JP2003010177A - Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonograph - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cordless ultrasonic probe having no exposed electric contact point, and having high reliability and safety. SOLUTION: Electromotive force is generated in a coil wound on a magnetic core from the outside by electromagnetic induction by the cordless ultrasonic probe 100 for internally storing an ultrasonic wave transmitting receiving means operating with a secondary battery as a power source, and the built-in secondary battery 114 is charged with generated electric power. The probe has a display means for displaying a residual quantity of the secondary battery.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body by wireless. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using an ultrasonic probe.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In ultrasonic diagnosis, an ultrasonic wave is transmitted to the inside of an object, its echo (echo) is received, and various diagnostic information such as a tomographic image of the object is received based on the echo reception signal. To generate. Transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves are performed through an ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe is a cable
In step e), the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, a drive signal for transmission is supplied from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body through this cable, and an echo reception signal is input to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 51-144090 discloses that signals are exchanged between an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body by wireless communication, and a cable connecting them is unnecessary. . The ultrasonic probe operates using a built-in battery as a power source.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 60-60 is a battery in which a built-in ultrasonic probe is charged with electric power supplied from the outside.
It is described in Japanese Patent No. 176631. Charging is performed through physical contact with a plug and an outlet.

[0005]

The ultrasonic probe for charging the built-in battery through physical contact as described above is
Has exposed electrical contacts. Since contact failure, electric leakage, etc. should not occur at this portion, the ultrasonic probe is subject to various restrictions in use, such as being unusable in places where it is easily soiled or wet.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize an ultrasonic probe having no exposed electric contact and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus equipped with such an ultrasonic probe.

[0007]

(1) The invention in one aspect for solving the above-mentioned problems includes a secondary battery, an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit that operates using the secondary battery as a power source, and the above-mentioned secondary battery. A communication unit that operates by using a secondary battery as a power source and wirelessly communicates a signal related to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit with the outside
An ultrasonic probe, comprising: a power receiving unit that receives power by electromagnetic induction; and a charging unit that charges the secondary battery with the power received by the power receiving unit.

(2) Another aspect of the invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, wherein the ultrasonic probe is a secondary battery. An ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit that operates using the secondary battery as a power source; and a communication unit that wirelessly communicates a signal related to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving unit that operates using the secondary battery as a power source with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body includes a power receiving unit that receives power by electromagnetic induction, and a charging unit that charges the secondary battery with the power received by the power receiving unit. Communication means for wirelessly communicating with the ultrasonic probe, control means for controlling the ultrasonic transmission / reception means via the communication, and ultrasonic transmission / reception means received via the communication An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by comprising: a information generating means for generating diagnostic information based on the ultrasonic reception signal.

In the invention according to each of the aspects (1) and (2), since the secondary battery built in the ultrasonic probe is charged with electric power by utilizing electromagnetic induction, it is necessary to have a contact for electrical connection. There is no.

It is preferable that the power receiving means includes a coil that generates an electromotive force by electromagnetic induction, from the viewpoint of effectively receiving the power. The coil is preferably wound around a magnetic core in order to efficiently receive electric power.

It is preferable that the ultrasonic probe is provided with a display means for displaying the remaining amount of electric power of the secondary battery in order to facilitate prediction of the continuity of operation of the ultrasonic probe. It is preferable that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body is provided with a power feeding unit that feeds power by electromagnetic induction, in order to feed power between the pair that are originally paired with each other.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body may be provided with accommodating means for accommodating the ultrasonic probe and supplying electric power by the electric power supplying means in that state, so that the charging of the secondary battery also functions as accommodating the ultrasonic probe. It is preferable in that it is performed.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. This device is an example of an embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the present apparatus shows an example of an embodiment relating to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the present apparatus includes a probe 1
00 and main body 200. The probe 100 is an example of the embodiment of the ultrasonic probe in the present invention. The main body 200 is an example of the embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body in the present invention.

