suitable positions than between the first rail 42 and the second rail 44.
  • the lead screw 40, the first sliding rail 42 and the second sliding rail 44 may not be located in the same plane (ie, the axes of the lead screw 40, the first sliding rail 42 and the second sliding rail 44 are not in the same plane) .
  • the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 is planar.
  • the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 may also be a concave curved surface to facilitate conforming to the scanning target.
  • the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 may be a concave curved surface having a shape corresponding to the shape of the scanning target (for example, a breast) to facilitate the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 and the scanning target.
  • the shape "corresponding" to the shape of the scanning target means a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the scanning target, but is not limited to be exactly complementary to the shape of the scanning target.
  • the second side wall 93 (refer to FIG. 20) or the fourth side wall 95 (refer to FIG. 15, FIG. 17) is further provided with a protruding portion 96, and the protruding portion 96 encloses a receiving space when the ultrasound As the transducer assembly 3 moves, the cable 32 connecting the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 to the ultrasound imaging system host can move in this projection 96.
  • the protrusion 96 may not be provided here, but instead an opening (not shown) extending in the direction of movement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is provided, from which the cable 32 is led out.
  • At least one side wall of the support frame 9 may further be provided with a handle 91 to facilitate the placement, handling and the like of the ultrasonic probe assembly.
  • the positional relationship between the screw slider assembly 4 and the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is not limited.
  • the lead screw slider assembly 4 is disposed at an upper portion of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3.
  • the lead screw slider assembly 4 is disposed on the side of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3.
  • the ultrasonic probe assembly is integrally used as a scanning object (for example, a breast), and the acoustic window 2 is attached to the scanning object, and the ultrasonic transducer assembly 3 is disposed along the lead screw 41 in the receiving groove 210 of the acoustic window 2.
  • the direction of movement is scanned so that there is no relative movement between the lower surface 22 of the acoustic window 2 and the scanned object, and the ultrasonic probe assembly of the embodiment of the present invention does not require expensive disposable consumables (for example, porous cloth or tension film, etc.) Etc), reducing medical costs.
  • the ultrasonic probe assembly does not contain disposable parts and can be used repeatedly.

Abstract

一种超声探头组件，包括支撑架（9）、声窗（2）、超声换能器组件（3）和超声换能器驱动组件，超声换能器组件（3）连接到超声换能器驱动组件上，其换能器阵列伸入声窗（2）的收容槽（210）中，并且能够在收容槽（210）中相对声窗（2）运动。上述超声探头组件工作时，声窗（2）的下表面（22）与扫描目标的接触区域始终在换能器阵列的下方，声窗（2）的下表面（22）与扫描目标之间没有沿着下表面的切向方向的相对运动，而且扫描时不需要使用额外的一次性耗材固定扫描目标，降低了医疗成本。

Description

超声探头组件
【技术领域】
本发明涉及医用超声成像技术领域，尤其涉及一种用于医用超声成像的超声探头组件。
【背景技术】
乳腺癌是女性排名第一的常见恶性肿瘤。随着医学的发展，可以通过乳腺癌筛查和早诊降低死亡率。
超声在乳腺筛查中是最重要的影像学工具。超声检查没有辐射顾虑、使用方便、费用低。对腺体多、腺体质密和年轻女性，特别是腺体深面，靠近胸肌的部位的检查效果良好且不会对人体损伤。
现有的乳腺扫描方法通常是使用多孔布或者张紧膜覆盖固定乳房，超声探头在布背面进行扫查。但是，这种方法中，多孔布或者张紧膜是一次性使用的，而且价值昂贵，因此会产生额外医疗费用。另外，多孔布或者张紧膜柔软质地，使用过程中，若探头压力过小，则多孔布不能固定乳房，乳房异常运动导致采集图像变形；而若探头压力过大，则多孔布易损坏。
【发明内容】
基于此，有必要提供一种能降低医疗成本的超声探头组件。
一种超声探头组件，包括：支撑架；超声换能器组件，所述超声换能器组件可运动地支撑在所述支撑架上；声窗，所述声窗可运动地支撑在所述支撑架上，并且包括上表面和下表面，所述上表面上形成收容槽，所述收容槽中填充有耦合剂，所述下表面用于与扫描目标贴合；超声换能器驱动组件，所述超声换能器驱动组件连接到所述超声换能器组件上，并且能够驱动所述超声换能器组件相对于所述声窗运动；所述超声换能器组件的换能器阵列收容在所述收容槽中；所述下表面为旋转曲面，并且所述声窗能够绕所述下表面的轴转动，使得所述下表面与所述扫描目标之间沿着所述下表面的切向方向相对静止。
一种超声探头组件，包括：支撑架；超声换能器组件，所述超声换能器组件可运动地支撑在所述支撑架上；声窗，所述声窗连接到所述支撑架上，并且包括上表面和下表面，所述上表面上形成收容槽，所述收容槽中填充有耦合剂，所述下表面用于与扫描目标贴合；超声换能器驱动组件，所述超声换能器驱动组件连接到所述超声换能器组件上；所述超声换能器组件的换能器阵列收容在所述收容槽中；其中，所述超声换能器驱动组件驱动所述超声换能器组件相对于所述声窗平移运动。
上述超声探头组件工作时，扫描过程中声窗的下表面与扫描目标的接触区域始终在换能器阵列的下方，并且声窗的下表面与扫描目标之间没有沿着下表面的切向方向的相对运动，因此扫描时不需要使用额外的一次性耗材以固定扫描目标，降低了医疗成本。
此外，由于下表面为弧形，所以下表面与扫描目标的接触面积比较小，并且该接触面积两侧下表面会向上“翘起”，从而为下表面与扫描目标之间的耦合剂中可能存在的空气流出了溢出通道，当声窗旋转时，会推动这些空气从声窗与扫描目标之间的接触区域中离开，从而防止气泡留在接触区域中而影响成像质量。
【附图说明】
为了更清楚地说明本发明实施例或现有技术中的技术方案，下面将对实施例或现有技术描述中所需要使用的附图作简单地介绍，显而易见地，下面描述中的附图仅仅是本发明的一些实施例，对于本领域普通技术人员来讲，在不付出创造性劳动的前提下，还可以根据这些附图获得其他的附图。
图1为一实施方式的超声探头组件的爆炸图；
图2为图1的超声探头组件的立体图；
图3为图1的超声探头组件的俯视图；
图4为沿图3中的线A-A的剖视图；
图5为沿图3中的线B-B的剖视图；
图6为图5中区域C中的放大图；
图7为图1的超声换能器组件和声窗的行程示意图；
图8为另一实施方式的超声探头组件的爆炸图；
图9为图8的超声探头组件的立体图；
图10为图8的超声探头组件的俯视图；
图11为沿图10中的线D-D的剖视图；
图12为沿图10中的线E-E的剖视图；
图13为图8的超声换能器组件和声窗的行程示意图；
图14为另一实施方式的超声探头组件的爆炸图；
图15为图14的超声探头组件的俯视图；
图16为沿图15中的线F-F的剖视图；
图17为沿图15中的线G-G的剖视图；
图18为图14的超声换能器组件和声窗的行程示意图；
图19为一实施方式的超声探头组件工作过程的示意图。
图20为一实施方式的超声探头组件的立体图；
图21为一实施方式的超声探头组件爆炸图；
图22为另一实施方式的超声探头组件爆炸图；
图23为图22中的超声探头组件的俯视图，其中盖体已经被移除；及
图24为沿图23中的线A-A的剖视图。
【具体实施方式】
为了便于理解本发明，下面将参照相关附图对本实用新型进行更全面的描述。附图中给出了本实用新型的首选实施例。但是，本实用新型可以以许多不同的形式来实现，并不限于本文所描述的实施例。相反地，提供这些实施例的目的是使对本实用新型的公开内容更加透彻全面。
需要说明的是，当元件被称为“固设于”另一个元件，它可以直接在另一个元件上或者也可以存在居中的元件。当一个元件被认为是“连接”另一个元件，它可以是直接连接到另一个元件或者可能同时存在居中元件。本文所使用的术语“垂直的”、“水平的”、“左”、“右”以及类似的表述只是为了说明的目的。
除非另有定义，本文所使用的所有的技术和科学术语与属于本实用新型的技术领域的技术人员通常理解的含义相同。本文中在本实用新型的说明书中所使用的术语只是为了描述具体的实施例的目的，不是旨在于限制本实用新型。本文所使用的术语“及／或”包括一个或多个相关的所列项目的任意的和所有的组合。
图1-图7示出了一实施方式的超声探头组件的具体结构。
参考图1-7，在一实施方式中，超声探头组件包括支撑架9、声窗2、超声换能器组件3和超声换能器驱动组件。
支撑架9包括第一侧壁92、第二侧壁93和第三侧壁94，第二侧壁93连接第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94。
在其他实施方式中，支撑架9还包括第四侧壁95，第四侧壁95连接第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94，并且第一侧壁92、第二侧壁93、第三侧壁94和第四侧壁95整体形成闭合的框体，该闭合的框体围成一个收容空间，超声探头组件的其它元件收容于该收容空间中。
在附图显示的实施例中，第一侧壁92、第二侧壁93、第三侧壁94和第四侧壁95整体形成的闭合的框体是矩形的（即，该闭合的框体的垂直于侧壁的横截面是矩形的）。但是，本发明不局限于此。在其它的实施例中，第一侧壁92、第二侧壁93、第三侧壁94和第四侧壁95整体形成的闭合的框体可以是任何适合的形状，例如圆形、椭圆形、多边形、不规则形状或者任何其它适合的形状等等。此时，前述的“第一侧壁”、“第二侧壁”、“第三侧壁”和/或“第四侧壁”可以是该闭合的框体的侧壁的一部分。因此，本文中，提到的“第一侧壁”、“第二侧壁”、“第三侧壁”和/或“第四侧壁”不局限于是平面的，而是可以是曲面的或者其它任何适合的形状的；提到的“第一侧壁”、“第二侧壁”、“第三侧壁”和/或“第四侧壁”也不局限于是只包括一个侧壁，而是可以由多个子侧壁构成。
前述的“第一侧壁”、“第二侧壁”、“第三侧壁”和/或“第四侧壁”也可以不形成闭合的框体，而是形成开放的框体，只要超声探头组件中的下文中详述的各个元件能够适当地安装即可。
在一实施方式中，声窗2包括上表面21和下表面22，上表面21上形成收容槽210。声窗2支撑在支撑架9上。
这里，声窗2“支撑”在支撑架9上是指声窗2以任何适合的方式直接或者间接（即声窗2和支撑架9之间存在其他元件）支撑于支撑架9上，在下文的描述中，将给出几个具体实施例的详细描述。
超声换能器驱动组件可以是任何能够驱动超声换能器组件3运动（例如，沿某个扫描方向平动，等等）的结构。例如，包括电机和丝杠滑块机构的结构、包括电机和齿轮齿条机构的结构、包括电机和驱动链（或者驱动带）机构的结构、包括电机和曲柄连杆机构的结构、或者其它任何适合的结构，等等，只要能够使驱动超声换能器组件3在特定方向上运动（例如，平动或者其它形式的运动）即可。
例如，在一实施方式中，超声换能器驱动组件包括电机和齿轮齿条机构（附图中未示出），其中齿条设置在支撑架9上，齿轮连接到超声换能器组件3上并且能够相对于超声换能器组件3转动，电机的输出轴通过传动机构连接到齿轮上并且驱动齿轮旋转，该齿轮与齿条啮合。这样，当电机驱动齿轮旋转时，即可使超声换能器组件3与该齿轮一起相对于齿条（也即相对于声窗2或者支撑架9）运动（例如，平动或者其它形式的运动）。
例如，在另一实施方式中，超声换能器驱动组件包括电机和驱动链或者驱动带，支撑架9上设有滑轨，超声换能器组件3可滑动地支撑在滑轨上。超声换能器组件3连接在驱动链或者驱动带上。电机的输出轴通过传动机构驱动该驱动链或者驱动带运动。该驱动链或者驱动带可以以任何适合的方式支撑在支撑架9上。这样，当电机驱动该驱动链或者驱动带运动时，即可带动超声换能器组件3运动（例如，平动或者其它形式的运动）。
在本实施例中，支撑架9上也可以不设置滑轨，超声换能器组件3直接由驱动链或者驱动带支撑。
或者，例如，在另一实施方式中，超声换能器驱动组件包括电机、连杆和曲柄，并且支撑架9上设有滑轨，超声换能器组件3可滑动地支撑在该滑轨上。连杆一端可转动地连接到超声换能器组件3上，另一端可转动地连接到曲柄。曲柄可转动地支撑在支撑架9上，电机的输出轴通过传动装置连接到曲柄上，从而驱动曲柄旋转。这样，当电机驱动曲柄旋转时，通过该曲柄连杆机构，即可驱动超声换能器组件3在滑轨上运动（例如，平动或者其它形式的运动）。
虽然附图以及下文中的详细描述的实施例中，超声换能器驱动组件参考丝杠滑块机构进行描述，但是本发明不限制在丝杠滑块机构，而是也可以是任何其它适合的结构。
参考附图，的一些实施例中，超声换能器驱动组件包括丝杠滑块组件4和电机5。丝杠滑块组件4包括丝杠41和滑块40。丝杠41一端可转动地连接到第一侧壁92，另一端可转动地连接到第三侧壁94，滑块40套设在丝杠41上并与丝杠41螺纹配合。
这里，当描述某个元件（例如丝杠41）“连接”到另一个元件（例如第一侧壁92），意思是既包括这个元件直接连接到另一个元件，也包括这个元件通过其它的中间元件间接地连接到另一个元件。
例如，图1所示的实施例中，还包括第一连接元件46和第二连接元件47。第一连接元件46通过焊接、螺钉连接、螺栓连接、铆接等等方式固接在支撑架9的第一侧壁92上，第二连接元件47通过焊接、螺钉连接、螺栓连接、铆接等等方式固接在支撑架9的第二侧壁94上（例如，参考图4）。
第一连接元件46上设有第一丝杠安装孔461，丝杠41的一端可转动地安装在该第一丝杠安装孔461中。类似地，第二连接元件47上设有第二丝杠安装孔471，丝杠41的另一端可转动地安装在该第二丝杠安装孔471中。这里，“可转动地安装”例如可以通过轴承实现。
这样，丝杠41分别通过第一连接元件46和第二连接元件47间接地连接到第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94上。