The probe 100 is also an example of the embodiment of the ultrasonic probe of the present invention. The configuration of the present probe shows an example of an embodiment relating to the ultrasonic probe of the present invention.

The probe 100 has a transducer array 102. The transducer array 102 is an array of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The individual ultrasonic transducers are, for example, PZT (titanium (T
i) Zirconate (Zr) lead) ceramics (cera
mics) or other piezoelectric material. Depending on the use of the probe 100, the portion corresponding to the transducer array 102 may be a single ultrasonic transducer.

The transducer array 102 is connected to the transmitting / receiving section 104. The transmission / reception unit 104 gives a drive signal to the transducer array 102 to transmit ultrasonic waves. The transmission / reception unit 104 also receives the echo signal received by the transducer array 102. A portion including the transducer array 102 and the transmitting / receiving section 104 is an example of an embodiment of the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving means in the present invention.

The transmission / reception unit 104 is connected to the communication unit 106. The transmission / reception unit 104 transmits / receives ultrasonic waves based on a control signal from the main body 200 given through the communication unit 106. The transmission / reception unit 104 also inputs the echo reception signal to the main body 200 through the communication unit 106.

The communication unit 106 is wireless.
ss) communication, for example, using radio waves,
Communication regarding a control signal for ultrasonic transmission / reception and an echo reception signal is performed with the main body 200. In addition to radio waves, light may be used for communication. The light may be visible light or invisible light. The communication unit 106 is an example of an embodiment of communication means in the present invention.

Electric power for operating the transmitting / receiving section 104 and the communication section 106 is supplied from a power supply section 112. The power supply unit 112 converts the electric power stored in the secondary battery 114 into electric power of a form suitable for each demand destination and supplies the electric power. Secondary battery 114 is an example of an embodiment of the secondary battery in the present invention.

The secondary battery 114 is charged by the charging unit 116. The charging unit 116 charges the secondary battery 114 with the electric power received by the power receiving unit 118. The power receiving unit 118 receives the power supplied by electromagnetic induction. The charging unit 116 is
It is an example of embodiment of the charging means in this invention. The power receiving unit 118 is an example of an embodiment of the power receiving unit in the present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of the structure of the power receiving section 118. As shown in FIG.
Have 02. The coil 302 is a magnetic core.
iccore) 304. When the time-varying magnetic flux passes through the magnetic core 304 and interlinks with the coil 302 as shown by the broken line, an induced voltage is generated in the coil 302, so that electric power due to electromagnetic induction can be received.

Basically, only the coil 302 is required, and the magnetic core 304 is not essential. However, it is preferable to use the magnetic core 304 because the efficiency of power reception is improved. The coil 302 is an example of the embodiment of the coil according to the present invention. The magnetic core 304 is an example of an embodiment of the magnetic core in the present invention.

The secondary battery 114 has a current sensor (sens).
or) 120 is connected in series. Current sensor 12
0 detects the amount and direction of current. Current sensor 120
The detection signal of is input to the remaining amount calculation unit 122. The remaining amount calculation unit 122 time-integrates the current flowing into the secondary battery 114 to obtain the charge amount, time-integrates the current flowing out from the secondary battery 114 to obtain the discharge amount, and calculates the secondary battery from the difference between the two. 11
The remaining amount of electric power in 4 is obtained. The remaining power is displayed on the display 1
24 is displayed. Electric power for operating the remaining amount calculation unit 122 and the display unit 124 is also supplied from the power supply unit 112. The portion including the remaining amount calculation unit 122 and the display unit 124 is an example of an embodiment of the display unit in the present invention.

The transducer array 102 or the display section 124 is hermetically housed in a single case. Antenna of the communication unit 106 (ant
enna) is also housed in the case. The case is composed of a non-magnetic and non-conductive material. The case has an opening in a portion corresponding to the front surface of the transducer array 102, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received through this opening. In addition,
The opening is closed by an acoustic lens or the like. The case also has a display window in a portion corresponding to the front surface of the display unit 124, and the display surface of the display unit 124 can be observed from the outside. The display window is sealed by a transparent plate.