在其他实施例中，可以直接在第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94上设置丝杠安装孔，丝杠41的两端分别直接可转动地安装到第一侧壁92和第二侧壁94上。
在本实施例中，电机5的输出轴通过第一传动机构64连接到丝杠41的一端并能够驱动丝杠41旋转。电机5可以固定在支撑架9上。
这里，第一传动机构64可以是任何类型的传动机构，只要能够将电机5的输出轴的运动传递到丝杠41即可。例如，图1所示的实施例中，该第一传动机构64是带传动机构，其包括第一带轮640和第二带轮641，第一带轮640连接到电机5的输出轴上，第二带轮641连接到丝杠的一端，第一带轮640和第二带轮641之间通过传动带643传动，从而使得电机5带动丝杠41旋转。
在其他实施例中，这里的第一传动机构64也可以是齿轮传动机构。例如，第一带轮640可以是第一齿轮640，第二带轮641可以是第二齿轮641，第一齿轮640和第二齿轮641可以直接相互啮合，或者通过其它的齿轮相互啮合而组成齿轮系，从而将电机5的输出轴的旋转传动到丝杠41的一端。
在本实施例中，第一传动机构64还可以是任何其它的传动机构或者多种传动机构的组合。
在本实施例中，第一传动机构64的传动轮（例如，带轮、齿轮，等等）可以通过键连接、花键连接或者其它任何适合的连接方式与电机5的输出轴或者丝杆41的一端连接。传动轮与丝杠41的连接位置和丝杆41与第一连接元件46或者第二连接元件47的连接位置之间的位置关系没有限制，只要二者之间不相互干涉即可。类似地，当丝杠41直接连接到第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94时，传动轮与丝杠41的连接位置和丝杆41与第一侧壁92或者第三侧壁94的连接位置之间的位置关系也没有限制，只要二者之间不相互干涉即可。
通过上述结构，当电机5工作时，其输出轴的旋转可以通过第一传动机构64带动丝杠41旋转。
在本的实施例中，超声换能器组件3包括换能器阵列30和换能器连接部31，换能器阵列30连接到换能器连接部31上，换能器阵列30伸入前述的声窗2的收容槽210中，并且能够在收容槽210中相对声窗2运动（例如，平动或者其它形式的运动），换能器连接部31与丝杠滑块组件4的滑块40连接。
在本实施例中，这里的超声换能器组件3也可以本身是一个常用的完整的超声探头（图未示）。本领域技术人员熟知，常用的完整的超声探头也包括换能器阵列，该超声探头的其它部分（例如，手柄，等等）可以作为这里所说的换能器连接部。因此，本在实施例中，不限制超声换能器组件3的形式，可以是包括如附图所示的换能器阵列30和换能器连接部31，也可以是整体为常规的探头，或者也可以是其它适合的形式。所有这些情况本文中统一称之为“超声换能器组件”。
例如，如图1和图5所示，在一实施例中，换能器连接部31上设有滑块安装孔310，丝杠滑块组件4的滑块40至少部分地收容在滑块安装孔310中并且与换能器连接部31固接。这里，滑块40与滑块安装孔310（或者换能器连接部31）之间的固接可以通过销、键、螺钉、过盈配合等等方式实现。
这样，当丝杠41如前文所述的一样由电机5带动旋转时，通过丝杠41与滑块40之间的螺纹配合，丝杠41的旋转运动被转换成滑块40的沿丝杠41的长度方向（即轴向方向）的平移运动。由于超声换能器组件3固接在滑块40上，因此超声换能器组件3也被滑块40带动沿着丝杠41的轴向方向平移运动。
在本实施例中，超声换能器组件3的换能器阵列30伸入声窗2的上表面21上的收容槽210中，该收容槽210中填充耦合剂，使得换能器阵列30的至少一部分浸入在耦合剂中。当超声换能器组件3被丝杠41驱动运动时，换能器阵列30在声窗2的收容槽210内相对于收容槽210（以及声窗2）运动（例如，平动或者其它形式的运动）。
在本实施例中，声窗2的下表面22可以是旋转曲面。也就是，声窗2的下表面22可以不是平面，而是弧面。本文中，“旋转曲面”可以是指母线绕平行于该母线的轴旋转而形成的曲面。这里，母线绕其旋转的轴称之为该旋转曲面的“轴”，也就是声窗2的下表面22的“轴”。这里，母线绕轴旋转的路径（也就是旋转曲面与垂直于轴或者母线的平面的交线）可以是圆形或者圆形的一部分，也可以是其它曲线形或者其一部分，例如椭圆形、抛物线形、双曲线形或者其它高次曲线形等等。
在本实施例中，声窗2的下表面22可以是圆柱面，即母线绕平行于该母线的轴在圆形或者圆形的一部分的路径上旋转形成的旋转曲面。此时，母线绕其旋转的轴即为圆柱面的轴，也就是声窗2的下表面22的轴。当声窗2的下表面22为圆柱面时，声窗2的运动将更简单，并且声窗2的运动与超声换能器组件3的运动之间的匹配控制也更简单和更容易，从而超声探头组件更易于设计和制造。
由前述可见，本发明的实施例中，所说的“旋转曲面”和“圆柱面”可以是非闭合的，即母线绕轴在非闭合的一段路径上旋转形成的曲面。其它的实施例中，所说的“旋转曲面”和“圆柱面”也可以是闭合的，即母线绕轴在闭合的路径上旋转形成的曲面，闭合的“旋转曲面”或者“圆柱面”的实施例将在下文中详述。
在本实施例中，声窗2能够绕其下表面22的轴（也就是该旋转曲面的轴）旋转，使得下表面22与扫描目标之间沿着该下表面的切向方向相对静止。
工作时，声窗2的下表面22的至少部分区域与扫描目标接触，并且下表面22与扫描目标之间会涂敷耦合剂。换能器阵列30发射超声波穿过声窗2的下表面22与扫描目标接触的区域进入扫描目标内。当电机5旋转带动丝杠41旋转时，如前文所述，丝杠41带动滑块40和超声换能器组件3沿丝杠41的轴向方向平移运动，并且换能器阵列30发射超声波对扫描目标进行扫描；同时，驱动声窗2绕其下表面22的轴旋转。这样，当超声换能器组件3沿着丝杠41的轴向方向平移运动进行扫描时，声窗2同时绕下表面22的轴相应地旋转（如图19的示意图所示），使得声窗2的下表面22与扫描目标之间没有沿着下表面22的切向方向的相对运动（即下表面22与扫描目标之间沿着该下表面的切向方向相对静止），既保证了超声换能器组件3的扫描运动不会被声窗2干涉，也保证了扫描过程中声窗2的下表面22与扫描目标的接触区域始终在换能器阵列30的下方以利于超声波传播进入扫描目标内。而且，扫描时不需要使用额外的一次性耗材（例如多孔布或者张紧膜等等）固定扫描目标（例如，乳房）。此外，因为下表面22为弧形的，所以下表面22与扫描目标的接触面积比较小，并且该接触面积两侧下表面22会向上“翘起”，从而为下表面22与扫描目标之间的耦合剂中可能存在的空气流出了溢出通道，当声窗2旋转时，会推动这些空气从声窗2与扫描目标之间的接触区域中离开，从而防止气泡留在接触区域中而影响成像质量。
在本实施例中，丝杠滑块组件4还可以包括第一滑轨42和第一滑套43，第一滑轨42一端连接到第一侧壁92，另一端连接到第三侧壁94；第一滑套43套设于第一滑轨42上并且能够在第一滑轨42上滑动。
超声换能器组件3的换能器连接部31上还可以设有第一滑套安装孔311，第一滑套43至少部分地收容于第一滑套安装孔311中并且与换能器连接部31固接。这里，第一滑套43与第一滑套安装孔311（或者换能器连接部31）的固接固接可以通过销、键、螺钉、过盈配合等等方式实现。
在本实施例中，第一滑轨42可以与丝杠41平行。
在本实施例中，与前述的丝杠41类似，第一滑轨42的两端可以分别直接连接到第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94上或者通过其它中间元件（例如，第一连接元件46和第二连接元件47）间接地连接到第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94上。
第一滑轨42能够对超声换能器组件3的运动做进一步的导引，并且防止超声换能器组件3在运动过程中的晃动，使得超声换能器组件3的运动更加平稳。
在本实施例中，丝杠滑块组件4还可以包括第二滑轨44和第二滑套45，第二滑轨44一端连接到第一侧壁92，另一端连接到第三侧壁94；第二滑套45套设于第二滑轨44上并且能够在第二滑轨44上滑动。
超声换能器组件3的换能器连接部31上还设有第二滑套安装孔312，第二滑套45至少部分地收容于第二滑套安装孔312中并且与换能器连接部31固接。这里，第二滑套45与第二滑套安装孔312（或者换能器连接部31）的固接可以通过销、键、螺钉、过盈配合等等方式实现。
第二滑轨44可以与丝杠41平行。
这里，与前述的丝杠41类似，第二滑轨44的两端也可以分别直接连接到第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94上或者通过其它中间元件（例如，第一连接元件46和第二连接元件47）间接地连接到第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94上。
在本实施例中，第二滑轨44可以更进一步地导引超声换能器组件3的运动并防止其在运动过程中晃动，使其运动更加平稳。
图1-7所示的实施例中，丝杠41位于第一滑轨42和第二滑轨44之间。但是，在其它的实施例中，丝杠41也可以其它适合的位置而不在第一滑轨42和第二滑轨44之间。并且丝杠40、第一滑轨42和第二滑轨44也可以不是位于同一个平面内（即，丝杠40、第一滑轨42和第二滑轨44的轴线不在同一个平面内）。
参考图1和图3-6，在一实施例中，支撑架9的第二侧壁93上设有第一框体接合元件931；相应地，声窗2的第一侧面25上设有第一声窗接合元件251，该第一声窗接合元件251与第一框体接合元件931相互接合。通过第一声窗接合元件251与第一框体接合元件931相互接合，使得在第一声窗接合元件251与第一框体接合元件931相互接合的位置处，第一声窗接合元件251与第一框体接合元件931之间不能产生在第一声窗接合元件251的切向方向相对运动。
例如，参考图1，第一声窗接合元件251包括第一接合表面2510，第一声窗接合元件251通过该第一接合表面2510与第一框体接合元件931接合。该第一接合表面2510可以为旋转曲面。
在本实施例中，第一接合表面2510可以是与声窗2的下表面22共轴的，即，第一接合表面2510的旋转曲面与声窗2的下表面22具有同一个轴。在这种情况下，声窗2的运动更简单，声窗2的运动与超声换能器组件3的运动的匹配更简单和更容易，因此可以简化超声探头组件的设计和制造。
在本实施例中，第一接合表面2510和声窗2的下表面22可以均为圆柱面，并且二者共轴。这样，可以更进一步简化声窗2的运动以及窗2的运动与超声换能器组件3的运动的匹配，从而进一步简化超声探头组件的设计和制造。
超声换能器组件3被丝杠41驱动而运动时，换能器阵列30与声窗2的收容槽2100的底面2100接触并对声窗2施加一个推力，由于第一声窗接合元件251与第一框体接合元件931之间不能产生在第一声窗接合元件251的切向方向相对运动，因此该推力将使得声窗2相对于第一框体接合元件931（以及相对于支撑架9）在超声换能器组件3的运动方向上“滚动”。从而实现了当超声换能器组件3沿着丝杠41的轴向方向平移运动进行扫描时，声窗2同时绕下表面22的轴相应地旋转。既保证了超声换能器组件3的扫描运动不会被声窗2干涉，也保证了扫描过程中声窗2的下表面22与扫描目标的接触区域始终在换能器阵列30的下方，并且声窗2的下表面22与扫描目标之间没有沿着下表面22的切向方向的相对运动。
在本实施例中，声窗2和超声换能器组件3的运动示意图如图7所示，声窗2和超声换能器组件3可以从图7中最左侧的位置向右运动到最右侧的位置（此时，图7中声窗标号为2’，超声换能器组件标号为3’）。
在其他的实施例中，也可以包括多组这种相互接合的接合元件。
例如，参考图1-7，在一实施例中，如前文所述，支撑架9还包括第四侧壁95，第四侧壁95可以与第二侧壁93相对。第四侧壁95上设有第二框体接合元件951；相应地，声窗2的第二侧面26上设有第二声窗接合元件261，第二声窗接合元件261与第二框体接合元件951相互接合。类似地，通过第二声窗接合元件261与第二框体接合元件951相互接合，使得在第二声窗接合元件261与第二框体接合元件951相互接合的位置处，第二声窗接合元件261与第二框体接合元件951之间不能产生在第二声窗接合元件261的切向方向相对运动。这里，第二声窗接合元件261和第二框体接合元件951与前述的第一声窗接合元件251和第一框体接合元件931类似。
参考图1，第二声窗接合元件261包括第二接合表面2610，第二声窗接合元件261通过该第二接合表面2610与第二框体接合元件951接合。该第二接合表面2610可以为旋转曲面。
在一实施例中，第二接合表面2610可以是与声窗2的下表面22共轴的，即，第二接合表面2610的旋转曲面与声窗2的下表面22具有同一个轴。
在一实施例中，第二接合表面2610和声窗2的下表面22可以均为圆柱面，并且二者共轴。
通过设置第二声窗接合元件262和第二框体接合元件951，可以为声窗2提供更稳定的支撑，使得声窗2的运动更平稳。
在一实施例中，第一声窗接合元件251和第二声窗接合元件261可以是单独的元件并通过焊接、螺钉连接、螺栓连接、铆接、粘合剂连接或者其它适合的连接方式设置在声窗2上，也可以是整体地成型在声窗2上。
例如，参考图1-7，声窗2的第一侧面25上凸设有第一凸缘250，第一声窗接合元件251连接在第一凸缘250的下表面2500上，或者直接成型在第一凸缘250的下表面2500上。
类似地，声窗2的第二侧面26上凸设有第二凸缘260，第二声窗接合元件261连接在第二凸缘260的下表面2600上，或者直接成型在第二凸缘260的下表面2600上。
参考图5和图6，第一框体接合元件931可以是设置在支撑架9的第二侧壁93的内侧面上。该第一框体接合元件931可以是整体地形成于第二侧壁93的内侧面上；也可以是单独的元件，并通过螺钉连接、螺纹连接、铆接、焊接、粘合剂连接、安装槽安装或者任何其它的方式安装到第二侧壁93的内侧面上。
第二框体接合元件951可以是设置在支撑架9的第四侧壁95的内侧面上。该第二框体接合元件951可以是整体地形成于第四侧壁95的内侧面上；也可以是单独的元件，并通过螺钉连接、螺纹连接、铆接、焊接、粘合剂连接、安装槽安装或者任何其它的方式安装到第四侧壁95的内侧面上。
图1-7的实施例中，第一声窗接合元件251和第一框体接合元件931是相互啮合的啮合齿元件。在本其它的实施例中，第一声窗接合元件251和第一框体接合元件931也可以是其它的能够使它们之间不产生切向方向相对运动的元件，例如，第一声窗接合元件251和第一框体接合元件931可以是具有足够摩擦系数的摩擦块。
同样地，在一实施例中，第二声窗接合元件261和第二框体接合元件951可以是相互啮合的啮合齿元件；或者也可以是其它的能够使它们之间不产生切向方向相对运动的元件，例如可以是具有足够摩擦系数的摩擦块。
在一实施例中，当超声换能器组件3运动时，如前文所述，推动声窗2旋转的推力可以由换能器阵列30施加。在其它的实施例中，也可以另外设置推力施加装置（图中没有示出），该推力施加装置一端连接到超声换能器组件3或者滑块40上，另一端与声窗2接触并且能够相对于声窗2滑动。这样，当丝杠41通过滑块40驱动超声换能器组件3运动时，该推力施加装置随其一起运动，并且施加推力到声窗2上，使声窗2同时旋转。
在一实施例中，第二侧壁93（参考图1）或者第四侧壁95（参考图15、图17）上还设有突出部96，该突出部96围成一个收容空间，当超声换能器组件3运动时，连接超声换能器组件3与超声成像系统主机的电缆32可以在这个突出部96中运动。
在其它的实施例中，这里也可以不设置突出部96，而是直接设置在超声换能器组件3的运动方向上延伸的开口（图中未示出），电缆32从这个开口引出。
在一实施例中，还可以包括换能器盖体1，该换能器盖体1安装在声窗2的上表面上，覆盖声窗2的收容槽210和换能器阵列30。
在一实施例中，支撑架9的至少一个侧壁上还可以设有手柄91，以方便该超声探头组件的安放、搬运等等。
图8-13图示了另一个实施例。
参考图8-13，在一实施例中，声窗2的旋转可以不是由滑块40或者超声换能器组件3施加推力到声窗上、并且通过相互接合的第一声窗接合元件251和第一框体接合元件931或者相互接合的第二声窗接合元件261和第二框体接合元件951实现，而是设置了涡轮蜗杆机构，有盖涡轮蜗杆机构实现声窗2的旋转。
前述实施例中，声窗2由超声换能器组件3推动从而使其绕下表面22的轴旋转。在一实施例中，超声探头组件也可以包括单独的声窗驱动组件，该声窗驱动组件驱动声窗2绕其下表面22的轴转动。
在一实施例中，声窗驱动组件可以是任何适于驱动声窗2绕其下表面22的轴旋转同时使声窗2的下表面的轴沿着与超声换能器组件3的运动方向相同的方向运动（从而使得下表面22与扫描目标之间在下表面22的切向方向上保持相对静止）的机构。
例如，在一实施例中，声窗驱动组件可以包括齿条、齿轮和电机。齿条设置在支撑架9上，齿轮固接到声窗2上并且与齿条啮合。电机的输出轴通过传动机构连接到齿轮上并且驱动齿轮旋转。这样，当电机驱动齿轮旋转时，即可带动声窗2绕其下表面22的轴旋转。
本实施例中，齿轮的轴可以是与声窗2的下表面22的轴重合。
或者，在其他实施例中，声窗驱动组件也可以使用蜗轮蜗杆机构。
例如，参考图8-13，在一实施例中，声窗驱动组件包括蜗轮蜗杆组件7和电机，蜗轮蜗杆组件7包括蜗杆71和蜗轮72，蜗轮72啮合在蜗杆71上。
蜗杆71一端可转动地连接在支撑架9的第一侧壁92上，另一端可转动地连接在支撑架9的第三侧壁94上。与前述实施例中的丝杠41类似，蜗杆71与第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94的连接可以是直接连接，也可以是分别通过类似的第一连接元件46和第二连接元件47或者其它中间元件实现的间接连接。
电机的输出端通过第二传动机构连接到蜗杆71的一端并且能够驱动蜗杆71转动。
这里，第二传动机构可以是能够将电机的旋转运动传递到蜗杆71的任何适合的传动机构，例如带传动机构、齿轮传动机构、其它适合的传动机构或者其组合。
例如，图8-13的实施例中，第二传动机构包括了前文所述的第一传动机构64，并且还包括第三齿轮81和第四齿轮82，第三齿轮81连接到丝杠41的一端上，第四齿轮82连接到蜗杆71的一端上，第三齿轮81与第四齿轮82相互啮合。这样，电机5通过第一传动机构64带动丝杠41旋转，并进而通过相互啮合的第三齿轮81和第四齿轮82带动蜗杆71旋转。