Since the electric contacts of the probe 100 are not exposed to the outside, they can be used in places where they easily get dirty or get wet without being bothered by contact failure or electric leakage.

The main body 200 has a communication section 202. The communication unit 202 performs wireless communication with the communication unit 106 of the probe 100 regarding a control signal for ultrasonic transmission / reception and an echo reception signal. The communication unit 202 is an example of an embodiment of communication means in the present invention.

The communication unit 202 is connected to the diagnostic information generation unit 204. The diagnostic information generation unit 204 is the communication unit 202.
An echo reception signal is input through the, and diagnostic information is generated based on the echo reception signal. Diagnostic information generator 204
Is an example of an embodiment of the information generating means in the present invention.

As the diagnostic information, for example, B mode (m
ode) image, color Doppler
image, Doppler spectrum (Doppler)
image) is generated. The B-mode image represents a tomographic image of a diagnosis target. Color doppler images
3 shows a velocity distribution image of blood flow or the like in a diagnosis target. The Doppler spectrum image shows the spectrum of the Doppler signal. Such diagnostic information is displayed on the display unit 206 connected to the diagnostic information generation unit 204.

Diagnostic information generator 204 and display 206
Are controlled by the control unit 208. The control unit 208
In addition, a control signal for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is input to the probe 100 through the communication unit 202. The control unit 208 is an example of an embodiment of the control means in the present invention. Control unit 2
An operation unit 210 is connected to 08. Operation unit 210
Is operated by the user to input appropriate commands and information to the control unit 208.

The main body 200 further has a power supply section 222. The power feeding unit 222 is for supplying power to the power receiving unit 118 of the probe 100 by electromagnetic induction. The power feeding unit 222 is driven by the power feeding driving unit 224. The power feeding drive unit 224 is connected to a commercial AC power source external to the main body 200.
Connected to 00. The power feeding drive unit 224 inputs the power supplied from the commercial AC power supply 300 to the power feeding unit 222. The portion including the power feeding unit 222 and the power feeding driving unit 224 is an example of the embodiment of the power feeding unit in the present invention.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power feeding section 222. As shown in FIG.
Have 02. The coil 502 is wound around the magnetic core 504.

An alternating current is passed through the coil 502 by the power feeding drive section 224. As a result, a magnetic flux that changes with time is generated in the magnetic core 504 as shown by the broken line, and thus an induced voltage can be generated in the coil that links the magnetic flux. That is, electric power can be supplied by electromagnetic induction.

Basically, only the coil 502 is required, and the magnetic core 504 is not essential. However, it is preferable to use the magnetic core 504 in terms of increasing the efficiency of power feeding.

Power feeding from the power feeding section 222 to the power receiving section 118 is performed in a state where the two are very close to each other. Such a power supply may be provided, for example, by a probe 1 as shown schematically in FIG.
It is possible by inserting 00 into the probe receiver 230 of the main body 200. The probe receiver 230 is an example of an embodiment of the accommodating means in the present invention.

A power supply section 222 is arranged on the back side of the bottom plate of the probe receiver 230. The bottom plate is made of a nonmagnetic and nonconductive material. Such a probe receiver 23
0, the probe 100 is inserted into the probe receiver 230 with the side having the power receiving unit 118 facing down, so that the power feeding unit 2
22 and the power receiving unit 118 are extremely close to each other, and the power supply by electromagnetic induction through the magnetic flux of the alternating current is effectively performed.

The portion consisting of the power feeding section 222 and the power feeding driving section 224 may be formed as a device dedicated to power feeding, separately from the main body 200. Such a device is installed in a storage place of the probe 100 or the like, and when the probe 100 is not used, power is also supplied for storage. It is needless to say that the power supply may be performed not only during storage but also as needed.

When performing ultrasonic diagnosis, the probe 100 is used.
Is taken out from the probe receiver 230 and is brought into contact with the diagnosis target for use. Since the probe 100 is physically completely separated from the main body 200, the degree of freedom in handling is extremely high.