在一实施例中，第二传动机构也可以是与第一传动机构64分离的。
在一实施例中，声窗2的上表面上设有声窗连接部，蜗轮72固接到声窗连接部上。这样，当电机驱动蜗杆71旋转时，蜗杆71的旋转导致蜗轮72沿蜗杆71的轴向方向平移运动并且同时绕其本身的轴旋转。由于蜗轮72与声窗连接部（并且因此与声窗2）固接，因此蜗轮72绕其本身的轴的旋转带动声窗2旋转。这样，由于蜗轮72的平移运动同时“自转”，通过适当地设置第一传动机构64、第二传动机构、丝杠滑块机构和蜗轮蜗杆机构的传动比，可以控制超声换能器组件3的平移运动速度、蜗轮72的平移运动速度和蜗轮72（以及因此声窗2）的旋转角速度，使得这些速度相互配合，从而实现当超声换能器组件3平移运动进行扫描时，声窗2相应地旋转，实现与前述实施例类似的“滚动”效果，使得扫描过程中声窗2的下表面22与扫描目标的接触区域始终在换能器阵列30的下方，并且声窗2的下表面22与扫描目标之间没有沿该下表面22的切向方向的相对运动。
例如，如图13所示，超声换能器组件3从图13中的左侧运动到右侧（此时超声换能器组件标号用3’表示），同时蜗轮72从图13中的左侧沿蜗杆71运动到右侧（此时蜗杆标号用72’表示），并且声窗2也“滚动”到右侧（此时声窗标号用2’表示）。
在一实施例中，如前文所述，声窗2的下表面22可以是圆柱面，此时，蜗轮72可以与声窗2的下表面22共轴，即蜗轮72的旋转轴与声窗2的下表面22的轴（即该下表面的圆柱面的轴）重合。这样，声窗2的运动更简单，声窗2的运动与超声换能器组件3的运动的匹配更简单和更容易，因此可以简化超声探头组件的设计和制造。
参考图8-13，在一实施例中，声窗2还可以包括第一支撑杆28，前文所述的声窗连接部可以包括第一声窗连接部271，第一支撑杆28固接到第一声窗连接部271上。
支撑架9的第二侧壁93上设有第一滑道930，第一支撑杆28的第一支撑杆延伸部280收容在第一滑道930中，并且能够在第一滑道930中相对于支撑架9滑动。
这样，声窗2可以进一步地由第二侧壁93支撑，而不是仅仅由蜗轮72和蜗杆71支撑，从而使得声窗2获得更稳定的支撑。
在一实施例中，蜗轮72可以固接到第一支撑杆28上。此外，在其它的实施例中，蜗轮72的位置和第一支撑杆28的位置也可以不相同。
在一实施例中，声窗2还可以包括第二支撑杆29，声窗连接部还可以包括第二声窗连接部272，第二支撑杆29固接到第二声窗连接部272上。
支撑架9的第四侧壁95上可以设有第二滑道950，第二支撑杆29的第二支撑杆延伸部290收容在第二滑道950中，并且能够在第二滑道950中相对于支撑架9滑动。
本实施例中，声窗2由第一支撑杆28和第二支撑杆29两者支撑，声窗2能够获得更好的支撑，使得声窗2的运动更加平稳。
在一实施例中，第一滑道930和/或第二滑道950根据实际情况可以是直线型的，也可以是曲线形的，并且在超声换能器组件3的运动方向上延伸。此外，第一滑道930和/或第二滑道950可以是能够支撑第一支撑杆28和/或第二支撑杆29在其上滑动的任何结构，例如滑槽、滑轨等等。例如，图8-13所示的实施例中，该第一滑道930和第二滑道950是滑槽。
图8-13中的实施例中，其它的结构可以与图1-7中的实施例相同或者类似。
参考图8-13描述的实施例中，蜗轮蜗杆组件7也可以不是由驱动丝杠滑块组件4的电机5驱动，而是由单独设置的电机驱动。
在其它的实施例中，声窗2也可以是由单独设置的电机直接单独驱动，而没有蜗轮蜗杆组件7。此时，单独的电机（图中未示出）可以设置在连接到丝杠滑块组件4的滑块40或者超声换能器组件3上并与滑块40或者超声换能器组件3一起运动的支架（图中未示出），其输出轴通过传动机构连接到声窗2上，从而在随滑块40或者超声换能器组件3一起运动的同时驱动声窗2旋转，通过控制电机2的转速、传动机构的传动比和/或滑块40或者超声换能器组件3的运动速度，即可使声窗2的运动与超声换能器组件3的运动相互匹配。
图1-13所示的各个实施例中，声窗2的下表面22为未闭合的旋转曲面，例如是圆柱面。但是，在其它的实施例中，声窗2也可以形成为其下表面22为闭合的旋转曲面。
参考图14-18，在一实施例中，声窗2的下表面22为闭合的旋转曲面，此时声窗的上表面21也为闭合的曲面。这样，上表面21围成了一个中空的空间，声窗2整体形成中空的环形柱体的形状。在这种情况下，声窗2的下表面22即形成了环形柱体的外表面，而上表面21即形成了环形柱体的内表面，但是在本文中，仍然分别称之为声窗2的“下表面”和“上表面”。
换能器阵列30伸入上表面21围成的空间并且收容在收容槽210中，并且能够在收容槽210中相对声窗2运动。
在一实施例中，上表面51不限制为是旋转曲面，而是可以是任何适合的形状。
在一实施例中，收容槽210可以沿这个闭合的上表面21的全部圆周方向的长度延伸。在其它的实施例中，收容槽210也可以只是沿着这个闭合的上表面21的圆周方向的长度的一部分延伸。
声窗2的下表面22为闭合的旋转曲面的实施例中，也可以设有与前述各个实施例中类似的相互接合的声窗接合元件和框体接合元件。
例如，参考图14，在一实施例中，支撑架9的第二侧壁93上设有第一框体接合元件931，声窗2的第一侧面25上设有第一声窗接合元件251，第一声窗接合元件251与第一框体接合元件931相互接合。这里，第一声窗接合元件251与第一框体接合元件931接合的第一接合表面2510可以为旋转曲面。
此外，在一实施例中，支撑架9的第四侧壁95上还可以设有第二框体接合元件951，声窗2的第二侧面26上还设有第二声窗接合元件261，第二声窗接合元件261与第二框体接合元件951相互接合。这里，第二声窗接合元件261与第二框体接合元件951接合的第二接合表面2610也可以为旋转曲面。
参考图14-18描述的实施例中，前述的声窗接合元件和框体接合元件的结构、设置方式、工作原理等等可以与参考图1-7描述的实施例相同或者类似。
在一实施例中，第一接合表面2510和/或第二接合表面2610可以是与声窗2的下表面22共轴的，以简化和便于声窗2的运动及其设计和控制。
声窗2的下表面22为闭合的旋转曲面的实施例中，超声换能器组件3和声窗2的运动的示意图如图18所示。从图18中可见，超声换能器组件3可以从图18的左侧运动到右侧（此时超声换能器组件的标号用3’表示），同时声窗2也从左侧滚动到右侧（此时声窗的标号用2’表示）。
参考图14-18描述实施例中，声窗2的下表面22可以是闭合的圆柱面。这样，可以更进一步简化声窗2的运动。
参考图14-18描述实施例中，与参考图1-7描述的实施例类似，声窗2由超声换能器组件3或者丝杠滑块组件4中的滑块推动而运动。但是，在其它实施例中，参考图14-18描述的声窗2的下表面22为闭合的旋转曲面的实施例也可以设置与参考图8-13描述的实施例中类似的蜗轮蜗杆组件，用该蜗轮蜗杆组件来驱动声窗2运动（这种实施例在图中没有示出），而不用前述的声窗接合元件和框体接合元件。
例如，声窗2的下表面22为闭合的弧面（例如，圆柱面）的实施例中，超声探头组件可以包括蜗轮蜗杆组件，蜗轮蜗杆组件包括蜗杆和蜗轮，蜗轮啮合在蜗杆上。蜗杆一端可转动地连接在支撑架9的第一侧壁92上，另一端可转动地连接在支撑架9的第三侧壁94上。
电机5的输出端通过第二传动机构连接到蜗杆的一端并且能够驱动蜗杆转动。
声窗2的上表面21上设有声窗连接部，蜗轮固接到声窗连接部上。本实施例中，由于声窗2的上表面21形成了闭合的曲面，因此该声窗连接部可以是设置在声窗2的上表面21围成的空间中。
本实施例中，蜗轮可以与声窗2的下表面22共轴。
其中，在本实施例中，声窗2可以还包括第一支撑杆，而声窗连接部包括第一声窗连接部，第一支撑杆固接到第一声窗连接部上。相应地支撑架9的第二侧壁93上设有第一滑道930，第一支撑杆的第一支撑杆延伸部收容在第一滑道930中，并且能够在第一滑道930中相对于支撑架9滑动。本实施例中，蜗轮可以固接到第一支撑杆上。
此外，在本实施例中，声窗2还可以包括第二支撑杆，声窗连接部还包括第二声窗连接部，第二支撑杆固接到第二声窗连接部上。支撑架9的第四侧壁95上设有第二滑道950，第二支撑杆的第二支撑杆延伸部收容在第二滑道950中，并且能够在第二滑道950中相对于支撑架9滑动。
在本实施例中，其它的结构可以与前述的其它实施例相同或者类似。
前文所述的各个实施例中，其中的“传动机构”可以是任何适合类型的传动机构，比如带传动、链传动、齿轮或者齿轮系传动、或者其组合，等等，只要能将期望的运动从一个元件传递到目标元件即可。
在前述的各个实施例中，超声探头组件工作时，包括两个运动：超声换能器组件3的运动和声窗2的转动。通过对电机转速、传动机构、丝杠滑块组件和/或蜗轮蜗杆组件的适当的设置或控制，可以使超声换能器组件3的运动和声窗2的转动相互配合。超声换能器组件3的运动和声窗2的转动相互配合的运动速度可以使用本发明实施例的超声探头组件中的各个部件的参数（例如，电机转速、传动机构的传动比、等等）通过数学计算的方法计算出，在此不再详述。
图20-24图示了另外一些实施例的超声探头组件的具体结构。
参考图20-21，在一实施例中，一种超声探头组件包括支撑架9、声窗2、超声换能器组件3和超声换能器驱动组件。
支撑架9包括第一侧壁92、第二侧壁93和第三侧壁94，第二侧壁93连接第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94。
在另外的实施例中，支撑架9还包括第四侧壁95，第四侧壁95连接第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94，并且第一侧壁92、第二侧壁93、第三侧壁94和第四侧壁95整体形成闭合的框体，该闭合的框体围成一个收容空间，本发明实施例的超声探头组件的其它元件收容于该收容空间中。本发明其它的实施例中，该超声探头组件还可以包括盖体1，该盖体1覆盖该收容空间。
附图显示的实施例中，第一侧壁92、第二侧壁93、第三侧壁94和第四侧壁95整体形成的闭合的框体是矩形的（即，该闭合的框体的垂直于侧壁的横截面是矩形的）。但是，本发明不局限于此。在其它的实施例中，第一侧壁92、第二侧壁93、第三侧壁94和第四侧壁95整体形成的闭合的框体可以是任何适合的形状，例如圆形、椭圆形、多边形、不规则形状或者任何其它适合的形状等等，此时，前述的“第一侧壁”、“第二侧壁”、“第三侧壁”和/或“第四侧壁”可以是该闭合的框体的侧壁的一部分。因此，本文中，提到的“第一侧壁”、“第二侧壁”、“第三侧壁”和/或“第四侧壁”不局限于是平面的，而是可以是曲面的或者其它任何适合的形状的；提到的“第一侧壁”、“第二侧壁”、“第三侧壁”和/或“第四侧壁”也不局限于是只包括一个侧壁，而是可以由多个子侧壁构成。
在一实施例中，前述的“第一侧壁”、“第二侧壁”、“第三侧壁”和/或“第四侧壁”也可以不形成闭合的框体，而是形成开放的框体，只要本发明实施例的超声探头组件中的下文中详述的各个元件能够适当地安装即可。
在一实施例中，声窗2包括上表面21和下表面22，上表面21上形成收容槽210。声窗2连接到在支撑架9上。
在一实施例中，超声换能器驱动组件可以是任何能够驱动超声换能器组件3相对于声窗2（也即相对于支撑架9）平移运动的结构。例如，包括电机和丝杠滑块机构的结构、包括电机和齿轮齿条机构的结构、包括电机和驱动链（或者驱动带）机构的结构、包括电机和曲柄连杆机构的结构、或者其它任何适合的结构，等等，只要能够使驱动超声换能器组件3在特定方向上运动（例如，平动或者其它形式的运动）即可。
这里，所说的“平移运动”是指超声换能器组件3整体从一个位置运动到另一个位置，但是不排除在运动过程中超声换能器组件3本身绕某个轴转动。
例如，一个实施例中，超声换能器驱动组件包括电机和齿轮齿条机构（附图中未示出），其中齿条设置在支撑架9上，齿轮连接到超声换能器组件3上并且能够相对于超声换能器组件3转动，电机的输出轴通过传动机构连接到齿轮上并且驱动齿轮旋转，该齿轮与齿条啮合。这样，当电机驱动齿轮旋转时，即可使超声换能器组件3与该齿轮一起相对于齿条（也即相对于声窗2或者支撑架9）运动（例如，平动或者其它形式的运动）。
例如，另一个实施例中，超声换能器驱动组件包括电机和驱动链或者驱动带，支撑架9上设有滑轨，超声换能器组件3可滑动地支撑在滑轨上。超声换能器组件3连接在驱动链或者驱动带上。电机的输出轴通过传动机构驱动该驱动链或者驱动带运动。该驱动链或者驱动带可以以任何适合的方式支撑在支撑架9上。这样，当电机驱动该驱动链或者驱动带运动时，即可带动超声换能器组件3运动（例如，平动或者其它形式的运动）。
本实施例中，支撑架9上也可以不设置滑轨，超声换能器组件3直接由驱动链或者驱动带支撑。
或者，例如，另一个实施例中，超声换能器驱动组件包括电机、连杆和曲柄，并且支撑架9上设有滑轨，超声换能器组件3可滑动地支撑在该滑轨上。连杆一端可转动地连接到超声换能器组件3上，另一端可转动地连接到曲柄。曲柄可转动地支撑在支撑架9上，电机的输出轴通过传动装置连接到曲柄上，从而驱动曲柄旋转。这样，当电机驱动曲柄旋转时，通过该曲柄连杆机构，即可驱动超声换能器组件3在滑轨上运动（例如，平动或者其它形式的运动）。
虽然附图以及下文中的详细描述的实施例中，超声换能器驱动组件参考丝杠滑块机构进行描述，但是本发明不限制在丝杠滑块机构，而是也可以是任何其它适合的结构。
参考图20至24，在一些实施例中，超声换能器驱动组件包括丝杠滑块组件4和电机5。丝杠滑块组件4包括丝杠41和滑块40，丝杠41一端可转动地连接到第一侧壁92，另一端可转动地连接到第三侧壁94，滑块40套设在丝杠41上并与丝杠41螺纹配合。
这里，当描述某个元件（例如丝杠41）“连接”到另一个元件（例如第一侧壁92），意思是既包括这个元件直接连接到另一个元件，也包括这个元件通过其它的中间元件间接地连接到另一个元件。
例如，图20所示的实施例中，还包括第一连接元件46和第二连接元件47。第一连接元件46通过焊接、螺钉连接、螺栓连接、铆接等等方式固接在支撑架9的第一侧壁92上，第二连接元件47通过焊接、螺钉连接、螺栓连接、铆接等等方式固接在支撑架9的第二侧壁94上（例如，参考图23）。
第一连接元件46上设有第一丝杠安装孔461，丝杠41的一端可转动地安装在该第一丝杠安装孔461中。类似地，第二连接元件47上设有第二丝杠安装孔471，丝杠41的另一端可转动地安装在该第二丝杠安装孔471中。这里，“可转动地安装”例如可以通过轴承实现。
这样，丝杠41分别通过第一连接元件46和第二连接元件47间接地连接到第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94上。
本发明另外的实施例中，可以直接在第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94上设置丝杠安装孔，丝杠41的两端分别直接可转动地安装到第一侧壁92和第二侧壁94上。
在本实施例中，电机5的输出轴通过第一传动机构64连接到丝杠41的一端并能够驱动丝杠41旋转。电机5可以固定在支撑架9上。
这里，第一传动机构64可以是任何类型的传动机构，只要能够将电机5的输出轴的运动传递到丝杠41即可。例如，图20所示的实施例中，该第一传动机构64是带传动机构，其包括第一带轮640和第二带轮641，第一带轮640连接到电机5的输出轴上，第二带轮641连接到丝杠的一端，第一带轮640和第二带轮641之间通过传动带643传动，从而使得电机5带动丝杠41旋转。
本发明其它的实施例中，这里的第一传动机构64也可以是齿轮传动机构。例如，第一带轮640可以是第一齿轮640，第二带轮641可以是第二齿轮641，第一齿轮640和第二齿轮641可以直接相互啮合，或者通过其它的齿轮相互啮合而组成齿轮系，从而将电机5的输出轴的旋转传动到丝杠41的一端。
在本实施例中，第一传动机构64还可以是任何其它的传动机构或者多种传动机构的组合。
在本实施例中，第一传动机构64的传动轮（例如，带轮、齿轮，等等）可以通过键连接、花键连接或者其它任何适合的连接方式与电机5的输出轴或者丝杆41的一端连接。传动轮与丝杠41的连接位置和丝杆41与第一连接元件46或者第二连接元件47的连接位置之间的位置关系没有限制，只要二者之间不相互干涉即可。类似地，当丝杠41直接连接到第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94时，传动轮与丝杠41的连接位置和丝杆41与第一侧壁92或者第三侧壁94的连接位置之间的位置关系也没有限制，只要二者之间不相互干涉即可。
通过上述结构，当电机5工作时，其输出轴的旋转可以通过第一传动机构64带动丝杠41旋转。
在本实施例中，超声换能器组件3包括换能器阵列30和换能器连接部31，换能器阵列30连接到换能器连接部31上，换能器阵列30伸入前述的声窗2的收容槽210中，并且能够在收容槽210中相对声窗2运动（例如，平动或者其它形式的运动），换能器连接部31与丝杠滑块组件4的滑块40连接。
在本实施例中，这里的超声换能器组件3也可以本身是一个常用的完整的超声探头（图中未示出）。本领域技术人员熟知，常用的完整的超声探头也包括换能器阵列，该超声探头的其它部分（例如，手柄，等等）可以作为这里所说的换能器连接部。因此，在本实施例中，不限制超声换能器组件3的形式，可以是包括如附图所示的换能器阵列30和换能器连接部31，也可以是整体为常规的探头，或者也可以是其它适合的形式。所有这些情况本文中统一称之为“超声换能器组件”。
例如，如图21至24所示，在一个实施例中，换能器连接部31上设有滑块安装孔310，丝杠滑块组件4的滑块40至少部分地收容在滑块安装孔310中并且与换能器连接部31固接。这里，滑块40与滑块安装孔310（或者换能器连接部31）之间的固接可以通过销、键、螺钉、过盈配合等等方式实现。
这样，当丝杠41如前文所述的一样由电机5带动旋转时，通过丝杠41与滑块40之间的螺纹配合，丝杠41的旋转运动被转换成滑块40的沿丝杠41的长度方向（即轴向方向）的平移运动。由于超声换能器组件3固接在滑块40上，因此超声换能器组件3也被滑块40带动沿着丝杠41的轴向方向平移运动。