In the process of use, the remaining amount of electric power of the secondary battery 114 is checked at any time based on the display shown on the display unit 124, and the electric power is replenished as needed using the above-mentioned power supply means. .

Since the probe 100 can be completely separated from the main body 200, it can be left inside the object to be diagnosed if necessary. In that case, replenishment of electric power to the secondary battery 114 is performed by appropriately taking out the probe 100 from the body. Alternatively, when it is relatively close to the body surface, power is supplied from outside the body by electromagnetic induction.

If necessary, the probe 100 and the main body 200 may be connected by an appropriate cord as a measure against loss or theft. Even in this case, the inconvenience of handling is minimized and there is practically no problem.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, a case-shaped power feeder 4 capable of accommodating the probe 100 in a device dedicated to power feeding.
Alternatively, the probe 100 may be used while being housed in the power feeder 400. By using the plug 404 of the power supply cord (code) 402 of the power feeder 400 in a state where it is plugged into an outlet of a commercial AC power source, ultrasonic diagnosis can be performed while constantly receiving power from the commercial AC source.

[0043]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize an ultrasonic probe having no exposed electric contact and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus equipped with such an ultrasonic probe.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a power receiving unit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of a power supply unit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a power supply state to a probe.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a power supply state to a probe.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 probes 102 transducer array 104 transmitter / receiver 106 Communication unit 112 Power supply unit 114 secondary battery 116 Charging section 118 Power receiving unit 120 current sensor 122 Remaining amount calculation unit 124 display 200 main body 202 Communication unit 204 diagnostic information generation unit 206 display 208 control unit 210 Operation unit 222 power supply 224 Power feeding drive unit 300 commercial AC power supply 302,502 coil 304,504 Magnetic core 230 probe receiver 400 power feeder 402 power cord 404 plug

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Mitsuhiro Nozaki             127, 4-7 Asahigaoka, Hino City, Tokyo             GE Yokogawa Medical System Co., Ltd.             Within (72) Inventor Shinichi Amamiya             127, 4-7 Asahigaoka, Hino City, Tokyo             GE Yokogawa Medical System Co., Ltd.             Within F term (reference) 4C301 EE19 EE20 GA20 JA04 LL20                 5D019 EE01                 5G003 AA01 BA01 DA04 EA05 GB08                 5H030 AA06 AS00 BB01 BB21 DD18                       DD20 FF42 FF68

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A secondary battery, an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit that operates using the secondary battery as a power source, and communication that operates using the secondary battery as a power source and wirelessly communicates signals related to the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit to the outside. An ultrasonic probe comprising: a means, a power receiving means for receiving power by electromagnetic induction, and a charging means for charging the secondary battery with the power received by the power receiving means. 2. The power receiving unit includes a coil that generates an electromotive force by electromagnetic induction.
The ultrasonic probe according to 1. 3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, wherein the coil is wound around a magnetic core. 4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying a remaining amount of electric power of the secondary battery. 5. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, wherein the ultrasonic probe includes a secondary battery, and an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving unit that operates using the secondary battery as a power source. A communication unit that operates by using the secondary battery as a power source and wirelessly communicates a signal related to the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, a power receiving unit that receives power by electromagnetic induction, and the power receiving unit receives the power. Charging means for charging the secondary battery with electric power, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, the communication means for wirelessly communicating a signal related to the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving means with the ultrasonic probe, and the communication. Control means for controlling the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving means via the communication means, and diagnostic information is generated based on an ultrasonic wave reception signal of the ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving means received via the communication. Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by comprising a multi-address generating means. 6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the power receiving unit includes a coil that generates an electromotive force by electromagnetic induction. 7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the coil is wound around a magnetic core. 8. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 5, further comprising display means for displaying a remaining amount of electric power of the secondary battery. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. 9. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body includes a power supply unit that supplies electric power by electromagnetic induction. Diagnostic device. 10. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body includes accommodating means for accommodating the ultrasonic probe and supplying electric power by the electric power supplying means in this state. apparatus.