在本实施例中，超声换能器组件3的换能器阵列30伸入声窗2的上表面21上的收容槽210中，该收容槽210中填充耦合剂，使得换能器阵列30的至少一部分浸入在耦合剂中。当超声换能器组件3被丝杠41驱动运动时，换能器阵列30在声窗2的收容槽210内相对于收容槽210（以及声窗2）运动（例如，平动或者其它形式的运动）。
在本实施例中，丝杠滑块组件4还可以包括第一滑轨42和第一滑套43，第一滑轨42一端连接到第一侧壁92，另一端连接到第三侧壁94；第一滑套43套设于第一滑轨42上并且能够在第一滑轨42上滑动。
超声换能器组件3的换能器连接部31上还可以设有第一滑套安装孔311，第一滑套43至少部分地收容于第一滑套安装孔311中并且与换能器连接部31固接。这里，第一滑套43与第一滑套安装孔311（或者换能器连接部31）的固接固接可以通过销、键、螺钉、过盈配合等等方式实现。
在本实施例中，第一滑轨42可以与丝杠41平行。
在本实施例中，与前述的丝杠41类似，第一滑轨42的两端可以分别直接连接到第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94上或者通过其它中间元件（例如，第一连接元件46和第二连接元件47）间接地连接到第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94上。
前述的实施例中，第一滑轨42能够对超声换能器组件3的运动做进一步的导引，并且防止超声换能器组件3在运动过程中的晃动，使得超声换能器组件3的运动更加平稳。
在本实施例中，丝杠滑块组件4还可以包括第二滑轨44和第二滑套45，第二滑轨44一端连接到第一侧壁92，另一端连接到第三侧壁94；第二滑套45套设于第二滑轨44上并且能够在第二滑轨44上滑动。
超声换能器组件3的换能器连接部31上还设有第二滑套安装孔312，第二滑套45至少部分地收容于第二滑套安装孔312中并且与换能器连接部31固接。这里，第二滑套45与第二滑套安装孔312（或者换能器连接部31）的固接可以通过销、键、螺钉、过盈配合等等方式实现。
第二滑轨44可以与丝杠41平行。
这里，与前述的丝杠41类似，第二滑轨44的两端也可以分别直接连接到第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94上或者通过其它中间元件（例如，第一连接元件46和第二连接元件47）间接地连接到第一侧壁92和第三侧壁94上。
本实施例中，第二滑轨44可以更进一步地导引超声换能器组件3的运动并防止其在运动过程中晃动，使其运动更加平稳。
图20-24所示的实施例中，丝杠41位于第一滑轨42和第二滑轨44之间。但是，在其它的实施例中，丝杠41也可以其它适合的位置而不在第一滑轨42和第二滑轨44之间。并且丝杠40、第一滑轨42和第二滑轨44也可以不是位于同一个平面内（即，丝杠40、第一滑轨42和第二滑轨44的轴线不在同一个平面内）。
图20-24所示的实施例中，声窗2的下表面22为平面。但是，在其它的实施例中，声窗2的下表面22也可以是凹形曲面，以便于与扫描目标的贴合。
或者，在本实施例中，声窗2的下表面22可以是具有与扫描目标（例如，乳房）的形状对应的形状的凹形曲面，以更利于声窗2的下表面22与扫描目标的贴合。这里，与扫描目标的形状“对应”的形状是指与扫描目标的形状基本上互补的形状，但是不限制为与扫描目标的形状精确地互补。
在本实施例中，第二侧壁93（参考图20）或者第四侧壁95（参考图15、图17）上还设有突出部96，该突出部96围成一个收容空间，当超声换能器组件3运动时，连接超声换能器组件3与超声成像系统主机的电缆32可以在这个突出部96中运动。
在其它的实施例中，这里也可以不设置突出部96，而是直接设置在超声换能器组件3的运动方向上延伸的开口（图中未示出），电缆32从这个开口引出。
在本实施例中，支撑架9的至少一个侧壁上还可以设有手柄91，以方便该超声探头组件的安放、搬运等等。
在本实施例中，丝杠滑块组件4与超声换能器组件3之间的位置关系没有限制。例如，图21的实施例中，丝杠滑块组件4设置在超声换能器组件3的上部。而图22-24的实施例中，丝杠滑块组件4设置在超声换能器组件3的侧部。
的实施例中，使用时超声探头组件整体至于扫描对象（例如，乳房）上，声窗2与扫描对象贴合，超声换能器组件3在声窗2的收容槽210内沿着丝杠41的方向移动进行扫描，这样声窗2的下表面22与扫描对象之间没有相对运动，而且本发明实施例的超声探头组件工作时不需要昂贵的一次性耗材（例如多孔布或者张紧膜等等），降低了医疗成本。此外，该超声探头组件不包含一次性零件，可反复使用。
以上所述实施例仅表达了本发明的几种实施方式，其描述较为具体和详细，但并不能因此而理解为对本发明专利范围的限制。应当指出的是，对于本领域的普通技术人员来说，在不脱离本发明构思的前提下，还可以做出若干变形和改进，这些都属于本发明的保护范围。因此，本发明专利的保护范围应以所附权利要求为准。

Claims (32)

  1. 一种超声探头组件，其特征在于，包括：
    支撑架；
    超声换能器组件，所述超声换能器组件可运动地支撑在所述支撑架上；
    声窗，所述声窗可运动地支撑在所述支撑架上，所述声窗包括上表面和下表面，所述上表面上形成收容槽，所述收容槽中填充有耦合剂，所述下表面用于与扫描目标贴合；
    超声换能器驱动组件，连接到所述超声换能器组件上，并且能够驱动所述超声换能器组件相对于所述声窗运动；
    所述超声换能器组件的换能器阵列收容在所述收容槽中；
    所述下表面为旋转曲面，并且所述声窗绕所述下表面的轴转动，使得所述下表面与所述扫描目标之间沿着所述下表面的切向方向相对静止。
  2. 如权利要求1所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于，所述超声换能器驱动组件包括：
    齿条，所述齿条设置在所述支撑架上；
    齿轮，所述齿轮连接到所述超声换能器组件上并且能够相对于所述超声换能器组件转动，所述齿轮与所述齿条啮合；
    电机，所述电机的输出轴通过传动机构连接到所述齿轮上并且能够驱动所述齿轮旋转。
  3. 如权利要求1所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：所述超声换能器驱动组件包括：
    驱动链或者驱动带，所述驱动链或者驱动带支撑在所述支撑架上，并且能够相对于所述支撑架运动，所述超声换能器组件连接到所述驱动链或者驱动带上；
    电机，所述电机的输出轴通过传动机构连接到所述驱动链或者驱动带上，并且能够驱动所述驱动链或者驱动带运动。
  4. 如权利要求1所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述支撑架上设置有滑轨，所述超声换能器组件可滑动地支撑在所述滑轨上；
    所述超声换能器驱动组件包括曲柄、连杆和电机，其中：
    所述曲柄可转动地支撑在所述支撑架上；
    所述连杆一端可转动地连接到所述超声换能器组件，另一端可转动地连接到所述曲柄；
    所述电机的输出轴通过传动装置连接到所述曲柄，并且能够驱动所述曲柄旋转。
  5. 如权利要求1所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于，所述超声换能器驱动组件包括：
    丝杠滑块组件，所述丝杠滑块组件包括丝杠和滑块，所述丝杠两端可转动地连接到所述支撑架上，所述滑块套设在所述丝杠上并与所述丝杠螺纹配合；
    电机，所述电机的输出轴通过第一传动机构连接到所述丝杠的一端并能够驱动所述丝杠旋转；
    所述超声换能器组件连接到所述滑块。
  6. 如权利要求5所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述超声换能器组件上设有滑块安装孔，所述丝杠滑块组件的所述滑块至少部分地收容在所述滑块安装孔中并且与所述换能器连接部固接。
  7. 如权利要求5所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述丝杠滑块组件还包括第一滑轨和第一滑套，所述第一滑轨两端连接到所述支撑架上；所述第一滑套套设于所述第一滑轨上并且能够在所述第一滑轨上滑动；
    所述超声换能器组件上还设有第一滑套安装孔，所述第一滑套至少部分地收容于所述第一滑套安装孔中并且与超声换能器组件固接；
    所述第一滑轨与所述丝杠平行。
  8. 如权利要求7所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述丝杠滑块组件还包括第二滑轨和第二滑套，所述第二滑轨两端连接到所述支撑架上；所述第二滑套套设于所述第二滑轨上并且能够在所述第二滑轨上滑动；
    所述超声换能器组件上还设有第二滑套安装孔，所述第二滑套至少部分地收容于所述第二滑套安装孔中并且与所述超声换能器组件固接；
    所述第二滑轨与所述丝杠平行。
  9. 如权利要求1至8中任意一项所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述声窗的所述下表面为圆柱面。
  10. 如权利要求1至8中任意一项所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述支撑架上设有第一框体接合元件；
    所述声窗上设有第一声窗接合元件，所述第一声窗接合元件与所述第一框体接合元件相互接合；
    其中所述第一声窗接合元件与所述第一框体接合元件接合的第一接合表面为旋转曲面。
  11. 如权利要求10所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述第一接合表面为圆柱面；
    所述声窗的所述下表面为圆柱面；
    所述第一接合表面与所述下表面共轴。
  12. 如权利要求10所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述支撑架上还设有第二框体接合元件；
    所述声窗上还设有第二声窗接合元件，所述第二声窗接合元件与所述第二框体接合元件相互接合；
    其中所述第二声窗接合元件的与所述第二框体接合元件接合的第二接合表面为旋转曲面。
  13. 如权利要求12所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述第二接合表面为圆柱面；
    所述声窗的所述下表面为圆柱面；
    所述第二接合表面与所述下表面共轴。
  14. 如权利要求1至8中任意一项所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于，还包括声窗驱动组件，所述声窗驱动组件驱动所述声窗绕所述下表面的轴转动。
  15. 如权利要求14所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于，所述声窗驱动组件包括：
    齿条，所述齿条设置在所述支撑架上；
    齿轮，所述齿轮固接到所述声窗上，并且所述齿轮与所述齿条啮合；
    电机，所述电机的输出轴通过传动机构连接到所述齿轮上，并且能够驱动所述齿轮旋转。
  16. 如权利要求14所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于，所述声窗驱动组件包括：
    蜗杆，所述蜗杆的两端可转动地连接在所述支撑架上；
    蜗轮，所述蜗轮啮合在所述蜗杆上；
    电机，所述电机的输出端通过第二传动机构连接到所述蜗杆的一端并且能够驱动所述蜗杆转动；
    所述声窗的所述上表面上设有声窗连接部，所述蜗轮固接到所述声窗连接部上。
  17. 如权利要求16所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述声窗的所述下表面为圆柱面；
    所述蜗轮与所述下表面共轴。
  18. 如权利要求16所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述声窗还包括第一支撑杆；
    所述声窗连接部包括第一声窗连接部，所述第一支撑杆固接到所述第一声窗连接部上；
    所述支撑架上设有第一滑道，所述第一支撑杆的第一支撑杆延伸部收容在所述第一滑道中，并且能够在所述第一滑道中相对于所述支撑架滑动。
  19. 如权利要求18所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：所述蜗轮固接到所述第一支撑杆上。
  20. 如权利要求18所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述声窗还包括第二支撑杆；
    所述声窗连接部还包括第二声窗连接部，所述第二支撑杆固接到所述第二声窗连接部上；
    所述支撑架上设有第二滑道，所述第二支撑杆的第二支撑杆延伸部收容在所述第二滑道中，并且能够在所述第二滑道中相对于所述支撑架滑动。
  21. 如权利要求1至20中任意一项所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述声窗的所述下表面为闭合的旋转曲面，所述声窗的所述上表面为闭合的曲面。
  22. 如权利要求21所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述声窗的所述下表面为闭合的圆柱面。
  23. 一种超声探头组件，其特征在于，包括：
    支撑架；
    超声换能器组件，所述超声换能器组件可运动地支撑在所述支撑架上；
    声窗，所述声窗连接到所述支撑架上，并且包括上表面和下表面，所述上表面上形成收容槽，所述收容槽中填充有耦合剂，所述下表面用于与扫描目标贴合；
    超声换能器驱动组件，所述超声换能器驱动组件连接到所述超声换能器组件上；
    所述超声换能器组件的换能器阵列收容在所述收容槽中；
    其中，所述超声换能器驱动组件驱动所述超声换能器组件相对于所述声窗平移运动。
  24. 如权利要求23所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于，所述超声换能器驱动组件包括：
    齿条，所述齿条设置在所述支撑架上；
    齿轮，所述齿轮连接到所述超声换能器组件上并且能够相对于所述超声换能器组件转动，所述齿轮与所述齿条啮合；
    电机，所述电机的输出轴通过传动机构连接到所述齿轮上并且能够驱动所述齿轮旋转。
  25. 如权利要求23所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：所述超声换能器驱动组件包括：
    驱动链或者驱动带，所述驱动链或者驱动带支撑在所述支撑架上，并且能够相对于所述支撑架运动，所述超声换能器组件连接到所述驱动链或者驱动带上；
    电机，所述电机的输出轴通过传动机构连接到所述驱动链或者驱动带上，并且能够驱动所述驱动链或者驱动带运动。
  26. 如权利要求23所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述支撑架上设置有滑轨，所述超声换能器组件可滑动地支撑在所述滑轨上；
    所述超声换能器驱动组件包括曲柄、连杆和电机，其中：
    所述曲柄可转动地支撑在所述支撑架上；
    所述连杆一端可转动地连接到所述超声换能器组件，另一端可转动地连接到所述曲柄；
    所述电机的输出轴通过传动装置连接到所述曲柄，并且能够驱动所述曲柄旋转。
  27. 如权利要求23所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于，所述超声换能器驱动组件包括：
    丝杠滑块组件，所述丝杠滑块组件包括丝杠和滑块，所述丝杠两端可转动地连接到所述支撑架上，所述滑块套设在所述丝杠上并与所述丝杠螺纹配合；
    电机，所述电机的输出轴通过第一传动机构连接到所述丝杠的一端并能够驱动所述丝杠旋转；
    所述超声换能器组件连接到所述滑块。
  28. 如权利要求27所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述超声换能器组件上设有滑块安装孔，所述丝杠滑块组件的所述滑块至少部分地收容在所述滑块安装孔中并且与所述换能器连接部固接。
  29. 如权利要求27所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述丝杠滑块组件还包括第一滑轨和第一滑套，所述第一滑轨两端连接到所述支撑架上；所述第一滑套套设于所述第一滑轨上并且能够在所述第一滑轨上滑动；
    所述超声换能器组件上还设有第一滑套安装孔，所述第一滑套至少部分地收容于所述第一滑套安装孔中并且与超声换能器组件固接；
    所述第一滑轨与所述丝杠平行。
  30. 如权利要求29所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述丝杠滑块组件还包括第二滑轨和第二滑套，所述第二滑轨两端连接到所述支撑架上；所述第二滑套套设于所述第二滑轨上并且能够在所述第二滑轨上滑动；
    所述超声换能器组件上还设有第二滑套安装孔，所述第二滑套至少部分地收容于所述第二滑套安装孔中并且与所述超声换能器组件固接；
    所述第二滑轨与所述丝杠平行。
  31. 如权利要求23至30中任意一项所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述声窗的所述下表面为平面或者凹形曲面。
  32. 如权利要求23至30中任意一项所述的超声探头组件，其特征在于：
    所述声窗的所述下表面为具有与扫描目标的形状对应的形状的凹形曲面。
PCT/CN2014/074388 2013-08-13 2014-03-31 超声探头组件 WO2015021778A1 (zh)

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